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Public Health at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,148/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #98 of 213 Public Health programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$509K	$509K	$475K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.9x	16.9x	15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.2x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,164

Out-of-state: $98,148 (5.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,948

-119% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,531

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Appalachian State University's Public Health program produces graduates earning $34,148/yr — within striking distance of the $38,916 national average for this field.

With a 16.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $34,148/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #98 ranking among 213 Public Health programs places Appalachian State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 42% earnings increase from $34,148 to $48,531 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Appalachian State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Appalachian State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 19,304 students in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at Appalachian State University?

At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Health programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Health at Appalachian State University?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →