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Public Health at College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,848/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

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

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #143 of 213 Public Health programs

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	$565K	$562K	$512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.9x	10.8x	9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.8x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,912

Out-of-state: $147,432 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$78,072

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,146

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,405

71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,848 per year, Public Health graduates from College of Charleston earn below the $38,916 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,146 against $31,848/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #143 ranking among 213 Public Health programs places College of Charleston in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,848-to-$54,405 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About College of Charleston

With 72% of applicants admitted, College of Charleston prioritizes broad access, enrolling 10,366 students in Charleston, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at College of Charleston →

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 College of Charleston

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at College of Charleston?

At 42/100, 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 College of Charleston?

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.

Is College of Charleston a good choice for Public Health despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If College of Charleston's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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