Public Health at Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,112/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #211 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 $497K $497K $467K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$131,860
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,095
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,243
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $32,112/yr fall 17% below the $38,916 national median for Public Health. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,095 debt-to-$32,112 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #211 out of 213 programs, Ithaca College's financial outcomes for Public Health trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,112 to $46,243 shows 44% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Ithaca College

With a 70% acceptance rate, Ithaca College is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,350 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,860 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ithaca College →

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 Ithaca College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ithaca College's Public Health program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Public Health. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Public Health to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Public Health careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Public Health earnings lower at Ithaca College?
Lower starting pay at Ithaca College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →