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Public Health at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,852/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #134 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 $448K $450K $434K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.3x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,852 track close to the $38,916 national median for Public Health programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $35,852/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #134 ranking among 213 Public Health programs places University of Iowa in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Iowa

University of Iowa has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 21,691 students in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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

Compare this program → View all 213 schools offering Public Health →

Public Health at Other Schools

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center ($99,671) Utah State University ($76,451) Brown University ($75,909) Montana Technological University ($74,771) Oakland University ($59,330) Illinois State University ($59,207) North Carolina A & T State University ($58,660) Tufts University ($53,372)

Other Majors at University of Iowa

Computer Engineering ($79,228) Industrial Engineering ($75,699) Chemical Engineering ($75,340) Statistics ($75,095) Mechanical Engineering ($71,732) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($70,686) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($70,324) Civil Engineering ($70,313)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Public Health trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at University of Iowa?
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 University of Iowa?
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 →