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Health Sciences

Health Sciences graduates earn $61,296 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 11.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Community Health Workers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Health Sciences

Health Sciences is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $61,296 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 882 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 35,887 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $34,897
Median Earnings · 4yr: $61,296
Colleges Offering: 882
Graduates / Year: 35,887
Avg Net Price / yr: $13,909

How Much Do Health Sciences Graduates Earn?

Health Sciences graduates earn $61,296 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $42,849 and $82,291. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,897 climbs to $61,296 by year four.

$34,897

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$61,296

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$59,777

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Health Sciences graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$42,849 25th pct.

$61,296 Median

$82,291 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $61,296 against an estimated $55,636 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 469 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 35,887 students who complete Health Sciences programs each year, the majority (59%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

32% 59%

Bachelor's 59%

Associate's 32%

Master's 4%

What Can You Do With a Health Sciences Degree?

Health Sciences connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Health Education Specialists leads at $64,070/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Health Education Specialists

$64,070

$51K $87K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 7,900 openings/yr 66K employed nationally

Writing Active Listening Speaking Learning Strategies Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns.
Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.

↗ +11.3% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Community Health Workers

$51,850

$46K $63K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 7,800 openings/yr 62K employed nationally

Active Listening Social Perceptiveness Speaking Writing Service Orientation

Day-to-day responsibilities

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.

Top Colleges for Health Sciences

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Health Sciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of South Florida Tampa, FL · Public	1,078	43.2%	$9,812	$57,743
2	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public	1,031	40.1%	$10,411	$58,308
3	Sierra College Rocklin, CA · Public	533	Open	$7,245	$45,294
4	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO · Public	528	78.5%	$20,268	$63,403
5	California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA · Public	416	94%	$9,338	$64,876
6	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY · Public	401	49%	$18,784	$74,502
7	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	355	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
8	Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS · Public	332	Open	$6,962	$33,017
9	Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA · Public	311	Open	$11,911	$40,852
10	Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH · Nonprofit	304	99.5%	$36,708	$50,318
11	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL · Public	292	66.1%	$8,752	$56,746
12	University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL · Public	290	53.2%	$10,154	$56,343
13	Stockton University Galloway, NJ · Public	289	88.9%	$20,670	$57,602
14	University of Houston Houston, TX · Public	285	73.9%	$14,276	$62,377
15	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX · Public	261	94.2%	$4,831	$49,620
16	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FL · Public	251	20.6%	$13,739	$44,349
17	Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM · Public	248	Open	$4,621	$36,869
18	Touro University New York, NY · Nonprofit	248	60.8%	$29,627	$53,419
19	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA · Public	242	46.3%	$10,440	$64,403
20	Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CA · Public	240	Open	$8,312	$51,378

View all colleges

Ranked by Health Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Health Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Health Sciences degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Health Sciences Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Health Sciences shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $61,296 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $34,897 at graduation to $61,296 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +11.3% over the next decade, with Community Health Workers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 15,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Health Sciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Health Sciences graduates earn?

Health Sciences graduates earn a national median of $61,296 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $42,849 and $82,291. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Health Sciences degree?

One year after graduation, Health Sciences degree holders earn a median of $34,897. That climbs to $61,296 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Health Sciences degree?

Health Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Health Education Specialists, which pays a median of $64,070/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Health Sciences program take?

A Health Sciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Health Sciences?

882 colleges and universities in the United States offer Health Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Health Sciences degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $61,296 and an average net price of roughly $13,909/yr, a Health Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Health Sciences and Health?

Health Sciences is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Health Sciences-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Health Sciences graduates?

Employers hiring Health Sciences graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Health Sciences graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Health Sciences graduates?

The job outlook for Health Sciences graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +7.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Community Health Workers is among the strongest-growth roles at +11.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.