2026 Best Value Dentistry Schools
Looking for the best-value Dentistry programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 67 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Healthcare Degree Search analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Dentistry Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Dentistry program here. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
A rank of #2 makes Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine one of the best values in the United States. Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit school based in Erie, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,790. More on Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, compared with $27,776 for out-of-state students. Typical Dentistry student debt is $20,247. Median earnings reach $82,206 ten years out. Set against $20,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
You'll get strong value at Western University Of Health Sciences, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Pomona, CA, Western University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Western University Of Health Sciences
A rank of #5 makes Creighton University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,856. The median Dentistry program debt is $25,831. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,911 ten years after entry. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Creighton University
Marquette University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their Dentistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Marquette University
Touro College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,052. Touro College Dentistry students take on a median of $20,285 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,419. Set against $20,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Touro College profile
Oregon Health And Science University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Portland, OR, Oregon Health And Science University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,306, with out-of-state students paying around $37,338. Oregon Health And Science University Dentistry students take on a median of $32,059 in debt. Oregon Health And Science University alumni report median earnings of $101,028 a decade after entry. Set against $32,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oregon Health And Science University
University Of Detroit Mercy came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Detroit, MI, University Of Detroit Mercy is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,946. University Of Detroit Mercy Dentistry students take on a median of $29,053 in debt. University Of Detroit Mercy alumni report median earnings of $71,030 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Detroit Mercy
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Nebraska Medical Center offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $16,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,962. The median Dentistry program debt is $20,905. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,833 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,905 median debt. See the full University Of Nebraska Medical Center profile
Augusta University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,745 to complete their Dentistry program here. Augusta University alumni report median earnings of $48,472 a decade after entry. Set against $25,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Augusta University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Typical Dentistry student debt is $21,181. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,925, while out-of-state students pay about $25,714. The median Dentistry program debt is $22,613. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $22,613 median debt. See the full University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center profile
Roseman University Of Health Sciences ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Roseman University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit school based in Henderson, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,900. Roseman University Of Health Sciences Dentistry students take on a median of $27,448 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $120,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Roseman University Of Health Sciences report
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a public school based in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,356, with out-of-state students paying around $18,851. Graduates carry a median of $31,146 in student loans. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $78,495 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans profile
A T Still University Of Health Sciences ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kirksville, MO. Read the full report on A T Still University Of Health Sciences
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Memphis, TN, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,911, with out-of-state students paying around $25,644. Graduates carry a median of $25,679 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,318. Set against $25,679 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public school based in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,945. The median Dentistry program debt is $6,025. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences alumni report median earnings of $45,953 a decade after entry. Set against $6,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences report
Medical University Of South Carolina offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Medical University Of South Carolina is a public school based in Charleston, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,972, with out-of-state students paying around $30,380. Graduates carry a median of $29,043 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,420 ten years after entry. Set against $29,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Medical University Of South Carolina
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Dentistry students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Midwestern University Glendale ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Midwestern University Glendale is a private not-for-profit school based in Glendale, AZ. Read more about Midwestern University Glendale
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston placed #23 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $15,748, while out-of-state students pay about $43,132. Graduates carry a median of $21,988 in student loans. Median earnings reach $88,757 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Dentistry student debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. The median Dentistry program debt is $26,162. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Dentistry Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Midwestern University Downers Grove came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Downers Grove, IL, Midwestern University Downers Grove is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Midwestern University Downers Grove
University Of Colorado Denver landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
Loma Linda University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Loma Linda, CA, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,960. The median Dentistry program debt is $25,094. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,816 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Loma Linda University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Dentistry students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
Temple University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Dentistry program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Iowa ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Dentistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of Missouri Kansas City landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public school based in Kansas City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. The median Dentistry program debt is $23,741. University Of Missouri Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $59,637 a decade after entry. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri Kansas City
West Virginia University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. West Virginia University Dentistry students take on a median of $23,772 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full West Virginia University report
University Of Louisville landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Louisville is a public school based in Louisville, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Typical Dentistry student debt is $21,910. Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants. More on University Of Louisville
East Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. The median Dentistry program debt is $24,747. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about East Carolina University
University Of Mississippi Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Typical Dentistry student debt is $22,444. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,994 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,444 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University Of Florida ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Dentistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida
University Of California San Francisco ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Get the full University Of California San Francisco report
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #41 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Virginia Commonwealth University Dentistry students take on a median of $23,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete their Dentistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median Dentistry program debt is $16,155. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Kentucky landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Dentistry student debt is $24,094. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. The median Dentistry program debt is $21,897. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Utah ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Dentistry student debt is $20,798. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Utah report
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Dentistry students take on a median of $22,053 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Maryland Baltimore landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,638, with out-of-state students paying around $44,811. University Of Maryland Baltimore Dentistry students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,174. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore
Nova Southeastern University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,700. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete their Dentistry program here. Median earnings reach $59,209 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nova Southeastern University report
Best Value Dentistry Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Dentistry Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Dentistry Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Dentistry Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Dentistry Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Dentistry Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Dentistry Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Dentistry Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 67 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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