2026 Best Value Dentistry Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Dentistry doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 67 schools 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.
To help you make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search analyzed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, our #1 best-value Dentistry school in the United States. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Dentistry program debt is $23,917. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
You'll get strong value at Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Erie, PA. Students from in state pay about $14,790 in tuition and fees. Get the full Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine report
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. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $27,776. Typical Dentistry student debt is $20,247. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,206. That is a strong return on a $20,247 median debt. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western University Of Health Sciences earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pomona, CA. Get the full Western University Of Health Sciences report
You'll get strong value at Creighton University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,856. Graduates carry a median of $25,831 in student loans. Creighton University alumni report median earnings of $73,911 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full Creighton University profile
Marquette University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. The median Dentistry program debt is $24,122. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marquette University profile
Touro College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Touro College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,052. Touro College Dentistry students take on a median of $20,285 in debt. Touro College alumni report median earnings of $53,419 a decade after entry. Set against $20,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Touro College has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Touro College report
Oregon Health And Science University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Oregon Health And Science University is a public school based in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $24,306, with out-of-state students paying around $37,338. Students borrow a median of $32,059 to complete their Dentistry program here. Median earnings reach $101,028 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,059 median debt. See the full Oregon Health And Science University profile
University Of Detroit Mercy offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Detroit, MI, University Of Detroit Mercy is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,946 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,053 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,030. Set against $29,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Detroit Mercy has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on University Of Detroit Mercy
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Dentistry program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Augusta University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. The median Dentistry program debt is $25,745. Median earnings reach $48,472 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Augusta University
University Of Nebraska Medical Center placed #12 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Medical Center is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,973, compared with $39,962 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Medical Center Dentistry students take on a median of $20,905 in debt. Median earnings reach $76,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Nebraska Medical Center
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,181 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,925 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,714. Students borrow a median of $22,613 to complete their Dentistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. 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 landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Henderson, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,900. Typical Dentistry student debt is $27,448. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $120,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Roseman University Of Health Sciences
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a public school based in New Orleans, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,356 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,851 for out-of-state students. The median Dentistry program debt is $31,146. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $78,495 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,146 median debt. Read more about Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
A T Still University Of Health Sciences came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kirksville, MO, A T Still University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on A T Still University Of Health Sciences
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,911 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,644 for out-of-state students. Typical Dentistry student debt is $25,679. The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center alumni report median earnings of $66,318 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,679 median debt. See the full The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center profile
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. Students from in state pay about $8,945 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Dentistry students take on a median of $6,025 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,953. Set against $6,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences
Medical University Of South Carolina came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charleston, SC, Medical University Of South Carolina is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,972, with out-of-state students paying around $30,380. Students borrow a median of $29,043 to complete their Dentistry program here. Medical University Of South Carolina alumni report median earnings of $88,420 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Medical University Of South Carolina profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. The median Dentistry program debt is $23,146. 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. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Midwestern University Glendale offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Glendale, AZ. Read more about Midwestern University Glendale
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,748, with out-of-state students paying around $43,132. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston Dentistry students take on a median of $21,988 in debt. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston alumni report median earnings of $88,757 a decade after entry. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Midwestern University Downers Grove ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Downers Grove, IL. Read the full report on Midwestern University Downers Grove
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Dentistry Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete their Dentistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Colorado Denver landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Dentistry program here. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on University Of Colorado Denver
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Dentistry program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Loma Linda University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Loma Linda, CA, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,960 in tuition and fees. The median Dentistry program debt is $25,094. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,816 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,094 median debt. Read more about Loma Linda University
Temple University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical Dentistry student debt is $26,259. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Temple University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #32 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Dentistry students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Iowa landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. The median Dentistry program debt is $24,463. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #34 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. Based in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. The median Dentistry program debt is $23,741. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,637. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Kansas City
West Virginia University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Typical Dentistry student debt is $23,772. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Virginia University
University Of Louisville ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Based in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. University Of Louisville Dentistry students take on a median of $21,910 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry. 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. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Typical Dentistry student 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. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full East Carolina University report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. The median Dentistry program debt is $22,444. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,444 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University Of Florida landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Dentistry student debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #40 among the best-value Dentistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. The median Dentistry program debt is $23,813. Virginia Commonwealth University alumni report median earnings of $58,128 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. More on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of California San Francisco ranked #41 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
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. 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. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical Dentistry student debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Kentucky landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Typical Dentistry student debt is $21,897. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Utah
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Dentistry students take on a median of $22,053 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,120 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Maryland Baltimore ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Dentistry schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,638, with out-of-state students paying around $44,811. The median Dentistry program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $88,174. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore report
Nova Southeastern University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,700. Nova Southeastern University Dentistry students take on a median of $25,021 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. Nova Southeastern University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
Related Dentistry Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Dentistry Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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).
HealthcareDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© HealthcareDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.