2026 Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 463 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 reviewed 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 Health Medical Preparatory Programs Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $25,462 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full La Salle University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Erie, PA, Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,790. See the full Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine profile
Out of the 463 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Seattle University landed the #3 spot. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. More on Seattle University
A rank of #4 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. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $25,831. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,911. Set against $25,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Creighton University
A rank of #5 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Rowan University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $24,488. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rowan University profile
Duquesne University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Duquesne University alumni report median earnings of $74,742 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Duquesne University
College Of Our Lady Of The Elms came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicopee, MA, College Of Our Lady Of The Elms is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,325. Students borrow a median of $33,000 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Median earnings reach $51,540 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full College Of Our Lady Of The Elms profile
University Of California San Francisco came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Francisco, CA, University Of California San Francisco is a public institution. Read the full report on University Of California San Francisco
Harvard University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Harvard University
Nova Southeastern University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Graduates carry a median of $25,021 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,209. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nova Southeastern University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science alumni report median earnings of $83,438 a decade after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science profile
George Washington University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. George Washington University Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $25,567 in debt. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,567 median debt. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Keck Graduate Institute ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $19,250. Read more about Keck Graduate Institute
Idaho State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. This public school is set in Pocatello, ID. Students from in state pay about $8,610 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $24,640. Idaho State University alumni report median earnings of $45,608 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Read more about Idaho State University
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $24,030. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Drexel University
Hofstra University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. Students borrow a median of $24,848 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Median earnings reach $69,039 ten years out. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hofstra University
Case Western Reserve University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $25,106. Median earnings reach $87,989 ten years out. Set against $25,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Case Western Reserve University
Tufts University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $17,074. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,214. That is a strong return on a $17,074 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Tufts University report
Washington University In St Louis ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $17,553. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,182. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Washington University In St Louis has an acceptance rate of 12%. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report
Johns Hopkins University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $13,426. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University
University Of Connecticut placed #24 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,637 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. That is a strong return on a $23,637 median debt. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants. Read more about University Of Connecticut
Arizona State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Read more about Arizona State University
Aurora University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. See the full Aurora University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Connors State College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. More on Connors State College
Luzerne County Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. See the full Luzerne County Community College profile
Lenoir Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. See the full Lenoir Community College profile
Lipscomb University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. More on Lipscomb University
Maryville College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. More on Maryville College
University Of Alaska Fairbanks landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Eastern Arizona College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. More on Eastern Arizona College
Tri County Technical College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Read more about Tri County Technical College
University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of North Florida landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of North Florida profile
Blackburn College placed #36 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. More on Blackburn College
Endicott College
Endicott College placed #37 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Read the full report on Endicott College
Loyola University Chicago came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
North Carolina Wesleyan College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. More on North Carolina Wesleyan College
Tulsa Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Tulsa Community College
Abilene Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Abilene Christian University
Galveston College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. See the full Galveston College profile
Georgia Southern University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. More on Georgia Southern University
University Of Southern Maine came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Southern Maine profile
American University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full American University report
Hood College
Hood College placed #46 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Read more about Hood College
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Clemson University placed #48 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Get the full Clemson University report
Fort Peck Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Fort Peck Community College
Our Lady Of Holy Cross College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Our Lady Of Holy Cross College
Related Health Medical Preparatory Programs Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 463 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).