2026 Best Value Medical Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Medical Science programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 98 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 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 Medical Science Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. More on Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, which ranked #2 this year. 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. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio Medical Science students take on a median of $20,247 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,206 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,247 median debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
You'll get strong value at Mayo Medical School, which ranked #3 this year. Mayo Medical School is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,040. Students borrow a median of $27,164 to complete their Medical Science program here. Mayo Medical School alumni report median earnings of $79,652 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,164 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. Get the full Mayo Medical School report
A rank of #4 makes University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center one of the best values in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is a public institution. University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center alumni report median earnings of $76,860 a decade after entry. See the full University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center profile
You'll get strong value at Saint Cloud State University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. The median Medical Science program debt is $25,076. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. More on Saint Cloud State University
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,322 to complete their Medical Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Oregon Health And Science University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Oregon Health And Science University is a public school based in Portland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,306, while out-of-state students pay about $37,338. The median Medical Science program debt is $32,059. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,028. That is a strong return on a $32,059 median debt. Get the full Oregon Health And Science University report
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Dakota
Baylor College Of Medicine came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, Baylor College Of Medicine is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Baylor College Of Medicine
Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Read the full report on Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai
Medical University Of South Carolina landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Medical University Of South Carolina is a public school based in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $16,972, while out-of-state students pay about $30,380. The median Medical Science program debt is $29,043. 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. More on Medical University Of South Carolina
The University Of Texas Medical Branch landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Galveston, TX, The University Of Texas Medical Branch is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,402, while out-of-state students pay about $28,011. The University Of Texas Medical Branch Medical Science students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,961. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Medical Branch
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Medical Science program debt is $21,275. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California San Francisco came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of California San Francisco is a public institution. See the full University Of California San Francisco profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Medical Science program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
New York Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Old Westbury, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,560. The median Medical Science program debt is $25,435. Median earnings reach $70,080 ten years out. Set against $25,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full New York Institute Of Technology report
University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center came in at #18 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, compared with $25,714 for out-of-state students. Typical Medical Science student debt is $22,613. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Medical Science schools. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Medical Science schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Medical Science program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Morehouse School Of Medicine offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Atlanta, GA, Morehouse School Of Medicine is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Morehouse School Of Medicine
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
University Of California Irvine placed #23 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. The median Medical Science program debt is $16,539. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
Rush University placed #24 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Rush University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,751. Typical Medical Science student debt is $31,206. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,194. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rush University report
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,748, compared with $43,132 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,988 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,757. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. See the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Medical Science students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. 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
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Medical Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Harvard University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Harvard University Medical Science students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Harvard University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Medical Science program debt is $21,818. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Medical Science schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Medical Science program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Iowa placed #30 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in University, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,444 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus report
University Of Colorado Denver landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. The median Medical Science program debt is $26,582. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #34 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. The median Medical Science program debt is $23,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
West Virginia University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full West Virginia University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. The median Medical Science program debt is $25,120. 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. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Wright State University Main Campus
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Medical Science students take on a median of $16,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Northwestern University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Typical Medical Science student debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Read more about Northwestern University
University Of California San Diego came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Medical Science program debt is $17,101. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,101 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #41 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Chicago Medical Science students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. George Washington University Medical Science students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. See the full George Washington University profile
Keck Graduate Institute came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Keck Graduate Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Typical Medical Science student debt is $19,250. More on Keck Graduate Institute
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. University At Buffalo Medical Science students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University At Buffalo profile
Michigan State University placed #46 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Medical Science student debt is $25,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Michigan State University report
Case Western Reserve University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Typical Medical Science student debt is $25,106. Case Western Reserve University alumni report median earnings of $87,989 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on Case Western Reserve University
Emory University placed #49 among the best-value Medical Science schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete their Medical Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,137 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,431 median debt. Emory University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full Emory University report
Yale University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Medical Science schools. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Medical Science student debt is $14,357. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Yale University profile
Brown University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Medical Science schools. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Typical Medical Science student debt is $13,025. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,025 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brown University
Vanderbilt University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Medical Science schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Medical Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. More on Vanderbilt University
Best Value Medical Science Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Medical Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Medical Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Medical Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Medical Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Medical Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Medical Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Medical Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 98 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).