2026 Best Value Public Health Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 894 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.
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 Public Health Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Public Health school in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Brigham Young University Idaho Public Health students take on a median of $13,048 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Central Arizona College landed the #2 spot. Based in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Students borrow a median of $11,635 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $40,513 ten years out. Set against $11,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Arizona College report
You'll get strong value at Metropolitan Community College Area, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Public Health program debt is $12,799. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
A rank of #4 makes Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine one of the best values in the United States. Located in Erie, PA, Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,790. Get the full Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine report
Itawamba Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Based in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Public Health program here. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
American Public University System placed #6 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. American Public University System Public Health students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
New Mexico State University Dona Ana landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,322, compared with $6,360 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $10,284. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. That is a strong return on a $10,284 median debt. See the full New Mexico State University Dona Ana profile
Cuny Bronx Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bronx, NY, Cuny Bronx Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,206, with out-of-state students paying around $8,086. The median Public Health program debt is $8,224. Cuny Bronx Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,307 a decade after entry. Set against $8,224 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Bronx Community College report
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Public Health students take on a median of $10,924 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $10,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Universidad Del Turabo ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Public Health students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $26,223 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Northeast Community College placed #11 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Anoka Ramsey Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. Students borrow a median of $22,593 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,342. That is a strong return on a $22,593 median debt. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. Typical Public Health student debt is $17,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Students borrow a median of $23,578 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $23,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Cabrillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,270, with out-of-state students paying around $9,862. Students borrow a median of $10,425 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $44,114 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cabrillo College
West Coast University Dallas landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit school based in Richardson, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. Students borrow a median of $38,145 to complete their Public Health program here. West Coast University Dallas alumni report median earnings of $102,672 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full West Coast University Dallas report
Columbia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $25,447 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
La Salle University placed #18 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. See the full La Salle University profile
St Petersburg College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,682, while out-of-state students pay about $9,286. St Petersburg College Public Health students take on a median of $29,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,557 ten years after entry. Set against $29,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Petersburg College report
Bellevue University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $27,852. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bellevue University report
Canada College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Redwood City, CA, Canada College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,087. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Canada College
Ozarks Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. The median Public Health program debt is $15,866. Ozarks Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,455 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ozarks Technical Community College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #23 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Public Health students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Middlesex County College placed #24 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Middlesex County College is a public school based in Edison, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,764, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Graduates carry a median of $9,514 in student loans. Middlesex County College alumni report median earnings of $46,861 a decade after entry. Set against $9,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Middlesex County College profile
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,997 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,062. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology Public Health students take on a median of $19,695 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,669 ten years out. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Sacramento City College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Sacramento City College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Sacramento City College Public Health students take on a median of $13,180 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,214. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sacramento City College report
City College Of San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in San Francisco, CA, City College Of San Francisco is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,696, while out-of-state students pay about $14,656. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,332. City College Of San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $45,805 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on City College Of San Francisco
West Coast University Orange County landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Anaheim, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,506. The median Public Health program debt is $37,140. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,672 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,140 median debt. See the full West Coast University Orange County profile
Western Carolina University placed #29 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,343. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Carolina University
Mississippi University For Women placed #31 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Mississippi University For Women
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Bemidji State University Public Health students take on a median of $25,819 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Marywood University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. The median Public Health program debt is $27,744. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marywood University
Quincy College placed #34 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Quincy College is a public school based in Quincy, MA. Students from in state pay about $8,938 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,600 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,506 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Quincy College
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Public Health program debt is $25,044. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $25,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Santa Rosa Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Santa Rosa Junior College alumni report median earnings of $47,224 a decade after entry. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Santa Rosa Junior College report
Concordia University Seward ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. The median Public Health program debt is $26,726. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Public Health students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Cecil College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in North East, MD, Cecil College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,640, with out-of-state students paying around $10,830. Median earnings reach $43,952 ten years out. Read more about Cecil College
Howard Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbia, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $4,599, with out-of-state students paying around $10,836. Graduates carry a median of $18,115 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Howard Community College
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Typical Public Health student debt is $24,770. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Ferris State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $23,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Saint Louis Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $11,424. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,325 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Saint Louis Community College
Brookdale Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,270, with out-of-state students paying around $10,140. Typical Public Health student debt is $12,651. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,379. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Read the full report on Brookdale Community College
Wilmington University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. The median Public Health program debt is $26,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wilmington University
Harford Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bel Air, MD, Harford Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,032, with out-of-state students paying around $8,832. The median Public Health program debt is $12,624. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,608. Set against $12,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Harford Community College profile
Campbell University placed #48 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $54,886 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Campbell University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Campbell University report
Walden University placed #49 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Students borrow a median of $45,793 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
Cuny Laguardia Community College placed #49 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,218, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,858 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,653. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt. Read more about Cuny Laguardia Community College
Ivy Tech Community College placed #51 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
University Of South Dakota ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,322 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Best Value Public Health Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Public Health Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 894 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.