2026 Best Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 894 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed schools to build 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
American Public University System tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Health associate's degree schools in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. The median Public Health program debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
A rank of #2 makes Itawamba Community College one of the best values in the United States. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,420, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. The median Public Health program debt is $10,942. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,912. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Itawamba Community College
New Mexico State University Dona Ana came in at #3 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,322, while out-of-state students pay about $6,360. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,284. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Set against $10,284 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on New Mexico State University Dona Ana
A rank of #4 makes Cuny Bronx Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Bronx, NY, Cuny Bronx Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,206 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,086. Cuny Bronx Community College Public Health students take on a median of $8,224 in debt. 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Anoka Ramsey Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,682. The median Public Health program debt is $22,593. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,326. Graduates carry a median of $17,650 in student loans. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg placed #7 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $23,578. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg alumni report median earnings of $42,007 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,578 median debt. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Ozarks Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $4,256 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Ozarks Technical Community College Public Health students take on a median of $15,866 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,455. That is a strong return on a $15,866 median debt. Read the full report on Ozarks Technical Community College
Middlesex County College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,764 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,356 for out-of-state students. 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. Read more about Middlesex County College
Quincy College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Quincy, MA. Students from in state pay about $8,938 in tuition and fees. Quincy College Public Health students take on a median of $15,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,506. Set against $15,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Quincy College report
Cecil College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in North East, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,640, while out-of-state students pay about $10,830. Median earnings reach $43,952 ten years out. Read more about Cecil College
Howard Community College placed #12 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Howard Community College is a public school based in Columbia, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $4,599, while out-of-state students pay about $10,836. The median Public Health program debt is $18,115. Median earnings reach $49,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Howard Community College
Saint Louis Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. The median Public Health program debt is $11,424. Saint Louis Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,325 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt. Read more about Saint Louis Community College
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Brookdale Community College is a public school based in Lincroft, NJ. Students from in state pay about $6,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Brookdale Community College Public Health students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Harford Community College placed #16 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Harford Community College is a public school based in Bel Air, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,032, while out-of-state students pay about $8,832. Harford Community College Public Health students take on a median of $12,624 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,608 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,624 median debt. Read more about Harford Community College
Cuny Laguardia Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Typical Public Health student debt is $8,858. Cuny Laguardia Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,653 a decade after entry. Set against $8,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Public Health students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Prince Georges Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Prince Georges Community College is a public school based in Largo, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,034, while out-of-state students pay about $8,762. Students borrow a median of $13,949 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,548. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Prince Georges Community College
St Charles Community College placed #20 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. St Charles Community College is a public school based in Cottleville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,810, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. St Charles Community College Public Health students take on a median of $12,606 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,422. That is a strong return on a $12,606 median debt. See the full St Charles Community College profile
Sinclair Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. The median Public Health program debt is $12,525. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
County College Of Morris placed #22 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Randolph, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,210, while out-of-state students pay about $14,310. Typical Public Health student debt is $9,420. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,243. That is a strong return on a $9,420 median debt. More on County College Of Morris
Butler Community College placed #23 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in El Dorado, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. Butler Community College Public Health students take on a median of $16,670 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,206. That is a strong return on a $16,670 median debt. See the full Butler Community College profile
Dutchess Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Poughkeepsie, NY, Dutchess Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,670, while out-of-state students pay about $10,670. Graduates carry a median of $11,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,929. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dutchess Community College
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Poplar Bluff, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $4,830, while out-of-state students pay about $6,060. Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff Public Health students take on a median of $11,350 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,442. That is a strong return on a $11,350 median debt. Read more about Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff
Passaic County Community College placed #26 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Paterson, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, compared with $10,560 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,581 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $36,972 ten years out. Set against $9,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Passaic County Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $5,170 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,050 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,306. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Montgomery College placed #28 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rockville, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,394, compared with $14,250 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,230 in student loans. Montgomery College alumni report median earnings of $50,159 a decade after entry. Set against $11,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Montgomery College profile
Florida National University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Florida National University Main Campus is a private for-profit school based in Hialeah, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,368. Typical Public Health student debt is $37,641. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,928. That is a strong return on a $37,641 median debt. Read more about Florida National University Main Campus
Austin Community College District came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Austin Community College District Public Health students take on a median of $14,519 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $14,519 median debt. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Bryant And Stratton College Online ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Orchard Park, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,274. Typical Public Health student debt is $33,366. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bryant And Stratton College Online report
Hillsborough Community College placed #33 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Graduates carry a median of $16,142 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,782. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. See the full Hillsborough Community College profile
Orange County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Middletown, NY, Orange County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,526, compared with $12,334 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $14,152. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,117. That is a strong return on a $14,152 median debt. Read more about Orange County Community College
Arizona Western College placed #35 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Yuma, AZ, Arizona Western College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $36,857 ten years out. See the full Arizona Western College profile
Cuny Queensborough Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bayside, NY. Students from in state pay about $5,210 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,090 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,052. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,214 ten years after entry. Set against $10,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Queensborough Community College report
Montgomery County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Montgomery County Community College is a public school based in Blue Bell, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,690, with out-of-state students paying around $17,250. Graduates carry a median of $15,219 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,108. That is a strong return on a $15,219 median debt. Read the full report on Montgomery County Community College
Oklahoma City Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from in state pay about $4,059 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma City Community College Public Health students take on a median of $13,919 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,146. That is a strong return on a $13,919 median debt. Read the full report on Oklahoma City Community College
Anne Arundel Community College placed #40 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Anne Arundel Community College is a public school based in Arnold, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $4,322, compared with $11,522 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $13,947. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,219 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,947 median debt. Read more about Anne Arundel Community College
Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,752. Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach Public Health students take on a median of $33,366 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach
Central New Mexico Community College placed #42 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete their Public Health program here. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Linn Benton Community College placed #43 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Albany, OR, Linn Benton Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,317 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,736 for out-of-state students. Linn Benton Community College Public Health students take on a median of $17,959 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,363 ten years after entry. Set against $17,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Linn Benton Community College profile
Eastern Florida State College placed #43 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,791, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Eastern Florida State College alumni report median earnings of $37,195 a decade after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Eastern Florida State College report
Quinsigamond Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Worcester, MA, Quinsigamond Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,262, with out-of-state students paying around $11,206. Students borrow a median of $18,456 to complete their Public Health program here. Quinsigamond Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,949 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Quinsigamond Community College
Bryant And Stratton College Albany offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Albany, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Albany is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,999. Students borrow a median of $33,366 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,568 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,366 median debt. See the full Bryant And Stratton College Albany profile
Northampton County Area Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Northampton County Area Community College is a public school based in Bethlehem, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,550, with out-of-state students paying around $15,270. Northampton County Area Community College Public Health students take on a median of $18,900 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,566 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,900 median debt. Get the full Northampton County Area Community College report
Bryant And Stratton College Parma ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Parma, OH, Bryant And Stratton College Parma is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,013. Graduates carry a median of $33,366 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,568 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,366 median debt. Read more about Bryant And Stratton College Parma
Roane State Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Harriman, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,998 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,630. Typical Public Health student debt is $9,408. Roane State Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,407 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,408 median debt. Get the full Roane State Community College report
Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wauwatosa, WI, Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,469. Typical Public Health student debt is $33,366. Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa alumni report median earnings of $32,568 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa report
Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North placed #51 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Liverpool, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $19,926. Typical Public Health student debt is $33,366. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,568 ten years after entry. Set against $33,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North report
Snow College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ephraim, UT, Snow College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,338, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,440 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,022 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Snow College
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,056. Students borrow a median of $44,499 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,696 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $44,499 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
Related Public Health Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Health Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Public Health Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Undergraduate Certificate 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
These rankings are produced 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 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.