2026 Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 894 institutions 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 Bachelor’s Degree 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Typical Public Health student debt is $13,048. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, American Public University System landed the #2 spot. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Public Health students take on a median of $10,924 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Lake Washington Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,997, with out-of-state students paying around $12,062. Students borrow a median of $19,695 to complete their Public Health program here. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $50,669 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
Universidad Del Turabo came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Located in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $26,223 ten years out. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report
St Petersburg College ranked #6 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 average $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,125 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,557. That is a strong return on a $29,125 median debt. Read the full report on St Petersburg College
Bellevue University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. The median Public Health program debt is $27,852. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bellevue University
Western Carolina University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,343 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. The median Public Health program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. More on Mississippi University For Women
Bemidji State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based 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. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Walden University placed #11 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Walden University Public Health students take on a median of $45,793 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $45,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Walden University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #12 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, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $25,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #13 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
National University placed #14 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $37,469 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full National University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Public Health students take on a median of $26,998 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Set against $26,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
South Dakota State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Arkadelphia, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Graduates carry a median of $23,234 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Henderson State University report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Rasmussen College Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,256 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $40,809. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $40,809 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Florida profile
Youngstown State University placed #20 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
University Of North Dakota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Public Health program here. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Tacoma Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Tacoma, WA, Tacoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,507, while out-of-state students pay about $11,646. Typical Public Health student debt is $14,822. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,168. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tacoma Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,574 to complete their Public Health program here. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Excelsior College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit school based in Albany, NY. Graduates carry a median of $31,129 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,493 ten years after entry. Set against $31,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Excelsior College
Truman State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. The median Public Health program debt is $23,278. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,278 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Truman State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce placed #26 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. The median Public Health program debt is $7,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,721 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,869 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Public Health student debt is $23,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Public Health students take on a median of $22,345 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $22,345 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $20,966 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $20,966 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Winona State University profile
Missouri Southern State University placed #30 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,600, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Missouri Southern State University Public Health students take on a median of $22,241 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,241 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
Florida National University Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hialeah, FL, Florida National University Main Campus is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,368. Typical Public Health student debt is $37,641. Median earnings reach $33,928 ten years out. Set against $37,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Florida National University Main Campus
California State University Stanislaus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. California State University Stanislaus is a public school based in Turlock, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. The median Public Health program debt is $14,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,188. Set against $14,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Stanislaus
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,223 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $29,223 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Oklahoma Public Health students take on a median of $21,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,351. That is a strong return on a $21,625 median debt. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
Central Michigan University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Public Health program here. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,000. University Of Minnesota Duluth alumni report median earnings of $62,616 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on San Jose State University
California State University Sacramento landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $17,492. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Northeastern State University Public Health students take on a median of $27,464 in debt. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. More on Northeastern State University
Monroe College Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Bronx, NY, Monroe College Main Campus is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,464. Graduates carry a median of $30,904 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,236 ten years out. Set against $30,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Monroe College Main Campus
University Of Florida Online landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Online Public Health students take on a median of $17,580 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida Online report
Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences placed #44 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit school based in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,796. Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences Public Health students take on a median of $37,794 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,529 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $37,794 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences report
Cuny Hunter College placed #45 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $11,091. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 54%. Get the full Cuny Hunter College report
Western Illinois University placed #46 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Northern Illinois University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. The median Public Health program debt is $28,375. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Northern Arizona University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Public Health program here. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public school based in Butte, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,329. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Related Public Health Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Associate’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. 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 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.