2026 Best Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 894 colleges 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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Walden University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Health doctoral degree schools in the United States. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Walden University Public Health students take on a median of $45,793 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $45,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Walden University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Capella University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Capella University
You'll get strong value at Southern Adventist University, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,300. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,498. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Adventist University admits about 66% of applicants. See the full Southern Adventist University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,925, while out-of-state students pay about $25,714. University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Public Health students take on a median of $22,613 in debt. 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. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Radford University landed the #5 spot. Radford University is a public school based in Radford, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,548, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Radford University Public Health students take on a median of $21,323 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,739 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Radford University
A rank of #5 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Samford University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,150. The median Public Health program debt is $21,039. Samford University alumni report median earnings of $58,469 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Samford University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Samford University
University Of California Berkeley ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Public Health students take on a median of $11,729 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public school based in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,945. Typical Public Health student debt is $6,025. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,953. Set against $6,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,856 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,086, with out-of-state students paying around $14,714. Typical Public Health student debt is $23,106. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences alumni report median earnings of $73,827 a decade after entry. Set against $23,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
University Of New Mexico Main Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. University Of New Mexico Main Campus Public Health students take on a median of $19,738 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus report
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $13,812. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $13,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Get the full San Diego State University report
Thomas Jefferson University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $47,355. Students borrow a median of $32,256 to complete their Public Health program here. Thomas Jefferson University alumni report median earnings of $77,449 a decade after entry. Set against $32,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thomas Jefferson University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Thomas Jefferson University profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #15 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $21,181. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #16 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Public Health program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,122. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,122 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $21,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,965, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. The median Public Health program debt is $32,944. Jackson State University alumni report median earnings of $39,060 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Jackson State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #20 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Suny Downstate Medical Center ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,822, with out-of-state students paying around $19,662. The median Public Health program debt is $24,882. Graduates go on to earn a median of $109,601 ten years after entry. Set against $24,882 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Suny Downstate Medical Center profile
University Of Nebraska Medical Center offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska Medical Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,973, with out-of-state students paying around $39,962. University Of Nebraska Medical Center Public Health students take on a median of $20,905 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,833 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,905 median debt. Get the full University Of Nebraska Medical Center report
Medical College Of Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Medical College Of Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. More on Medical College Of Wisconsin
Loma Linda University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit school based in Loma Linda, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,960. Loma Linda University Public Health students take on a median of $25,094 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,816. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Loma Linda University
Widener University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. The median Public Health program debt is $26,561. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,920. That is a strong return on a $26,561 median debt. Widener University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Widener University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Temple University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Public Health students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Temple University
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $19,918. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,132. The median Public Health program debt is $21,988. Median earnings reach $88,757 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston report
Stanford University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Stanford University report
Kent State University At Kent ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,884 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Set against $28,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Clemson University placed #33 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University Public Health students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Clemson University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. The median Public Health program debt is $23,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,128. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $16,203. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $16,203 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Georgia came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Public Health student debt is $21,500. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Public Health student debt is $16,490. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Morgan State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Students borrow a median of $30,309 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,698. That is a strong return on a $30,309 median debt. Morgan State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Morgan State University report
Vanderbilt University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Vanderbilt University Public Health students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Public Health students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Oregon Health And Science University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Portland, OR, Oregon Health And Science University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,306, with out-of-state students paying around $37,338. Typical Public Health student 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. Read more about Oregon Health And Science University
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $19,689. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Set against $19,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
University Of California Davis came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Georgia Southern University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $28,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,678 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Iowa came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Public Health students take on a median of $22,469 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $22,987. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Set against $22,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #49 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical Public Health student debt is $22,220. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,198. That is a strong return on a $22,220 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. The median Public Health program debt is $25,595. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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).
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