2026 Best Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Healthcare Degree Search evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Health master's degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Erie, PA, Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,790 in tuition and fees. Get the full Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine report
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Universidad Del Turabo landed the #3 spot. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. The median Public Health program debt is $20,000. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Universidad Del Turabo
American Public University System came in at #4 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,081. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, West Coast University Dallas landed the #5 spot. Set in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. The median Public Health program debt is $38,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Set against $38,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on West Coast University Dallas
Columbia Southern University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,447 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
West Coast University Orange County placed #8 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,506. The median Public Health program debt is $37,140. Median earnings reach $102,672 ten years out. Set against $37,140 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on West Coast University Orange County
Concordia University Seward placed #9 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $26,726. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Ferris State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. The median Public Health program debt is $23,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ferris State University profile
Baldwin Wallace College placed #10 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. The median Public Health program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Baldwin Wallace College profile
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $10,924. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $10,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $25,044 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Marywood University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,744. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Marywood University
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #15 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,172. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Students borrow a median of $24,770 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The College Of New Jersey Public Health students take on a median of $23,130 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $23,130 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on The College Of New Jersey
Wilmington University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wilmington University
Mississippi University For Women came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,492. The median Public Health program debt is $28,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Mississippi University For Women
Campbell University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Campbell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Buies Creek, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $41,600. Campbell University Public Health students take on a median of $23,641 in debt. Campbell University alumni report median earnings of $54,886 a decade after entry. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Campbell University
University Of South Dakota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Public Health students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of South Dakota
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $18,934. The median Public Health program debt is $31,121. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health alumni report median earnings of $65,071 a decade after entry. Set against $31,121 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health report
Youngstown State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Public Health students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $29,223. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,223 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Public Health program debt is $24,408. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Trinity Washington University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,610. Trinity Washington University Public Health students take on a median of $31,194 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,804. That is a strong return on a $31,194 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Trinity Washington University
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This private for-profit school is set in Addison, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,536. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois Public Health students take on a median of $39,146 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois report
Saint Josephs College Of Maine came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a private not-for-profit school based in Standish, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,420. The median Public Health program debt is $26,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,045. Set against $26,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs College Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Saint Josephs College Of Maine profile
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,329 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Mount Mercy University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,878. The median Public Health program debt is $27,709. Median earnings reach $60,787 ten years out. Set against $27,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Mount Mercy University
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in East Greenwich, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $37,275. The median Public Health program debt is $24,586. Median earnings reach $48,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full New England Institute Of Technology report
Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Des Moines, IA, Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center placed #33 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $24,889. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,348. That is a strong return on a $24,889 median debt. Read more about Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Valparaiso University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,450. Graduates carry a median of $26,724 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,191 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Northern Illinois University placed #35 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Public Health program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Northern Illinois University
Touro University California came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Vallejo, CA, Touro University California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,005. Touro University California Public Health students take on a median of $16,002 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,805 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,002 median debt. Get the full Touro University California report
Lenoir Rhyne University placed #37 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hickory, NC. Students from in state pay about $31,900 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,900. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Lenoir Rhyne University
Liberty University placed #38 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. The median Public Health program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. The median Public Health program debt is $45,793. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $45,793 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences placed #40 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,945. Students borrow a median of $6,025 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,953. That is a strong return on a $6,025 median debt. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences
Rivier College placed #41 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Rivier College is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashua, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $39,488. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $52,248 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Rivier College report
Mississippi College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,500. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,510. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mississippi College
Texas Wesleyan University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Students from in state pay about $39,582 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,461. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Wesleyan University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Northeast Ohio Medical University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rootstown, OH, Northeast Ohio Medical University is a public institution. More on Northeast Ohio Medical University
Saint Ambrose University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,658. Saint Ambrose University Public Health students take on a median of $27,528 in debt. Saint Ambrose University alumni report median earnings of $59,531 a decade after entry. Set against $27,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Saint Ambrose University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #47 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Public Health students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,086, while out-of-state students pay about $14,714. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Public Health students take on a median of $23,106 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,827. Set against $23,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences report
Montclair State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Montclair State University Public Health students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Montclair State University profile
California State University San Marcos ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. California State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,082, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Graduates carry a median of $17,527 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,908 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
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 Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Graduate Certificate 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. 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).