2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Alabama
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Alabama? This list ranks 79 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 33 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 Healthcare Degree Schools in Alabama
Explore the best-value schools below:
Chattahoochee Valley Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Alabama. This public school is set in Phenix City, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,204. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,438. That is a strong return on a $13,204 median debt. See the full Chattahoochee Valley Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Columbia Southern University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,447. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
A rank of #3 makes George C Wallace State Community College Dothan one of the best values in Alabama. Located in Dothan, AL, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,980, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. George C Wallace State Community College Dothan Healthcare students take on a median of $9,942 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,399. Set against $9,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full George C Wallace State Community College Dothan profile
You'll get strong value at James H Faulkner State Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Bay Minette, AL, James H Faulkner State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, compared with $8,910 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $14,326. Median earnings reach $34,894 ten years out. Set against $14,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full James H Faulkner State Community College report
A rank of #5 makes Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus one of the best values in Alabama. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,910. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,769. Median earnings reach $31,701 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,769 median debt. More on Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus
Shelton State Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Alabama this year. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, Shelton State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,127, compared with $8,997 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,688 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,014 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,688 median debt. More on Shelton State Community College
Bevill State Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jasper, AL, Bevill State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,734, compared with $8,346 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,040. Bevill State Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,107 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bevill State Community College
George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hanceville, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, compared with $9,090 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,146. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,842. Set against $13,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville
Gadsden State Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Gadsden, AL, Gadsden State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,272, with out-of-state students paying around $7,368. The median Healthcare program debt is $9,312. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,937. Set against $9,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gadsden State Community College
Bishop State Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mobile, AL, Bishop State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,340, compared with $9,210 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,712 to complete their Healthcare program here. Bishop State Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,916 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bishop State Community College
Lurleen B Wallace Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Andalusia, AL, Lurleen B Wallace Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,190 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,060 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,307 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Get the full Lurleen B Wallace Community College report
Jefferson State Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Birmingham, AL, Jefferson State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. Jefferson State Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $15,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,719 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,083 median debt. More on Jefferson State Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College landed the #13 spot for value in Alabama this year. Based in Rainsville, AL, Northeast Alabama Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Graduates carry a median of $7,459 in student loans. Northeast Alabama Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,913 a decade after entry. Set against $7,459 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Alabama Community College
Southern Union State Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Wadley, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $8,874. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,555. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,597 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Union State Community College profile
John C Calhoun State Community College landed the #15 spot for value in Alabama this year. Based in Tanner, AL, John C Calhoun State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,120, compared with $8,990 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,839 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $38,192 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,839 median debt. Read the full report on John C Calhoun State Community College
University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #16 spot for value in Alabama this year. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
Auburn University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. The median Healthcare program debt is $22,803. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of South Alabama placed #18 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. Located in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. University Of South Alabama Healthcare students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Alabama has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of South Alabama
University Of West Alabama came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. Graduates carry a median of $31,894 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,232. That is a strong return on a $31,894 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of West Alabama report
Herzing University Birmingham placed #20 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. Based in Birmingham, AL, Herzing University Birmingham is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,450. The median Healthcare program debt is $29,954. Herzing University Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,954 median debt. Herzing University Birmingham admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Herzing University Birmingham report
Northwest Shoals Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Muscle Shoals, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,131, while out-of-state students pay about $9,001. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,312. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,828. That is a strong return on a $13,312 median debt. Read more about Northwest Shoals Community College
The University Of Alabama landed the #22 spot for value in Alabama this year. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The median Healthcare program debt is $24,496. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Florence, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $24,291. Median earnings reach $45,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,291 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about University Of North Alabama
University Of Alabama At Huntsville came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Huntsville, AL, University Of Alabama At Huntsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,132, compared with $26,408 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,797 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,767. Set against $24,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Huntsville has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full University Of Alabama At Huntsville profile
Auburn University At Montgomery came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Auburn University At Montgomery is a public school based in Montgomery, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,700, with out-of-state students paying around $20,668. Auburn University At Montgomery Healthcare students take on a median of $29,746 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,391 ten years out. Set against $29,746 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University At Montgomery has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Auburn University At Montgomery report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Alabama
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Troy University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,176, while out-of-state students pay about $20,352. The median Healthcare program debt is $26,439. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,062. Set against $26,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Troy University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Troy University report
Jacksonville State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,894, compared with $23,334 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $24,751. Jacksonville State University alumni report median earnings of $45,235 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,751 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Jacksonville State University
Alabama State University landed the #28 spot for value in Alabama this year. This public school is set in Montgomery, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,248, with out-of-state students paying around $19,576. Students borrow a median of $33,709 to complete their Healthcare program here. Alabama State University alumni report median earnings of $34,502 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,709 median debt. Alabama State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Alabama State University
South University Montgomery placed #29 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. Located in Montgomery, AL, South University Montgomery is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,895. Students borrow a median of $48,920 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,421 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South University Montgomery report
Samford University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,150. Graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,469 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Samford University
University Of Mobile placed #31 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. University Of Mobile is a private not-for-profit school based in Mobile, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,910. Graduates carry a median of $30,127 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,611 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Mobile report
Faulkner University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Montgomery, AL, Faulkner University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,920. Typical Healthcare student debt is $29,942. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,457 ten years after entry. Set against $29,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Faulkner University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Faulkner University
Tuskegee University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Tuskegee, AL, Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. Graduates carry a median of $29,356 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,641 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,356 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. More on Tuskegee University
Huntingdon College landed the #34 spot for value in Alabama this year. Read more about Huntingdon College
The Salon Professional Academy Huntsville landed the #35 spot for value in Alabama this year. More on The Salon Professional Academy Huntsville
George C Wallace State Community College Selma offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Read more about George C Wallace State Community College Selma
Jersey College Dothan placed #37 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. Read the full report on Jersey College Dothan
Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. See the full Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville profile
New Beginning College Of Cosmetology ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on New Beginning College Of Cosmetology
J F Drake State Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Read the full report on J F Drake State Community And Technical College
Talladega College landed the #41 spot for value in Alabama this year. Read more about Talladega College
Blue Cliff Career College landed the #42 spot for value in Alabama this year. Get the full Blue Cliff Career College report
Snead State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. See the full Snead State Community College profile
Enterprise State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on Enterprise State Community College
Alabama School Of Nail Technology And Cosmetology placed #45 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. See the full Alabama School Of Nail Technology And Cosmetology profile
Central Alabama Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read more about Central Alabama Community College
Winonahs International School Of Cosmetology placed #47 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Alabama. More on Winonahs International School Of Cosmetology
University Academy Of Hair Design landed the #48 spot for value in Alabama this year. Get the full University Academy Of Hair Design report
Reid State Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Reid State Technical College
H Councill Trenholm State Technical College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about H Councill Trenholm State Technical College
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 33 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 79 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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