2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Missouri
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Missouri? Our ranking highlights 140 institutions 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 evaluated 35 schools to compile 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 Missouri
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Healthcare degree schools in Missouri. Based in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Healthcare program here. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
A rank of #2 makes State Fair Community College one of the best values in Missouri. Based in Sedalia, MO, State Fair Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,176, compared with $7,416 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,328 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,562. That is a strong return on a $15,328 median debt. See the full State Fair Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ozarks Technical Community College earned it the #2 place in Missouri. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,866 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $36,455 ten years out. Set against $15,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ozarks Technical Community College profile
You'll get strong value at East Central College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Union, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,272, compared with $7,680 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $12,062. East Central College alumni report median earnings of $36,916 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,062 median debt. Read the full report on East Central College
A rank of #5 makes Saint Louis Community College one of the best values in Missouri. Set in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,325 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt. Get the full Saint Louis Community College report
Linn State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Linn State Technical College is a public school based in Linn, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $8,160, while out-of-state students pay about $14,610. Linn State Technical College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,042 in debt. Linn State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $55,901 a decade after entry. Set against $11,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Linn State Technical College
St Charles Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,810, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $12,606. Median earnings reach $42,422 ten years out. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on St Charles Community College
Crowder College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Neosho, MO, Crowder College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,784. The median Healthcare program debt is $9,887. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,987 ten years after entry. Set against $9,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Crowder College
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Stephens College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Typical Healthcare student debt is $33,326. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stephens College
Jefferson College landed the #11 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Hillsboro, MO, Jefferson College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,250, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. The median Healthcare program debt is $13,664. Median earnings reach $40,782 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt. Get the full Jefferson College report
North Central Missouri College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Trenton, MO, North Central Missouri College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,370, compared with $8,820 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,685 to complete their Healthcare program here. North Central Missouri College alumni report median earnings of $40,837 a decade after entry. Set against $16,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Central Missouri College profile
Missouri State University West Plains came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Plains, MO, Missouri State University West Plains is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,936, while out-of-state students pay about $8,106. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,250. Missouri State University West Plains alumni report median earnings of $36,922 a decade after entry. Set against $11,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Missouri State University West Plains
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Students borrow a median of $23,168 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Truman State University report
Mineral Area College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Park Hills, MO, Mineral Area College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,570. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,175. Mineral Area College alumni report median earnings of $35,352 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mineral Area College profile
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. Students borrow a median of $12,281 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,796. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Missouri Southern State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,600, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Missouri Southern State University Healthcare students take on a median of $22,241 in debt. Missouri Southern State University alumni report median earnings of $42,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Healthcare students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Southeast Missouri State University Healthcare students take on a median of $23,289 in debt. Southeast Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $44,030 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Central Missouri landed the #20 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,304 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Park University Healthcare students take on a median of $22,112 in debt. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Park University
Missouri Western State University placed #22 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Missouri. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,545 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Healthcare program here. Missouri Western State University alumni report median earnings of $42,647 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
University Of Missouri Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. University Of Missouri Kansas City Healthcare students take on a median of $23,741 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,637. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of Missouri Kansas City profile
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff placed #24 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Missouri. Set in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,830 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,060 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,350. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,442 ten years after entry. Set against $11,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff
Webster University landed the #25 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Webster University Healthcare students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,876. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Webster University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Missouri
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Typical Healthcare student debt is $28,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Maryville University Of Saint Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Healthcare students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Columbia College Missouri came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,276. Typical Healthcare student debt is $29,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,378 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia College Missouri report
University Of Missouri St Louis placed #29 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,943. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,037. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $24,436 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Southwest Baptist University
Fontbonne University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,976. Fontbonne University Healthcare students take on a median of $33,503 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,825. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fontbonne University
Rockhurst University landed the #32 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Kansas City, MO, Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,966. The median Healthcare program debt is $24,111. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,102. That is a strong return on a $24,111 median debt. Rockhurst University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Rockhurst University
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Saint Louis University Main Campus Healthcare students take on a median of $26,586 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Bryan University Springfield came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Bryan University Springfield is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,868 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,421 in student loans. Median earnings reach $28,725 ten years out. Set against $24,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bryan University Springfield profile
Washington University In St Louis ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. The median Healthcare program debt is $17,553. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
Ea La Mars Cosmetology And Barber College landed the #36 spot for value in Missouri this year. More on Ea La Mars Cosmetology And Barber College
Calvary Bible College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Read the full report on Calvary Bible College And Theological Seminary
Ozark Christian College placed #38 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Missouri. Get the full Ozark Christian College report
Wellspring School Of Allied Health Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Read the full report on Wellspring School Of Allied Health Kansas City
Renaissance Beauty Academy ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on Renaissance Beauty Academy
New Dimensions School Of Hair Design ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read the full report on New Dimensions School Of Hair Design
St Louis Med Tech offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. More on St Louis Med Tech
Logan University
Logan University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Get the full Logan University report
Central College Of Cosmetology came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Central College Of Cosmetology
Westminster College Missouri ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read more about Westminster College Missouri
Hannibal Lagrange College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Hannibal Lagrange College
Grabber School Of Hair Design ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read the full report on Grabber School Of Hair Design
Merrell University Of Beauty Arts And Science ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. See the full Merrell University Of Beauty Arts And Science profile
Skin Institute
Skin Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about Skin Institute
St Louis College Of Health Careers St Louis landed the #50 spot for value in Missouri this year. Read the full report on St Louis College Of Health Careers St Louis
More Healthcare Value Rankings
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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 35 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 140 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).