2026 Best Value Public Health Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 894 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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, Grad Degree analyzed schools to produce 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $27,000. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full La Salle University profile
A rank of #2 makes Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine one of the best values in the United States. Set 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. See the full Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine profile
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Universidad Del Turabo landed the #3 spot. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $20,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American Public University System earned it the #4 place in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. 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. Read the full report on American Public University System
You'll get strong value at West Coast University Dallas, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. Students borrow a median of $38,145 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $102,672 ten years out. 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. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. The median Public Health program debt is $25,447. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Public Health program debt is $25,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
West Coast University Orange County ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,506. Typical Public Health student debt is $37,140. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,672. Set against $37,140 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Coast University Orange County profile
Concordia University Seward landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Baldwin Wallace College
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Ferris State University profile
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Public Health students take on a median of $10,924 in debt. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $25,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Marywood University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Students borrow a median of $27,744 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marywood University report
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #16 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Public Health students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
The College Of New Jersey came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Public Health students take on a median of $23,130 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. Set against $23,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. More on The College Of New Jersey
Wilmington University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Mississippi University For Women landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. The median Public Health program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Mississippi University For Women
Campbell University placed #21 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete their Public Health program here. Campbell University alumni report median earnings of $54,886 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Campbell University
University Of South Dakota placed #22 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. 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. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Walden University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. The median Public Health program debt is $45,793. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $45,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
Saint Josephs College Of Maine landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Standish, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $44,420. Students borrow a median of $26,625 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $59,045 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health placed #25 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,934 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,121 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,071 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,121 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Youngstown State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Public Health students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois placed #27 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Addison, IL, Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,536. Students borrow a median of $39,146 to complete their Public Health program here. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois alumni report median earnings of $92,405 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Public Health student debt is $29,223. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $29,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Trinity Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Washington, DC, Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,610 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $31,194. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,804. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Trinity Washington University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $24,408. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Butte, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,329. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Mount Mercy University ranked #32 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,878. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,709. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Mount Mercy University
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,275. New England Institute Of Technology Public Health students take on a median of $24,586 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,684. Set against $24,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New England Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on New England Institute Of Technology
Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center placed #34 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center is a private not-for-profit school based in West Des Moines, IA. Read the full report on Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,889 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,348 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,889 median debt. More on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Valparaiso University placed #37 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Valparaiso, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Valparaiso University Public Health students take on a median of $26,724 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Valparaiso University report
Northern Illinois University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. 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
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Touro University California landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Touro University California alumni report median earnings of $104,805 a decade after entry. Set against $16,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Touro University California profile
Lenoir Rhyne University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hickory, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. The median Public Health program debt is $26,900. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,543. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lenoir Rhyne University admits about 85% of applicants. More on Lenoir Rhyne University
Rivier College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,488. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $52,248 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rivier College profile
Lynchburg College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,750. Lynchburg College alumni report median earnings of $56,380 a decade after entry. Lynchburg College admits about 43% of applicants. Read more about Lynchburg College
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,945. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Public Health students take on a median of $6,025 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,953. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences
Mississippi College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit school based in Clinton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mississippi College report
Texas Wesleyan University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Students from in state pay about $39,582 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,461 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,053 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,461 median debt. Texas Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Texas Wesleyan University
Northeast Ohio Medical University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Rootstown, OH, Northeast Ohio Medical University is a public institution. Read the full report on Northeast Ohio Medical University
Saint Ambrose University placed #48 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Davenport, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,528. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,531 ten years after entry. Set against $27,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Ambrose University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Montclair State University placed #50 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, 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. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,086, with out-of-state students paying around $14,714. Students borrow a median of $23,106 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,106 median debt. Get the full University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences report
Best Value Public Health Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- 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
- Best Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 894 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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