2026 Best Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 894 institutions 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Walden University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Students borrow a median of $45,793 to complete their Public Health program here. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
Capella University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Public Health program debt is $35,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Get the full Capella University report
Southern Adventist University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Collegedale, TN. Students from in state pay about $27,300 in tuition and fees. Southern Adventist University Public Health students take on a median of $25,498 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,723 ten years out. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Adventist University admits about 66% of applicants. More on Southern Adventist University
You'll get strong value at University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,925 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,714. Graduates carry a median of $22,613 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Radford University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Radford, VA, Radford University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,548 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,633. Typical Public Health student debt is $21,323. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Radford University report
A rank of #5 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Public Health student debt is $16,097. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Samford University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,150. Graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. Samford University alumni report median earnings of $58,469 a decade after entry. Set against $21,039 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Samford University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Samford University report
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences placed #8 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public school based in San Juan, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,945. The median Public Health program debt is $6,025. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,953 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences profile
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Public Health student debt is $11,729. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,086 in tuition and fees, 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. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences alumni report median earnings of $73,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,106 median debt. More on University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Texas A And M University College Station placed #10 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Public Health student debt is $18,856. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of New Mexico Main Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,738 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Public Health program debt is $13,812. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Thomas Jefferson University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,355. Thomas Jefferson University Public Health students take on a median of $32,256 in debt. Median earnings reach $77,449 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Thomas Jefferson University profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. The median Public Health program debt is $21,181. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Public Health student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Students borrow a median of $26,122 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Public Health students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Jackson State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,965, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $32,944. Jackson State University alumni report median earnings of $39,060 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,944 median debt. Jackson State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Jackson State University report
Suny Downstate Medical Center came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Suny Downstate Medical Center is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,822 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,662. Suny Downstate Medical Center Public Health students take on a median of $24,882 in debt. Median earnings reach $109,601 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Suny Downstate Medical Center
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Colorado State University Fort Collins Public Health students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of Nebraska Medical Center placed #22 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska Medical Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,962. Typical Public Health student debt is $20,905. Median earnings reach $76,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Nebraska Medical Center
Medical College Of Wisconsin landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Medical College Of Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. See the full Medical College Of Wisconsin profile
Loma Linda University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Loma Linda, CA, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,960. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,816. That is a strong return on a $25,094 median debt. Read the full report on Loma Linda University
Widener University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chester, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,730. Graduates carry a median of $26,561 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,920 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,561 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Widener University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Temple University
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. The median Public Health program debt is $19,918. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston placed #30 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,748, with out-of-state students paying around $43,132. Graduates carry a median of $21,988 in student loans. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston alumni report median earnings of $88,757 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
Stanford University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
Kent State University At Kent landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. The median Public Health program debt is $28,884. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $28,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
Clemson University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Public Health program here. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #34 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Public Health students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,813 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Virginia Commonwealth University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #36 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median Public Health program debt is $16,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
University Of Georgia came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #38 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,490 to complete their Public Health program here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $16,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Morgan State University placed #38 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Morgan State University Public Health students take on a median of $30,309 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Morgan State University report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Vanderbilt University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. The median Public Health program debt is $13,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University
Oregon Health And Science University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portland, OR, Oregon Health And Science University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,306, with out-of-state students paying around $37,338. Typical Public Health student debt is $32,059. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,028. That is a strong return on a $32,059 median debt. More on Oregon Health And Science University
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,689 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. That is a strong return on a $19,689 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
University Of California Davis landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $14,404. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Georgia Southern University placed #45 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Georgia Southern University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $20,678. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Iowa landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Public Health students take on a median of $22,469 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $22,469 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Chicago Public Health students take on a median of $22,987 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #49 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Graduates carry a median of $22,220 in student loans. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Set against $22,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
University Of Arkansas came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,595. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $25,595 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Related Public Health Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Health Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Public Health Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 894 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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