2026 Best Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 894 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. La Salle University Public Health students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. 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. Located 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. Located in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, American Public University System landed the #4 spot. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, West Coast University Dallas landed the #5 spot. Set in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees. West Coast University Dallas Public Health students take on a median of $38,145 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about West Coast University Dallas
Columbia Southern University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. The median Public Health program debt is $25,447. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,506. Typical Public Health student debt is $37,140. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on West Coast University Orange County
Concordia University Seward ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. The median Public Health program debt is $26,726. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit school based in Berea, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $10,924 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. That is a strong return on a $25,044 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Marywood University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,744. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Marywood University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,172. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
The College Of New Jersey landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,130 in student loans. The College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $73,323 a decade after entry. Set against $23,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Wilmington University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Get the full Wilmington University report
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,492. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mississippi University For Women
Campbell University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Campbell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Buies Creek, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. Campbell University Public Health students take on a median of $23,641 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,886 ten years out. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Campbell University report
University Of South Dakota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $26,322. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of South Dakota
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Omaha, NE, Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,934. Typical Public Health student debt is $31,121. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health alumni report median earnings of $65,071 a decade after entry. Set against $31,121 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Youngstown State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Public Health student debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Public Health students take on a median of $29,223 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. 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
Missouri State University Springfield placed #25 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Trinity Washington University placed #26 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,610. The median Public Health program debt is $31,194. Trinity Washington University alumni report median earnings of $53,804 a decade after entry. Set against $31,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Trinity Washington University
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Addison, IL, Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois
Saint Josephs College Of Maine placed #28 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Standish, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,420. The median Public Health program debt is $26,625. Median earnings reach $59,045 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,329. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Mount Mercy University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,878 in tuition and fees. Mount Mercy University Public Health students take on a median of $27,709 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,787 ten years after entry. Set against $27,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Mercy University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Mount Mercy University profile
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located 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. Typical Public Health student debt is $24,586. Median earnings reach $48,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. New England Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about New England Institute Of Technology
Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Des Moines, IA, Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center profile
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,214, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. Students borrow a median of $24,889 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,348. That is a strong return on a $24,889 median debt. See the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center profile
Valparaiso University placed #34 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Valparaiso, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Valparaiso University report
Northern Illinois University placed #35 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Touro University California came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Vallejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,005. The median Public Health program debt is $16,002. 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 placed #37 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hickory, NC. Students from in state pay about $31,900 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,543. That is a strong return on a $26,900 median debt. Lenoir Rhyne University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Lenoir Rhyne University
Liberty University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Liberty University profile
Walden University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. 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 more about Walden University
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public school based in San Juan, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,945. Students borrow a median of $6,025 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,953. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences report
Rivier College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Rivier College is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashua, NH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,488. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Rivier College has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Rivier College report
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mississippi College
Texas Wesleyan University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,582. Students borrow a median of $26,461 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Wesleyan University admits about 69% of applicants. See the full Texas Wesleyan University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Northeast Ohio Medical University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rootstown, OH. Read more about Northeast Ohio Medical University
Saint Ambrose University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Davenport, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,658. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,531. That is a strong return on a $27,528 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Ambrose University report
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,086, compared with $14,714 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $23,106. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Montclair State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
California State University San Marcos placed #50 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Graduates carry a median of $17,527 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,908. That is a strong return on a $17,527 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University San Marcos
Related Public Health Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Health Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Public Health Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Health Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by 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).