2026 Best Value Public Health Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 894 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor 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
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Health programs schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. The median Public Health program debt is $13,048. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,048 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Central Arizona College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Located in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,250, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Students borrow a median of $11,635 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Arizona College
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #3 spot. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Public Health program debt is $12,799. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine landed the #4 spot. Set in Erie, PA, Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,790. More on Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Itawamba Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,912. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Itawamba Community College
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. American Public University System Public Health students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. Read more about American Public University System
New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #7 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,322, while out-of-state students pay about $6,360. The median Public Health program debt is $10,284. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Cuny Bronx Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Cuny Bronx Community College is a public school based in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,206, while out-of-state students pay about $8,086. Cuny Bronx Community College Public Health students take on a median of $8,224 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,307 ten years out. Set against $8,224 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cuny Bronx Community College
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Public Health students take on a median of $10,924 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $10,924 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Northeast Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Northeast Community College Public Health students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,682. Anoka Ramsey Community College Public Health students take on a median of $22,593 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,342 ten years out. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $17,650. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg Public Health students take on a median of $23,578 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. Set against $23,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Cabrillo College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,270, with out-of-state students paying around $9,862. Graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Cabrillo College alumni report median earnings of $44,114 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. More on Cabrillo College
West Coast University Dallas landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Richardson, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574. West Coast University Dallas Public Health students take on a median of $38,145 in debt. Median earnings reach $102,672 ten years out. Set against $38,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full West Coast University Dallas report
Columbia Southern University placed #17 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Columbia Southern University
La Salle University placed #18 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on La Salle University
St Petersburg College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $29,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,557. That is a strong return on a $29,125 median debt. See the full St Petersburg College profile
Bellevue University placed #20 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,852. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bellevue University
Canada College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Canada College is a public school based in Redwood City, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Typical Public Health student debt is $15,000. Canada College alumni report median earnings of $50,087 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Canada College report
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Graduates carry a median of $15,866 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,455. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ozarks Technical Community College report
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Middlesex County College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,764, while out-of-state students pay about $7,356. Middlesex County College Public Health students take on a median of $9,514 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,861. That is a strong return on a $9,514 median debt. See the full Middlesex County College profile
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology placed #25 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,997 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,669 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt. Get the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Sacramento City College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Sacramento, CA, Sacramento City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Graduates carry a median of $13,180 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,214. That is a strong return on a $13,180 median debt. Read the full report on Sacramento City College
City College Of San Francisco landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,696, compared with $14,656 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,332. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,805. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on City College Of San Francisco
West Coast University Orange County offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit school based in Anaheim, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. More on West Coast University Orange County
Western Carolina University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Students borrow a median of $26,343 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Carolina University
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. The median Public Health program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mississippi University For Women
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $25,819. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Marywood University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. The median Public Health program debt is $27,744. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Marywood University
Quincy College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Quincy, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,938. Quincy College Public Health students take on a median of $15,600 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,506. Set against $15,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Quincy College profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #35 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Santa Rosa Junior College placed #36 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. The median Public Health program debt is $14,692. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,224. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt. More on Santa Rosa Junior College
Concordia University Seward placed #37 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years 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
Cecil College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in North East, MD, Cecil College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,640, compared with $10,830 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $43,952 ten years out. See the full Cecil College profile
Howard Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Columbia, MD, Howard Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,599, compared with $10,836 for out-of-state students. Howard Community College Public Health students take on a median of $18,115 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,020 ten years after entry. Set against $18,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Howard Community College report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #41 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Public Health students take on a median of $24,770 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
Ferris State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Public Health student debt is $23,562. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Saint Louis Community College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Louis Community College
Brookdale Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $12,651. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brookdale Community College
Wilmington University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Wilmington University Public Health students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Harford Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bel Air, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,032, with out-of-state students paying around $8,832. Typical Public Health student debt is $12,624. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,608. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Harford Community College
Campbell University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. The median Public Health program debt is $23,641. Median earnings reach $54,886 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Campbell University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Campbell University report
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Typical Public Health student debt is $45,793. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $45,793 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Cuny Laguardia Community College placed #49 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Students borrow a median of $8,858 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cuny Laguardia Community College report
University Of South Dakota came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Public Health students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Ivy Tech Community College placed #51 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
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 Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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