2026 Best Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Itawamba Community College landed the #2 spot. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Graduates carry a median of $10,942 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,912 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
You'll get strong value at New Mexico State University Dona Ana, which ranked #3 this year. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $10,284 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Out of the 894 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Bronx Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuny Bronx Community College
A rank of #5 makes Anoka Ramsey Community College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. Typical Public Health student debt is $22,593. Median earnings reach $48,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,593 median debt. See the full Anoka Ramsey Community College profile
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. 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. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt. See the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $23,578. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $23,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,256 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. The median Public Health program debt is $15,866. Median earnings reach $36,455 ten years out. Set against $15,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ozarks Technical Community College
Middlesex County College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Middlesex County College is a public school based in Edison, NJ. Students from in state pay about $4,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Typical Public Health student debt is $9,514. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,861. That is a strong return on a $9,514 median debt. Get the full Middlesex County College report
Quincy College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Quincy College is a public school based in Quincy, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,938. Graduates carry a median of $15,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,506 ten years out. Set against $15,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Quincy College
Cecil College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in North East, MD, Cecil College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,640, while out-of-state students pay about $10,830. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,952 ten years after entry. Read the full report on Cecil College
Howard Community College placed #12 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Howard Community College is a public school based in Columbia, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $4,599, with out-of-state students paying around $10,836. Graduates carry a median of $18,115 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Howard Community College
Saint Louis Community College placed #14 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,325 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt. Read the full report on Saint Louis Community College
Brookdale Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Brookdale Community College Public Health students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Brookdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Harford Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Harford Community College is a public school based in Bel Air, MD. Students from in state pay about $4,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,832. Graduates carry a median of $12,624 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Cuny Laguardia Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Cuny Laguardia Community College Public Health students take on a median of $8,858 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,653 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt. Get the full Cuny Laguardia Community College report
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Ivy Tech Community College Public Health students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,889 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Prince Georges Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Largo, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,034, compared with $8,762 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,949 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,548. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Prince Georges Community College profile
St Charles Community College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,810, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. St Charles Community College Public Health students take on a median of $12,606 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,422. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Charles Community College report
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
County College Of Morris ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Randolph, NJ, County College Of Morris is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,210, compared with $14,310 for out-of-state students. County College Of Morris Public Health students take on a median of $9,420 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,243 ten years after entry. Set against $9,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on County College Of Morris
Butler Community College placed #23 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in El Dorado, KS, Butler Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,541, while out-of-state students pay about $6,271. Graduates carry a median of $16,670 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,206 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Butler Community College
Dutchess Community College placed #24 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Dutchess Community College is a public school based in Poughkeepsie, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $5,670, while out-of-state students pay about $10,670. Graduates carry a median of $11,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,929. Set against $11,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Dutchess Community College profile
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public school based in Poplar Bluff, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,830, with out-of-state students paying around $6,060. The median Public Health program debt is $11,350. Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff alumni report median earnings of $32,442 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,350 median debt. See the full Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff profile
Passaic County Community College placed #26 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Paterson, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,300, while out-of-state students pay about $10,560. Typical Public Health student debt is $9,581. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,972. Set against $9,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Passaic County Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $42,306 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Montgomery College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rockville, MD, Montgomery College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,394, with out-of-state students paying around $14,250. The median Public Health program debt is $11,230. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,159. That is a strong return on a $11,230 median debt. More on Montgomery College
Florida National University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private for-profit school is set in Hialeah, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,368. The median Public Health program debt is $37,641. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,928 ten years after entry. Set against $37,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Florida National University Main Campus
Austin Community College District ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Austin Community College District Public Health students take on a median of $14,519 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. Set against $14,519 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Bryant And Stratton College Online landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orchard Park, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,274 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $33,366 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. That is a strong return on a $33,366 median debt. See the full Bryant And Stratton College Online profile
Hillsborough Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Hillsborough Community College is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, with out-of-state students paying around $9,088. Typical Public Health student debt is $16,142. Hillsborough Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,782 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. See the full Hillsborough Community College profile
Orange County Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Orange County Community College is a public school based in Middletown, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,526, compared with $12,334 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $14,152. Orange County Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Orange County Community College
Arizona Western College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Yuma, AZ, Arizona Western College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $36,857 ten years out. Read the full report on Arizona Western College
Cuny Queensborough Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bayside, NY, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,090. The median Public Health program debt is $10,052. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuny Queensborough Community College
Montgomery County Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Blue Bell, PA, Montgomery County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,690, with out-of-state students paying around $17,250. The median Public Health program debt is $15,219. Median earnings reach $46,108 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,219 median debt. Read the full report on Montgomery County Community College
Oklahoma City Community College placed #39 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,059, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,919 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,146. Set against $13,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oklahoma City Community College
Anne Arundel Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Anne Arundel Community College is a public school based in Arnold, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,322, compared with $11,522 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,947 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,219 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,947 median debt. Read more about Anne Arundel Community College
Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,752. Typical Public Health student debt is $33,366. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. That is a strong return on a $33,366 median debt. More on Bryant And Stratton College Virginia Beach
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Health student debt is $10,112. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Linn Benton Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Albany, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,317, while out-of-state students pay about $16,736. The median Public Health program debt is $17,959. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,363 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,959 median debt. Read the full report on Linn Benton Community College
Eastern Florida State College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,791, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,195 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Eastern Florida State College
Quinsigamond Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,262, compared with $11,206 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $18,456. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,949. That is a strong return on a $18,456 median debt. Get the full Quinsigamond Community College report
Bryant And Stratton College Albany ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Albany, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Albany is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,999. Students borrow a median of $33,366 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,568 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bryant And Stratton College Albany profile
Northampton County Area Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Students borrow a median of $18,900 to complete their Public Health program here. Northampton County Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,566 a decade after entry. Set against $18,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northampton County Area Community College
Bryant And Stratton College Parma came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Parma, OH, Bryant And Stratton College Parma is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,013. Typical Public Health student debt is $33,366. Bryant And Stratton College Parma alumni report median earnings of $32,568 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,366 median debt. More on Bryant And Stratton College Parma
Roane State Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Harriman, TN, Roane State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,998, with out-of-state students paying around $18,630. Students borrow a median of $9,408 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,407 ten years after entry. Set against $9,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Roane State Community College
Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wauwatosa, WI, Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,469. Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa Public Health students take on a median of $33,366 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa
Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Liverpool, NY, Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,926. The median Public Health program debt is $33,366. Median earnings reach $32,568 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,366 median debt. Get the full Bryant And Stratton College Syracuse North report
Snow College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ephraim, UT, Snow College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,338, with out-of-state students paying around $14,288. Students borrow a median of $10,440 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $41,022 ten years out. Set against $10,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Snow College
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale placed #53 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,056 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Health student debt is $44,499. Median earnings reach $39,696 ten years out. Set against $44,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
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 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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (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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