2026 Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Health bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 894 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Public Health students take on a median of $13,048 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $13,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #2 this year. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median Public Health program debt is $27,081. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on American Public University System
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #3 on this year's best-value Public Health ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Lake Washington Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4 this year. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Kirkland, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Students borrow a median of $19,695 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,669 ten years after entry. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
You'll get strong value at Universidad Del Turabo, which ranked #5 this year. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. The median Public Health program debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $26,223 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. More on Universidad Del Turabo
St Petersburg College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,682 in tuition and fees, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about St Petersburg College
Bellevue University placed #7 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Typical Public Health student debt is $27,852. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bellevue University report
Western Carolina University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Western Carolina University Public Health students take on a median of $26,343 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,492. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Mississippi University For Women
Bemidji State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. The median Public Health program debt is $25,819. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Walden University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Walden University Public Health students take on a median of $45,793 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $25,044 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $25,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Public Health students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
National University placed #14 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. National University Public Health students take on a median of $37,469 in debt. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,469 median debt. More on National University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $26,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $26,998 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Public Health program debt is $24,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Henderson State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $23,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. See the full Henderson State University profile
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #17 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $27,000. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Rasmussen College Florida ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. This private for-profit school is set in Ocala, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $16,256. Graduates carry a median of $40,809 in student loans. Rasmussen College Florida alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Rasmussen College Florida
Youngstown State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Public Health program debt is $26,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of North Dakota landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Tacoma Community College placed #22 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Based in Tacoma, WA, Tacoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,507, while out-of-state students pay about $11,646. Graduates carry a median of $14,822 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,168. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tacoma Community College
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,574 to complete their Public Health program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Excelsior College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit school based in Albany, NY. The median Public Health program debt is $31,129. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,493 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,129 median debt. Read more about Excelsior College
Truman State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $23,278 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Truman State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Ferris State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Public Health program debt is $23,562. 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. See the full Ferris State University profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce Public Health students take on a median of $7,869 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,721. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Winona State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Public Health students take on a median of $20,966 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $20,966 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Winona State University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $22,345 in student loans. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,345 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Missouri Southern State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Based in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,600 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $22,241. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,620 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about Missouri Southern State University
Florida National University Main Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Hialeah, FL, Florida National University Main Campus is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,368. Typical Public Health student debt is $37,641. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Florida National University Main Campus report
California State University Stanislaus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Turlock, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,188. That is a strong return on a $14,813 median debt. California State University Stanislaus has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full California State University Stanislaus report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $29,223 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $29,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #34 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Set in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Students borrow a median of $21,625 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,351. Set against $21,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
Central Michigan University placed #34 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median Public Health program debt is $27,857. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #36 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Public Health program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
California State University Sacramento came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. The median Public Health program debt is $17,492. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Sacramento
San Jose State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Illinois State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Public Health students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Northeastern State University placed #40 among the best-value Public Health schools in the United States. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,464 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Northeastern State University report
Monroe College Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Bronx, NY, Monroe College Main Campus is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,464. Typical Public Health student debt is $30,904. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,236 ten years after entry. Set against $30,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Monroe College Main Campus
University Of Florida Online ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of Florida Online is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $3,876 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Online Public Health students take on a median of $17,580 in debt. University Of Florida Online alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida Online profile
Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,796. Graduates carry a median of $37,794 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,529. Set against $37,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Baptist Memorial College Of Health Sciences
Cuny Hunter College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete their Public Health program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny Hunter College
Western Illinois University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. The median Public Health program debt is $27,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Public Health students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical Public Health student debt is $24,619. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. The median Public Health program debt is $28,375. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Northern Arizona University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Northern Arizona University Public Health students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Arizona University report
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Health schools. Located in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,289 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Health program here. Median earnings reach $54,329 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana report
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 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. 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).