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