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2026 Best Value Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Bachelor’s Degree Schools

73 Colleges in the United States
$23,277 Avg Student Debt
$54,475 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Bachelor's Degree Badge [Dental Hygiene/Hygienist](/majors/health-care-professions/dental-support-services/dental-hygiene-hygienist/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong dental hygiene/hygienist education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 364 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the dental hygiene/hygienist degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Schools

1

Leading the list is Lake Washington Institute Of Technology, our #1 best value for dental hygiene/hygienist in the United States. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Kirkland. Students from in state pay about $5,997 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $77,431. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Students looking for strong value in dental hygiene/hygienist will find it at Georgia Highlands College, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Rome, Georgia Highlands College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $10,080. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $15,134 in student loans. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Georgia Highlands College generally make around $56,814. Set against $15,134 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3
Foothill College crest
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA

Foothill College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dental hygiene/hygienist, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Los Altos Hills, Foothill College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,565, with out-of-state students paying around $12,590. Students borrow a median of $17,285 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Foothill College generally make around $81,255. Set against $17,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Northwest earned it the #4 place for dental hygiene/hygienist. Located in the suburb of Gary, Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $25,000. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Indiana University Northwest earn a median of $57,654 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Truckee Meadows Community College earned it the #5 place for dental hygiene/hygienist. Set in the city of Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,352, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Students borrow a median of $12,290 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Truckee Meadows Community College earn a median of $52,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,290 median debt.

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6
West Los Angeles College crest
West Los Angeles College
Culver City, CA

West Los Angeles College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Located in the suburb of Culver City, West Los Angeles College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $65,978.

7

Columbia Basin College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Set in the suburb of Pasco, Columbia Basin College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,555, compared with $8,668 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $25,000. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $70,534. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Farmingdale State College placed #8 among the best values for dental hygiene/hygienist. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,626, compared with $18,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $15,528. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Farmingdale State College generally make around $72,908. Set against $15,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

9
Clark College crest
Clark College
Vancouver, WA

Clark College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Clark College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Vancouver. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,233, compared with $11,183 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $23,429. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Clark College generally make around $64,500. That is a strong return on a $23,429 median debt.

10

Utah Valley University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $12,840. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $45,301 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,840 median debt.

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11

Tyler Junior College placed #11 among the best values for dental hygiene/hygienist. Located in the city of Tyler, Tyler Junior College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $16,241 in student loans. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $53,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Indiana University South Bend came in at #12 for value in dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Indiana University South Bend generally make around $55,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants.

13

Community College Of Denver landed the #13 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist value this year. Set in the city of Denver, Community College Of Denver is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,058, with out-of-state students paying around $17,658. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $29,472. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Community College Of Denver earn a median of $76,712 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Pierce College At Fort Steilacoom placed #14 among the best values for dental hygiene/hygienist. Pierce College At Fort Steilacoom is a large public school located in the city of Lakewood. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,418, compared with $5,976 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,154 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates of Pierce College At Fort Steilacoom earn a median of $39,975 early in their careers. Set against $17,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Texas Womans University came in at #15 for value in dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Texas Womans University is a large public school located in the city of Denton. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,601 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Texas Womans University generally make around $55,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

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16

Yakima Valley Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Set in the city of Yakima, Yakima Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,312, with out-of-state students paying around $5,873. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $14,649. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Yakima Valley Community College generally make around $62,574. Set against $14,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earned the #17 position for value in dental hygiene/hygienist this year. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fort Smith. Students from in state pay about $7,334 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,182 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,625 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from University Of Arkansas Fort Smith generally make around $58,380. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

18

Weber State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $21,912 in student loans. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $45,118. That is a strong return on a $21,912 median debt.

19

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #19 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist value this year. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $26,168 to complete the dental hygiene/hygienist program here. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $64,402. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

20

Clayton State University landed the #20 spot for dental hygiene/hygienist value this year. Located in the suburb of Morrow, Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,180, with out-of-state students paying around $16,532. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $25,000. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $54,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.

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21

Pueblo Community College earned the #21 position for value in dental hygiene/hygienist this year. Located in the city of Pueblo, Pueblo Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,049, while out-of-state students pay about $17,649. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $19,549. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $62,355. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $23,199 in student loans. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $47,974. That is a strong return on a $23,199 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

23

University Of Wyoming ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Located in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for dental hygiene/hygienist graduates is $16,542. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $62,557. Set against $16,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.

24

University Of Louisiana Monroe placed #24 among the best values for dental hygiene/hygienist. Located in the city of Monroe, University Of Louisiana Monroe is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,190, compared with $21,290 for out-of-state students. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, dental hygiene/hygienist degree recipients from University Of Louisiana Monroe generally make around $60,188. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Louisiana Monroe admits about 85% of applicants.

25

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value dental hygiene/hygienist schools. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Dental Hygiene/hygienist graduates carry a median of $15,431 in student loans. Early-career dental hygiene/hygienist graduates make about $54,207. That is a strong return on a $15,431 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s dental hygiene/hygienist value ranking:

26
Midwestern State University crest
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX
27
28
29
30
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
31
32
33
34
35
36
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, GA
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Other Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Degree Levels

Explore the best-value dental hygiene/hygienist schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
Associate's Degrees in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
Master's Degrees in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 364 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 73 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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