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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Public Health Bachelor’s Degree Schools

257 Colleges in the United States
$24,319 Avg Student Debt
$59,327 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Public Health Bachelor's Degree Badge [Public Health](/majors/health-care-professions/public-health/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong public health education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 894 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public health students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Public Health Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the public health degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Public Health Schools

1
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny Hunter College the best value for a degree in public health in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $11,091. Early-career public health graduates make about $47,444. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.

2

Cuny Lehman College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public health, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,414 to complete the public health program here. Soon after graduation, public health degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $41,255. That is a strong return on a $15,414 median debt. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.

3

Students looking for strong value in public health will find it at California State University Stanislaus, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Students borrow a median of $14,813 to complete the public health program here. Soon after graduation, public health degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $46,807. That is a strong return on a $14,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Los Angeles earned it the #4 place for public health. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete the public health program here. Early-career public health graduates make about $40,750. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.

5
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Florida earned it the #5 place for public health. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $17,580. Public Health graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $30,056 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.

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California State University Fullerton came in at #6 for value in public health this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Public Health graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public health degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $34,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

7

Cuny New York City College Of Technology earned the #7 position for value in public health this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, while out-of-state students pay about $15,282. Public Health graduates carry a median of $11,492 in student loans. Early-career public health graduates make about $44,323. That is a strong return on a $11,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

8

Texas A And M International University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value public health schools. Texas A And M International University is a large public school located in the city of Laredo. In-state tuition and fees average $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $15,095. Public Health graduates of Texas A And M International University earn a median of $42,029 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%.

9

California State University San Bernardino landed the #9 spot for public health value this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. Students borrow a median of $15,149 to complete the public health program here. Public Health graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $51,772 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

10

California State University Northridge placed #10 among the best values for public health. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete the public health program here. Public Health graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $39,011 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

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California State University Bakersfield earned the #11 position for value in public health this year. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,087, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. The acceptance rate is 94%.

12
St Petersburg College crest
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL

St Petersburg College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value public health schools. St Petersburg College is a very large public school located in the city of St. Petersburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. Students borrow a median of $29,125 to complete the public health program here. Public Health graduates of St Petersburg College earn a median of $51,565 early in their careers. Set against $29,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

University Of Florida Online placed #13 among the best values for public health. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $17,580. Public Health graduates of University Of Florida Online earn a median of $30,056 early in their careers. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

14

Lake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #14 for value in public health this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Public Health graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Public Health graduates of Lake Washington Institute Of Technology earn a median of $60,000 early in their careers. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15
Cuny York College crest
Cuny York College
Jamaica, NY

Cuny York College landed the #15 spot for public health value this year. Cuny York College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Jamaica. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. Public Health graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public health degree recipients from Cuny York College generally make around $43,000. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

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16

California State University Sacramento ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value public health schools. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $17,492. Public Health graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $49,907 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.

17

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus placed #17 among the best values for public health. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $16,490. Soon after graduation, public health degree recipients from University Of Washington Tacoma Campus generally make around $46,016. That is a strong return on a $16,490 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of California San Diego earned the #18 position for value in public health this year. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $15,280. Early-career public health graduates make about $39,144. Set against $15,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

19

University Of Washington Bothell Campus landed the #19 spot for public health value this year. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $15,636. Soon after graduation, public health degree recipients from University Of Washington Bothell Campus generally make around $65,932. Set against $15,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Bothell Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

20

Eastern Florida State College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value public health schools. Located in the city of Melbourne, Eastern Florida State College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,791, while out-of-state students pay about $10,976. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete the public health program here. Early-career public health graduates make about $34,462. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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21
Western Governors University crest
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University came in at #21 for value in public health this year. Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the public health program here. Public Health graduates of Western Governors University earn a median of $74,771 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt.

22

California State University East Bay came in at #22 for value in public health this year. Set in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $18,073. Public Health graduates of California State University East Bay earn a median of $58,951 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants.

23

The University Of West Florida placed #23 among the best values for public health. Located in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $19,677. Public Health graduates of The University Of West Florida earn a median of $67,270 early in their careers. Set against $19,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

24

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #24 for value in public health this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Public Health graduates carry a median of $22,345 in student loans. Public Health graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $33,575 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

25

University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #25 spot for public health value this year. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public health graduates is $20,500. Early-career public health graduates make about $62,536. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Public Health Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s public health value ranking:

26
27
28
29
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for value in public health:

Rank College Location
#51 Kean University Union, NJ Full Report
#52 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY Full Report

Other Public Health Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Public Health rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Public Health
Associate's Degrees in Public Health
Master's Degrees in Public Health
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View All Public Health Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 894 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 257 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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