Rankings / Outcomes
Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health
- 50
- Schools
- $79,777
- Avg. Earnings
- 75%
- Avg. Graduation
- $29,948
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,013
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $49,137 to $137,047, a 2.8× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of West Florida delivers the most for the money: roughly $49,137 in median earnings against $9,364 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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University of West Florida is the lowest-cost school here at $9,364 a year in net price.
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Villanova University graduates 92% of its students, versus a 75% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.13× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences ($131,426 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis ($137,047), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of West Florida costs $9,364 a year and Providence College costs $48,523. Yet their graduates earn $49,137 and $87,054, nowhere near the $39,159 price gap.
- On value, University of West Florida beats University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of West Florida and Villanova University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $77K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $131,426 ▲ +65% vs avg | $29,882 | 68% | 93 |
| $137,047 ▲ +72% vs avg | $31,817 | 69% | 89 | |
| 3 Lehigh University #3 overall | $105,584 ▲ +32% vs avg | $36,931 | 89% | 81 |
| $103,937 ▲ +30% vs avg | $41,704 | 91% | 80 | |
| $100,423 ▲ +26% vs avg | $43,756 | 92% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $79,777 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 75% and an average net price of $29,948.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of West Florida — Net Price: $9,364 | Graduation Rate: 60%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Villanova University — 92% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis — Median alumni earnings: $137,047
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Population Health Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about population health and public service?
$76,433
Median earnings (10yr)
75%
Median graduation rate
$29,516
Median net price
1.8%
Avg. mobility rate
Public-health programs train the people who run health departments, model epidemics, and design the systems that keep communities well. Demand surged after COVID-19 and has stayed elevated across epidemiology, health administration, and government and nonprofit roles. Public-sector pay ceilings are lower, so the social return often outruns the financial one.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $76,433 ten years after they first enrolled, about $28,433 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 75%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $29,516 a year, with about $25,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 23% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.8%.
What we’re seeing: the field is professionalizing, and government agencies and health systems now compete for the same analytic talent. Median earnings of $76,433 reflect the public-service trade-off. Value here depends on keeping debt low relative to those salaries, and the typical net price on this list (what students pay after grants) is $29,516.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Albany, NY · 53% accepted · $29,882 net
Why it ranks #1
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences lands at #1 with a 93/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $131,426 a decade after enrolling, 65% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,882 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 90% accepted · $31,817 net
Why it ranks #2
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis lands at #2 with a 89/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $137,047 a decade after enrolling, 72% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,817 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Lehigh University lands at #3 with a 81/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $105,584 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,931 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Boston College lands at #4 with a 80/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $103,937 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,704 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Villanova University lands at #5 with a 78/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $100,423 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $43,756 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of West Florida lands at #6 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Campbell University lands at #7 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $54,886 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,516 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Fairfield University lands at #8 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $88,794 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $48,095 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Milwaukee School of Engineering lands at #9 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $89,070 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,453 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Portland lands at #10 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $82,804 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,210 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Dominican University of California lands at #11 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $84,713 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,333 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Quinnipiac University lands at #12 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $83,759 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,675 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Providence College lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $87,054 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $48,523 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Philadelphia, PA · 89% accepted · $29,689 net
Why it ranks #14
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia lands at #14 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $86,881 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,689 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Ohio Northern University lands at #15 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $80,928 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,478 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Binghamton University lands at #16 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $80,596 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,620 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Loyola University Maryland lands at #17 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $82,652 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,574 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Rochester lands at #18 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $79,042 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,278 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Linfield University lands at #19 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $78,638 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,536 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Immaculata University lands at #20 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,701 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Seattle University lands at #21 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $75,272 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
University of the Pacific lands at #22 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $78,445 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,447 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Marquette University lands at #23 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $78,257 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,487 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Wagner College lands at #24 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $74,360 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,241 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Gonzaga University lands at #25 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $78,892 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $35,119 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Oregon Institute of Technology lands at #26 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (69/100). Graduates earn a median $72,273 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,706 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Adelphi University lands at #27 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $75,482 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,783 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Molloy University lands at #28 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $77,789 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,347 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Butler University lands at #29 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $77,235 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,041 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
University of Miami lands at #30 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $75,328 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,244 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Saint Johns University lands at #31 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $76,786 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,672 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Regis University lands at #32 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $72,105 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,397 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of Dayton lands at #33 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,537 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,533 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Arcadia University lands at #34 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $58,336 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,466 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Saint Mary's College of California lands at #35 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $78,812 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,378 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Siena University lands at #36 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $76,079 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $33,733 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
The College of New Jersey lands at #37 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $73,323 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Saint Anselm College lands at #38 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $73,371 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,779 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Stonehill College lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $77,745 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $33,016 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Rutgers University-Camden lands at #40 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $74,479 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
James Madison University lands at #41 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Sacred Heart University lands at #42 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (25/100). Graduates earn a median $75,059 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $46,174 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Widener University lands at #43 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $70,920 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,759 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Assumption University lands at #44 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $74,895 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,498 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Minneapolis, MN · 80% accepted · $16,778 net
Why it ranks #45
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands at #45 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,778 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Mount Saint Mary's University lands at #46 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $72,379 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,413 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Clemson University lands at #47 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $71,513 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,253 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Salve Regina University lands at #48 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $72,975 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,967 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Iona University lands at #49 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $73,595 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,188 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Merrimack College lands at #50 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $75,584 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,927 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Choosing a college for public health can feel overwhelming. With so many options, it’s essential to focus on programs that not only offer quality education but also lead to strong job outcomes. Graduates from the top schools in this list earn an average of $95,002, making these institutions noteworthy for anyone considering a career in health professions.
What sets these colleges apart are their graduate earnings, completion rates, and debt levels. This list highlights schools that excel in these areas, offering a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation. High earnings and low debt are crucial, but it’s also vital to consider graduation rates and the potential for upward mobility in students' careers.
Take the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, with impressive earnings of $137,047 and a graduation rate of 69%. In contrast, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has a slightly lower earning potential at $131,426 but also a comparable graduation rate of 68%. These differences can guide prospective students in evaluating their choices based on financial outcomes and personal circumstances.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 45 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.8%. Binghamton University leads the group at 5.1%, with University of the Pacific (4.3%) and Oregon Institute of Technology (3.5%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 4.8% of students start in the bottom income quintile. University of West Florida leads at 27.9%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 40.6% across this list. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences posts the highest success rate at 85.2%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.75 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Boston College reaches 1.89, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
The data reveals a significant disparity between schools like MCPHS University and the University of Pennsylvania. While MCPHS graduates earn $125,557, the University of Pennsylvania graduates benefit from a remarkable 97% graduation rate, which may lead to better long-term job stability despite having lower earnings of $111,371.
As you sort through this list of 50 schools, consider your priorities. Are you drawn to a specific location or program fit? Perhaps the debt levels are crucial for your financial planning. Weigh these factors against earnings and graduation rates to find a balance that meets your needs.
This data underscores the importance of selecting the right college for a successful career. One family may prioritize a high-earning program, while another might focus on manageable debt. Ultimately, the decision can shape not just educational experiences but also long-term financial stability.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health ranking? +
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Albany, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $131,426 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 68% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis posts the highest median earnings on this list: $137,047 ten years after enrollment, well above the $79,777 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of West Florida leads: graduates earn a median $49,137 against net price of about $9,364 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Villanova University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 92%, compared with a 75% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $29,948 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. University of West Florida is among the most affordable at roughly $9,364. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
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