Rankings / Value
Most Affordable Colleges for Public Health
- 50
- Schools
- $51,405
- Avg. Earnings
- 48%
- Avg. Graduation
- $7,845
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,379
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $25,021 at the low end to $71,588 at the top. That 2.9× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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CUNY Hunter College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $63,163 against $2,984 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, CUNY Hunter College at $2,984 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $63,163, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, well above the 48% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Berea College: graduates owe only 0.08× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to CUNY Lehman College ($58,013 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Florida ($71,588). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. CUNY Hunter College ($2,984/yr) and The University of Texas at Arlington ($13,951/yr) produce graduates earning $63,163 and $63,199 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $10,967 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY Hunter College outperforms University of Florida: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with CUNY Hunter College and University of Florida. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $50K 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 CUNY Lehman College #1 overall | $58,013 ▲ +13% vs avg | $3,148 | 50% | 86 |
| 2 CUNY Brooklyn College #2 overall | $60,752 ▲ +18% vs avg | $3,103 | 55% | 85 |
| 3 CUNY York College #3 overall | $56,945 ▲ +11% vs avg | $4,456 | 31% | 85 |
| $63,163 ▲ +23% vs avg | $2,984 | 59% | 85 | |
| $49,137 ▼ -4% vs avg | $9,364 | 60% | 83 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable 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 $51,405 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 48% and an average net price of $7,845.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Hunter College — Net Price: $2,984 | Graduation Rate: 59%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Florida — Median alumni earnings: $71,588
Our Analysis Found
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Population Health Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about population health and public service?
$50,178
Median earnings (10yr)
48%
Median graduation rate
$8,148
Median net price
2.7%
Avg. mobility rate
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed public health to the center of national attention, and demand for trained professionals has stayed elevated since. These programs supply epidemiologists, health administrators, and policy analysts to government, nonprofits, and the growing population-health arms of private health systems. The work is mission-driven, and the returns are as much social as financial.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 48%. Median graduate earnings reach $50,178 ten years after enrollment, roughly $2,178 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $8,148 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $17,296. Some 43% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.7%.
Demand for public-health graduates is broad and growing, but public-sector pay scales mean cost discipline matters as much as career potential. With median earnings around $50,178 and a typical net price of $8,148, the strongest values are the programs that keep the debt burden light relative to what those jobs pay.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Lehman College lands at #1 with a 86/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,013 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,148 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
CUNY Brooklyn College lands at #2 with a 85/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $60,752 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,103 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
CUNY York College lands at #3 with a 85/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $56,945 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
CUNY Hunter College lands at #4 with a 85/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $63,163 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $2,984 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of West Florida lands at #5 with a 83/100 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, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, above 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 #6
Indiana University-Kokomo lands at #6 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $49,917 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,968 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Dalton State College lands at #7 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,251 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,012 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Florida lands at #8 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Marshall University lands at #9 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $46,354 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,502 a year. 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
Brooklyn, NY · 80% accepted · $5,127 net
Why it ranks #10
CUNY New York City College of Technology lands at #10 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $49,365 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,127 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Texas A & M International University lands at #11 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $48,386 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,637 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Oakland University lands at #12 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $58,612 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,120 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
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College lands at #13 with a 80/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $34,996 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,842 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Rhode Island College lands at #14 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,318 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,478 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 #15
Ferris State University lands at #15 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $54,735 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,624 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 #16
University of Virginia's College at Wise lands at #16 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $45,325 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,210 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 #17
CUNY Medgar Evers College lands at #17 with a 80/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $46,498 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,718 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Northern Kentucky University lands at #18 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,220 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,191 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
Berea College lands at #19 with a 80/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $43,150 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,106 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
University of Florida-Online lands at #20 with a 79/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Clayton State University lands at #21 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,179 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 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 #22
University of Central Florida lands at #22 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 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 #23
Purdue University Northwest lands at #23 with a 79/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,318 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,079 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Florida Atlantic University lands at #24 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 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 #25
Gordon State College lands at #25 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $37,871 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,105 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 #26
University of North Florida lands at #26 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 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 #27
Texas Woman's University lands at #27 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (68/100). Graduates earn a median $56,544 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,963 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 #28
Oklahoma Panhandle State University lands at #28 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,933 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,413 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 #29
Christian Brothers University lands at #29 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,478 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,854 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
Edinburg, TX · 94% accepted · $4,831 net
Why it ranks #30
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley lands at #30 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $49,620 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,831 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Fayetteville State University lands at #31 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,144 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,892 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 #32
University of South Florida lands at #32 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 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 #33
Murray State University lands at #33 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $44,737 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,096 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 #34
College of Staten Island CUNY lands at #34 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $53,501 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $5,579 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Portales, NM · 92% accepted · $4,904 net
Why it ranks #35
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus lands at #35 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,550 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,904 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Lamar University lands at #36 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 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
Alexandria, LA · 92% accepted · $7,065 net
Why it ranks #37
Louisiana State University at Alexandria lands at #37 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $42,205 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,065 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #38 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (69/100). Graduates earn a median $57,053 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,323 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 #39
California State University-Stanislaus lands at #39 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (65/100). Graduates earn a median $63,188 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Florida International University lands at #40 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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 #41
Austin Peay State University lands at #41 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $44,301 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,735 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 #42
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #42 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,199 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,951 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 #43
Louisiana Tech University lands at #43 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $52,279 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,864 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 #44
Indiana University-Northwest lands at #44 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $43,361 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,130 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Midwestern State University lands at #45 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $55,747 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,656 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
University Center, MI · 72% accepted · $10,775 net
Why it ranks #46
Saginaw Valley State University lands at #46 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,955 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,775 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 #47
Northwestern Oklahoma State University lands at #47 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,358 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,104 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 #48
University of North Georgia lands at #48 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,135 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,823 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
Universidad Central de Bayamon lands at #49 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (54/100). Graduates earn a median $25,021 a decade after enrolling, 51% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,827 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Holy Family University lands at #50 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $62,235 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,143 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a career in public health, affordability plays a crucial role in choosing the right college. Many students are looking for programs that not only fit their financial needs but also provide solid outcomes post-graduation. For instance, this list highlights schools where students can expect a net price as low as $2,984, making education more accessible.
What sets the top schools apart in this ranking is not just low tuition but also the potential earnings and graduation rates that indicate strong program effectiveness. With an average earning of $53,694 and a graduation rate of 50% across the top colleges, these figures offer insight into the real-world benefits of pursuing a degree in health professions. The list below illustrates how these colleges stack up against each other based on affordability, earnings, and student success metrics.
To illustrate the differences among these schools, consider CUNY Hunter College, which has the highest average earnings at $63,163 and a graduation rate of 59%. In contrast, CUNY York College shows earnings of $56,945 with a lower graduation rate of 31%. This comparison highlights how graduation rates can influence earning potential, encouraging students to consider their likelihood of completing the program when making their choice.
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
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 37 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.7%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Lehman College leads the group at 10.2%, with CUNY Brooklyn College (8.1%) and CUNY Hunter College (7.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 13% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. CUNY Lehman College enrolls the most, at 36.7%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 21.4% across the list, peaking at 40.4% at Christian Brothers University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.43, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and CUNY Hunter College is highest at 1.80.
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
Looking deeper into the data reveals interesting patterns that prospective students should consider. For instance, CUNY Hunter College not only leads in earnings but also has a graduation rate of 59%, suggesting that a supportive environment contributes to students' success. In contrast, CUNY York College, despite its lower net price of $4,456, struggles with a graduation rate of just 31%, which might raise concerns about the support and resources available to students.
As you reflect on these schools, think about what factors matter most to you. Are you prioritizing location, campus culture, or specific program strengths? These factors can significantly affect your college experience and future career. Use this data as a starting point to weigh against your personal priorities and goals. For example, a lower net price may be appealing, but also consider how graduation rates and post-graduate earnings align with your long-term career plans.
Ultimately, this data underscores the importance of choosing a college that not only fits your budget but also provides a pathway to a stable life after graduation. One family's choice to invest in a public health degree at CUNY Hunter College illustrates how a strong return on investment can lead to higher earnings and greater career satisfaction. Choosing the right college is a significant decision that can impact your future, so take the time to evaluate all aspects carefully.
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
Most Affordable Colleges for Public Health: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges for Public Health ranking? +
CUNY Lehman College in Bronx, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges for Public Health ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $58,013 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 50% 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 Florida posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,588 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,405 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, CUNY Hunter College leads: graduates earn a median $63,163 against net price of about $2,984 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? +
University of Florida has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 91%, compared with a 48% 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 $7,845 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Hunter College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,984. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable 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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