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Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Western Governors University stands out among affordable health preparatory programs with graduates earning $63,855 annually, nearly triple the $24,035 earned by Marshall University graduates. This wide earnings gap reflects the varied career paths available in health preparation, from medical assistant roles to pre-professional tracks leading to advanced degrees. California dominates the affordable options with four state universities offering net costs between $5,825 and $10,550, taking advantage of the state's massive healthcare employment market that includes over 2.8 million health sector jobs. The geographic spread reveals opportunities from California's Central Valley to Puerto Rico's medical centers, with graduation rates ranging from 25.6% at Coppin State to 61.9% at University of Minnesota-Morris. Public institutions make up the majority of affordable options, though several private schools in Puerto Rico offer competitive pricing. Students can access quality preparation for medical school, nursing programs, or direct entry into healthcare careers while keeping debt levels manageable across these varied institutions.
50
Programs
$5,825 – $14,986
Net Price Range
$35,780
Avg. Program Earnings
49.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
2 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
3 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
4 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
5 $7,635 $5,966 44.0%
6 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
7 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
8 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
9 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
10 $9,832 $3,050 41.2%
11 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
12 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
13 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
14 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
15 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
16 $10,753 $7,272 25.8%
17 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
18 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
19 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
20 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
21 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
22 $12,063 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
23 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
24 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
25 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
26 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
27 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
28 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
29 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
30 $13,208 $6,368 31.0% 82.5%
31 $13,308 $8,078 38.1%
32 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
33 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
34 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
35 $13,613 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
36 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
37 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
38 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
39 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
40 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
41 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
42 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
43 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
44 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
45 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
46 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
47 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
48 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
49 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
50 $14,986 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings difference between graduates of similar programs?

Western Governors University graduates earn $63,855 compared to Marshall University's $24,035, a difference of nearly $40,000 annually. This gap reflects different program focuses and regional job markets. Western Governors emphasizes competency-based education that aligns with higher-paying technical health roles. Geographic location also matters, as graduates entering different regional healthcare markets face varying salary scales and advancement opportunities.

How do California state universities keep health program costs so low?

California State University campuses in Bakersfield, Fresno, and San Marcos offer net costs between $5,825 and $10,550 for health preparatory programs. State funding subsidizes education costs while high acceptance rates above 86% keep programs accessible. The state's large healthcare sector provides extensive clinical placement opportunities, reducing program overhead costs. These schools benefit from economies of scale within the CSU system's shared resources and standardized curricula.

Is the 25.6% graduation rate at Coppin State a red flag for students?

Coppin State's 25.6% graduation rate reflects the challenges many urban public universities face serving first-generation college students. However, the school's $6,007 net cost and Baltimore location provide access to major medical centers like Johns Hopkins for clinical experience. Students should consider additional support services and realistic timelines for degree completion. The low graduation rate may indicate students transferring to other programs or taking longer than six years to complete degrees.

Does attending a Puerto Rico university limit career opportunities on the mainland?

Caribbean University campuses in Bayamon and Carolina offer net costs under $8,000 with graduation rates between 36.7% and 44%. These programs provide LCME-recognized preparation that transfers to mainland medical schools and healthcare programs. Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory means degrees carry full recognition for federal licensing and certification. Many graduates successfully transition to mainland healthcare systems, particularly in areas with significant Latino populations where bilingual skills prove valuable.

Where do students find the best value combining low cost with strong outcomes?

University of Minnesota-Morris offers the highest graduation rate at 61.9% with a net cost of $9,110, providing excellent value for pre-health students. California State University-Fresno combines a reasonable $6,480 net cost with a 54.8% graduation rate and 95.4% acceptance rate. Eastern Kentucky University graduates earn $55,840 annually at a $9,962 net cost, delivering strong return on investment. These schools balance affordability with academic support systems that help students complete their programs successfully.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.