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Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Colleges Under $20,000

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

Berea College breaks the mold among affordable health services programs, offering a net cost of just $4,483 despite its $49,326 sticker price through generous financial aid. This private Kentucky institution achieves a 62% graduation rate while most comparable programs struggle to reach 50%. The stark contrast between public and private options becomes clear when comparing Berea's outcomes to regional public campuses like Ohio University's satellite locations, where graduation rates hover between 13-20%. Health services education has grown increasingly critical as the U.S. faces a projected shortage of 3.2 million healthcare workers by 2026. California dominates this affordable market with multiple Cal State campuses offering strong programs under $6,000 net cost. Miami Dade College and Seminole State represent Florida's commitment to accessible healthcare education, with net costs below $6,000 serving the state's rapidly aging population. The earnings potential ranges from $23,166 to $38,289, reflecting the broad spectrum of allied health careers from medical assistants to respiratory therapists.
50
Programs
$3,119 – $10,916
Net Price Range
$30,210
Avg. Program Earnings
47.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,119 $3,227 42.0%
2 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
5 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
6 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
7 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
8 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
9 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
10 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
11 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
12 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
13 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
14 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
15 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
16 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
17 $6,329 $4,865 31.4%
18 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
19 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
20 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
21 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
22 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
23 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
24 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
25 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
26 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
27 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
28 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
29 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
30 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
31 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
32 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
33 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
34 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
35 $9,421 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
36 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
37 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
38 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
39 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
40 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
41 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
42 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
43 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
44 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
45 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
46 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
47 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
48 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
49 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
50 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Berea College and public options?

Berea College charges $49,326 in tuition but brings the net cost down to $4,483 through substantial financial aid, making it competitive with public schools. The college's unique work-study program requires all students to work on campus, helping offset costs. Public options like Seminole State College of Florida charge just $3,227 in-state with a net cost of $3,119. This $1,364 difference often proves worthwhile given Berea's 62% graduation rate compared to much lower rates at some regional campuses.

How do California State University campuses compare in this field?

Cal State Fullerton leads with a 69.2% graduation rate and $31,640 median earnings, justifying its $5,646 net cost. Cal State Stanislaus offers the most generous aid with a net cost of $5,671 despite $7,826 in-state tuition. Cal State Dominguez Hills provides the most accessible entry point with an 89.13% acceptance rate and $3,659 net cost. All three campuses serve California's massive healthcare industry, which employs over 1.8 million workers statewide.

Is the low graduation rate at Ohio University satellite campuses a red flag?

Ohio University's regional campuses show concerning graduation rates between 13.7% and 20%, significantly below the national average. The Eastern Campus graduates just 20% of students despite a reasonable $4,503 net cost. Lancaster Campus performs worst at 13.7% with a $6,133 net cost, suggesting completion challenges. These campuses primarily serve rural Appalachian communities where students often face additional barriers like work obligations and family responsibilities that impact degree completion.

Does borrowing vary significantly across these affordable programs?

Student debt levels range from $10,975 at CUNY York College to $17,609 at Cal State San Bernardino among schools reporting this data. Seminole State College graduates carry $14,987 in average debt, reasonable given the $3,119 net cost. Cal State Stanislaus keeps debt low at $12,415 despite higher attendance costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable across most programs, with even the highest debt representing less than 60% of typical first-year earnings in allied health fields.

Where do graduates typically find employment in health services?

Health services graduates work across hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and government health agencies. California graduates benefit from the state's position as home to Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and major medical device companies. Florida's aging population creates strong demand for healthcare workers, with graduates often finding roles in long-term care and home health services. Ohio graduates serve rural healthcare needs, often staying in their communities to work at critical access hospitals and federally qualified health centers that struggle with staffing shortages.

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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.