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Best Value Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Western Governors University breaks the typical pattern by delivering the highest graduate earnings at $63,855 while maintaining one of the lowest net costs at $10,442. This competency-based model contrasts sharply with traditional programs where costs often correlate with outcomes. The 20 programs analyzed show remarkable variation, from Marshall University's $8,327 net cost to South University-Savannah's $24,116, yet earnings span an even wider gap of over $40,000 annually. Health and medical preparatory programs have gained traction as healthcare employment continues expanding nationwide, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 13% growth in healthcare occupations through 2031. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight schools offering net costs under $15,000, while private institutions like Dominican University provide competitive value despite higher sticker prices. The data reveals that geographic location and institutional model matter significantly more than price alone in determining post-graduation earning potential.
50
Programs
$5,825 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$30,510
Avg. Program Earnings
60.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,442 $63,855 $8,300 50.9%
2 $9,962 $55,840 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
3 $8,327 $24,035 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
4 $11,408 $32,284 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
5 $14,846 $41,937 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
6 $10,722 $28,598 $6,391 43.0%
7 $13,172 $33,987 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
8 $13,670 $34,206 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
9 $15,898 $39,729 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
10 $12,909 $29,016 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
11 $15,113 $30,771 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
12 $14,582 $29,685 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
13 $19,614 $37,568 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
14 $18,992 $33,993 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
15 $24,116 $42,682 $18,238 22.7%
16 $16,065 $28,236 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
17 $15,142 $26,546 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
18 $17,118 $28,960 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
19 $12,437 $20,140 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
20 $17,096 $27,640 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
21 $17,722 $28,598 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
22 $18,680 $29,685 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
23 $19,182 $29,685 $8,782 61.9% 83.9%
24 $18,292 $27,280 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
25 $16,531 $24,421 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
26 $19,568 $28,598 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
27 $17,413 $24,730 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
28 $20,399 $28,960 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
29 $21,200 $28,598 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
30 $21,398 $28,462 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
31 $23,262 $25,709 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
32 $34,978 $35,060 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
33 $23,991 $23,649 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
34 $26,217 $25,194 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
35 $23,529 $21,964 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
36 $38,428 $31,853 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
37 $27,662 $21,508 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
38 $27,823 $21,508 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
39 $35,084 $26,353 $38,850 63.3% 88.3%
40 $41,942 $28,478 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
41 $31,236 $20,921 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
42 $9,832 $3,050 41.2%
43 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
44 $33,847 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
45 $22,527 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
46 $22,689 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
47 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
48 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
49 $33,072 $28,800 43.5% 65.6%
50 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Western Governors University's unusually high earnings compared to its low cost?

Western Governors University operates on a competency-based model that allows students to accelerate through coursework based on demonstrated skills rather than seat time. This approach attracts working professionals who can leverage existing knowledge to complete degrees faster and enter higher-paying roles. The university's focus on practical skills and industry partnerships helps graduates command the highest earnings at $63,855 despite a net cost of only $10,442.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for medical preparatory programs?

Public universities consistently offer lower net costs, with most falling between $8,327 and $15,898 compared to private schools. However, private institutions like Dominican University at $15,113 net cost can compete on value when considering their 62.4% graduation rate. The biggest cost gap appears between traditional nonprofit privates and for-profit institutions like South University-Savannah, which charges $24,116 net cost for significantly lower graduation rates at 22.7%.

Is there a connection between graduation rates and earning potential in these programs?

The data shows mixed patterns between graduation rates and earnings. Arizona State University achieves both high graduation rates at 67.8% and solid earnings at $34,206, while Marshall University graduates only 48.7% of students but those who complete earn $24,035. Western Governors University demonstrates that alternative models can succeed with moderate graduation rates of 50.9% yet produce the highest-earning graduates at $63,855.

Does geographic location significantly impact earning potential for medical preparatory graduates?

Regional variations appear substantial, with Utah schools showing particularly strong outcomes despite moderate costs. Western Governors University and University of Utah both produce graduates earning over $33,000 annually while maintaining reasonable net costs under $14,000. Southern and Midwestern programs show more mixed results, suggesting that local healthcare job markets and cost of living significantly influence graduate earning potential.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and strong employment outcomes?

Marshall University offers the lowest net cost at $8,327 but modest earnings, while Eastern Kentucky University provides better balance with $9,962 net cost and $55,840 earnings. For students prioritizing maximum return on investment, Western Governors University delivers strong value with earnings nearly six times higher than net cost. Traditional public universities like University of Utah and Arizona State offer solid middle-ground options with proven track records.

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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.