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Best Value Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences Colleges

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

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers an strong return on investment for health professions students at just $3,659 net cost, though graduates earn $26,187 annually. At the opposite end, University of Mississippi commands $13,164 but produces the highest earners at $56,415, creating a compelling value proposition despite the higher price tag. The 15 programs span costs from under $4,000 to nearly $17,000, with earnings varying by more than $30,000 between schools. Kettering College stands alone as the single private option at $15,156, yet maintains competitive outcomes with $52,941 graduate earnings. Health professions programs benefit from strong regional medical systems, particularly in areas like Southern California's extensive healthcare network and the growing telehealth sector across the Midwest. Graduation rates tell another story, ranging from 33% at some institutions to over 80% at Purdue, suggesting program rigor and student support vary significantly. The field encompasses everything from health information management to medical assisting, with many graduates finding immediate employment in hospitals, clinics, and emerging healthcare technology companies.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $43,939
Net Price Range
$35,809
Avg. Program Earnings
61.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $26,187 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $13,164 $56,415 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
3 $11,877 $47,846 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
4 $12,202 $46,673 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
5 $11,653 $43,426 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
6 $15,156 $52,941 $15,672 65.0% 34.4%
7 $14,170 $42,682 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
8 $13,945 $40,485 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
9 $10,026 $28,417 $8,568 33.0%
10 $10,191 $28,598 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%
11 $15,794 $44,117 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
12 $13,741 $38,289 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
13 $11,633 $31,133 $9,190 50.6% 70.1%
14 $13,726 $36,488 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
15 $16,791 $44,542 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
16 $14,738 $37,208 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
17 $19,472 $46,478 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
18 $14,609 $34,259 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
19 $13,584 $30,988 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
20 $18,287 $41,565 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
21 $16,065 $33,993 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
22 $18,328 $38,289 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
23 $17,622 $35,060 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
24 $16,531 $31,547 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
25 $16,775 $31,738 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
26 $17,096 $31,285 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
27 $16,640 $29,685 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
28 $19,182 $33,490 $8,782 61.9% 83.9%
29 $19,951 $33,637 $8,815 68.2% 59.8%
30 $21,614 $36,221 $27,570 52.3% 84.3%
31 $15,770 $25,426 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
32 $19,798 $31,581 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
33 $22,150 $34,704 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
34 $26,985 $40,896 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
35 $20,918 $28,960 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
36 $23,901 $32,843 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
37 $28,544 $38,906 $21,198 58.3%
38 $29,504 $39,369 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
39 $22,112 $27,548 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
40 $27,786 $33,993 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
41 $32,342 $39,009 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
42 $35,487 $42,682 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
43 $23,572 $27,181 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
44 $24,786 $27,874 $35,760 48.1% 81.5%
45 $31,198 $33,993 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
46 $23,156 $23,456 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
47 $41,026 $35,416 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
48 $39,207 $31,133 $53,090 77.3% 83.8%
49 $43,939 $25,967 $65,538 88.9% 11.5%
50 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between the lowest and highest paying programs?

University of Mississippi graduates earn $56,415 compared to $26,187 at Cal State Dominguez Hills, a difference of over $30,000 annually. Geographic location plays a major role, as does program focus within the broad health professions category. Mississippi's strong medical research presence and hospital systems create higher-paying opportunities. The 68.5% graduation rate at Mississippi also suggests more rigorous training that commands premium salaries.

How does Kettering College justify its private tuition against public alternatives?

Kettering College costs $15,156 but produces graduates earning $52,941, ranking second highest among all programs. The 65% graduation rate exceeds most public options and the 34.41% acceptance rate indicates selectivity. Students pay roughly $4,000 more than comparable public programs but earn approximately $10,000 more annually. The specialized healthcare focus and industry connections appear to justify the premium pricing.

Is the low cost at Cal State Dominguez Hills worth the reduced earning potential?

At $3,659 net cost, Cal State Dominguez Hills offers the most affordable entry into health professions education. However, the $26,187 median earnings and $12,500 debt load create a longer payback period. The 46.9% graduation rate and 89.13% acceptance rate suggest accessible but challenging programs. Students should weigh immediate affordability against long-term earning potential, especially in California's high cost-of-living environment.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in health professions education?

Purdue leads with 83.1% graduation rate and produces earners making $40,485, while Tennessee State's 33% rate corresponds with $28,417 earnings. Higher graduation rates generally align with better post-graduation outcomes, though exceptions exist. Programs with rates above 60% tend to have stronger industry partnerships and student support systems. The correlation suggests that completion rates serve as a reliable indicator of program quality and student preparation.

Where do geography and regional healthcare markets impact program value most?

Regional differences create dramatic value variations, with Southern and Midwestern schools offering the best cost-to-earnings ratios. University of Mississippi benefits from a concentrated medical corridor, while California programs face higher costs but access to varied healthcare employers. Midwest programs like Youngstown State at $11,877 net cost produce $47,846 earners, leveraging growing healthcare systems. Rural locations often provide better value propositions than urban coastal markets for health professions training.

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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.