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Best Value Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Colleges

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

University of Florida delivers the most unexpected value proposition in health services education, producing graduates who earn just $23,166 annually despite the program's 91.50% graduation rate and $6,351 net cost. This stark contrast highlights how earnings potential varies dramatically across health services programs, with Northern Kentucky University graduates earning $54,653 while paying only $7,168 net annually. The health services sector employs over 22 million Americans, making it the largest employment sector nationwide, yet starting salaries reflect the field's broad spectrum from medical assistants to health information technicians. California dominates affordable options with four state universities offering net costs below $12,000, while private institutions like Mercy College of Ohio charge $15,709 but deliver $50,439 in graduate earnings. The 20-program market spans from Florida's rock-bottom $5,646 net cost at Cal State Fullerton to earnings that peak at $54,653, revealing how geographic location and program focus shape both educational investment and career outcomes in this essential healthcare support field.
50
Programs
$5,646 – $24,362
Net Price Range
$38,398
Avg. Program Earnings
56.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

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

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $54,653 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $6,480 $38,289 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $5,646 $31,640 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
4 $5,918 $30,409 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
5 $6,276 $30,409 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
6 $10,512 $42,682 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
7 $8,155 $31,547 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
8 $12,785 $49,270 $14,400 56.9% 71.7%
9 $6,351 $23,166 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
10 $10,319 $36,560 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
11 $11,276 $39,686 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
12 $13,809 $45,529 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
13 $13,085 $43,128 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
14 $10,948 $35,740 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
15 $15,709 $50,439 $18,950 44.6% 46.2%
16 $10,898 $34,908 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
17 $12,882 $40,768 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
18 $10,043 $31,431 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
19 $10,353 $31,818 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
20 $24,362 $74,576 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
21 $18,803 $57,318 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
22 $11,429 $33,993 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
23 $12,280 $36,141 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
24 $12,837 $37,640 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
25 $12,267 $35,394 $10,110 47.6%
26 $17,139 $49,270 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
27 $15,355 $43,367 $12,330 22.6%
28 $15,201 $41,565 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
29 $17,185 $45,198 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
30 $13,485 $34,908 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
31 $10,916 $27,947 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
32 $22,673 $57,589 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
33 $11,732 $29,685 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
34 $10,988 $27,476 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
35 $13,931 $34,348 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
36 $11,234 $27,584 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
37 $17,502 $42,682 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
38 $23,519 $57,318 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
39 $12,912 $30,228 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
40 $15,402 $35,653 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
41 $13,375 $30,409 $8,044 32.1%
42 $21,557 $48,823 $6,600
43 $13,853 $31,189 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
44 $16,791 $37,568 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
45 $14,041 $31,314 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
46 $11,889 $26,482 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
47 $14,838 $33,043 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
48 $14,590 $32,391 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
49 $15,137 $33,281 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
50 $15,336 $33,459 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between health services programs?

Graduate earnings range from $23,166 at University of Florida to $54,653 at Northern Kentucky University, reflecting different program specializations within health services. Schools focusing on health information management and healthcare administration typically produce higher-earning graduates than those emphasizing direct patient care support roles. Regional job markets also influence outcomes, with Northern Kentucky's proximity to Cincinnati's major medical centers providing access to better-paying administrative positions. The $31,487 earnings difference between top and bottom programs demonstrates how program focus matters more than cost in this field.

How do California's health services programs compare on value?

California offers four of the most affordable health services programs, with net costs ranging from $5,646 at Cal State Fullerton to $11,276 at Cal State East Bay. These schools maintain high acceptance rates above 66%, making them accessible to most applicants seeking affordable healthcare education. However, earnings vary significantly among California programs, from $30,409 at Cal State San Bernardino to $42,682 at Sacramento State. The Golden State's large healthcare industry provides ample internship and job opportunities, though starting salaries reflect the competitive entry-level market.

Does higher cost guarantee better earnings in health services programs?

The data reveals no clear correlation between program cost and graduate earnings across health services education. University of Minnesota-Rochester charges $12,785 net cost and produces graduates earning $49,270, while University of West Florida costs $8,155 net but generates similar $31,547 earnings. Private Mercy College of Ohio justifies its $15,709 cost with $50,439 graduate earnings, the second-highest among all programs. However, Northern Kentucky University delivers the best overall value with moderate $7,168 costs producing top earnings of $54,653.

Where do health services graduates face the lowest debt burdens?

California State University-Sacramento graduates carry the lowest average debt at $14,979, followed closely by University of Florida at $15,000. These low debt levels reflect both affordable tuition and strong state financial aid programs supporting health services students. Cal State Fullerton and East Bay also keep debt below $18,000, making California particularly attractive for debt-conscious students. In contrast, Mercy College of Ohio graduates face $26,559 in average debt, though their higher starting salaries of $50,439 provide better debt-to-income ratios than many public school alternatives.

What graduation rates can students expect in health services programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from University of Florida's strong 91.50% to multiple programs below 50%, including Northern Kentucky at 48.30% and Texas Woman's University at 44.20%. Cal State Fullerton achieves a solid 69.20% graduation rate while maintaining the lowest net cost at $5,646. The wide range reflects different student populations and program rigor, with highly selective programs like University of Florida achieving better completion rates. Students should consider that schools with higher acceptance rates above 85% typically see lower graduation rates due to less stringent admission standards.

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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.