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Best Value Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Colleges in Texas

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

Texas health programs show dramatic earnings gaps that don't align with simple cost calculations. University of the Incarnate Word graduates earn $44,170 annually despite charging $20,498 net, while Texas Woman's University delivers nearly identical outcomes at $10,948. This disconnect matters in a state where the Texas Medical Center alone employs over 120,000 healthcare workers. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 12 of the top programs charging under $16,000 net annually. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley breaks cost barriers at just $6,500 net with a 49.30% graduation rate, while Texas Southmost College costs only $5,458 but shows concerning completion patterns. Houston's massive medical infrastructure creates steady demand for allied health professionals, from medical assistants to health information technicians. Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University serve important pipeline roles despite higher debt loads reaching $29,000. The state's geographic spread means rural programs like West Texas A&M compete directly with urban centers for clinical placement sites.
28
Programs
$5,458 – $25,491
Net Price Range
$31,424
Avg. Program Earnings
49.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

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

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,948 $35,740 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
2 $11,429 $33,993 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
3 $13,931 $34,348 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
4 $11,234 $27,584 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
5 $13,853 $31,189 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
6 $14,041 $31,314 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
7 $15,137 $33,281 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
8 $20,498 $44,170 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
9 $15,152 $30,554 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
10 $17,435 $26,353 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
11 $20,841 $27,500 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
12 $24,532 $30,520 $18,238 9.1%
13 $19,734 $21,964 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
14 $20,244 $13,498 38.1% 57.3%
15 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
16 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
17 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
18 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
19 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
20 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
21 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
22 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
23 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
24 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
25 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
26 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
27 $25,491 $17,457 71.8%
28 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $22,206 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

University of the Incarnate Word graduates earn $44,170 compared to $21,964 at Texas Southern University, reflecting program specialization and geographic placement patterns. Private institutions often focus on higher-paying specialties like healthcare administration and clinical research coordination. Public universities typically prepare students for entry-level roles in medical assisting and health information management. Regional job markets also influence outcomes, with Houston and Dallas offering more high-paying positions than smaller Texas cities.

How do public university costs compare across different Texas regions?

In-state tuition ranges from $3,148 at Texas Southmost College to $14,564 at UT Dallas, showing significant regional variation. Border institutions like UT Rio Grande Valley charge $9,859 while major city campuses average $9,500 to $10,600. Rural programs like West Texas A&M charge $9,101 despite serving a smaller population base. Net costs after aid typically add $2,000 to $8,000 to these base rates depending on institutional resources.

Is the 70.80% graduation rate at UT Dallas worth the higher cost?

UT Dallas charges $17,435 net but delivers the highest completion rate among public programs, though graduates earn only $26,353 annually. This creates a complex value proposition compared to University of Houston's 64.90% rate at $13,853 net with $31,189 earnings. The higher graduation rate may reflect stronger student support services and more selective admissions at 84.74% acceptance. Students must weigh completion security against potentially lower starting salaries in the Dallas market.

Does attending a private institution justify the cost premium for health sciences?

University of the Incarnate Word costs $20,498 net but produces the highest graduate earnings at $44,170, creating a strong return on investment. The $28,441 average debt load represents 64% of first-year earnings, which is manageable for healthcare careers. Public alternatives like Texas Woman's University cost half as much but generate 19% lower earnings over time. Private programs often provide smaller class sizes and stronger industry connections that translate to better job placement outcomes.

Where do most Texas health sciences graduates find employment after graduation?

Houston's Texas Medical Center employs the largest concentration of healthcare workers globally, creating strong demand for program graduates. Major health systems like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White recruit directly from Texas universities for positions ranging from medical assistants to health information specialists. San Antonio's military medical facilities provide additional opportunities, particularly for graduates from UT San Antonio and University of the Incarnate Word. Rural hospitals throughout Texas also actively recruit graduates to address ongoing workforce shortages in smaller communities.

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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.