Best Value Public Health Colleges in Ohio

Public health programs in Ohio show dramatic cost variations that don't always align with career earnings potential. Kent State University at Trumbull offers the most affordable path at just $10,679 net cost, while graduates across Ohio public health programs earn between $30,771 and $39,369 annually. The University of Toledo stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $39,369 despite moderate costs of $17,460. Ohio's healthcare market creates strong demand for public health professionals, with Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center serving as major regional employers. State programs generally provide better value than private options, though graduation rates vary significantly from 26.80% at Kent State Trumbull to 87.70% at Ohio State's main campus. Students can leverage the Ohio College Opportunity Grant to reduce costs further, making already affordable public programs even more accessible.

Programs

$4,503 – $27,662

Net Price Range

$33,483

Avg. Program Earnings

48.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Public Health Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Kent State University at Trumbull Warren, Ohio	$10,679	$31,133	$7,272	26.8%
2	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$30,771	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
3	Bryant & Stratton College-Parma Parma, Ohio	$14,325	$32,439	$19,542	20.7%
4	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$39,369	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
5	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$36,608	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
6	Kent State University at Kent Kent, Ohio	$19,614	$31,133	$12,846	65.5%	88.0%
7	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, Ohio	$20,918	$32,925	$14,081	62.8%	78.7%
8	Ohio Northern University Ada, Ohio	$25,727		$37,800	74.2%	54.4%
9	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216		$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
10	Wilberforce University Wilberforce, Ohio	$7,349		$14,776	16.0%	45.1%
11	Ursuline College Pepper Pike, Ohio	$18,027		$37,860	53.2%	85.1%
12	Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, Ohio	$21,619		$52,357	61.7%	52.2%
13	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971		$6,178	17.7%
14	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413		$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
15	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133		$6,178	13.7%
16	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328		$6,178	19.3%
17	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483		$6,178	12.1%
18	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503		$6,178	20.0%
19	Baldwin Wallace University Berea, Ohio	$27,654		$37,938	68.6%	77.0%
20	Muskingum University New Concord, Ohio	$20,204		$31,440	52.7%	86.4%
21	University of Mount Union Alliance, Ohio	$22,539		$35,400	64.9%	75.8%
22	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662		$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
23	Malone University Canton, Ohio	$22,881		$36,120	51.3%	77.6%
24	Lourdes University Sylvania, Ohio	$21,596		$28,930	38.1%	60.4%
25	Hiram College Hiram, Ohio	$20,088		$26,265	59.1%	93.1%
26	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, Ohio	$23,156		$13,570	71.5%	86.2%
27	Bluffton University Bluffton, Ohio	$17,430		$36,298	49.5%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Toledo the earnings leader for Ohio public health graduates?

Toledo graduates earn $39,369 annually, the highest among Ohio public health programs, while maintaining a net cost of just $17,460. The university's 55.60% graduation rate and 92.23% acceptance rate indicate solid student support systems. Toledo's location provides access to healthcare systems and manufacturing companies that value public health expertise in occupational safety and community health roles.

How do Ohio's public university costs compare to private options for public health?

Public universities in Ohio charge net costs ranging from $10,679 to $20,918 for public health programs, while private institutions like Ohio Wesleyan reach $21,619. Ohio State University delivers strong value at $18,292 with an 87.70% graduation rate and $36,608 in graduate earnings. The $8,000+ cost difference between public and private options often doesn't translate to proportionally higher earnings.

Is the low graduation rate at Kent State Trumbull a concern despite cheap tuition?

Kent State Trumbull's 26.80% graduation rate contrasts sharply with its $10,679 net cost advantage. Students should weigh the $8,000+ savings against completion risks when comparing to Kent State's main campus, which has a 65.50% graduation rate at $19,614. The regional campus model may work better for students who need local access and can commit to degree completion.

Does Ohio State justify its higher costs for public health students?

Ohio State charges $18,292 net cost but delivers an strong 87.70% graduation rate and $36,608 in graduate earnings. Students graduate with just $16,260 in debt, the lowest among major Ohio programs. The university's connection to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center provides research opportunities and networking that can accelerate career advancement in public health.

Where do Ohio's regional campus options fit in the value equation?

Ohio University's regional campuses in Zanesville and Lancaster offer extremely low net costs of $5,971 and $6,133 respectively, but graduation rates drop to 17.70% and 13.70%. These campuses work best for students who need local access and can navigate the completion challenges. The main Athens campus provides better support at $20,413 with a 66.40% graduation rate.

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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.