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Best Value Public Health Colleges in Texas

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

Texas A&M International University offers the state's most affordable public health education at just $3,061 net cost, while University of North Texas graduates earn $38,289 annually - the highest among Texas programs. This $35,000+ earnings gap reflects the varied career paths within public health, from community outreach coordinators to epidemiologists. Texas maintains the second-largest healthcare workforce nationally, with Houston's Texas Medical Center serving as the world's largest medical complex. Major employers like HCA Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, and MD Anderson Cancer Center create steady demand for public health professionals across the state. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 11 of the top 15 programs charging in-state students under $14,000 annually. UT Austin combines strong earning potential at $34,526 with manageable debt loads of $20,500, though its 31% acceptance rate makes admission competitive. The Texas Tomorrow Fund and TEXAS Grant programs help residents access these affordable options, making public health education accessible across varied economic backgrounds.
25
Programs
$3,061 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$30,213
Avg. Program Earnings
52.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Public Health Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,234 $31,205 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
2 $14,352 $38,289 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
3 $10,726 $24,421 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
4 $16,438 $31,527 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
5 $19,678 $34,526 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
6 $17,803 $21,312 $16,000 65.7%
7 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
8 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
9 $24,532 $18,238 9.1%
10 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
11 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
12 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
13 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
14 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
15 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
16 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
17 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
18 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
19 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
20 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
21 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
22 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
23 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
24 $22,240 $36,690 40.5% 85.7%
25 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,000 earnings difference between the highest and lowest paying programs?

University of North Texas graduates earn $38,289 compared to Southwest University's $21,312, reflecting different program focuses and career preparation approaches. UNT's established program connects students with higher-paying positions in epidemiology, health policy, and research roles. Geographic factors also matter, as Dallas-Fort Worth offers more corporate health positions than smaller markets. Program accreditation and internship partnerships with major health systems influence starting salaries significantly.

How do Texas public universities compare to private schools for public health value?

Public universities deliver superior value, with net costs ranging from $3,061 to $20,924 compared to private schools charging $20,410 to $23,451. UT San Antonio provides solid earning potential at $31,205 for just $11,234 net cost. Private options like Austin College charge $23,451 but offer higher graduation rates at 69.5% versus the public average around 55%. Texas residents benefit most from in-state public tuition, with many programs under $12,000 annually.

Is debt load manageable for Texas public health graduates?

Most Texas programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with median amounts ranging from $16,500 at Texas A&M College Station to $24,000 at UT San Antonio. UT Austin graduates carry $20,500 in debt while earning $34,526, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. However, Southwest University students face $48,996 in debt against $21,312 earnings, making this private for-profit option financially challenging. Public university graduates typically see debt loads under $25,000.

Does admission difficulty correlate with program quality in Texas?

Not necessarily, as UT El Paso accepts 99.92% of applicants while UT Austin admits only 31.35%, yet both produce capable graduates. UT Austin's selectivity reflects overall university reputation rather than public health program superiority. Texas A&M International accepts 47.88% of students and offers the lowest net cost at $3,061. Many quality programs maintain 80-90% acceptance rates, providing accessible pathways into public health careers throughout Texas.

Where do Texas public health graduates find the best job opportunities?

Houston's Texas Medical Center creates concentrated opportunities, employing thousands in research, administration, and direct care coordination roles. Dallas-Fort Worth offers corporate wellness positions and government health departments seeking program coordinators. Austin provides state health department jobs and nonprofit organization roles focused on policy and advocacy. San Antonio's military medical facilities and border health initiatives create unique specialization opportunities, particularly in community health and health disparities research.

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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.