Top 20 Most Affordable Health Science Degree Programs

An affordable health sciences degree can help you find the right balance between the time and money you’ll invest in your education and earning that money back with a rewarding career. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, a college degree can earn you an extra $5,000 to $7,000 over what you’d earn with only a high school diploma. Depending on where you intend to put your focus, you’ll need either a 2-year or 4-year degree to find a rewarding job within this profession. Because here at Best Health Science Degrees we are interested in a bang for the buck, this article delves into the topic of the 20 best affordable Hospitality degree programs.

Ranking Methodology

In order for a school to be considered for this ranking, it has to be accredited and had to appear in the US News Public Health Ranking.  Because of the connection between public health and health science offerings in many institutions, our editors agree that a national ranking in public health is an indicator of strength in health science. Therefore, we’re recommending these programs based on their appearance in US News and World Report Public Health Ranking.

From among the schools that met this standard, we selected the 20 with the least expensive out-of-state undergraduate tuition, that were acquired from College Navigator . The programs are presented in order of tuition cost, from the most expensive to least expensive. We consider all these schools to be a tremendous value for Hospitality degree students seeking a high quality, affordable degree program.

#20. UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

Department of Community Health Sciences

UCLA offers two programs for a Health Science Degree. The Master of Science in Public Health degree (for public health professionals) is more academic in nature while the Doctor of Philosophy degree is tailored to students wishing to work in a research-oriented health science professions. All students are required to a 400 hour field experience in an appropriate setting. Website

Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition: $35,570 (out of state); $12,692 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 10

Founded in 1919, UCLA is the third-oldest campus of the University of California system. The school offers 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered through five undergraduate colleges, seven professional schools and four professional health science schools.

#19. University of Florida

College of Public Health and Health Professionals

University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Health Science degree. The goal of the program is to provide the foundational skills for a career in the health care profession either directly with patients as healthcare providers or by dealing with economic, social or health challenges throughout this field. A combined-degree program in pubic health is also available.  Website

Location: Gainesville, Florida
Tuition: $28,420 (out of state); $6,143 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 28

The third largest Florida university by student population, the University of Florida traces its origins to 1853. Its current name was adopted in 1909. The alligator became the school’s mascot in 1911. The school offers 123 master’s degree programs and 76 doctoral degree programs in 87 schools and departments.

#18. Loma Linda University

School of Public Health

Loma Linda offers a variety of degree programs in the health sciences field, including a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA in health care administration, and a Doctor of Public Health.  These programs offer a broad understanding of health care management with hands-on experience. Students may advance to a master’s program focusing on the fundamentals of public health while allowing for specialization.  Website

Location: Loma Linda, California
Tuition: $27,600

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 35

The Seventh-day Adventist coeducational health sciences university was established in 1905. The school offers 100 certificate and degree programs in various disciplines. The school is noted for having strong programs in nursing, dental and allied health.

#17. University of Maryland College Park

The Graduate School

The University of Maryland College Park offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Science. The science-based bachelor’s program is available to 3rd and 4th year college students with at least 60 credits. Their graduate student community consists of approximately 10,500 students,  of which 4,600 are pursuing a Ph.D..  They also have 5,200 students who are enrolled in traditional and professional masters programs and nearly 700 who are not yet seeking a degree but are enrolled in graduate courses. Website

 Location: College Park, Maryland
Tuition: $27,287 (out of state); $8,908 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 32

The largest university in the Washington Metropolitan Area, the University of Maryland is a public research university established in 1856. Considered a Pubic Ivy institution, the school offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs.

#16. University of Pittsburgh

School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences

The school’s public health program offers degrees in behavioral and social science concentrations. Students can choose areas of expertise ranging from community-based participatory research to public health and aging. University of Pittsburgh’s BA in Communication Science is for students considering a career in speech-language pathology or audiology, this undergraduate major provides the scientific foundation upon which subsequent graduate academic or clinical training is appropriately based.  They also have a Master’s in Communication Science, PhD in Communication Science, and a Doctor of Clinical Science.   Website

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $26,280 (out of state); $16,590 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 12

Founded as the Pittsburgh Academy in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is made up of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges. The school is noted as the place where Dr. Salk developed an effective vaccine against Polio. The university continues to be known for its research projects and innovative studies.

#15. University of Arizona

Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

The Health Promotion Sciences division at Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health offers degrees in three subdivisions: Family and Child Health, Health Behavior, and Health Promotion.  These degree programs focus on service and research ranging from disease prevention to quality of life assessment.  They offer a  Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) Degree and a Master of Public Health (MPH).  Certificate programs are also offered.  Website

Location: Tucson, Arizona
Tuition: $26,231 (out of state); $10,035 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 23

The only accredited college of public health in Arizona, the school was established in 2000 by the Arizona Board of Regents. The school is known nationally for its innovative Service Learning program.

#14. New Jersey Institute of Technology (Rutgers)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Schools

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Schools consists of nine schools which form the core of health sciences education at Rutgers. Between these nine schools they offer a wide range of degree programs, from a bachelor to a doctoral  degree, ranging from practical, hands-on interaction with patients to research and public awareness. Specialties include neuroscience, infection and pharmacology.  Website

Location: Newark, New Jersey
Tuition: $25,910 (out of state); $12,590 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 29

Established in 1881, the public research university consists of 27 academic departments. The school offers 126 degree programs including nearly 50 undergraduate programs to nearly 80 graduate programs.

#13. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

School of Public Health

The University of Texas School of Public Health offers four degree programs for public health careers. Professional degrees can be used for practicing public health outside of higher education with the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Professional Degrees include a Master (MPH) and Doctor (DrPH) of Public Health.  The Academic Degrees include a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  Website

Location: Houston, Texas
Tuition: $25,812 (out of state); $6,264 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 15

Considered a leading medical education and biomedical research institution, the facility is part of what is considered the largest health system in the world. Founded in 1972, the center is made up of six schools offering 18 degree programs.

#12. University of Illinois—Chicago

Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences

The school’s health information degree programs include innovative educational and research training in various health-related disciplines. UIC is dedicated to advancing “the quality and efficiency of healthcare through improved information management, communication, and the generation of new forms of biomedical and other healthcare data. The goals of the department are leadership, innovation, initiative, and quality with strong focus on the unique arena of health informatics at the University of Illinois at Chicago”.  Students are prepared to manage health data and effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals. They offer a Bachelor of Science and two doctoral degrees (DrPH and the PhD).   Website

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $25,512 (out of state); $13,122 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 18

The state-funded public research university traces its origins to 1858 at the Chicago College of Pharmacy. The school, comprised of 15 colleges, offers more than 70 bachelor and master degrees along with 60 doctoral degrees. The school also operates a specialized Honors College for undergraduates.

#11. University of Oklahoma

Health Sciences Center

The school’s degree programs offer a wide range of disciplines ranging from nutritional sciences and physical therapy to public health and health promotion.  The College of Allied Health offers a MS and a PhD in Allied Health Services and a BS, MS, and PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  The also have the College of Public Health which offers Master and Doctor degrees in a variety of concentrations.  Website

Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Tuition: $20,343 (out of state); $8,706 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 27

The coeducational public research university was founded in 1890. The school offers more than 150 baccalaureate programs, 75 doctorate programs, 160 master’s degree programs and 20 first-level professional majors. The school is noted for its high four-year full-time undergraduate enrollment.

#10. University of Kentucky

College of Health Sciences

Degree Offered: Human Health Sciences
Level of Degree(s): Bachelor of Science
University of Kentucky’s Human Health Sciences (HHS) bachelor program prepares undergraduate students for future health care careers in a dynamic  healthcare environment.  Students who graduate from this program will have a strong foundation in the basic sciences.  They will also develop healthcare skills and knowledge that will benefit their professional career opportunities.   Their programs provide interdisciplinary education in health care practices, policies and management. The degree presents four options for students through physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, and physician assistant programs.  Website

Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Tuition: $19,864 (out of state); $9,676 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 25

Founded by John Bowman in 1865, the public co-educational university is made up of 16 colleges, a graduate school and 15 libraries. The University of Kentucky offers more than 90 underground programs, 66 doctoral programs and nearly 100 masters programs. Four professional programs are also available.

#9. University of Minnesota: Twin Cities

Health Sciences

University of Minnesota has Bachelor of Science, Masters, Doctoral degree programs that are offered at six colleges and schools that fall under their Health Science Division. Courses expose students to cutting-edge healthcare techniques and hands-on experience that includes work with simulated mannequins.   They also have three universities that participate in their Hospitals and Clinic section.  Certificate programs are also available.  Website

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition: $18,709 (out of state); $13,459 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 9

Founded in 1851, the public research university, ranked among the top 25 such schools in the United States, is comprised of 19 colleges and schools.  More than 140 degree programs and 150 programs through its graduate school.

#8. University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

School of Public Health and Health Professions

The mission of University of Buffalo is to Our mission is to “improve the health of populations, communities and individuals through disciplinary and interdisciplinary education, research and service”.  The school offers degree programs for every level of education, undergraduate, graduate and professional concentrations focusing on immediate care and prevention. The school’s graduate and professional degree programs are considered among the best in the country.  Website

Location: Buffalo, New York
Tuition: $18,609 (out of state); $7,989 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 37

Founded in 1846 as a private college, the school is currently a public research university. The school offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs, over 200 master’s programs and 84 doctoral degrees through ten professional areas of study.

#7. San Diego State University

Health Science (Public Health)

Preparatory coursework ranges from nutrition and microbiology to community health education and educational technology. “The Health Science major, with an emphasis in community health education, educates students to develop, implement, and assess health education programs in a variety of settings for different target groups”.  Field placement opportunities are available in more than 40 health-related agencies to provide hands-on experience.  Degrees offered are a Bachelor of Science, Master of Social Work,  or Master of Public Health.  Website 

Location: San Diego, California
Tuition: $18,236 (out of state); $6,578 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 30

Founded in 1897, this public research university offers nearly 190 bachelor’s degrees, more than 90 master’s degrees and 25 doctoral degrees. President Kennedy was granted an honorary doctorate degree in law from the school in 1963.

#6. University of South Florida

College of Arts and Sciences

Described as a “highly interdisciplinary degree,” this program offers a flexible curriculum to allow students to choose a specialization. Five health science concentrations are offered which include Biological Science, Social and Behavioral Health Science, Aging Health Studies, Health Management, and Health Information Technology.  Website

Location: Tampa, Florida
Tuition: $16,257 (out of state); $6,334 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 22

The University of South Florida is public research university established in 1956. The university, ranking in the top tier of research universities, is comprised of 14 colleges offering more than 80 undergraduate majors and 130 graduate, doctoral-level and specialist degree programs.

#5. Texas A&M Health Science Center

Rural Public Health

Students can obtain a B.S. in Public Health, or a Master of Health Administration,  for careers involving administrative roles such as forming public health policies.  Texas A&M Health Science Center also offers a Masters in Public Health with seven concentration opportunities and a Masters of Science in Public Health with five concentrations.  PhD programs are also available.  The school currently does not accept non-degree seeking students.  Website

Location: Bryan, Texas
Tuition: $16,160 (out of state); $4,928 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 25

Texas A&M Health Science Center, set in a hospital environment, is a part of Texas A&M University established in 1999. The center presents programs for students looking to pursue careers in biomedical sciences, pharmacy, medicine, and various public health fields.

#4. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health

University of Arkansas offers a variety of Masters, doctoral and combined degree programs in  Public Health and Health Services Administration.  The MPH degrees are a forty-two semester credit hour program with areas of concentration in traditional public health specialties that include Biostatistics,  Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Behavior and Health Education, Health Policy and Management, and Rural Public Health Practice.  Students also have the option to earn a certificate through a non-degree program. The Public Health degrees focus mostly on prevention through awareness and administrative roles. Students can concentrate on a particular public health specialty.  Website

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Tuition: $15,940 (out of state); $6,656 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 31

The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences was established in 1879. The school operates an academic health center combining education with patient care. Arkansas’ largest basic and applied research institution, the school consists of six academic units.

#3. University of Alabama—Birmingham

School of Health Professions

Degree options include undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs in five academic departments including Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Health Services Administration, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. The school also offers certificate options in specialized areas. Master of Science degree programs include nutrition sciences and health administration.  Website

Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Tuition: $15,462 (out of state); $6,798 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 17

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers 140 programs of study in 12 academic divisions. The school was established in 1969 and currently operates one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States.

#2. University at Albany, State University of New York

School of Public Health

University at Albany School of Public Health offers a Master of Science degree in all four academic departments which are; Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Health Policy, Management, & Behavior. The Master of Public Health degree is designed for students looking to become public health professionals in various capacities. The school also offers graduate certificate programs and dual degrees in partnerships with other schools.  Website

Location: Albany, New York
Tuition: $15,335 (out of state); $7,525 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 26

The University at Albany, SUNY is a research institution primarily based in Albany, New York. Established in 1844, the school offers 50 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs.

#1. University of North Texas Health Science Center

School of Public Health

In 1995 the Texas Higher Education Coordinating board approved the University of North Texas Health Center’s request to offer a Master’s of Public Health Degree (M.P.H.) in collaboration with the University of North Texas in Denton . In the following years, the Board of Regents authorized the University of North Texas Health Science Center to submit a proposal to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a School of Public Health and to request funds from the Texas Legislature to fund the school and its corresponding programs.  Students can opt for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in various public health majors. Online graduate certificate and MPH degree programs are also available.  Website

Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Tuition: $13,128 (out of state); $3,432 (in state)

Ranking

  • US News Ranking: 38

Based in Denton, Texas, The University of North Texas was founded in 1890. The university is comprised of ten colleges and operates an early admissions math and science academy geared towards exceptional high school students. The school is research-driven with close to 50 doctoral degree programs offered.

 

Doing some homework ahead of time by sorting through this ranking and related links can help you to find a school that offers the right education for your desired career goals. At the same time, we provide the resources you need to find an institution that fits into your budget while still offering comprehensive educational opportunities.

Ranking Source: US News Public Health Ranking

Tuition Source:  College Navigator

This concludes our ranking of the most affordable health science degree programs.