by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 834 U.S. colleges awarded 45,445 degrees and certificates in Health Sciences & Services. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 46% of graduates. College Factual ranks 516 schools in its 2027 Best Health Sciences & Services Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $40,313 one year after completing, rising to $61,944 after four years.
If you would like to work with others to ensure health and wellness, consider majoring in Health Sciences and Services.
A degree in Health Sciences and Services will prepare you to pursue an advanced degree in the medical profession or give you the skills and training to work in health services. You will take classes in chemistry, biology, health care systems, psychology, public health, anatomy and physiology, and health services administration to introduce you to the Health Sciences field and help you decide the career you would like to pursue after graduation.
Students have the choice to major in general Health Sciences and Services, or specialize in an area such as Health and Wellness, or Chiropractic.
A degree in Health Sciences & Services involves the study of Health Services/allied Health/health Sciences, General.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., health sciences & services is a widely-pursued major, with 45,445 degrees awarded annually. 834 colleges award health sciences & services degrees, an average of 54 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 2,671.
By level, the 45,445 awards include 1,605 certificates, 15,828 associate degrees, 21,008 bachelor’s degrees, 6,598 master’s degrees and 368 doctorates.
Women earned 81% of health sciences & services degrees and certificates in the latest year (36,950 of 45,445). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (17,844) and Hispanic or Latino (10,785), and international students earned 582.
College Factual ranks 516 schools in its 2027 Best Health Sciences & Services Schools ranking, including 184 for associate degrees, 280 for bachelor’s degrees, 26 for master’s degrees and 9 for doctorates. It also ranks health sciences & services schools within 50 states. In all, 834 colleges offer health sciences & services programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Health Sciences & Services Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common health sciences & services credential is the bachelor’s degree: 21,008 of the 45,445 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to health sciences & services call most for Speaking, Active Listening and Writing, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, Education and Training and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension and Written Comprehension.
Health Sciences and Services are rooted in science, making a background in subjects such as biology and chemistry helpful. Students who are successful in this career often have strong analytical skills and are detail oriented so they can listen to patients and analyze symptoms to help with recovery. Since you will be working closely with others, strong interpersonal and empathy skills are also required.
A degree in Health Sciences and Services usually leads to a fulltime career in the medical field. Students with a bachelor's or master's degree and technical training will be able to work in care administration or other public health services, while those who pursue a doctorate work as a variety of doctors and care givers. Health Sciences and Services professionals typically work normal work hours, however they may be on call at nights and on weekends.
Students interested in the Health Sciences and Services field should pursue an internship, summer job, or summer field camp position to learn more about the field. You will be able to work closely with public health professionals and learn what types of careers are available to you.
Along with additional schooling, some health care providers must be licensed by the state. It is suggested that you check with the state you want to work in to ensure you are fulfilling all requirements to practice medicine.
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How long a health sciences & services degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,605 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 15,828 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 21,008 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 6,598 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 368 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to health sciences & services, at 43.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 43.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 37.7% |
| Master’s degree | 10.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 5.6% |
| Some college courses | 1.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Health Sciences & Services, with an average median salary of $77,814; the strongest outlook belongs to Community Health Workers, at 13.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Community Health Worker (CHW), Community Health Assistant, Peer Navigator and Community Liaison.
Graduates with a degree in Health Sciences and Services follow many different paths, while some continue to medical school to become chiropractors, trainers, or other doctors, others students pursue careers as paramedics or work as health administrators or in information technology. With the majority of the population aging, there is a solid demand for medicine professionals. Well-trained health service professionals will always be in demand.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to health sciences & services, at 300,538.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Workers | 300,538 | 13.4% |
| Health Education Specialists | 169,157 | 3.7% |
Health Sciences & Services graduates earn a median $40,313 one year after completing their program, $61,944 after four years and $58,495 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $40,313 |
| 4 years | $61,944 |
| 5 years | $58,495 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to health sciences & services is Health Education Specialists, with a median salary of $81,726.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Education Specialists | $81,726 |
| Community Health Workers | $73,901 |
Health Sciences & Services includes 2 concentrations that together award 45,445 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (38,967) and Health and Wellness, General (6,478). It has 30 similar majors in the Health Professions field, which together award 992,015 degrees a year; the largest are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (318,053), Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (110,132) and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (98,474). Browse all Health Professions majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 38,967 |
| Health and Wellness, General | 6,478 |
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