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2026 Best Health Professions Schools

1,931 Colleges in the United States
247,134 Health Professions Degrees Awarded
$82,602 Avg Early-Career Salary

Health Professions programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their health professions programs.

College Factual analyzed 3877 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best health professions schools.

What’s on this page:

Choosing a Great Health Professions School

Best Health Professions Schools

The health professions program you select can have a big impact on your future. To help, we created our Best Health Professions Schools rankings. For our Best Overall Health Professions School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Health Professions Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Health Professions
Bachelor's Degrees in Health Professions
Master's Degrees in Health Professions
Doctoral Degrees in Health Professions

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Health Professions Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

Best Schools for Health Professions in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall health professions education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Health Professions

1

Cornell University tops our 2026 ranking of the best health professions schools. Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 153 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Cornell University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health professions degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $71,934. Typical student debt for the program is $12,133. Get the full health professions details for Cornell University

2

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in health professions, ranking #2. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 52 health professions degrees were awarded at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent year. Graduates of the health professions program make about $61,010 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete this degree. See the full health professions program report for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

3
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX

A rank of #3 makes Rice University one of the top schools for health professions. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 26 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Rice University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health professions degree recipients from Rice University generally make around $75,299. Typical student debt for the program is $11,904. More information about a degree in health professions from Rice University

4

University Of California Berkeley is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in health professions, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. About 93% of students finish within six years. University Of California Berkeley awarded about 555 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health professions degree from University Of California Berkeley earn around $63,675 in the first couple years of their career. University Of California Berkeley graduates carry a median of $11,729 in student loans. See the full health professions program report for University Of California Berkeley

5
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in health professions, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 98% of students finish within six years. About 893 health professions degrees were awarded at Harvard University in the most recent year. Students who receive their health professions degree from Harvard University earn around $117,565 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,616. Read more about the health professions program at Harvard University

6

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. There were roughly 23 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus in the most recent data year. Health Professions graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete this degree. Get the full health professions details for Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

7

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #7 position for health professions this year. This very large public university is located in the city of University Park. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus awarded about 723 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the health professions program at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

8
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University earned the #8 position for health professions this year. Set in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. There were roughly 53 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Lehigh University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health professions degree recipients from Lehigh University generally make around $70,321. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete this degree. Read more about the health professions program at Lehigh University

9

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #9 spot for health professions this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Pittsburgh. About 94% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 26 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health professions program make about $94,773 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,529. More information about a degree in health professions from Carnegie Mellon University

10

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 1,335 health professions degrees were awarded at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Health Professions graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $137,635 early in their careers. University Of Pennsylvania graduates carry a median of $20,184 in student loans. See the full health professions program report for University Of Pennsylvania

11

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. About 1,724 health professions degrees were awarded at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent year. Students who receive their health professions degree from Columbia University In The City Of New York earn around $116,224 in the first couple years of their career. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Get the full health professions details for Columbia University In The City Of New York

12

Johns Hopkins University earned the #12 position for health professions this year. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. About 94% of students finish within six years. About 1,895 health professions degrees were awarded at Johns Hopkins University in the most recent year. Health Professions graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $91,874 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the health professions program at Johns Hopkins University

13

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #13 for health professions this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Seattle. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. University Of Washington Seattle Campus awarded about 2,060 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health professions degree from University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn around $96,945 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,286. Read more about the health professions program at University Of Washington Seattle Campus

14
Yale University crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Yale University graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 703 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Yale University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health professions program make about $119,486 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete this degree. See the full health professions program report for Yale University

15
Providence College crest
Providence College
Providence, RI

Providence College came in at #15 for health professions this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Providence. Providence College graduates 86% of students within six years. Providence College awarded about 47 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, health professions degree recipients from Providence College generally make around $49,879. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in health professions from Providence College

16

Fordham University came in at #16 for health professions this year. Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bronx. Fordham University graduates 82% of students within six years. There were roughly 72 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Fordham University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health professions program make about $48,341 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,643. More information about a degree in health professions from Fordham University

17

University Of Southern California earned the #17 position for health professions this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. About 92% of students finish within six years. About 2,019 health professions degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Graduates of the health professions program make about $91,589 in their early career. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $16,458 in student loans. See the full health professions program report for University Of Southern California

18

San Diego State University placed #18 among the best health professions schools. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. San Diego State University awarded about 821 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the health professions program make about $83,573 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,633. Get the full health professions details for San Diego State University

19

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #19 spot for health professions this year. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. About 85% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 493 health professions students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health professions degree from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn around $48,694 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,739 to complete this degree. Read more about the health professions program at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

20

California State University Long Beach earned the #20 position for health professions this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. California State University Long Beach awarded about 919 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. Health Professions graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $100,345 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $18,162 to complete this degree. Get the full health professions details for California State University Long Beach

21

San Jose State University earned the #21 position for health professions this year. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. San Jose State University awarded about 552 health professions degrees in the most recent data year. See the full health professions program report for San Jose State University

22
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. Located in the city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a large private not-for-profit university. About 91% of students finish within six years. About 275 health professions degrees were awarded at Boston College in the most recent year. Students who receive their health professions degree from Boston College earn around $94,827 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,250 to complete this degree. Get the full health professions details for Boston College

23

Northwestern University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Evanston. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. There were roughly 694 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health professions degree from Northwestern University earn around $73,071 in the first couple years of their career. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $14,684 in student loans. Get the full health professions details for Northwestern University

24

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best health professions schools. Set in the city of Troy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. About 14 health professions degrees were awarded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the most recent year. Students who receive their health professions degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn around $77,378 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,975 to complete this degree. Get the full health professions details for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

25
Trinity University crest
Trinity University
San Antonio, TX

Trinity University placed #25 among the best health professions schools. Trinity University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 34 health professions students who graduated with this degree at Trinity University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their health professions degree from Trinity University earn around $100,530 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,314 to complete this degree. Get the full health professions details for Trinity University

Rest of the Top 50 Health Professions Schools

These schools also placed among the best for health professions this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
32
33
34
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Brown University crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
45
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
46
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
47
48
49
50
Tufts University crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA

Additional Health Professions Award Winners

These schools also stood out for health professions:

RankSchoolLocation
#51Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park, CA
#52University Of California IrvineIrvine, CA
#53University Of Wisconsin MadisonMadison, WI
#54San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco, CA
#56University Of Maryland College ParkCollege Park, MD
#57The University Of Texas Health Science Center At HoustonHouston, TX
#58Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX
#59Fairfield UniversityFairfield, CT
#60James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA
#62The University Of Texas Medical BranchGalveston, TX
#66New York UniversityNew York, NY
#68Samuel Merritt UniversityOakland, CA
#69Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA
#70Texas A And M University College StationCollege Station, TX
#73California State University FullertonFullerton, CA
#75University Of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimore, MD
#76California State University East BayHayward, CA
#77University Of California DavisDavis, CA
#78Rutgers University New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ
#80Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington, IN
#81George Washington UniversityWashington, DC
#84University Of DelawareNewark, DE
#85University Of North Carolina At Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC
#87California State University StanislausTurlock, CA
#90University Of The PacificStockton, CA

Honorable Mentions

A few more health professions schools worth a look:

>

Health Professions by Region

Explore the best health professions schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Health Professions is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

MajorAnnual Graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse62,105
Public Health, General15,464
Medicine13,890
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General12,693
Health/Health Care Administration/Management10,174
Pharmacy7,209
Physical Therapy/Therapist7,049
Physician Associate/Assistant5,898
Dentistry5,211
Occupational Therapy/Therapist5,176
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing4,460
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist4,296
Nursing Practice3,980
Nursing Administration3,504
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General3,428
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)3,316
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist3,264
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy3,118
Public Health, Other2,561
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor2,516
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other2,387
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide2,076
Medical/Clinical Assistant2,067
Medical Informatics1,721
Nursing Science1,694
Nursing Education1,653
Public Health Education and Promotion1,631
Clinical/Medical Social Work1,594
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist1,470
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling1,415
Health and Wellness, General1,408
Pharmaceutical Sciences1,384
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other1,363
Community Health and Preventive Medicine1,345
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing1,317
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist1,288
International Public Health/International Health1,220
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other1,215
Athletic Training/Trainer1,180
Dietetics/Dietitian1,176
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer1,082
Health Services Administration1,067
Environmental Health1,034
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies1,014
Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management991
Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences980
Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling961
Nurse Anesthetist921
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator906
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, Other886
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling874
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other840
Dental Assisting/Assistant803
Medical Science/Scientist779
Optometry753
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training723
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist696
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist667
Bioethics/Medical Ethics582
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing578
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician560
Medical Insurance Specialist/Medical Biller550
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist549
Audiology/Audiologist542
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other513
Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other478
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor463
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder441
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician436
Pharmaceutics and Drug Design435
Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician422
Behavioral Aspects of Health404
Rehabilitation Science382
Physical Therapy Assistant380
Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist379
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary369
Chiropractic351
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant343
Pediatric Nurse/Nursing319
Surgical Technology/Technologist314
Dental Clinical Sciences, General296
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other294
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing293
Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance)287
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry277
Critical Care Nursing273
Occupational Therapist Assistant269
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy268
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Other265
Genetic Counseling/Counselor263
Clinical Research Coordinator262
Health/Medical Physics245
Music Therapy/Therapist245
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other240
Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery231
Orthodontics/Orthodontology229
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician224
Women's Health Nurse/Nursing223
Medical/Health Humanities200
Art Therapy/Therapist199
Advanced General Dentistry185
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage175
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry174
Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology174
Clinical Nurse Specialist173
Clinical and Industrial Drug Development170
Clinical Nurse Leader166
Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist164
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing153
Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy142
Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs140
Medication Aide139
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Other136
Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing134
Endodontics/Endodontology134
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other133
Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics131
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions, Other128
Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing127
Pharmacoeconomics/Pharmaceutical Economics126
Healthcare Innovation126
Maternal and Child Health122
Trauma Counseling118
Orthotist/Prosthetist118
Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality114
Medical Office Assistant/Specialist114
Anesthesiologist Assistant113
Periodontics/Periodontology104
Pathology/Pathologist Assistant101
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities, Other98
Respiratory Therapy Technician/Assistant92
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist92
Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology87
Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy83
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine75
Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist70
Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist70
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant68
Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist66
Medical Office Management/Administration63
Clinical and Translational Science62
Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene61
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician60
Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management56
Gene/Genetic Therapy55
Movement Therapy and Movement Education43
Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator43
Health Professions Education41
Histologic Technician39
Medical/Health Management and Clinical Assistant/Specialist39
Medical Reception/Receptionist38
Emergency Room/Trauma Nursing37
Dental Public Health and Education37
Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician34
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery34
Pre-Nursing Studies33
Dance Therapy/Therapist33
Cytogenetics/Genetics/Clinical Genetics Technology/Technologist32
Pre-Physical Therapy Studies31
Polysomnography31
Long Term Care Administration/Management31
Sterile Processing Technology/Technician29
Electroneurodiagnostic/Electroencephalographic Technology/Technologist29
Lactation Consultant29
Histologic Technology/Histotechnologist27
Pre-Dentistry Studies26
Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy26
Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician26
Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling25
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies, Other22
Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies21
Medical Staff Services Technology/Technician21
Regulatory Science/Affairs21
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant21
Blood Bank Technology Specialist18
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems17
Horticulture Therapy/Therapist15
Holistic/Integrative Health15
Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing12
Home Health Aide/Home Attendant12
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology/Technician11
Herbalism/Herbalist10
Pre-Pharmacy Studies9
Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other9
Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician9
Dietetic Technician9
Hematology Technology/Technician8
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions8
Forensic Nursing8
Play Therapy/Therapist7
Mammography Technology/Technician6
Clinical, Hospital, and Managed Care Pharmacy6
Palliative Care Nursing6
Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist6
Medical Family Therapy/Therapist6
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, Other6
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other6
Arts in Medicine/Health5
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering5
Radiologist Assistant5
Medical Illustration and Informatics, Other5
Pre-Optometry Studies4
Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain4
Animal-Assisted Therapy4
Healthcare Information Privacy Assurance and Security4
Direct Entry Midwifery4
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbology3
Hospice and Palliative Care3
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions, Other3
Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education, Other3
Dietitian Assistant2
Pre-Art Therapy1
Pre-Physician Assistant1
Orthoptics/Orthoptist1
Somatic Bodywork1

View All Health Professions Concentrations >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 3877 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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