Best Community Health Services Programs

Students want to make a positive difference in their communities. Learn about the best community health services programs.

Edited by

Updated December 18, 2024

Why Trust BestColleges

3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.

A community health services program can prepare students to work as health educators and promoters for communities. Careers range from positions in government agencies, healthcare settings, nonprofits, and volunteer agencies.

If you choose to live on campus, the total average annual cost at a four-year public college is $35,551. If you live at home, the average annual cost drops significantly, down to $24,587. In general, tuition costs for an online program are similar to in-person programs.

However, tuition costs do not tell the whole story. Online colleges come with their own fees and online costs. Most bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for health education specialists and community health workers are projected to grow 17% from 2020-2030. The median annual salary for health education specialists is $60,600, as of May 2021.

Our Top Pick

Texas A&M University — College Station, Texas

Why It’s #1: Texas A&M University is the No. 1-ranked school on our Best Community Health Services Program list. This university has a below-average in-state undergraduate tuition of $7,940 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21-to-1. While the admission rate is 58%, Texas A&M has a graduation rate of 82%. About 76% of students receive financial aid.

Best Accredited Bachelor’s in Community Health Services Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$7,941

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,190

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester

In State | $5,933

Out of State | $19,875

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health

Texas A&M's bachelor of science in community health program includes a variety of available electives. It encourages students to plan a course of study that meets their own academic needs and interests. The program philosophy focuses on public health promotion and disease prevention from local to global levels.

Students must earn a C or higher to graduate, and they must complete an internship in their final semester. Texas residents who graduate high school in the top 10% of their class qualify for automatic acceptance.

Texas A&M has an online master's program in epidemiology.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,677

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,700

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

68,726

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,941

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,190

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,941

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,190

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,677

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,700

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

68,726

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester

In State | $5,933

Out of State | $19,875

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health

Texas A&M has an online master's program in epidemiology.

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,949

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year

In State | $9,411

Out of State | $20,565

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Foundry Educational Foundation

The bachelor of arts in public health program at the University of Northern Iowa offers two degree focuses in either environmental health sciences or community health. Graduates of the program are qualified to pursue careers in hospital, clinic, and nutrition planning, emergency and disaster relief, county or state departments, or the Peace Corps or Americorps.

Students must complete a senior project and internship to graduate. Admission to the university is based on a simple formula that combines your ACT or SAT scores with your high school GPA.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,159

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,375

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

10,477

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,949

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,949

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,159

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,375

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

10,477

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year

In State | $9,411

Out of State | $20,565

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Foundry Educational Foundation

Students must complete a senior project and internship to graduate. Admission to the university is based on a simple formula that combines your ACT or SAT scores with your high school GPA.

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$38,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $1,700

Out of State | $1,700

Credits to Graduate

122

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Bethel's bachelor of arts in community health program helps prepare students to have an influence on health behaviors and wellness outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and beyond. Students take classes in the prevention and management of injuries and disease, mental health, and nutrition. Students also learn health behavior theories and develop critical thinking skills.

Bethel students are required to put their knowledge into practice by completing a community health internship. To be admitted to the university, students must graduate high school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and have a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 920.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

4,005

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,300

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,300

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

4,005

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $1,700

Out of State | $1,700

Credits to Graduate

122

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE4 yearCampus + Online

$7,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $259

Out of State | $830

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Nebraska Department of Education

Nebraska's bachelor of science in community health and wellness program teaches students to design and implement health programs across different populations. After graduating, students can pursue roles to serve communities as health educators and promoters. Nebraska has an internationally recognized faculty that integrates healthy lifestyle approaches to education.

Students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate. Admission requirements include either a minimum GPA of 3.0, an ACT score of 20, or SAT score of 1040. Graduating in the top 50% of your class can also qualify.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,976

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,280

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

25,390

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,000

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,000

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,976

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,280

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

25,390

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $259

Out of State | $830

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Nebraska Department of Education

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$7,394

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,686

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

63%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $327

Out of State | $703

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Minnesota State University's bachelor of science in community health education program accepts students who have completed at least 32 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. You must also pass the health and the environment class and intro to health education course with a C- or higher.

The program prepares students for careers in public health and disease prevention. To graduate, students are required to pass a background check and complete 450 internship hours at an approved site.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,694

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,694

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

14,325

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,394

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,686

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,394

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,686

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,694

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,694

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

14,325

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $327

Out of State | $703

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

The program prepares students for careers in public health and disease prevention. To graduate, students are required to pass a background check and complete 450 internship hours at an approved site.

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,215

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$23,562

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $235-$259

Out of State | $832-$856

Credits to Graduate

180

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health

Western's bachelor of science in community health program has limited space for majors with a selective admission process. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to pre-major, and students are advised to complete their biology and chemistry prerequisites before the end of their sophomore year.

Trained health educators examine all contributing factors of health. Graduates of this program may decide to work for communities to access public and individual health needs or to study at the graduate level. A full-time internship is required for graduation.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,806

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,431

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

16,142

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,215

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,562

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,215

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,562

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,806

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,431

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

16,142

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $235-$259

Out of State | $832-$856

Credits to Graduate

180

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | Council on Education for Public Health

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA4 yearCampus + Online

$32,862

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,862

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year

In State | $36,606

Out of State | $36,606

Credits to Graduate

123

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Mount Mercy University's bachelor of science in public health program offers hands-on and research-based learning. Service and volunteer work is highly encouraged. Program graduates pursue jobs in public health, government agencies, community clinics, and more.

Standard admission requirements include a GPA of 2.75 and an ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 1030. There are no application fees or deadlines. To graduate, public health majors must maintain a 2.0 GPA and a minimum of a C in all health service courses.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,296

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,296

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

1,807

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,862

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,862

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,862

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,862

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,296

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,296

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

1,807

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year

In State | $36,606

Out of State | $36,606

Credits to Graduate

123

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Saint Clairsville, OH4 yearCampus + Online

$5,674

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,666

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $263

Out of State | $399

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

The university's community and public health program, with a bachelor of science in health degree, prepares students to work in company and government health departments. They can also gain skills to design and implement community health programs. There are no academic requirements to begin the program other than general university admission requirements.

Skills gained in the program can help graduates identify factors that influence a community's health. Graduates can also help determine and implement the needed steps to improve public health.

An online master's of public health program is also available.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

58%

Students Enrolled

1,025

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,674

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,666

Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Saint Clairsville, OH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,674

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,666

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

58%

Students Enrolled

1,025

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $263

Out of State | $399

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Skills gained in the program can help graduates identify factors that influence a community's health. Graduates can also help determine and implement the needed steps to improve public health.

An online master's of public health program is also available.

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,960

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $336

Out of State | $899

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Kansas' bachelor of science in community health program includes instruction in both hands-on practical instruction and broad community health education. Along with general education requirements, students take courses such as first aid, data analysis, and nutrition. To graduate, students must complete a 16-week internship.

Incoming first-year students who meet minimum GPA and testing requirements can be automatically admitted to the School of Education and Human Sciences.

The university has an online master's of public health program.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,951

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

27,552

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,960

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,960

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,951

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

27,552

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $336

Out of State | $899

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Incoming first-year students who meet minimum GPA and testing requirements can be automatically admitted to the School of Education and Human Sciences.

The university has an online master's of public health program.

#10

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI4 yearCampus

$8,218

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,683

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $372

Out of State | $559-$919

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

Rhode Island College's bachelor of science in community and public health promotion program offers concentrations in public health promotion, health and aging, and women's health. Students can gain skills to identify and address health needs within a community using data collection and analysis. Courses in writing are emphasized in this program.

To be admitted to the program, students must complete 24 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75. This GPA is also required to remain in the program.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,722

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,048

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

7,523

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,218

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,683

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,218

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,683

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,722

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,048

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

7,523

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit

In State | $372

Out of State | $559-$919

Credits to Graduate

120

Program Information

Degree Completion Program | No

Program Accreditation | N/A

To be admitted to the program, students must complete 24 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75. This GPA is also required to remain in the program.

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Health Services Programs

Is a bachelor’s in community health services worth it?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in community health services often leads to a rewarding career that can make a difference in communities locally and globally. If this is of interest, the degree is worth it.

The BLS projects an overall job growth rate of 17% from 2020-2030 for health education specialists and community health workers. This is higher than the projected average growth rate for all occupations (8%).

While the programs listed above are all on campus, some universities offer hybrid or online bachelor’s in community health services.

What can I do with a bachelor’s in community health services?

Careers requiring a bachelor’s in community health services span across government agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, and clinics. Some potential job titles include hospital educator, health consultant, and corporate wellness professional.

According to the BLS, about 24% of health education specialists work in a government facility or program, with 21% working for state, local, and private hospitals. Six percent work for religious, professional, and nonprofit organizations.

If you are looking for more opportunities to use your degree, you can earn more experience with this degree by volunteering around the world with the Peace Corps.

What continuing education is available for community health services graduates?

Many universities offer master’s in community health services programs. Graduates from these master’s programs often pursue jobs as consultants and epidemiologists. Some programs allow undergraduates to earn graduate-level credits while they earn their bachelor’s.

Other continuing education options include certification programs and further training. Most bachelor’s of community health services programs prepare their students to pass the Certified Health Education Specialist exam. The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing website details multiple opportunities for continuing education.

How much money can I make with a bachelor’s in community health services?

The median annual wage for health education specialists is $60,600 as of May 2021, according to the BLS. Health education workers typically have a bachelor’s degree and often certification.

Where you work plays a big part in how much you can expect to make in this field. Those who work in state, local, and private hospitals earned the most, with a median annual salary of $76,450, as of May 2021. Those working for religious, professional, and nonprofit services made a median annual wage of $47,040.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s in community health services?

According to Payscale, healthcare consultants earned an average annual salary of $79,970, as of July 2022. While you can land this job with a bachelor’s degree, some companies may require a master’s degree in either public health, business, or other related fields of study.

Epidemiologists earn a median annual salary of $78,830, as of May 2021, according to the BLS. Along with a bachelor’s degree, epidemiologists usually have a master’s in public health. The BLS projects 30% job growth for epidemiologists between 2020 and 2030.

Feature Image: Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision / Getty Images