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10 Hidden Gem Colleges for Students Interested in Public Health
Public health is a rapidly growing field that blends science, policy, and service to improve community well-being. For high school students drawn to healthcare but not necessarily to clinical medicine, public health programs offer an exciting pathway into careers that focus on prevention, equity, and systemic change. While major universities and schools of public health are well-known, there are hidden gems across the country where undergraduates can gain early research opportunities, strong mentorship, and hands-on community engagement.
Here are 10 hidden gem colleges for students interested in public health:
Rhodes College (Memphis, TN)
Rhodes offers a dedicated Health Professions Advising team that helps students navigate public health and pre-health pathways. With early assurance programs and local internships, students benefit from Memphis’s vibrant healthcare landscape.
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA)
Brandeis stands out with its proactive pre-health advising and a student-run emergency medical service that fosters real-world readiness. Students interested in public health gain practical experience while engaging deeply with the local community.
Carroll College (Helena, MT)
Carroll is a small liberal arts college with specialized tracks in health and public health. Students receive close faculty mentorship and gain experience through hands-on internships across Montana’s healthcare and public health networks.
New College of Florida (Sarasota, FL)
New College emphasizes research and individualized study. Students can design their own public health concentrations and work with community partners on health and policy challenges.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (St. Mary’s City, MD)
St. Mary’s offers an intimate liberal arts setting with interdisciplinary public health courses. Service learning and policy-focused projects connect students to Maryland’s coastal communities.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)
UNC Charlotte’s growing public health program integrates strong research with community health initiatives. Students engage in applied projects that address urban health challenges in one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Florida International University (Miami, FL)
FIU offers a comprehensive public health program with a focus on health disparities, global health, and urban health issues. Miami’s diverse community provides a living laboratory for public health study.
California State University, Northridge (Northridge, CA)
CSU Northridge delivers affordable and accessible public health education. Its program emphasizes urban health, occupational health, and community interventions, preparing students for applied careers.
University of Massachusetts Boston (Boston, MA)
UMass Boston connects students directly to Boston’s healthcare institutions and public health agencies. The program emphasizes applied education and community partnerships in a global city.
Texas A&M University School of Public Health (College Station, TX)
Texas A&M offers one of the largest public health schools in the country, with top-notch research opportunities and strong community health programs. Students benefit from affordability and access to a wide network of faculty expertise.