Is there a way to pass values between forms in vb.net? (Without using a public variable)

Yes!

If the forms are part of the same solution, you simply write:

Dim MyVal1 As Integer = Form2.MyVal

MyVal1 exists in whatever form you write it in, and MyVal2 comes from Form2. These variables can only be shared if the forms have the right privacy settings.

If the two forms are part of separate applications, the only way i know of passing variables around is through constructors.

EDIT:

In your case with a textbox, you may be able to apply similar a solution:

Dim val As String = Form2.TextBox1.Text

You can use PUBLIC properties on the second form to read/write info to the other form.

You can overload the NEW method to pass variable during declaration.

You can create a public sub/function on the second form and pass variable byval or byref.

But, I would NEVER use a public variable. That is bad programming.