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Definitive Guide to the Most Affordable Online MPH Programs

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Author: Shannon Lee, BA
Editor: Edumed Editing Staff

Explore 50 accredited online MPH programs that score top marks on affordability and learn other ways to make grad school cheaper.

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The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having qualified public health professionals communities can trust. If you’re looking for a grad degree that allows you to join their ranks, earning an online Master of Public Health (MPH) is an excellent option. This page will help you find a quality, accredited program at a low price. Keep reading to find a list of this year’s most affordable online MPH programs, and other ways you can lower the cost of grad school. Explore the schools that made it onto our list by continuing reading below.

4-year Schools
1

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

East Carolina University’s MPH program, offered through the Brody School of Medicine, features concentrations in Community Health and Health Behavior, Epidemiology, and Health Policy Administration and Leadership. The program can be completed online or in a hybrid format, and GRE scores are not required. Application deadlines are April 15 for Fall and October 15 for Spring admissions. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in public health.

Why We Selected East Carolina University:

  • ECU offers competitive tuition costs with nationally recognized programs.
  • ECU provides over $215 million in external research funding, enhancing research opportunities.
  • ECU's graduate programs include online options taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$4,749
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
2

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Idaho State University offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) program, designed to cater to both international and domestic students. The program includes synchronous and asynchronous classes, and students can take courses from anywhere. It emphasizes public health principles and practices, requiring a thesis or project for graduation. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. The program is CEPH accredited and offers opportunities for internships and research.

Why We Selected Idaho State University:

  • The program is fully online, accessible from anywhere, making it ideal for working individuals and those in rural areas.
  • The MPH program at ISU is CEPH accredited, ensuring a rigorous and recognized public health education.
  • Flexible internship opportunities are available both in the US and internationally, enhancing practical experience.

Program Details

  • AccreditationNWCCU
  • Average In-State Tuition$8,380
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
3

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The University of Alabama offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Education & Promotion. This 42-credit hour program is designed for flexible online learning, costing $440 per credit hour. The curriculum includes advanced public health, health promotion, epidemiology, and applied practice experiences. Graduates are eligible for CHES, MCHES, and CPH certification exams. Admission deadlines are July 15 for fall, November 15 for spring, and April 15 for summer.

Why We Selected The University of Alabama:

  • The program offers flexible online learning, allowing students to complete coursework at their convenience.
  • Faculty expertise and guidance are provided through regular consultations via email, phone, or video conferencing.
  • Networking opportunities are enhanced through a strong alumni network across the country and abroad.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$10,780
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
4

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

The Master of Public Health program at Purdue Global is designed to equip students with core knowledge and skills in foundational areas of public health. The program requires 56 quarter credit hours, typically completed in 18 months of full-time study. It includes courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services administration, and social and behavioral sciences. Students can customize their program with electives like disaster management or international epidemiology. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in public health, enabling them to develop health policies, manage health services, and serve as consultants. Career outcomes include positions in government and private industries. Financial aid options are available, but specific costs are not detailed. Admissions requirements do not include the GRE. The program concludes with a capstone project, providing practical experience in public health practice.

Why We Selected Purdue University Global:

  • Purdue Global's MPH offers flexible online courses tailored for working adults.
  • The program includes practical skills training through a final onsite fieldwork component.
  • Expert faculty provide specialized guidance in public health leadership and administration.

Program Details

  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average In-State Tuition$8,730
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
5

Texas Woman’s University

Denton, Texas

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Texas Woman’s University is designed to prepare students to integrate knowledge and skills in public health, critique research, and advocate for health improvements in diverse populations, particularly in rural environments. The program requires 42 semester credit hours, divided into core coursework, a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior in Rural Communities, an elective, and a practicum. Students can complete the program in as little as two years. Career opportunities include roles such as epidemiologist, health education specialist, and public health administrator. Admissions require meeting university graduate school requirements, with additional criteria outlined on the program’s website. The program offers a unique focus on rural health and provides a combination of instructional approaches. Financial aid and cost details are available through the university’s financial aid office.

Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:

  • The program offers a unique focus on rural health, setting it apart from other public health programs.
  • The hybrid format combines online and in-person classes, providing flexibility for students.
  • The program features small classes with accessible, knowledgeable, and innovative faculty.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$5,112
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course82%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
6

Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Lamar University requires 42 credit hours, including 27 core courses, 9 hours of electives, and a 6-hour Capstone course. The program focuses on addressing chronic health issues affecting low socioeconomic populations through public policy, research, and population health sciences. It typically takes 24 months to complete. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The program prepares students to develop and implement health programs, create public health policy, and understand research methods. Career outcomes include roles in health program administration and policy development. Financial details are not explicitly outlined, but students can explore financial aid options through the university.

Why We Selected Lamar University:

  • The program offers an online and asynchronous format, ideal for working professionals.
  • The MPH program focuses on addressing chronic health issues affecting low socioeconomic populations.
  • Lamar University's program allows students to advocate for policies decreasing health disparities.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$6,471
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course94%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
7

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

The Master of Public Health (MPH) General program at the University of Illinois Springfield requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, combining 32 hours of core coursework with 16 hours of concentration courses. Core courses cover essential topics like epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health policy, while concentration courses allow students to specialize in areas such as social determinants of health or advanced epidemiology. To complete the program, students must pass a comprehensive examination based on a case study. The program prepares students to address complex health challenges and offers career pathways in diverse public health settings. Prospective students should have a strong academic background and meet specific admissions requirements. Financial aid options are available to support students throughout their studies. The program typically takes two years to complete and provides a comprehensive foundation for careers in public health.

Why We Selected University of Illinois Springfield:

  • The program offers a robust Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) that helps cover tuition costs.
  • The CEPH accreditation enhances professional mobility and employment opportunities for graduates.
  • The program provides specialized concentration courses, allowing students to focus on specific career-aligned areas.

Program Details

  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average In-State Tuition$8,375
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
8

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The Master of Science in Public Health at Carolina University is a two-year program requiring 48 credit hours, including a capstone project. It prepares students for practice or further education by focusing on research methods, epidemiology, and biostatistics. The program is designed for students from diverse backgrounds seeking careers as practitioners or researchers. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.7 or higher and English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Tuition for international students is approximately $13,320 per year. The program offers flexibility in course selection, including options in data science. Graduates can pursue roles in public health management, research, or policy development. The program’s affordability and flexibility make it an attractive option for those seeking a strong foundation in public health.

Why We Selected Carolina University:

  • The program offers a capstone project for real-world application experience.
  • Faculty expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics enhances student learning.
  • The curriculum addresses urgent public health problems through community engagement.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$8,010
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
9

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Northeastern State University (NSU) offers a fully online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with specializations in Nursing Education, Administrative Leadership in Nursing, and Nursing Informatics. The program comprises 32 credit hours, including a 120-hour practicum that can be completed over multiple semesters. Courses are delivered in 7-week sessions, allowing full-time students to complete the program in as few as 10 months; part-time students typically finish within two years, with a maximum allowance of six years. Tuition is approximately $371.40 per credit hour, totaling around $11,885 for the entire program. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution, have completed approved courses in statistics and nursing research with a grade of ‘C’ or better, and possess an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, advanced practice, and evidence-based care, preparing graduates for roles in education, administration, and informatics.

Why We Selected Northeastern State University:

  • Northeastern State University offers an accelerated RN to BSN program that can be completed in as few as 10 months.
  • The program benefits from a clinical partnership with Integris Health, providing real-world experience in nursing informatics.
  • Northeastern State University's nursing programs are supported by expert faculty with specialized knowledge in various healthcare settings.

Program Details

  • AccreditationNSU
  • Average In-State Tuition$4,581
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
10

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Youngstown State University is part of the Consortium of Eastern Ohio Master of Public Health, offering a collaborative learning environment with faculty from multiple institutions. The program requires 42 semester hours, including eight core courses, a directed elective, a capstone project, and electives. Students must also complete a portfolio and an exit presentation. The curriculum is designed for working professionals, focusing on improving public health practices, particularly in eastern Ohio. Career outcomes include roles in public health administration, research, and policy. Admissions require graduate standing, and financial aid options are available. The program prepares students for diverse public health careers, emphasizing practical skills and community engagement.

Why We Selected Youngstown State University:

  • The program offers an accelerated "4+1" completion option, allowing students to earn their MPH in just one year after completing their Bachelor's degree.
  • The program provides unique networking opportunities through its consortium model, involving multiple universities and community agencies.
  • Students can take elective courses at any of the partner universities, offering diverse learning experiences and specialized knowledge.

Program Details

  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average In-State Tuition$6,453
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1

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What Makes an Online MPH Program Affordable?

When determining how much a Master of Public Health degree will cost, tuition is the single most important factor. Other considerations, including those discussed below, can also play major roles in how much you can expect to pay for your degree.

Whether the online MPH program is in-state or-out-of-state

Your residency status can determine your tuition rate, especially if you attend a public institution. Most state schools (as opposed to private schools) offer much lower tuition rates to in-state residents. This can make attending a public school as an out-of-state student easily twice as expensive.

How much financial aid you can get for your online MPH program

Many students acquire financial aid to help pay for their schooling, but not all forms of aid are the same. The types that don’t have to be paid back, like scholarships and grants, can make an otherwise expensive degree far more affordable.

How much of the MPH program coursework is offered online

Most online MPH programs offer the bulk of their coursework online, but some have hands-on academic requirements. This might include an in-person practicum or internship, and these travel costs add to the total cost of the MPH degree.

If the online MPH program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working while you complete your master’s

Many MPH programs have full-time course loads. Luckily, online programs often offer asynchronous learning, making it possible for students to attend class based on their schedules. The flexibility to work while in school can help you better manage the cost of your education.

How expensive the application fees are

Compared to the cost of tuition, application fees are small. If you’re applying to several schools, though, these fees quickly add up. Finding schools with no application fee can make the application process more affordable.

Whether the college is private or public

Private institutions often provide more services and personalized attention, but these advantages can come at the cost of higher tuition rates compared to those at public institutions. Fortunately, in terms of access to faculty and learning atmosphere, the difference between a public and private school is minimized at the graduate level.

Ways to Lower the Cost of Your Online MPH Degree

The cost of attendance is often the biggest hurdle for prospective students. Finding ways to defray costs may make all the difference in whether you move forward. Below are some strategies to help you make your MPH learning experience more economical.

  1. Search for scholarships and grants created specifically for public health students.

Though there are a lot of graduate students vying for financial aid, there is a plethora of scholarships and grants available to graduate students. Increase your chances of getting a scholarship by focusing on grants and scholarships only open to public health or MPH students. Find out more about what’s available by visiting our grant and scholarship resources page for public health students.

  1. Ask about employer tuition reimbursement

Not all employers offer tuition reimbursement, and the ones that do may not offer enough to cover the total cost. However, employer tuition reimbursement can still make a significant impact. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to work for your employer for a set period after graduating to take advantage of this benefit.

  1. Take advantage of student discounts

Some schools offer discounts to certain students. One of the most popular is the special tuition rate for students who are active-duty military or veterans. Some graduate programs even have academic tracks designed to help these students take advantage of their VA education benefits.

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A smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing glasses and a purple jacket over a plaid shirt. She appears joyful and is looking directly at the camera.

Shannon Lee, BA AUTHOR

Shannon Lee has written thousands of articles in the higher education space over the last 20 years, with a strong emphasis on medical and health. As the daughter of two professionals who retired from work in major hospital systems, Shannon brings her personal experience to bear on her writing on nursing, healthcare, and allied health.

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