In this article, we profile the top 50 most affordable online MPH (master of public health) programs.
Public health is an interdisciplinary field of health that determines how to identify and combat diseases that impact the population. In some entry-level public health careers, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient, but for advanced public health roles and advancement, a master’s degree is required. Flexible and affordable online public health degrees are now offered at some of the top-ranked institutions in the country. We located fifty of the most affordable master’s in public health online degree programs to aid in your graduate school research.
Top 50 Cheapest Online MPH Programs Methodology
We looked at 125 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master’s in public health or closely related programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: regional or national accreditation, online completion pathways for an online MPH degree, school or program ranking from U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees less than $24,000 per year. We then ranked the top 50 master’s in public health online programs according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 50 affordable master’s in public health online programs.
#50 – University of Michigan
Online Master’s of Public Health
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,456
The University of Michigan’s master’s in public health online offers students a graduate degree at affordable tuition rates from one of the top-ranked institutions in the world. The program is designed for working professionals who seek to tackle complex health problems domestically or abroad. Courses may include nutrition and public health, principles of epidemiology for public health, public health sciences and the environment, and social determinants of health. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, SOP, reflective essay, letters of recommendation (3), and GRE/MCAT scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks Michigan #25 in national universities and #3 in top public schools.
#49 – Simmons University
Online MPH
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,894
Simmons University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, offers an online MPH focusing on health equity and social justice. The program can be completed in just 21 months and consists of 45 credits. In addition to online coursework, students are required to complete two in-person immersions, one on the Simmons campus in Boston and one in a domestic or international location. Featured courses include community based research for health equity, environmental health and justice, and health advocacy community organizing and innovation. Admission is a holistic decision with no GRE scores required to apply. U.S. News and World Report ranks Simmons University #125 in best national universities. As a result, Simmons makes the cut for quality MPH programs.
#48 – Nova Southeastern University
Online MPH
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,620
Nova Southeastern University offers an online master’s in public health focusing on the teaching and training of students to work in a wide variety of settings focusing on emergent health needs such as environmental health, health care reform, sociopolitical factors of health, and global health crisis. Students go on to fruitful careers in public, private, and non-profit sectors of the economy. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, 3.0 minimum GPA, and test scores. Health-related experience is desirable but not required. Courses include environmental and occupational health, legal and ethical issues in public health, research methods in public health, and social and behavioral sciences applied to health. U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova #246 in national universities.
#47 – University of New England
Online Master’s of Public Health
Biddeford, Maine
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,525
The University of New England’s master’s in public health online is a 46-credit offering with no campus visitations required. The program is designed for current or aspiring public health professionals who desire a rigorous curriculum and flexible learning environment. The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The institution is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. The degree can be completed in as little as 18-months. Courses include applied practical experience, program planning and evaluation, principles of epidemiology, principles of public health, and social and behavioral health. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of New England #246 in national universities.
#46 – Benedictine University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Lisle, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,986
Benedictine University offers an online MPH that prepares graduates to lead organizations on improving health outcomes through increased access and infectious disease mitigation. The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Courses may include behavioral and social aspects of public health, biological aspects of public health, management of health services organizations, and research methods in public health. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a 2.75 minimum GPA. GRE waivers are granted for those with a master’s degree or PhD or career experience deemed appropriate by the admission committee. Benedictine University is ranked #293 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#45 – St. John’s University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Queens, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,836
St. John’s University offers an online public health degree for working professionals seeking leadership positions in a career field that typically requires an advanced degree. The graduate MPH at St. John’s requires applicants to submit proof of bachelor’s degree, 3.0 minimum GPA, satisfactory GRE scores (waivers available), resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The program can be completed in two years full-time with a maximum of five years to complete. Core courses may include healthcare system and its financing, introduction to environmental health sciences, introduction to epidemiology, and introduction to public health management. St. John’s University is ranked #179 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#44 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University’s online master’s in public health is designed for working professionals interested in leadership positions in public health contexts. Graduates go on to work at public and private institutions such as government, non-profit organizations, NGOs, and more. Graduates focus on a range of health concerns such as infectious disease prevention, healthcare reform, healthcare access, and more. Coursework includes health policy and management, principles of environmental health, principles in public health, program planning and evaluation in public health, and social and behavioral sciences. Southern New Hampshire University is ranked #92 in regional universities North and #1 in most innovative schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#43 – South University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Savannah, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,839
South University’s master’s in public health online prepares students for careers battling infection disease, increasing access to healthcare, reducing health hazards, and conducting health research. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses include case studies in public health, evidence-based public health practice, environmental and occupational health, and health promotion and disease prevention. In addition to coursework, students are able to engage in a practicum experience, gaining experience by working in a health organization in their own community. U.S. News and World Report recognizes South University in its cohort of best health professions schools.
#42 – University of Washington
Online Master’s of Public Health
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,590
The University of Washington offers students an online MPH designed to prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to assume leadership positions within a wide array of health organizations. Graduates go on to work for leading agencies and firms in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Many graduates find fruitful careers working for NGOs, government agencies, consulting firms, health care organizations, and non-profits. The program includes courses such as environmental and occupational health for public health practitioners, health promotion and behavior change communication, leadership and management practice in public health organizations, and social determinants of population health. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Washington #62 in national universities.
#41 – Monroe College
Online Master’s of Public Health
Bronx, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,256
Monroe College offers an online public health degree that utilizes project-based learning where students apply knowledge and skills to cases similar to ones they would face on the job. Students can choose from two concentrations: community health or health administration and leadership. Courses may include behavioral and social aspects of public health, ethics and leadership: an interdisciplinary perspective, graduate research and critical analysis, health policy and management, and public health systems and practice. The institution is accredited by The Commission on Higher Education of The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Monroe ranks 80th among regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.
#40 – Des Moines University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Des Moines, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,193
Des Moines University offers an online master’s in public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Students can complete the fully online degree in just two years and may choose from three concentrations including public health practice, public health administration and policy, and health education and promotion. The program features foundational competencies such as evidence based approaches to public health, planning and management to promote health, policy in public health, and public health and health care systems. In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to spend 180 hours working in the field during an internship experience.
#39 – University of Massachusetts
Online Master’s of Public Health
Amherst, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,782
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an online MPH focusing on public health practice. The 100% online graduate degree features no campus degree requirements and is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Council on Education for Public Health. The program was one of the first fully online MPH program, having launched in 2001. Students are able to fluctuate their enrollment, taking as few as one course per semester and as many as three. Minimum admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, 2.75 GPA, and three years of professional experience in public health. University of Massachusetts is ranked #64 in national universities by U.S. News and World report.
#38 – National University
Online Master’s of Public Health
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480
National University offers an affordable online public health degree through its School of Professional Studies. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Students can attend full-time without ever taking more than one class at a time due to the innovative four-week course model established by the institution. Admission requirements include successful completion of an introductory statistics course and a completed bachelor’s degree with a 2.85 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university. Courses may include human resources management, healthcare accounting and finance, health care planning and marketing, and theories of health behavior.
#37 – University of Maryland
Online Master’s of Public Health
College Park, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,526
The University of Maryland offers an online public health degree preparing students for leadership positions across a wide spectrum of health-related occupations and organizations. The hybrid program is designed for working professionals and features online coursework supplemented by six weeks of on-site weekend instruction. In addition to coursework, students are able to engage in an applied learning setting during their internship experience. Courses may include applied data management laboratory, foundations of epidemiology and biostatistics, healthcare leadership and communication, public health practice and management, and program planning and evaluation. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Maryland #64 in national universities.
#36 – Oregon State University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Corvallis, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,331
Oregon State University offers an online MPH designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the health industry. Through the College of Public Health and Human Sciences, the master’s of public health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Students can attend part or full-time to complete the 60-credit degree. Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option (non-thesis option includes a 200-hour internship). Curriculum course includes evaluation of health promotion and education programs, evidence-based leadership in public health, public health issues and ethics, and surveillance and field epidemiology for public health. Oregon State University is ranked #139 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#35 – California Baptist University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Riverside, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,130
California Baptist University offers an online master’s in public health designed for working professionals seeking a rigorous yet flexible graduate degree to prepare them for a wide array of careers in public health. Graduates are eligible to sit for credentialing exams including the Certified Health Education Specialist and Master Certified Health Education Specialist offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, 2.75 minimum GPA, transcripts, and a 500-word personal statement. Courses may include applied knowledge in public health, current issues in public health, public health program: planning an evaluation, and strategic management for public health services.
#34 – University of South Carolina
Online Master’s of Public Health
Columbia, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,050
The University of South Carolina offers two affordable online public health degree options including and concentration in public health promotion, education, and behavior as well as health services policy and management. Both programs offer distinctive career tracks that prepare the graduate for leadership level occupations within that particular space. Both programs are housed within the USC Arnold School of Public Health. The online option makes the program a plausible option for current or aspiring health professionals seeking additional graduate education. The University of South Carolina is ranked in multiple categories by U.S. News and World Report, including #104 in national universities and #182 in top value schools.
#33 – University of Vermont
Online Master’s of Public Health
Burlington, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,272
The University of Vermont’s online MPH teaches and trains students to be difference-makers in public health. The program can be completed in just two years attending part-time. The multidisciplinary degree blends public health policy, population health science, research and disease prevention into one comprehensive degree featuring depth and breadth. Graduates go on to several health careers such as social science health researchers, infection preventionist, public health data analyst, and epidemiology directors, just to name a few. The 42-credit program includes courses such as climate change and public health, controversies in health economics, improving health of patients and populations, legal issues in health care, and public health informatics. University of Vermont is ranked #121 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#32 – University of Arizona
Online Master’s of Public Health
Tucson, Arizona
Through the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, the University of Arizona offers an affordable online public health degree that can be completed in just two years. The coursework is delivered entirely online making it one of the most convenient programs of its kinds for working health professionals. Students may choose from three concentrations in applied epidemiology, health services administration, and health promotion. Each concentration is 50% of the coursework, meaning students engage deeply into their specialized courses. In addition to online coursework, students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in a field-based experience in their own community. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Arizona #117 in national universities.
#31 – University of Florida
Online Master’s Public Health
Gainesville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
The University of Florida provides qualified applicants an online public health degree through its College of Public Health and Health Professions. The 48-credit program can be completed part-time and is accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health. All coursework is delivered online with no on-campus requirements, which makes the Florida program especially enticing for working professionals seeking rigor and flexibility from a state flagship institution. Featured courses include environmental health concepts in public health, introduction to the U.S. health care system, principles of epidemiology in public health, and statistical methods for health science. Florida ranks #34 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#30 – University of North Carolina
Online Master’s of Public Health
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,212
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online MPH through its Gillings School of Public Health. The program includes 42 credits with courses such as conceptualizing public health solutions, data analysis for public health, methods and measures, and understanding public health issues. Students can choose from concentrations in leadership in practice, health policy, nutrition, and master of public health registered dietician. The University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. U.S. News and World Report ranks the UNC’s school of public health #1 in the nation.
#29 – Western Kentucky University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,140
Western Kentucky University offers an online master’s in public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The program is designed with the working professional in mind and provides a flexible curriculum with a focus on improving health outcomes for broad populations. And because the degree is delivered entirely online with no campus visit requirements, students are able to continue their careers uninterrupted while pursuing their graduate degree. Core classes may include applied methods in public health practice, health program evaluation, principles of environmental health, and program planning in public health practice. WKU ranks #293 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#28 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,563
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an affordable online public health degree accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health. The institution is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The 43-credit program is completely online, making it an excellent option for busy professionals. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in a variety of public health contexts. Courses may include foundations in public health practice, health care to diverse populations, health systems administration and management, and master of public health capstone. Indiana Wesleyan is ranked #25 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
#27 – Kent State University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Kent, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,536
Kent State University’s online public health degree is entirely online. Students can choose between two concentrations: health policy management or social and behavioral sciences. The degree is accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health and can be completed in as little as 24 months. Administered through Kent State’s College of Public Health, courses may include biostatistics in public health, community health needs assessment, fundamental of public health epidemiology, and social determinants of health behaviors. Graduates are well prepared for leadership opportunities across several public health contexts. U.S. News and World Report ranks Kent State University #211 in national universities.
#26 – University of Illinois
Online Master’s of Public Health
Springfield, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,486
The University of Illinois Springfield offers an online master’s in public health consisting of 48-credit hours. Students take a wide variety of courses in preparation for leadership positions within the public health sector. Courses may include introduction to environmental health, introduction to public health, public health education, public health policy, and research methods in public health. The program is well suited for current public health professionals seeking career leverage and upward mobility through completion of a graduate degree from an accredited program and institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Illinois Springfield #33 in regional universities Midwest.
#25 – Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Public Health
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,414
Purdue University Global offers an affordable online public health degree with institutional accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission. The 56-credit program features 40 core credits and 16 elective credits including classes such as environmental health, foundations in public health, health behavior, principles of epidemiology, and public health leadership and administration. The entire program is delivered online, making it an excellent option for public health professionals seeking a graduate degree while continuing their careers without interruption. Many graduates go on to earn top leadership positions across the public health sector as a result of their newfound skills, knowledge, and degree credentials from Purdue University Global.
#24 – Rivier University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Nashua, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,925
Rivier University offers a master’s in public health online that takes approximately 2-3 years to complete. The program is considered low-residency and designed for working professionals seeking a flexible degree with rigorous standards. The 42-credit program includes courses such as advanced health policy, behavioral health and health promotion, communicable and non-communicable disease epidemiology, and public health genomics and informatics. The public health degree requires students to complete the graduate application, 3.0 minimum GPA, two letters of recommendation, and evidence of a completed statistics course. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rivier University in multiple categories including #129 in regional universities North and #88 in social mobility.
#23 – Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
Grand Canyon University offers an affordable online public health degree featuring 48 credits. The program is designed with modern health challenges and perspectives in mind. Graduates will have a solid framework of understanding public health at the local, national, and global levels. Graduates go on to fruitful careers as public health research analysts, public health program managers, college faculty, public health policy analysts, community health program directors, and more. Courses may include application and interpretation of public health data, communication for behavior change, international perspectives in community health, and social and behavior principles in public health. U.S. News and World Report ranks Grand Canyon #293 in national universities.
#22 – University of Memphis
Online Master’s of Public Health
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,697
The University of Memphis offers working professionals with a flexible, rigorous online MPH designed to prepare them for leadership positions in the public health sector. The program welcomes a diverse student body and does not require individuals to have a background in public health. Students come from a variety of backgrounds including education, chemistry, computer science, journalism, social work, and exercise science. Students can tailor the degree through one of five concentration areas: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health systems management, and social and behavioral sciences. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Memphis #272 in national universities.
#21 – University of South Florida
Online Master’s of Public Health
Tampa, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
The University of South Florida offers several master’s in public health online designed to prepare its graduates for top public health positions. The program offers several concentration areas including epidemiology, public health practice, infection control, global disaster management, social marketing, nutrition and dietetics, and health and safety. The program is offered online and is a suitable choice for students who do not live near the University of South Florida or who work full-time and want to pursue graduate education without interrupting their career. Courses may include categorical data analysis, computer applications for public health research, history and systems of public health, and translation to public health practice. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Memphis #272 in national universities.
#20 – East Tennessee State University
Online Master’s of Public Health
Johnson City, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,315
East Tennessee State University offers an online public health degree for individuals seeking a graduate degree that can be leveraged into advanced career opportunities. The program was specifically established to accommodate the busy lives of working professionals and those not living near East Tennessee State. The program at ETSU is geared towards community health, where practitioners create programs to promote health education and promotion. Courses may include analytic methods in public health, community health assessment research, and consulting and implementation of health programs and services. U.S. News and World Report ranks East Tennessee State University #293 in top national universities.
#19 – Texas A & M University
Online Master of Public Health
College Station, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,812
Texas A & M University’s online master’s in public health is a multi-disciplinary program designed to offer practical training in public health practice. The six concentrations offered allow students to tailor their degree to meet career goals. These concentrations include biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health promotion and community health sciences, health policy and management, and occupational safety and health. For an applicant to be eligible to the MPH program, they must hold a conferred bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Texas A & M is accredited, affordable, and ranked by major publications. In fact, Texas A & M ranks #70 in best national universities and #78 in best value schools, according to U.S. News and World Report.
#18 – University of North Dakota
Online Master of Public Health
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,697
University of North Dakota offers an affordable online public health degree designed for working students. The online MPH program at UND has a 100 percent employment rate in health-related careers, consists of 42 credits, and takes three years to complete. Three specializations allow MPH students to choose an area of interest they want to focus on and gain additional knowledge. These specializations include health management and policy, indigenous health, and population health research and analytics. According to the program website, a master’s degree in public health opens doors to a variety of career areas for graduates, including biostatistics, health policy analysis, public health administration, and public health education. U.S. News and World Report ranks UND #263 in best national universities and #128 in top public schools.
#17 – Idaho State University
Online Master of Public Health
Pocatello, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,376
Idaho State University’s master’s in public health online program is the online CEPH-accredited MPH in the state of Idaho. Online courses make the program accessible for individuals working in rural areas. The online MPH requires courses such as applications in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health program planning, leadership and administration, and social and cultural perspectives in public health. Students have the choice of either completing a thesis or a research project. Idaho State is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists Idaho State as an unranked top national university. Several of the school’s graduate programs, including public health, have earned rankings.
#16 – University of Nebraska
Online Master of Public Health
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,303
University of Nebraska’s online MPH is a 42-credit program designed for students and working professionals looking to broaden their skills and knowledge in public health administration, health policy, and related fields. The MPH program focuses on four areas of concentration that equip students for careers in public health leadership. These areas of study are health care finance, human resources management, organizational theory and behavior, and strategic planning. Courses offered online include biostatistics, foundations in public health, health care finance, health policy, public health leadership and advocacy, and service learning for MPH. In addition to quality curriculum and accreditation, University of Nebraska offers a solid school reputation. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #293-#381 in best national universities.
#15 – San Jose State University
Online Master of Public Health
San Jose, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,230
San Jose State University offers one of the most affordable online public health degree programs on our list. Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, the program was founded in 1970 and has continuously been accredited by CEPH since 1974. Coursework and study are made up of 42 credit hours. Prerequisite knowledge of biostatistics is necessary for both on-campus and online MPH programs. Courses in public health include community organization and health promotion, computational public health statistics, environmental health, health services organization, multicultural communication for health professionals, and research design and methodology. San Jose State ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges ranks the school #24 in best regional universities in the West.
#14 – The University of West Florida
Online Master of Public Health
Pensacola, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
The University of West Florida’s online public health degree programs include the online MPH–a fully accredited, 42-credit program. Successful admission to the MPH program requires an earned undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree) with a minimum of 3.0 and competitive GRE test scores (150 verbal and 146 quantitative). Three letters of recommendation are also required. Foundational public health classes include environmental health, epidemiology for public health professionals, public health policy, and social and behavioral sciences in public health. University of West Florida ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #34 in best regional universities in the South and #52 in best value universities.
#13 – San Diego State University
Online Master of Public Health
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,922
San Diego State University’s online master’s in public health consists of 18 months of rigorous coursework designed to allow students to study on their own time while pursuing their careers. The fully CEPH-accredited program admits students with earned bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions with at least 2.85 undergraduate GPAs. Applicants must have taken the GRE exam within the past five years. Also, a minimum of three years of full-time work experience, preferably in public health, is required. All courses are taught online and cover topics like health communication, health services administration, motivating health behavior, and theoretical foundations of health promotion. In addition to accreditation, San Diego State has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #141 in best value institutions and #147 in best national universities.
#12 – South Dakota State University
Online Master of Public Health
Brookings, South Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,875
South Dakota State University’s affordable online public health degree, the MPH, is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health. Curriculum covers the five core areas of public health education, including biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health services administration, and social and behavioral sciences. Coursework is provided through online delivery using lecture formats and asynchronous presentations. Some of the core requirements include classes like biostatistics for public health, environmental health, introduction to the U.S. health systems and policy, and program planning and evaluation. SDSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 272nd best national university and 135th top public school.
#11 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Public Health
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Liberty University’s online public health degree is a 42-credit hour program that takes approximately 1.5 years to complete. The program is taught by professionals with advanced experience in leadership and clinical settings. Three specialization areas offered allow students to tailor their degree toward interests. These specializations include global health, health promotion, and nutrition. Admission requires applicants have a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Official college transcripts are also required. Liberty ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks #293-#381 in best national universities and #335 in top performers on social mobility.
#10 – University of Alabama
Online Master of Public Health
Birmingham, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,100
University of Alabama’s master’s in public health online degree programs offer specializations in various disciplines. Graduate students may elect to tailor their degree by choosing one of the areas of focus, such as environmental and occupational health or industrial hygiene. The online MPH in environmental and occupational health consists of classes such as: current topics in environmental and occupational health and safety, environmental and occupational toxicology and diseases, introduction to epidemiology, management and policy in public health systems, and social and behavioral sciences. University of Alabama is fully accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U of A ranks #166 in best national universities and best value schools.
#9 – University of Colorado
Online Master of Public Health
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,017
University of Colorado’s online master’s in public health degree consists of 42 credits made up of core courses, electives, a practicum, and capstone project. All curriculum focuses on developing skills in the foundational and advanced functions of public health as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This program is ideal for working professionals with full-time schedules and students unable to make it to campus on a regular basis. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Colorado #254 in best national universities and #123 in top public schools. UC is one of the most affordable schools on our list.
#8 – Indiana State University
Online Master of Public Health
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,616
Indiana State University offers an accredited and affordable online public health degree designed for students looking to advance their career beyond entry-level positions. The general requirements for this degree include a series of classes and an internship. Also required is the option of a thesis or research project. Courses you will see for this program include applied communications in health professions, health policy leadership, introduction to public health, principles of environmental health, and supervision and management in health professions. U.S. News and World Report ranks #293-#381 in best national universities and #78 in top performers on social mobility.
#7 – Ferris State University
Online Master of Public Health
Big Rapids, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,320
Ferris State University’s online MPH program prepares students to work in diverse areas of public health, focusing on the special population health needs of rural communities. The online MPH takes two years to complete and offers several concentrations in areas of study like environmental health, health education and behavioral science, and health services administration. Some of the courses you will see in this program include cultural diversity and competence in public health practice, environmental health sciences in public health, and health behavior and health promotion in public health. Ferris State ranks #293-#381 in best national universities, according to U.S. News and World Report. Also, several of the school’s online graduate programs have received top 50 and top 100 rankings.
#6 – University of South Dakota
Online Master of Public Health
Vermillion, South Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,835
University of South Dakota’s online public health degree programs include the MPH degree. In partnership with South Dakota State University the MPH program has adopted an inter-professional approach to five core areas of public health. Core areas include biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health services administration, and social and behavioral sciences. Admission to the program requires two letters of recommendation, one official transcript verifying the undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit earned, and a statement of purpose. A criminal background check takes place upon acceptance. USD ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 263rd best national university and 128th top public school.
#5 – American Public University
Online Master of Public Health
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
American Public University’s online master’s in public health is a 47-credit program designed to prepare professionals to enhance the public health of communities in the U.S. and around the globe. Curriculum adheres to industry trends, ensuring relevancy in today’s marketplace. All classes are taught by APU faculty and cover topics like ethical issues in public health, health care administration, health policy, public health and environment, public health program planning and evaluation, and research methods in public health. The program takes two years to complete and up to 15 transfer credits are accepted. APU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.
#4 – University of Montana
Online Master in Public Health
Missoula, Montana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,505
University of Montana’s master’s in public health online degree program is designed to provide distance-based learning opportunities to help prepare public health practitioners working in Montana and other rural areas of the country. The online MPH program requires the completion of 42 credits, including 27 core credits, six capstone credits, and nine electives. When enrolled full-time, students are able to complete the required coursework in two years. Some of the core courses required include environmental and rural health, ethical issues in public health, fundamentals of biostatistics, health policy, program evaluation and research methods, and public health administration and management. University of Montana ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #254 in best national universities and #123 in top public institutions.
#3 – University of North Texas
Online Master of Public Health
Fort Worth, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,463
University of North Texas offers a top-ranked online public health degree that can be completed anywhere in the country. Online classes make the program especially convenient for working students looking to apply their experience to the classroom and vice versa. Required courses include ethical issues in public health, health services management, introduction to health management and policy, leadership for public health, principles of biostatistics, and theoretical foundations of individual and community health. A three-credit public health practice experience in the workplace is also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #281 in best national universities and #140 in top public intuitions.
#2 – University of Nevada
Online Master of Public Health
Reno, Nevada
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,575
One of the most affordable online MPH degree programs on our list is found at University of Nevada. This fully online degree requires no residency and has multiple start dates throughout the year. In addition to the program’s flexibility, admission requires no test scores. This means you won’t be required to take the GRE prior to admission. The online MPH program requires you to take a number of courses, including biostatistics, environmental health, health informatics, health policy, program planning and evaluation, public health law: ethics and policy analysis, and social and behavioral health. University of Nevada Reno ranks #240 in best national universities and #117 in top public schools.
#1 – New Mexico State University
Online Master of Public Health
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,427
New Mexico State University’s master’s in public health online degree program is the cheapest online MPH degree on our list. This fully online program serves students who cannot participate in the traditional on-campus experience due to geographical constraints. The MPH consists of a minimum of 42 credits and includes courses like community and psychosocial aspects of public health, environmental public health issues, and health services system: administration and organization. Two available concentrations allow MPH students to tailor their degree in areas of interest. These concentrations include health behavior and health promotion courses and health management: administration and policy. In addition to affordability, New Mexico State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 263rd best national university.
BCO Staff
October 2019
This concludes our list of the top 50 cheapest online MPH programs.
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