April 27, 2024

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) 2020

most-affordable

By HMDG Staff
January 2020

A Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree is a multidisciplinary degree that covers areas such as biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, epidemiology, and social science. Earned an MPH will prepare you for success in a variety of settings including state of local health organizations, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and social service agencies. Students should look for a program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, an independent organization recognized by the Department of Education to accredit public health programs and schools.

Going back to school to earn an MPH is a financial and time commitment. Considering an online MPH degree can save money in relocation and travel expenses and allow students to continue their current employment. There are many quality affordable MPH programs out there and our list highlights 25 of the most affordable. All the schools in our list hold regional accreditation, have expert faculty, a diverse curriculum, and, most importantly, online coursework! We’ve listed schools in order of their average graduate tuition cost provided by College Navigator. We understand that your actual tuition cost may vary depending on financial need and other factors so we encourage you to check with the school directly to see what your actual cost would be.

#25 – National University – La Jolla, California

MPH Program Online

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $15,480/year
National University is the largest private non-profit university in the San Diego Area. NU offers an online master’s in public health accredited by the CEPH. Courses are offered in four week blocks, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time. Courses include:

  • Global Public Health
  • Public Health Program Development
  • Health Policy and Advocacy

New classes start monthly and new students are admitted throughout the year. Military service members and dependents can save money by taking advantage of tuition discounts.

#24 – University of Illinois – Chicago, Illinois

Online Master of Public Health

Website

Average Graduate Tuition: $13,612/year in-state and $23,299/year out-of-state
The University of Illinois at Chicago features a top online affordable master’s in public health with three different online program options. Students can choose to focus on:

  • Community Health Sciences
  • Health Policy and Administration
  • Public Health Informatics

The Community Health Sciences program is fully online and requires students to complete a primary concentration area. The Public Health Informatics program is the only 100% online program of its kind in public health informatics. For students with experience in the field, the Health Policy and Administration Professional Enhancement program provides advanced training that prepares students for career advancement.

#23 – Northern Illinois University – Dekalb, Illinois

Online Master of Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,904/year
Northern Illinois University features an online affordable master of public health accredited by the CEPH since 1997. Courses cover areas like health service management, public health policy, and social aspects of public health. Emphasis areas are available in:

  • Health Promotion
  • Health Services Management

All students complete an internship, preparing them for success in the workforce.

#22 – George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia

Online Public Health, MPH


Website

Average Graduate Tuition: $11,736/year in-state and $32,322/year out-of-state
The affordable online public health master’s degree program offered by George Mason University provides students with foundational knowledge and competencies to be successful in the field. This 42 credit hour program includes seven concentration areas:

  • Community Health Promotion
  • Epidemiology
  • Food Security and Nutrition
  • Global Health
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health Communication
  • Public Health Practice

Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of sectors including health care and private industry.

#21 – SUNY at Albany – Albany, New York

Online MPH Degree

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,090/year in-state and $22,650/year out-of-state
The University at Albany, a State University of New York, features an affordable online master’s in public health offered in a flexible part-time format. This CEPH accredited program includes a 720 clock hour professional internship which prepares students for success after graduation. Core courses include:

  • Biological Basis of Public Health
  • Introduction to Environmental Health
  • Health Care Organization, Finance, and Delivery

Current employees of the NYS Department of Health or a county health department in New York State may be eligible for tuition assistance, making this program even more affordable. Graduates are prepared to work for a variety of organizations including the FDA, the CDC, and nonprofits around the world.

#20 – University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida

Master of Public Health Online

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,770/year in-state and $27,335/year out-of-state
The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions features an affordable online master’s in public health (MPH) designed for students who don’t want to be confined to a traditional full-time program. This 48 credit hour program is fully online with no on-campus residency requirements. New courses are offered each semester and students adhere to weekly due-dates. Concentrations are available in Pubic Health Practice and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Core courses include:

  • Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System
  • Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Issues in Public Health
  • Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health

#19 – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Online Master of Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,243/year in-state and $27,454/year out-of-state
The Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina features an online affordable master’s in public health for students interested in solving urgent public health challenges both domestically and abroad. Both full and part-time program options are available. Concentration areas include:

  • Leadership in Practice
  • Health Policy
  • Nutrition
  • Master of Public Health/Registered Dietitian (MPH/RD)

Courses are delivered through a live, web-cam set up that allows students to interact with faculty and peers.

#18 – Kansas State University – Manhattan, Kansas

Online Master of Public Health Program

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,061/year in-state and $22,709/year out-of-state
The affordable online master’s in public health from Kansas State University is a 42 credit hour program for those currently in, or planning to join, the field of public health. Students can choose one of four areas of emphasis:

  • Food Safety and Biosecurity
  • Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Public Health Physical Activity

The program is offered through multiple KSU departments and the course schedule and format are determined by each of those departments. All core classes are available online and many electives are available in this format as well.

#17 – University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri

Online Master of Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,822/year in-state and $24,156/year out-of-state
The School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri is home to an affordable online master’s in public health with emphasis areas in either Health Promotion and Policy or Veterinary Public Health. Online courses are delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. There are no on-campus residency requirements. Most students can complete the program in two years of full-time study, and part-time program options are available.

#16 – University of Alaska – Anchorage, Alaska

Online Master’s of Public Health in Public Health Practice

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,802/year in-state and $18,504/year out-of-state
The University of Alaska features an innovative online master’s in public health with a focus on the unique needs of Alaska and circumpolar north. All required courses are offered online and students stay in contact with their academic advisor throughout the program. Courses cover areas like:

  • program evaluation
  • health management and policy
  • biostatistics

Students are required to complete either a practicum thesis or practicum project at the end of the program.

#15 – University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

online Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,514/year in-state and $10,514/year out-of-state
The University of Southern Mississippi offers an affordable online master’s in public health with a focus on health policy and administration. This CEPH accredited program includes core courses in:

  • Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology

Online students save a considerable amount of money regardless of their location since online MPH students pay the low in-state tuition rate. All students complete a 400 clock hour internship at a health facility. Full-time students can complete the program in just 15 months.

#14 – University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida

Online Master of Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,350/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
The College of Public Health at the University of South Florida features an affordable online MPH with seven concentration areas. These areas include:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health Practice
  • Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief & Homeland Security
  • Infection Control
  • Social Marketing
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Health, Safety & Environment

USF reports that many of their online programs have special tuition rates for out-of-state residents, which can save students even more money. Online students learn from a variety of different technology including web conferencing, streaming media, wikis and podcasts.

#13 – University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, North Dakota

Online Master of Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,226/year in-state and $21,964/year out-of-state
The affordable online master of public health from the University of North Dakota is a 42 credit hour program that takes about two years to complete. Specializations are available in:

  • Health Management & Policy
  • Indigenous Health
  • Population Health Research & Analytics

This CEPH accredited program includes a 240 clock hour practicum with a local public health organization. Students interested in public health on a global scale can take advantage of the semester-long Norwegian Exchange Program.

#12 – University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, Alabama

Online Master of Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,100/year in-state and $18,540/year out-of-state
The University of Alabama at Birmingham features an online affordable master of public health with six different concentration areas. Students can choose to focus on:

  • Population Health
  • Environmental & Occupational Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Care Organization & Policy
  • Maternal and Child Health Policy & Leadership

Online students benefit from low in-state tuition rates regardless of the state they reside. There are no on-campus residency requirements, making this a great choice for working professionals.

#11 – Florida A&M University – Tallahassee, Florida

Public Health Master’s Online

Website

Average Graduate Tuition: $8,019/year in-state and $22,108/year out-of-state
The Institute of Public Health at Florida A&M University offers an affordable online master’s in public health that is one of the top producers of African American public health experts in the country. Florida A&M is also the first HBCU to offer an online MPH degree program. Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters. All students complete a practicum experience in their final semester. Online students are supported through virtual office hours, streaming video and audio lectures, and free access to SAS, a top statistical software package.

#10 – Idaho State University – Pocatello, Idaho

Online MPH Program

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,801/year in-state and $23,121/year out-of-state
Idaho State University’s public health online affordable master’s degree program is the only program in the state awarded CEPH accreditation. The program is ideal for working professionals and those living in rural areas. Courses are taught by faculty with interest in research and community service. Core course requirements include:

  • Leadership and Administration
  • US and Global Health Systems
  • Biostatistics

All students have the opportunity to complete an internship, gaining valuable professional experience. Students must also choose to complete either a thesis or a project in order to complete the program and earn their MPH.

#9 – California State University – Northridge, California

Online Master of Public Health


Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
The affordable online MPH program offered by California State University Northridge emphasizes community health education. The program boasts a 100% CHES exam pass rate for recent grads. The rigorous curriculum is taught by the same faculty who teach the traditional brick and mortar program. Students move through the program as a cohort through all seven terms of the program. The flexible online format is comprised of asynchronous class meetings and weekly assignments that accommodate working professionals.

#8 – San Jose State University – San Jose, California

Online MPH

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
The Department of Public Health and Recreation at San Jose State University offers an affordable online MPH program that takes two years to complete. Courses are delivered through synchronous web conferencing that maximizes interaction and collaboration. Students come together once a year for a four to five day intensive and complete the rest of the program online. Courses are taken sequentially to allow students to focus on one area at a time.

#7 – University of Colorado Denver – Denver, Colorado

Online Master of Public Health in Public Health

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,786/year in-state and $22,590/year out-of-state
The MPH online at the University of Colorado Denver features a concentration in Leadership and Public Health Practice. Students with experience in the field are strongly encouraged to apply. Courses are delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. The flexible program allows students to adjust their course load each semester based on their personal and professional goals. Courses cover the five core areas of public health and diverse electives are available in areas like:

  • GIS mapping
  • public health informatics
  • communication for public health impact

  • #6 – American Public University System – Charles Town, West Virginia

    Online Master of Public Health in Public Health

    Website
    Average Graduate Tuition: $6,300/year
    The online affordable public health master’s program from American Public University is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to solve complex health issues in the U.S. and around the world. APU boasts no application fee, no transfer credit evaluation fee and 72% of graduates have no APUS incurred student loan debt. This 47 credit hour program includes monthly course starts and an eight week program format. Eligible military members and their dependents may be eligible for further reduced tuition costs.

    #5 – Augusta University – Augusta, Georgia

    Public Health Master’s Online

    Website
    Average Graduate Tuition: $5,144/year in-state and $17,544/year out-of-state
    The Graduate School at Augusta University features an affordable online MPH degree accredited by the CEPH. Students benefit from community-based internship opportunities and engaging coursework. Concentrations are available in either Health Management or Health Informatics. Core courses include:

  • Biostatistics
  • Introduction to Epidemiology
  • Health Management and Policy
  • All students complete an internship experience, gaining valuable skills and hands-on knowledge that prepares students for success in the workplace.

    #4 – University of Nevada – Reno, Nevada

    Online Master of Public Health

    Website
    Average Graduate Tuition: $4,950/year in-state and $19,422/year out-of-state
    The University of Nevada, Reno is home to an affordable online MPH program accredited by the CEPH. Coursework is delivered in a flexible 100% online format and there are no residency requirements. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow students to begin the program when it’s most convenient for their schedule. Full-time students can complete their degree in just 24 months. There are no GRE requirements for admission. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of roles including:

  • health educator
  • public health analyst
  • nonprofit manager.

#3 – University of North Texas Health Science Center – Fort Worth, Texas

Online Master of Public Health – Professional Option

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,735/year in-state and $17,205/year out-of-state
The School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center features an affordable online master of public health with program. It has options for those new to the field or seasoned professionals. The 48 credit hour program is designed for recent grads or those changing careers. The 42 credit hour program is for professionals with at least three years of work experience in the field. Both full and part-time program options are available. Courses are delivered in eight week accelerated sessions. Students can complete five sessions each year.

#2 – University of Montana – Missoula, Montana

Online Public Health Program

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,716/year in-state and $19,106/year out-of-state
The University of Montana School of Public and Community Health Sciences features an online affordable MPH. This 42 credit hour program includes core courses in:

  • Rural Health Issues in a Global Context
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
  • Program Evaluation & Research Methods

All students complete an integrative learning experience and an applied practice experience. Most full-time students can complete the program in about two years by taking 21 credits each year. Part-time students can continue working while earning their degree, finishing in about three and a half years.

#1 – New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, New Mexico

Online Public Health Master’s Program

Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $4,549/year in-state and $15,860/year out-of-state
Our most affordable online master’s in public health is offered by New Mexico State University. The program is for public health practitioners who are unable to attend a traditional on-campus program and who want the benefits of a quality MPH education. There are two concentration options:

  • the Health Behavior and Health Promotion (HBHP) concentration
  • the Health Management, Administration, and Policy (HMAP) focus area

Online courses are delivered in an asynchronous format allowing students to access course content when it is most convenient. This CEPH accredited program is also a member of the Association of Accredited Programs.

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