Definitive Guide to the Most Affordable Online MPH Programs

Affordable Online MPH Programs

As you begin researching and applying to online MPH programs, you’ll need to consider the programs’ financial burden. This can be more complex than it might seem at first. Generally speaking, online MPH programs are more affordable than traditional campus-based programs, in large part due to the fact that you won’t need to pay relocation or commuting costs to go to campus. However, costs can vary significantly within online MPH programs, and your personal circumstances might further impact what you’ll need to pay.

Generally, a program will be more affordable if you’re eligible for in-state tuition (in the case of state schools) and/or if the school offers financial aid, which can be need-based, merit-based, or a combination of the two. The amount of financial aid you receive will be highly dependent on personal factors. However, some of the factors that impact affordability – such as whether you need to pay a technology fee in addition to tuition or whether the school offers free textbook access or other course materials – will be universal.

Below, you’ll find profiles of three affordable online MPH programs. Read on to get an idea of what you can potentially expect from these programs.

Comparing the Cost of Online and On-Campus MPH Programs

Generally, online MPH programs are more affordable than in-person programs when you consider the total cost of each. This amount varies from school to school. But, you can save money with an online MPH program because you won’t need to relocate or commute to campus. This is especially true since most online MPH programs are 100% online, including any final capstone or research projects, so you won’t need to visit the school’s campus. However, you might need to pay additional technology fees (although some in-person programs also have these fees). So, you should not view the base tuition cost as the total cost for these programs. And students of on-campus programs might be eligible for certain types of financial aid that online students are not eligible for, such as work-study.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of an Online MPH Program

In addition to looking for an affordable program with lower tuition costs, there are multiple ways to lower the total cost for an online MPH degree. Below, you’ll find several ways to potentially reduce costs.

Submit Applications for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More

Various scholarships are available for students who want to earn an MPH, including those from your school, state and local governments, and private organizations. You should conduct research on scholarship opportunities and apply by the deadline for any you are eligible for. Some schools offer institutional aid plus waivers for application and/or technology fees; you might be eligible for these waivers if you demonstrate financial need.

Continue Working Part-Time

While it’s not technically a form of financial aid, maintaining a part-time job as a source of income while you study can reduce the need to take out student loans. Some part-time jobs offer tuition reimbursement, although this varies based on the employer. You should check with your employer to see if it’s feasible to maintain an adequate study schedule alongside the responsibilities of your job.

Leverage Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs

If you’re employed in a public health-related field, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs they might offer. Not all employers offer tuition reimbursement, and the ones that do might not offer enough to cover the total cost. However, tuition reimbursement from an employer can make a significant impact. You’ll likely have to work for your employer for a set period of time after graduating to take advantage of this benefit.

Get the Most out of Student Discounts

Some schools offer discounts to certain students; this is different from in-state tuition at state universities. A special tuition rate for students who are active-duty military personnel or veterans will usually be listed on the school’s website if they offer it. Some graduate programs have academic tracks that are designed to help these students take advantage of their VA education benefits.

Ranking the Most Affordable Online MPH Degree Programs

When ranking the most affordable online MPH programs, we considered more than simply tuition costs. We looked at tuition and other factors – such as technology and materials fees – and availability of financial aid plus how many students are awarded aid each year and quality of the programs. For a full breakdown, see the methodology tab. Read on for the most affordable online MPH programs.