Most Affordable Online MPH Programs: Comparing Low-Cost Options
Do you want to earn a master’s in public health (MPH) degree without stressing over finances? Studying online for an MPH is convenient and can help you save money. But, the cost of online MPH programs can vary, especially when you factor in financial aid opportunities. Here EduMed breaks down some of the most affordable online MPH programs available today.
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NursingNursing Ed.What Makes an Online MPH Affordable?
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 least at first. In many circumstances, online MPH programs are more affordable than traditional campus-based programs. Why? No relocation and no commuting.
However, costs vary across online MPH programs, and your personal circumstances might further impact what you’ll need to pay. Factors that affect costs include:
- State residency: Programs are generally more affordable if you’re eligible for in-state tuition (in the case of state schools).
- Financial aid: Tuition is most affordable if the school offers financial aid, which can be need-based, merit-based, or a combination of the two.
- Additional fees: Programs will cost more if you need to pay a technology fee in addition to tuition or if your school adds an extra charge for textbook access or other course materials.
Below, you’ll find profiles of three affordable online MPH programs. Read through the details, get an idea of how they work, and, most importantly, how much they might cost to attend.
Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers a fully online MPH program that can be completed in as little as a year and a half with a 15-hour per week time commitment. This 56-credit degree program consists of 14 courses, including 10 core courses and four electives.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before they apply. Courses start twice per year in the winter and spring.
Tuition and Fees:
- Flat tuition rate of $420 per credit, regardless of residency—except for international students
- Having transfer credits might reduce the total tuition cost—reduces the number of credits needed to graduate
Financial Aid:
- Federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans
- Tuition reduction for active-duty military personnel and veterans
- Corporate partner program, reducing costs for employees of partner organizations
SUNY Brockport
SUNY Brockport is part of the State University of New York system. SUNY’s MPH program is fully online. This program prepares you for certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).
The program comprises 42 credits, including a core curriculum with 30 credits of required courses, electives you can choose with the help of your academic advisor, and a final capstone project.
Tuition and Fees:
- New York residents are eligible for in-state graduate tuition rates of $12,450 per semester for a 12-credit semester schedule, including fees.
- Non-resident graduate tuition, including fees, is slightly higher at $14,710 per semester
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid, including grants and loans
- Variety of graduate scholarships, including the Brockport Alumni Association Scholarship
- Paid tutoring opportunities through SUNY Brockport
Northeastern State University
The online MPH program at Northeastern State University is a 43-credit, fully online program that can be completed with full-time or part-time study. Students can choose between two areas of concentration – global health or public health leadership.
After you enroll in this program, you’ll study a core curriculum that includes classes in health policy, biostatistics, epidemiology, and more. You will also complete original research and a final capstone project.
Tuition and Fees:
- Oklahoma residents are eligible for in-state tuition of $278.75 per credit hour ($308.40 per credit hour including fees)
- Fully online students—of any program—are eligible for in-state tuition rate, regardless of residency
- Additional fees include a $30-per-credit-hour electronic media fee
Financial Aid:
- Grants, loans, and scholarships for graduate students
- Work-study programs (online students not eligible)
- Additional financial aid for Native American students through relevant tribal authorities
- Potential application fee waiver for students who demonstrate financial need
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Comparing Cost: Online vs. 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. Check out these financial advantages and disadvantages of online and on-campus MPH programs.
Online MPH programs:
- Advantages: Some programs are 100% online (including final capstones and research projects), so you save money on transportation costs as there is no need to relocate or commute to campus
- Disadvantages: You may need to pay an additional technology fee. Also, you may be ineligible for work-study programs.
On-campus MPH programs:
- Advantages: A wider range of financial aid options are available to students enrolled in on-campus programs.
- Disadvantages: Some schools charge an additional technology fee even though the program is not online.
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.
Expert Insight
If you choose to work part-time while in school, keep in mind that as a master’s student, you’ll need to work on either a capstone or research project. Though your program may be 100% online, some research projects require you to collect data in person (i.e., through face-to-face interviews or visits to health departments or other facilities).
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. Some graduate programs have academic tracks that are designed to help students take advantage of their VA education benefits.
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.
