Most Affordable Online MPH Programs
Explore 50 accredited online MPH programs that score top marks on affordability and learn other ways to make grad school cheaper.
Written By
Shannon Lee
- Bio
Shannon Lee has been a freelance writer, editor, and novelist for over 25 years. Her work has appeared on Fox Business, Forbes, MSN, Bob Vila, Modernize, Nashville Scene, MoneyGeek, MVP Parent, and many other outlets; her writing on home improvement led to an editorial position with The Spruce in 2021. She's written extensively on higher education, relationships, and the intersection of technology, health, and medicine. When she's not freelancing, Shannon also writes fiction novels.
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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.
50-Most Affordable Online MPH Programs in 2021
Plenty of schools offer solid online MPH programs. However, affordability can often be the determining factor. Begin your affordable MPH program search with the following list of schools ranked on several key affordability and quality metrics using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). You can learn more about our methodology by clicking on the “About the ranking” button.
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Methodology for EduMed’s 2021 Most Affordable Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Affordability
- Cost Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
- Academic Counseling Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement Existence of this service on campus or online.
Online Program Availability
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2021
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM | Public | $$ | 1 | New Mexico State University’s Master of Public Health online program follows a hybrid model that allows students to take most of their coursework online in an asynchronous format. They interact with their professors using online tools like Zoom, Skype, Canvas, and Adobe Connect. Students also receive hands-on training through Field Experience. Consisting of three credits, the Field Experience course is unique for each student, taking location and professional preferences into account. Two concentrations are available, one in Health Management, Administration, and Policy and another in Health Behavior and Health Promotion. The latter specialization comes with a thesis option. The entire curriculum consists of eight semesters, including two summer semesters, and students can earn their degrees in under three years. Master of Public Health (MPH)
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| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid65% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 2 | Mississippi University for WomenColumbus, MS | Public | $$ | 1 |
The fully online Master of Public Health program at Mississippi University for Women consists of 42 credits. Of those credits, 21 are for core classes, 12 are for public health classes, and six are for electives. For the final three credits, students complete either a thesis, an internship, or a capstone research project. The research project option provides an avenue for those focusing on research or more hands-on public health initiatives. This MPH curriculum is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in public health education since it prepares them to pass the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Students need a cumulative 3.0 GPA to graduate and cannot have more than two courses with a “C” grade. They must also pass a comprehensive final exam. Master of Public Health (MPH)
|
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| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid84% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 3 | Columbia Southern UniversityOrange Beach, AL | Private, For-Profit | $ | 1 |
One of Columbia Southern University’s biggest draws for its Master of Public Health program is its affordability. Besides the modest tuition rates, students also save money through transfer credits, learning discounts, scholarships, military benefits, and no additional costs from textbooks. In addition to affordability, this MPH program also stands out through its customization and flexibility. Students can tailor their educations by focusing on areas like community health, grant writing, and public policy. They also have three ways to study. LifePace Learning allows them to complete classes in as little as four weeks or up to 18 weeks. Term Enrollment allows for a self-paced approach within fixed start and end dates. Veterans Flexible Enrollment is like Term Enrollment but open to students using VA education benefits. Master of Public Health (MPH)
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| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid68% |
AccreditationDistance Education Accrediting Commission | |||||||||
| 4 | Utah State UniversityLogan, UT | Public | $$ | 1 | Depending on your choice of three specializations, your Master of Public Health degree from Utah State University’s MPH program will take 42 or 45 credits to complete. Most of the Health Education and Promotion MPH program can be completed online, but the Practicum in Health Promotion Course requires in-person coursework. The Public Health Nutrition track is 100% online except for the Nutritional Neuroscience elective course. Another option, the Veterinary Public Health MPH degree is one of the more unique MPH degrees. Focusing on protecting the health of humans using veterinary knowledge, the degree also takes 42 credits. Master of Public Health (MPH)
|
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| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid63% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||||||||
| 5 | Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids, MI | Public | $$ | 1 | The Master of Public Health program through Ferris State University is ideal for earning your degree as fast as possible. While the curriculum is set up for graduation in two years, it’s possible to do so in even less time. The MPH generalist track requires core classes, two capstone projects, a grant and research class, and two electives. Students can also choose an MPH degree with a concentration in pharmacy with a curriculum the same as the generalist track except for the pharmacy-related elective options. Regardless of track, students can earn their degrees fully online through Canvas, giving them maximum flexibility in when and where they learn. Master of Public Health (MPH)
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| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid74% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 6 | Saint Mary’s University of MinnesotaWinona, MN | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid100% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 7 | University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid74% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 8 | Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah, OK | Public | $ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid55% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 9 | Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid73% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 10 | Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid89% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 11 | American Public University SystemCharles Town, WV | Private, For-Profit | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid52% |
AccreditationDistance Education Accrediting Commission | |||||||||
| 12 | University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MS | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid73% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 13 | Concordia University-NebraskaSeward, NE | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid100% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 14 | University of Nevada-RenoReno, NV | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid44% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||||||||
| 15 | Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute, IN | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid64% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 16 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver, CO | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid50% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 17 | East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC | Public | $$ | 2 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid49% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 18 | The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 19 | California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge, CA | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid57% |
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission | |||||||||
| 20 | Rivier UniversityNashua, NH | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid99% |
AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | |||||||||
| 21 | The University of MontanaMissoula, MT | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid48% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||||||||
| 22 | Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH | Public | $$ | 2 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 23 | University of South DakotaVermillion, SD | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid67% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 24 | Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid97% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 25 | Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID | Public | $$ | 2 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid69% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||||||||
| 26 | North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo, ND | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid49% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 27 | Louisiana State University-ShreveportShreveport, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid48% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 28 | South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid53% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 29 | Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid13% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 30 | University of North Texas Health Science CenterFort Worth, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid0% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 31 | University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid59% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 32 | University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid65% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 33 | Bryan UniversityTempe, AZ | Private, For-Profit | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid0% |
AccreditationAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | |||||||||
| 34 | Florida International UniversityMiami, FL | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid76% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 35 | Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid57% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 36 | Lamar UniversityBeaumont, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid20% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 37 | University of KansasLawrence, KS | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid67% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 38 | University of South Florida-Main CampusTampa, FL | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid62% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 39 | San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid21% |
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission | |||||||||
| 40 | University of Illinois at SpringfieldSpringfield, IL | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid86% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 41 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid0% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 42 | Central Washington UniversityEllensburg, WA | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid64% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||||||||
| 43 | Kent State University at KentKent, OH | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid79% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 44 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid65% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 45 | Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MD | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid47% |
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education | |||||||||
| 46 | University of ArizonaTucson, AZ | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 47 | The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid57% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 48 | Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid70% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||||||||
| 49 | Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MI | Public | $$$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid86% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||||||||
| 50 | University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage, AK | Public | $$ | 1 | ||||||||
| Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid30% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||||||||
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.