Definitive Guide to the Most Affordable Online MPH Programs
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. Read on to learn about some of 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.
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: Although Purdue University is a public school in Indiana, Purdue Global’s online classes for the MPH program are offered at a flat tuition rate of $420 per credit, regardless of students’ residency status (except for international students). Entering this school with transfer credits might reduce your total tuition cost by reducing the number of credits you need to graduate.
Financial Aid: Students in Purdue Global’s online MPH program are eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans. Purdue Global offers tuition reduction for active-duty military personnel and veterans plus a corporate partner program that can reduce costs for employees of partner organizations.
SUNY Brockport
The MPH program at SUNY Brockport is fully online. This program prepares you to be certified 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: SUNY Brockport is part of the State University of New York system, so 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: Online MPH students at SUNY Brockport can receive federal financial aid, including grants and loans. Graduate students can also apply for a variety of graduate scholarships, including the Brockport Alumni Association Scholarship. You can partially fund your studies with 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. 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. Students can choose between two areas of concentration – global health or public health leadership.
Tuition and Fees: Northeastern State University is a state school, so Oklahoma residents are eligible for in-state tuition of $278.75 per credit hour ($308.40 per credit hour including fees). However, all students are eligible for this rate for fully online programs such as the MPH, regardless of residency status. Additional fees include a $30-per-credit-hour electronic media fee.
Financial Aid: Graduate students at Northeastern State University are eligible for financial aid (including grants and loans), but online students cannot participate in work-study programs. Additional financial aid is available for Native American students through relevant tribal authorities. Scholarships for graduate students are regularly posted and updated on the school’s website.
Additional Costs: Graduate students need to pay an application fee and submit GRE scores, so they will incur fees for that exam. However, you might be eligible for a GRE voucher and/or application fee waiver if you demonstrate financial need.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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.
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Why We Selected East Carolina University:
- ECU offers competitive tuition costs with nationally recognized programs.
- ECU provides over $215 million in external research funding, enhancing research opportunities.
- ECU's graduate programs include online options taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,749
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Why We Selected Idaho State University:
- The program is fully online, accessible from anywhere, making it ideal for working individuals and those in rural areas.
- The MPH program at ISU is CEPH accredited, ensuring a rigorous and recognized public health education.
- Flexible internship opportunities are available both in the US and internationally, enhancing practical experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$8,380
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Why We Selected The University of Alabama:
- The program offers flexible online learning, allowing students to complete coursework at their convenience.
- Faculty expertise and guidance are provided through regular consultations via email, phone, or video conferencing.
- Networking opportunities are enhanced through a strong alumni network across the country and abroad.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,780
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
- Purdue Global's MPH offers flexible online courses tailored for working adults.
- The program includes practical skills training through a final onsite fieldwork component.
- Expert faculty provide specialized guidance in public health leadership and administration.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,730
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
- The program offers a unique focus on rural health, setting it apart from other public health programs.
- The hybrid format combines online and in-person classes, providing flexibility for students.
- The program features small classes with accessible, knowledgeable, and innovative faculty.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,112
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course82%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Why We Selected Lamar University:
- The program offers an online and asynchronous format, ideal for working professionals.
- The MPH program focuses on addressing chronic health issues affecting low socioeconomic populations.
- Lamar University's program allows students to advocate for policies decreasing health disparities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,471
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course94%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Why We Selected University of Illinois Springfield:
- The program offers a robust Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) that helps cover tuition costs.
- The CEPH accreditation enhances professional mobility and employment opportunities for graduates.
- The program provides specialized concentration courses, allowing students to focus on specific career-aligned areas.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,375
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Carolina University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Why We Selected Carolina University:
- The program offers a capstone project for real-world application experience.
- Faculty expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics enhances student learning.
- The curriculum addresses urgent public health problems through community engagement.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,010
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Why We Selected Northeastern State University:
- Northeastern State University offers an accelerated RN to BSN program that can be completed in as few as 10 months.
- The program benefits from a clinical partnership with Integris Health, providing real-world experience in nursing informatics.
- Northeastern State University's nursing programs are supported by expert faculty with specialized knowledge in various healthcare settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationNSU
- Average In-State Tuition$4,581
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Why We Selected Youngstown State University:
- The program offers an accelerated "4+1" completion option, allowing students to earn their MPH in just one year after completing their Bachelor's degree.
- The program provides unique networking opportunities through its consortium model, involving multiple universities and community agencies.
- Students can take elective courses at any of the partner universities, offering diverse learning experiences and specialized knowledge.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,453
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
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 2024
