Explore accredited online MPH programs that score top marks on affordability and learn how to lower the cost of your master’s degree in public health.
Author: Angela Myers, BA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.BusinessSocial WorkEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Funding Options
Funding Your Online MPH Degree: 5 Ways to Save
Read more - FAQs
FAQs about Affordable MPH Programs
Read more - Online Programs
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs
Read more
A Master in Public Health (MPH) degree can accelerate your healthcare career and open up professional opportunities in the public health sector. But between tuition costs, taking time off work, and commuting to campus, the cost of earning your MPH quickly adds up. These expenses can deter people who don’t want to add to existing student loan debt from their undergraduate degree.
To help mitigate the costs of a graduate degree, many students are turning to online MPH programs for their affordability and flexibility. The challenge then becomes finding an online MPH program that fits your budget, is properly accredited, and offers opportunities tailored for your professional path. This page outlines the most affordable online MPH degrees offered online, explores ways to save money on your tuition, and answers other FAQs to help you get started.
Funding Your Online MPH Degree: 5 Ways to Save
While the initial cost is important, it’s not the only consideration when determining if a program fits within your budget. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and flexible work opportunities can make an MPH more affordable. Check out five of the best ways to fund your online MPH.
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for MPH students.
There are plenty of scholarships, grants, and fellowships to help you pay for your master’s degree. Some, like the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship and David A. Winston Health Policy program, are specifically designed for MPH students. For even more scholarships, grants, and fellowships, check out OMD’s scholarships and resources guide, which also reveals tips and tricks on how to write a stand-out application.
Work-Study or Assistantships
Another way to fund your master’s degree and get more involved on campus is to apply for work-study positions or assistantships. Work-study is a federal program that allows you to work on campus and subsidize tuition costs. Check out the US government’s work-study website for more information. Assistantships are programs in either labs, classrooms, or other facilities on campus where you help faculty with teaching and/or research obligations. Requirements to get an assistantship vary by program.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Many employers pay part of the tuition for a master’s degree that directly relates to your professional role in the organization. For MPH programs, it’s common for employers in the healthcare sector, such as hospitals and private practices, to offer tuition reimbursement. For example, Glens Falls Hospital and University Health both have reimbursement programs. Whether reimbursement is offered and how much is reimbursed differs from one employer to another.
Payment Plans
Many universities offer payment plans that allow you to pay your tuition in installments. Let’s say your salary would cover a month’s worth of tuition at a time, but you can’t pay for an entire semester up front. Many programs, including Northeastern State’s MPH and Texas A&M’s MPH featured above, work with you and allow you to pay on a month-by-month basis.
Paid Internships
Paid internships are a great way to get experience in your field while offsetting tuition costs. Many private, government, and nonprofit organizations, like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), offer paid internship opportunities for master of public health students. To get a paid internship, apply ahead of time and to as many as possible. When choosing which ones to apply to, select internships that align closely with your professional goals.
FAQs about Affordable MPH Programs
What impacts the affordability of an online MPH Program?
Many factors impact the affordability of an online MPH program. For example, public institutions that receive federal funding are often more affordable than private institutions. The availability of scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and assistantships can also make an MPH more budget-friendly.
What is the ROI of an online MPH program?
Because an MPH can lead to a diverse array of careers, it is difficult to determine a specific ROI of an online MPH program. However, Columbia University found that professionals in public health who don’t have an MPH make about $70,000 a year while those with an MPH earn an average of $83,000 a year. Many career paths in public health also require an MPH to enter the field, so its ROI also includes access to certain positions.
How can I ensure that an affordable MPH program is high-quality?
To ensure a program is high-quality, check its accreditation status and make sure that most of its students find jobs after graduating. Beyond that, a high-quality MPH program offers networking events and other opportunities to prepare you for a career in public health as well as resources to help with difficult courses.
Is an online MPH more affordable than an in-person MPH?
An online MPH is almost always more affordable than an in-person program. Universities often offer lower tuition fees for online programs since they don’t need a physical space on campus to host classes and because online students won’t use as many costly in-person resources. Additionally, online students save money on transportation and take less time off work to drive to and attend classes.
Can job experience count towards an MPH and help cut costs?
The answer depends on the school or program. However, public health is a research-heavy field, so the answer is most likely no. Most programs want you to go through their rigorous coursework so you gain the research skills and knowledge necessary for a career in public health.
How can I know if an affordable MPH program is right for me?
Affordability depends on your specific budget. To determine if a program is affordable, make a list of what’s important to you (e.g., finishing your master’s in less than two years, networking opportunities, cost, etc.). This list can inform your decision-making and help you decide if a program not only fits your budget but also suits your professional and educational goals.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Programs
When deciding what online MPH program is right for you, it’s important to look at factors like coursework, program values, and internship and networking opportunities. For many students, though, the deciding factor is usually cost. Ultimately, you want a program that is both affordable and that provides a quality education.
To help you find a program that meets your needs and fits your budget, we’ve ranked the most affordable online MPH programs below. Our picks are based on affordability and quality metrics from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). To learn more about our rankings, click the “about the ranking” button below.