A Master in Public Health (MPH) can accelerate your career and open up professional opportunities in the public health sector. Taking a year off to get your MPH in person can be costly, though, not only because of tuition but also because of transportation costs and time off work. For these reasons, many students are turning to online MPH programs to lower tuition prices, be able to continue working full time, and eliminate transportation costs.
Not all online MPH programs are the same, and you want to find one that fits your budget, is properly accredited, and offers opportunities tailored for your professional path. Finding the most affordable online MPH program can be tricky, so we’ve highlighted the most-budget friendly, high-quality programs below to get you started.
Most Affordable Online MPH Programs in 2023
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.
Bryan University’s public health master’s program is available 100% online so that students can balance achieving a master’s degree with life’s complex obligations. In addition to MPH coursework and assignments, BU provides simulated work experiences and technology training to give students hands-on experience and ensure they’re job-ready upon graduation. Bryan offers courses in 8-week segments, with students taking two classes each term. All MPH students have access to a dedicated career services adviser who will provide them with job search assistance, instruction on networking best practices, interview preparation, and resume guidance. Graduates can expect careers such as health care manager, clinical data analyst, or informatics nurse specialist.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health
- Credits: 42
- Length: 28 months
- Cost: $25,100
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACCSC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
Students can earn their master’s in public health from Northeastern State University in just 18 months. Students must choose one of two degree pathways in public health leadership or global health, depending on their unique career goals. Northeastern’s core MPH curriculum is delivered over 31 credit hours of study in biostatistics, environmental health issues, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral health determinants. To enter a specialization, students must choose 12 credit hours of study from courses in their selected track. While the didactic portion of coursework is accomplished entirely online, students must also complete a 200-hour, immersive practicum working directly with community partners to meet graduation requirements.
Program Highlights:
Masters Degree in Public Health
- Credits: 43
- Length: 18 months
- Cost: $304.90/credit
- Mode: Online, with in-person practicum
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
East Carolina University’s MPH degree is ideal for working professionals who want to advance in the field and develop the necessary skills to address modern public health challenges. This master’s program consists of coursework in essential public health competencies, concentration-specific competencies, a 240-hour field placement, and a professional paper capstone project. Students may choose a concentration in epidemiology, health policy, administration and leadership, or community health and behavior. ECU also offers a long-term care focus of study within the health policy, administration, and leadership track, which is eligible for a $4,000 J Craig Souza scholarship awarded to three students during their practicum experience. Except for the required field placement, students can complete this program entirely online.
Program Highlights:
Public Health, MPH
- Credits: 45
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $289.55-1,020.05/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Public Health, MPH-HPAL Track Long Term Care Focus
- Credits: 45
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $289.55-1,020.05/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
At New Mexico State University, the Master of Public Health program focuses on equipping graduates to prevent and mitigate disease outbreaks. The contemporary curriculum addresses systemic health concerns that affect the health of communities and population groups and prepares students to work in various settings, including state and federal agencies and community-based organizations. Students can pursue concentrated studies in either Health Behavior and Health Promotion or Health Management, Policy, and Administration. To manage the demands of earning an advanced degree and balancing life’s obligations, New Mexico State offers the MPH as a 100% online-based program. Graduates can expect to obtain careers as biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and nutritionists.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $444/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Texas Woman’s University students can obtain a Master of Public Health in as little as two years. Through integrative learning experiences, students are prepared to incorporate both knowledge and skills into the design of health programs, projects, and interventions. One distinctive feature of TWU’s program is the unique focus on rural health concerns and promoting positive and sustainable change to improve rural population health. Texas Women’s offers this program in a combination of face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses to provide students with the benefits of varying instructional approaches and technologies. All students must complete a 350-hour practicum placement with a public health-related agency in addition to class-based coursework. Upon graduation, students may have careers as public health educators, project managers, or analysts.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $284-$692/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | TRACS |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NASD |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Funding Your Online Master of Public Health 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.