Writer: Erin Padden RN, BSN
Welcome to our ranking of the most affordable online master’s in public health degrees.
Public health impacts everyone in our society, and by pursuing higher education with a master’s in public health, you will be that much more qualified to make a difference in health promotion and improving health behavior in the community. The American Public Health Association is a great resource for higher education and public health updates. The APHA defines public health as something that “promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” This practical definition gives the public health field a wonderful perspective on areas that can be positively impacted by public health professionals, improving health behavior, health promotion and health policy. Advancing your public health career by earning a master’s in public health through one of these affordable MPH programs may be more affordable and flexible than you think, with low tuition fees. Dozens of affordable online MPH programs are available to you with online courses and with affordable tuition fees. This ranking includes the ten most affordable MPH online degree programs available to prospective graduate students in a convenient and flexible online format.
- #1 American Public University
- #2 South Dakota State University
- #3 Purdue University Global
- #4 Liberty University
- #5 Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
- #6 National University
- #7 South University-Savannah Online
- #8 Bryan University
- #9 Monroe College
- #10 Capella University
While these public health online degree programs offer competitive and affordable tuition fees, some of these graduate programs offer additional scholarships and financial aid. Visiting your program of interest’s website can provide you with additional information on how to afford one of these affordable MPH online programs to earn your master’s degree.
This ranking of online MPH programs was developed from the College Navigator website. Schools were included based on in-state or private tuition fees and offering an online master’s in public health degree program. Tuition costs posted on this page were gathered from the College Navigator website. Prospective students should confirm with the school of interest regarding tuition costs of the public health online programs as they are subject to change.
10. Capella University
Online Master’s in Public Health
Tuition $14,526
Are you interested in helping communities and helping improve the health of the people in those communities through public health practice? You can earn your Master of Public Health through Capella University online. Capella University is interested in helping students advance their education and understands that the financial perspective of students is valuable. Capella University offers scholarships, accepts many transfer credits, and partners with employers to offer students a tuition discount. In addition to core classes and electives, Capella University online program includes an 80-hour practicum experience for students to gain hands-on experience in public health practice and develop public health skills. Prospective students can learn more about the Master of Public Health program at Capella University at their website.
9. Monroe College
Online Master’s in Public Health
Tuition $14,247
The Monroe College online master’s in public health graduate degree program is intentionally preparing students for their public health careers in government agencies, academics, healthcare institutions, program administration, community health education, non-profit organizations and public health interest groups. Graduates of one of the most affordable online MPH programs may work in environmental health, health management, or another area of public health practice.
Students in the Monroe College online degree program have the opportunity to specialize in one of three concentrations as part of the curriculum: health administration and leadership, community health, and biostatistics and epidemiology. Core courses and electives include a wide variety of public health topics including health sciences and environmental health science, research methods and more.
Students complete a public health practice experience through an internship during the program. Monroe University understands that public health workers must collaborate with other healthcare fields such as occupational health or veterinary public health to not only address current health issues, but work to prevent future public health problems such as global disaster management and provide public health solutions.
Students can earn an MPH degree through one of the most affordable online MPH programs through the Monroe University online program and if interested can also take some classes on campus. By attending one of these online MPH programs like Monroe College, you may find that this affordable and flexible program can help you advance your career and therefore advance your impact in public health practice and the public health field.
8. Bryan University
Online Master of Public Health
Tuition $13,950
You can earn your MPH degree online through Bryan University’s accredited program. As a student in the Master of Public Health program, you will be learning from experienced faculty to gain skills in public health policy, program design, data reports and analysis, measuring program impact, program administration, and the list goes on. Bryan University takes pride in the fact that learning online allows students to study and take core courses in a vibrant community and build a professional network. Students learn to design public health interventions such as for infection control. With a proud track record of 77 years of preparing students for their careers as public health practitioners, Bryan University is confident that graduates will be prepared for the job market after graduation.
7. South University-Savannah
Online
Master of Public Health
Tuition $13,488
With faculty and staff that know online does not mean out of touch, you can earn an affordable MPH degree at South University and know you will be connected to an intentional learning environment. The South University online MPH program provides an education for students to learn about public health topics that are relevant from the local level to the international level. Students learn through core courses and electives how to manage public health issues through research, class discussion, and interactions with public health professors. Controlling infectious diseases and improving people’s access to healthcare are some of the practical public health issues students will have the opportunity to learn about and what their role and impact could be.
Prior to graduation, students in this online program participate in a practicum experience in order to apply what was learned in the classroom as well as have time in the field to learn. Students graduating from the South University online program can pursue public health positions in multiple venues including community health, health services administration, education, and medical and health services managers. If you are interested in advancing your career in public health, gaining practical knowledge and an affordable degree, the online Master of Public Health program at South University may be right for you. Check out their website to learn more, request information, or start your application.
6. National University
Online Master of Public Health
Tuition $11,232
NU offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Public Health degree in an online format. Students can choose to focus on one of three areas of specialization: health promotion, healthcare administration, or mental health. Students in the National University online degree program will participate in an internship and a capstone project, each of which are two months long. The internship is an opportunity for students to spend at least 120 hours in a public health setting engaging in program implementation and evaluation. Students will have the opportunity for practical experiences that they can build on in their own public health career.
Applications are reviewed year round, and accepted students can begin class during any month dependent on specific program and class. Some applicants may not need to submit a GRE score, making it easier to get started faster. Both of these features make it possible to start earning your MPH degree soon. The National University online master’s in public health program is CEPH-accredited, giving you additional assurance that the curriculum in this program can prepare you for a successful career in public health.
5. Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Online Master of Public Health
Tuition $10,218
Indiana Wesleyan University provides students with a foundational understanding of the five core areas of public health in the Master of Public Health program. Education at IWU is delivered from a faith-based perspective. This affordable program is designed with intent to prepare students to influence public health at multiple levels: local, state, national, and global health.
MPH students will participate in a 200-hour practicum experience as well as a capstone project to prepare them to work effectively in the public health field. Financial aid is available to students in many forms including but not limited to grants, scholarships, and veterans’ benefits. Part of the IWU mission for the online master’s in public health program is to prepare students to improve the health of populations and decrease health disparities by building stronger communities and enhancing health systems. Indiana Wesleyan University is proud to make quality education available through its online programs. You can learn more about this Christian university and the unique and affordable online MPH program on their website.
4. Liberty University
Online Master of Public Health
Tuition $7,847
Liberty University’s affordable Master’s in Public Health in Community Health Promotion promises to get you on your way to understand how to meet not only the physical needs, but also the spiritual needs of the people you serve as well. If you are looking for a program to help you be an asset to your organization at home or abroad, Liberty University has a solid history in online education, and this online Master’s in Public Health may be for you. This degree in community health promotion prepare’s students to take on the challenges that occur in the workforce.
Students can expect to have a biblical foundation and be capable and skilled in public health management, and provide insight and direction in public health programs. This CEPH-accredited program is a robust master’s in public health that will give online learners a deeper understanding and enhance your credentials and expertise in creating solutions to issues in healthcare, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and nutrition. Graduates will have skills that are in demand and have the ability to take on public health leadership and manage programs, lead health services, and provide health education in the community setting, with groups such as school groups, workplace settings, and individuals. Students complete this 42-credit program in an average of two years through 100% online coursework that is completed through eight-week long courses.
3. Purdue University Global
Online Master of Public Health
Tuition $7,680
Purdue University Global offers prospective students a practical approach to achieving the Master of Public Health degree through online classes. This program is geared towards helping those who are seeking leadership and health services administration and management opportunities in the health professions. This can include students seeking a position in government developing health policy, the private sector, as well as the non-profit arena. This online MPH program can help you achieve your degree and advance your career in the public health field. Purdue University Global’s online program is designed to help students with an evidence-based approach to public health, behavioral sciences, implement leadership, administrative and communication skills, use epidemiological concepts when addressing health problems, as well as other skills.
In addition to online coursework, students will participate in a fieldwork experience working with health educators and others, such as occupational health workers within the health care organization, which provides students with practical knowledge to use in the public health professions. Purdue University Global has multiple campuses in addition to the online program. Students can be confident when earning their Master of Public health degree from Purdue University Global that the University is interested in helping students achieve their goals. Website information is available to help students figure out how to afford their advanced degree as well as gain a better understanding of what career opportunities will be available after graduation. Purdue University Global offers an affordable way to gain an inexpensive MPH in a flexible online format. The PG website will provide you with additional information and details regarding the University and the online MPH program.
2. South Dakota State University
Online Master of Public Health
In State Tuition $7,516
Out of State Tuition $10,982
South Dakota State University is making its passion for a healthier world evident by offering an affordable and flexible online MPH degree program. This degree is offered by the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University–a collaborative degree offered by both universities. Considering the strengths of both universities, this online MPH program curriculum places a focus on rural communities.
Curriculum includes education in the five core areas of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, health services and administration, social and behavioral sciences and environmental health. In addition to curriculum in the five core areas of public health, students have the opportunity to gain education in a variety of elective courses in things like environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, health management, or health policy, and may also participate in research and other practice opportunities. Earning your MPH degree through SDSU will also enable to you to engage in the university’s partnerships with the South Dakota Area Health Education Center, Indian Health Services and the South Dakota Department of Health. If your passion is also for a healthier world on the global health level, this may be the right online MPH program for you.
1. The American Public University
Online
Master of Public Health
Tuition $6,300
The American Public University offers prospective students an opportunity to pursue a cheap Master of Public Health online. Students can complete the program in as little as two years as a full-time student or take up to seven years to complete the program as a part-time student. The American Public University is part of the American Public University System (APUS) which offers educational programs to the military and service fields. The APUS has a mission to provide quality education in a format that is accessible, respected, affordable and student-focused. The APUS mission prepares students for service and leadership in the world.
This online MPH degree provides students with a foundation in the five core public health disciplines, including environmental health. A master of public health degree from the American Public University can help students prepare to influence communities around the world. Teaching, research and service are used to prepare students to be effective in the public health field. This program does not require prospective students to submit GRE scores for admission. Check out their website to begin an application. The American Public University is CEPH-accredited, which gives you additional confidence that your education will prepare you to advance your career in the public health field. Upon graduation with a master of public health, one may find themselves immersed in health policy, public health administration, working in health systems, global public health, community health sciences, public health law or even environmental health sciences.
FAQ
An MPH gives you the opportunity to develop as a professional and have additional skills to apply to the public health field. One of the best ways that a MPH degree can advance your career is to open the doors to leadership roles in the field. An MPH is the gold standard for gaining job opportunities and higher pay.
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is the accrediting organization for public health schools. It is important that the program you pursue is accredited to ensure quality so that you are prepared for the workforce.
MPH programs are often financed through student loans, scholarships from the school, scholarships from organizations, personal savings, employer financing, research fellowships or teaching assistantships. Talk to your school of interest about your goals and financial needs to determine your financial aid package.
Public health professionals can make an impact individuals and populations. According to the CDC, public health initiatives over the last 100 years have added 25 years to the life expectancy in the U.S. due to improvements in workplace safety, food safety, motor vehicle safety, vaccinations, and declines in death from heart attack and stroke. There is still opportunity for MPH holders to make improvements in public health.
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the organization for public health workers. APHA works to strengthen the profession and influence federal policies. They have a global membership with members from over 40 countries.
By Erin Padden RN, BSN
Erin graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 with a BSN. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Thomas Jefferson University (an online/hybrid program).
Updated October 2022
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This concludes our ranking of the top 10 most affordable online MPH degrees.
Source: NCES College Navigator