10 Cheapest Online MPH Programs - The Best Health Degrees

10 Cheapest Online MPH Programs and affordable online mph programs

Key Takeaways:

Schools like New Mexico State University and University of Montana offer affordable online MPH programs.
Online MPH programs provide an affordable way for professionals to enhance their credentials and earning potential.
Many online MPH programs are flexible, offering night classes and multiple start dates to accommodate working adults.
Employer reimbursement programs can cover education costs if you commit to work for the company after graduation. And scholarships and grants are available through universities and employers to help lower education costs.

The cheapest online MPH programs are an affordable path for working professionals to increase their credentials and earning power. MPH online programs may cost a lot, especially when adding other expenses and student loans. However, several options for an affordable MPH program lower your costs across the board.

Featured Programs

Choosing a regional public university or college is a great way to earn your master’s in public health degree without going into deeper debt. There are also scholarship programs that can help to defray the cost of your classes. Many larger companies and corporations offer students scholarships and grants if they work in their chosen career field. Some may offer to send you back to school or to pay for your classes if you choose to enroll in a cheap online MPH graduate program.

Another way to defray educational costs is to learn more about employer reimbursement programs. If you already have experience and are employed by a company that is willing to reimburse you for your education, then most of your educational costs may be covered. In most cases, an employer covers educational expenses if you commit to work for the company for a set number of years after graduation. This allows them the benefit of your advanced services while you receive the benefit of attending one of the cheapest MPH online programs.

Our Method: Ranking the Best Affordable Online MPH Programs

To rank the most affordable or cheapest MPH online programs, Best Health Degrees editors sought out accredited colleges. We found universities with affordable online mph programs that provide top-quality education. For the purposes of the ranking, however, only one factor determines the order: tuition price, according to College Navigator IPEDS data.

1. New Mexico State University

When you’re looking for the best affordable MPH programs to reach your long-term goals, the online MPH program at New Mexico State University is a good option for your situation. The degree program focuses on two concentrations: Health Behavior and Health Promotion or Health Management, Administration and Policy. Most students can focus on an area of public health or health policy that fits their personal interests and goals.

NMSU works around the needs of adults. It recognizes that adults who have responsibilities and obligations to loved ones or an employer may not be able to attend traditional classes during the day. That is why it offers a fully online program as well as night classes on campus for student flexibility.

Favorite Facts: New Mexico State University offers different start-dates for online courses based on whether the student is taking online or on-campus classes.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH – Health Behavior and Health Promotion or Health Management, Administration and Policy

Accreditation: regionally accredited college by the Higher Learning Commission

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master of Public Health degree!

2. University of Montana

The University of Montana offers one of the most affordable online MPH programs for students to study public health. This public health MPH degree program takes a multidisciplinary approach to study to prepare students to handle different situations that may arise when they are working in the public health industry. It emphasizes collaboration to resolve health concerns in large populations.

The University of Montana allows students to complete the online course material at an accelerated rate. Students are able to take as many as 21 credits through the online program and can work at their own pace to finish their degrees. It is also possible to slow down when obligations and responsibilities limit student time for the master’s program.

Favorite Facts: The University of Montana offers scholarships to students in the 42 credit hour online MPH program.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Interested: Click here to learn more about this master of Public Health degree!

3. University of Nevada Reno

The Master of Public Health from the University of Nevada Reno takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. This affordable MPH program recognizes that physical health is only one aspect that may impact individuals and their communities. So, it clarifies other factors that contribute to population-wide concerns associated with health. It also ensures that students have a wide array of skills and training to address different details related to the public health industry.

The University of Nevada at Reno stands out by focusing on quality education. Students are not required to provide GMAT or GRE scores, and it is classified as a National Tier One University by U.S. News and World Reports. The program emphasizes the importance of comprehensive education for working public health professionals and addressing the needs of a large population.

Favorite Facts: The University of Nevada at Reno offers multiple start dates for the online MPH program.

Degree: Nevada online Master of Public Health, or MPH

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master’s in public health!

4. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers one of the best affordable online MPH programs for students who want to specialize in a specific area of public health. The school offers three concentrations for MPH students. So, students can select the concentration that fits their personal goals for a career and specialized skills.

Global Health
Generalist
Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior

The UWF stands out by giving students hands-on experience within the public health industry. To graduate, students must complete a social and behavioral sciences practicum that takes two semesters. The practicum ensures that students gain experience that helps with their goals. It is specialized based on the concentration students choose to emphasize their skills.

Favorite Facts: The University of West Florida online master has CEPH accreditation for the public health degree program.

Degree: online Master of Public Health, or online MPH with 3 concentrations

Accreditation: regionally accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master’s in Public Health degree!

5. San Jose State University

San Jose State University offers one of the most affordable online MPH programs for students who have a strict budget. This affordable MPH degree program uses web conferencing and session recordings to help students succeed while working on their course material. As an online program, it offers flexibility that allows students to continue working or maintaining personal obligations while they are completing a degree program.

SJSU emphasizes student engagement with peers and professors. It helps students maintain a traditional classroom environment from the comfort of home through conferencing and related tools. The ability to communicate with peers and professors helps students discuss concerns or gain new insights that may help in their careers.

Favorite Facts: Public Health San Jose requires students to visit the campus once per year for four or five days, depending on the cohort and the type of online class set-up.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH

Interested: Click here to learn more about this master’s in Public Health!

6. Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University offers a Master of Public Health that focuses on leadership, competence, and technical skills. The degree program takes an innovative approach to education and ensures that students are fully able to handle challenges that may arise in their careers. Students can expect to learn about different factors that may contribute to health concerns among different groups within the population, and they learn to be culturally sensitive when working with different communities.

Florida A&M University emphasizes the value of a strong foundation in public health studies. It ensures that students develop relevant skills that are designed to address problems of public health that may arise over time. The program also teaches students the basics they need to understand in relation to public health as it applies to specialized fields and skills.

Favorite Facts: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University requires online students to have at least three years of experience working in a health-related field or industry.

Degree: online Master of Public Health, or MPH

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Interested: Click here to learn more about this master’s in public health!

7. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University offers an online MPH program to students that offers the opportunity to gain specialized skills. The school offers five concentrations in public health for online students. Students can study Community Health, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Public Health Administration. Four of the programs are fully online, while Environmental Health is a hybrid online program that may require students to spend some time on campus.

ETSU offers multiple areas of study for students who want to gain specialized skills. It allows students to focus on their career goals and learn the skills that are most relevant to their plans. When students are looking for a program that is affordable and allows them to work on specific areas of public health, the university offers a solution to fit student goals.

Favorite Facts: East Tennessee State University is a Coverdell Fellows Partner University.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH with 5 concentrations

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master of Public Health!

8. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska at Anchorage offers an MPH program for students who want to work in the public health industry. The degree program emphasizes the promotion of health, equality, and well-being by providing students with the right educational tools. It strives to improve community health through proper education and access to information.

The University of Alaska at Anchorage stands apart by taking an ecological approach to public health and the different determinants of health. It recognizes that public health is a complex field and that students must recognize that multiple factors may contribute to problems within a population. The program prepares students to evaluate different factors that contribute to problems with community health to find creative solutions to address the underlying concerns.

Favorite Facts: The University of Alaska at Anchorage requires students to communicate with an MPH academic advisor on a regular basis throughout the online program.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master of Public Health!

9. University of Nebraska Medical Center

Students who are looking for an online degree program that offers specialized skills will want to consider the online MPH program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The online degree program offers students the opportunity to study six different concentrations in public health. Since students can choose from six different specialized areas of public health, they are able to focus on the type of skills they want to offer employers.

The UN Center gives students an in-depth education in a specialized field of study. That focus on providing students with an in-depth look at public health and certain demographic details can help students learn proper ways to advocate for the needs of others. It also ensures that students are able to take on a leadership role by emphasizing the skills that are most appropriate for a specific area of public health.

Favorite Facts: The University of Nebraska Medical Center is CEPH accredited for the MPH program.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH with 6 concentrations

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master of Public Health!

10. University at Albany (SUNY)

The University of Albany offers an affordable MPH program that helps students with their goals for a career in public health. The degree program emphasizes disease prevention across populations and strives to teach students different ways to limit the risk of disease when working with large groups. It also focuses on helping students with their goals for a career through a comprehensive education program.

The University of Albany differs from other programs by focusing on providing maximum flexibility to students. Since the program is designed around the needs of working adults who may have complex obligations, it allows students to work at their own pace and focus on their own goals. Students can take classes part-time or full-time, as it fits their schedules. It also allows students to focus on studies and course material when they have time and are available for the class.

Favorite Facts: The University of Albany requires students to obtain a professional internship to gain hands-on experience in public health.

Degree: Master of Public Health, or MPH

Interested: Click here to learn more about this online master of Public Health!

What are the Admission Requirements for an MPH?

Prospective students in an MPH program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. In addition to an undergraduate degree, individuals need to submit an application with the required fees. The graduate programs may request some or all of the below items.

undergrad cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
a personal essay or personal statement, resume, CV
professional experience
GRE test scores

Do You Need the GRE to Get an Online MPH?

Many universities use the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to determine if a student qualifies to enter a post-graduate degree program. The test assesses analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and also quantitative reasoning skills. While many schools prefer to use the GRE resource, there are a few that do not. Instead, these schools prefer to have stricter standards within their undergraduate degree programs to ensure preparedness by graduation. So, more affordable online MPH degrees now offer a GRE waiver.

Colleges and universities will sometimes waive the GRE for work experience if the student already has an extensive resume. Online MPH programs that require no GRE will often go over the student’s official college transcripts and work history extensively prior to making a decision. Their final decision will be based on the student’s overall GPA and the number of years they have worked within their chosen career field. Allowing this type of information to be used to admit them to an online program can actually make their learning experience more affordable and much easier to complete in a timely fashion.

How Much Does an Online MPH Degree Cost?

The cost of an online MPH degree can vary depending on the school and type of program. A private college tends to cost more than a public institution or university supported by the states. Additionally, students who attend a public health program at an in-state college will pay less tuition than those who attend an out-of-state school.

Generally, a public health program will cost somewhere between $10,000 and $80,000. Prospective students should always apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

How Can You Save Money with an MPH Degree?

Public health education programs for graduate students typically take two years to complete. Accelerated programs offer the same curriculum but on a faster timeline. Students can save money in some accelerated programs since the amount of time they are in school is less.

Additionally, many public health online programs have tuition that is less than traditional on-campus programs. Also, individuals already working in public health may qualify for an employer tuition reimbursement program.

What Do You Learn in an MPH Degree Program?

Students in affordable online MPH programs complete core classes and elective classes. Furthermore, in the final term, most programs require either a thesis, a capstone research project, or professional internships at a health services organization. Below are some of the common classes graduate students in affordable MPH online programs may take.

Public Health Leadership / Public Health Practice
Health Program Planning and Evaluation in Diverse Communities
Grant Writing for Public Administration
Conceptualizing Public Health Solutions and Data Management
Quantitative Methods / Computational Public Health Statistics
Psychosocial Aspects of Social Marketing
Health Economics
Environmental Determinants of Health Equity
Community Organization
Environmental Public Health Issues / Environmental Health Sciences
Biostatic Applications in Public Health Practice
Health Promotion Program Development
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Epidemiological Surveillance and Disease Control
Health Policy Leadership / Public Affairs
Implementing public Health Interventions / Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Health Communication Strategies
Minority Health and Health Disparities
Statistical Inference and Basic Determinants of Health
Community Health Sciences
Research Methods of Epidemiology
Global Health Systems Management / Global Public Health
Human Populations
Public School Education for Public Health
Maternal and Child Health
Healthcare Finance / Health Care Finance
Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle Interventions
Applied Communications in Health Professions
Health Behavior Theories
Principles of Environmental Health / Introduction to Environmental Health
Statistical Methods in Health Sciences
Multicultural Communication for Diverse Populations

What are Specializations in Master of Public Health Programs?

Specializations are focus areas, or areas of concentration schools offer to further a graduate’s knowledge in a particular area of public health practice. Below are some popular concentrations and academic tracks for public health professionals in affordable online MPH programs.

Health Systems and Policy
Population Health Analytics
Rural Health and Rural Communities
Public Health Management
Health Policy and Management
Global Health and Humanitarian Health
Environmental and Occupational Health
Health, Safety, and Environment
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Environmental Health Science
Community Health Education
Health Services Administration / Healthcare Administration
Behavioral Sciences & Health Promotion
Public Health Law
Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness / Global Disaster Management
Applied Epidemiology / Infectious Diseases / Infection Control
Veterinary Public Health

How is the Job Market for Public Health?

The public health job outlook has steadily gained momentum over the past few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics claimed that the number of nurses working in the public health area also saw a dramatic increase. Individuals with a Master’s in public health had more opportunities to choose from several different types of employment due to the excessive growth in that area. Changes in the economy may cause the numbers to shift slightly, but public health is an industry that will always maintain consistent growth simply due to the nature of its business.

The job market in the public health sector included openings for sanitarians, biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and laboratory workers. These jobs represent employment outside the scope of actual healthcare but also provide one of the most significant areas for growth. Individuals who have chosen to continue to pursue a Master’s degree will see many doors open for them as many current employees start to “age out” and retire. This will keep the industry growing through the next decade. Because of these factors, the opportunity for advancement will also continue to expand.

Where Can You Work with an MPH?

There are many roles for a graduate with an MPH. A public health professional can work in healthcare institutions like hospitals or public health agencies. Additionally, there are careers working for state and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private institutions. Below are some common job titles for public health positions.

Health Services Managers
Public Health Programs Coordinator
Environmental and Occupational Health
Family and Child Health Educators
Certified Health Education Specialist
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Health Services and Public Health Administration
Health Policy Coordinator

How Much Can You Make with an Affordable MPH?

Your pay will vary depending on the type of work you want to do. A person with an MPH degree can expect to earn from $40,000 to as much as $120,000 for a public health salary in the nursing field. An epidemiologist can expect to start at approximately $63,000. Environmental health specialists can earn as much as $120,000 a year, while someone who works in Emergency and Disaster Preparedness can upwards of $134,000 on the high end of the scale. If you are just starting out in either area, you can approximate your beginning salary to be around $30,000 to $50,000.

It’s essential to remember that your geographic location, level of education, and the number of years of work experience will play a role in what you are initially offered in terms of starting pay. Your growth potential will increase dramatically as you gain experience and hands-on knowledge. Public health salary options will increase along with the field as it grows. With more and more people entering the public health workforce, higher salaries will be offered to those with the most experience and education.

Other Programs

We have not listed all of the MPH programs. If you have not found the one you like, you can check out some other schools not on our list. These include Indiana State University, National University online master’s degree program, University of Illinois, Idaho State University, University of Missouri, Mississippi University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, University of Montana, American Public University, George Washington University, Des Moines University, University of South Dakota, University of Massachusetts Amherst, South Dakota State University, University of South Carolina Columbia, Kent State University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Florida, Purdue University Global, Indiana Wesleyan University, University of South Florida, Benedictine University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Memphis.

Is an Online MPH Worth It?

A Public Health master’s degree from an accredited college or university can advance your career and earning potential. It is a versatile credential and qualifies graduates for roles in many occupations outside of public health. Additionally, the cheapest online MPH degrees offer the opportunity to earn this advanced degree at a much lower cost.

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