Best Affordable Online MPH Programs of 2025
Considering an online master of public health degree to advance your career? Some of the best MPH programs can be both affordable and flexible.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online MPH Programs
- #1: University of Florida — UF’s online MPH program offers three different concentrations to tailor your studies.
- #2: Florida International University — You can complete FIU’s online MPH program in three semesters.
- #3: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — This online program comes with student support services and an alumni network that can help ensure it pays off.
Choosing the best affordable online master’s in public health (MPH) program to fit your needs may seem daunting, but BestColleges’ annual school rankings can help simplify the process.
We evaluate the schools on our list based on factors such as affordability, student outcomes, and accessibility using data from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Scorecard.
Keep in mind that these are not necessarily the cheapest online MPH programs. However, they meet our affordability criteria, meaning they’re affordable based on average cost after financial aid and how many students struggle to repay their loans.
Best Affordable Online MPH Programs
How We Rank Schools
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
1. University of Florida
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida online master of public health makes our list because it is designed with distance learners in mind. The online MPH program is modeled on the on-campus program. Lectures are prerecorded so you can watch them at your convenience, and exams are delivered through an online proctoring service.
In this program, you have the opportunity to pursue one of three concentrations: population health management, public health practice, and social and behavioral sciences.
Highlights
- No campus visits required
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- 48 credits
57%
$10,770
97%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We chose Florida International University's online master of public health because it has consistently been one of the top-rated MPH programs in the country. The program offers flexible schedules for part-time and full-time enrollment, a dedicated advisor, and impressive, accomplished faculty.
You won't need GRE scores to apply, but you will need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of upper-level undergraduate coursework. You will need to pass the core public health courses with a B grade or higher.
Highlights
- Can be completed in three semesters
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- 45 credits total, $600 per credit hour
67%
$ 911
92%
$2,003
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The master of public health online program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is housed in the esteemed Gillings School, which means students will have access to valuable student support services and an expansive alumni network.
In this online program, you can pursue a concentration in applied epidemiology, leadership, and nutrition. The program consists of 42 credit hours, and each concentration requires 200 hours of fieldwork. You can start in the spring, summer, or fall semester.
Highlights
- Offered online or on-campus
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- Lower online enrollment compared to other schools listed
25%
$10,552
97%
$28,844
- Acceptance Rate
- 19%
- Students Enrolled
- 32,496
- Institution Type
- Public
California State University-Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The master of public health community health education program at California State University, Northridge is great for both people looking to enter the field of public health or advance their public health careers.
During this program, you will gain practical experience in the field. The program covers biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral science.
While students in this online program come from a variety of backgrounds, they can go on to pursue careers in academia, patient education, social work, health advocacy, and community organizations.
Highlights
- Takes 2.5 years, or seven terms
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- Graduation rate lower than other schools on this list
58%
$ 7,176
74%
$16,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 40,564
- Institution Type
- Public
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online master of public health program at Purdue University is a robust public health program with a deep investment in quality research. Courses incorporate actual examples of real-world public health intervention and are taught by accomplished practitioners. Every course will be online, but you will need to complete a 200-hour practicum in a real-world location. The GRE is not required for admission.
The curriculum includes a concentration in family and community health, where you will explore how social issues, nutrition, and health communication affect public health issues related to the family unit.
Highlights
- No specific undergraduate degree required
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- 15-20 hours a week of school work for two years, not including practicum requirements
35%
$ 9,718
91%
$28,520
- Acceptance Rate
- 50%
- Students Enrolled
- 52,211
- Institution Type
- Public
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We chose the master of public health program at San Diego State University for its rigor and focus on issues affecting diverse communities. The program is specifically designed for early career professionals. Through this online program, you will explore the intersection of health science and public policy.
Expert instructors will prepare you for a career in research, public policy, education, or at a nonprofit. In this program, you will take two three-unit courses every eight weeks, covering topics like epidemiology, biostatistics, and health communication.
Highlights
- Mostly asynchronous
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- 22-month program with no part-time option
56%
$ 7,176
90%
$19,140
- Acceptance Rate
- 34%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,539
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Maryland-College Park
- College Park, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Maryland's master of public health practice and policy is routinely recognized as one of the best in the country. It stands out for producing professionals with increased marketability, more experience, and varied professional networks.
Graduates will be prepared to work in healthcare administration, policy analysis, and research. The curriculum includes an internship and a capstone project. The program takes two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study to complete.
Highlights
- Spring, summer, and fall admissions options
- CEPH accredited
Know Before You Apply
- More expensive option
27%
$16,238
96%
$35,388
- Acceptance Rate
- 45%
- Students Enrolled
- 40,813
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Kentucky University
- Bowling Green, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We chose the master of public health at the Western Kentucky University because it prepares students for a wide range of professions, from health services manager to social work specialist. Prior to graduating from this 42-credit master's, students will need to complete and defend a capstone project. Students will work closely with their advisor to select elective courses that will develop their specialty or focus. The curriculum is competency-based, and relies on applied and integrative learning. All applicants must submit a personal statement, resume or CV, and the contact information for two references.
Highlights
- Online and on campus
- CEPH accredited
Know Before You Apply
- Not great graduation rate
58%
$12,140
78%
$18,340
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,759
- Institution Type
- Public
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- Fargo, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The curriculum for North Dakota State University's public health program artfully and intentionally combines STEM and social sciences coursework. We chose this program because its faculty is multidisciplinary with a wide range of background experience. In this program you have the unique opportunity to take focused courses in maternal and child health and management of infectious diseases. You can complete this master's degree in 42 credits, which comes out to about two years of full-time study. A variety of graduate certifications will be available for you to pursue.
Highlights
- Specializations in Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- Lower online enrollment compared to other schools
49%
$ 7,585
77%
$11,377
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,952
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
We chose the University of North Dakota online master of public health program because its graduates have a 100% employment rate in health-related careers, according to the school. The program prepares students to be culturally competent and aware, and to be able to serve diverse communities.
As a student of this program you have the opportunity to specialise in health management and policy, Indigenous health, or population health research and analytics. The curriculum covers evidence-based approaches, systems thinking, health policy, and leadership.
Highlights
- On campus or online
- Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Know Before You Apply
- Most expensive school on this list
68%
$11,963
83%
$17,944
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,172
- Institution Type
- Public
Why the Cheapest Online MPH Degree Program Isn’t Always the Most Affordable
The sticker price for a college degree can be deceptive. Financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, can make a seemingly expensive degree far more affordable.
For example, Northwestern University’s average cost of tuition in the 2022-2023 academic year was $87,804, according to NCES College Navigator data. But students actually paid around $23,341 on average after financial aid, a 73% savings.
But affordability isn’t just about tuition prices. For instance, a cheap degree program without experienced faculty and proper accreditation can impact the education you receive and your employment prospects once you graduate.
This can make it difficult to find a well-paying job, significantly impacting your return on investment (ROI). Simply put, a cheap program without proper qualifications might earn you less money over time.
| Institution Name | Northwestern University | University of Missouri-St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Yearly Cost of Tuition | $87,804 | $32,289 |
| Avg. Net Tuition (After Aid) | $23,341 | $11,577 |
| Avg. Savings from Aid | ~73% | ~64% |
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Master’s in Public Health Online
- Student satisfaction. According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 99% of surveyed online master’s students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
- Enhanced flexibility and accessibility. NCES data shows that about 40% of postbaccalaureate students exclusively engaged in distance education in 2021.
- Well-paying jobs. According to Payscale, the average salary for an MPH graduate is $78,000, as of July 2025.
- Financial savings. Online degrees can be more affordable, with an online MPH typically costing thousands less than on-campus programs.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Public Health Cost?
Master’s in Public Health, 2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $12,780
Avg. Net Price: $9,293
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $21,911
Avg. Net Price: $18,208
Source: NCES PowerStats
Is an online degree cheaper? It depends on several factors such as the school you plan to attend and the program format.
According to NCES data, online MPH students paid an average of $9,293 (after financial aid) for the 2019-2020 academic year, compared to $18,208 for on-campus programs. Additionally, consider that enrolling in an online program can help you save money on other expenses, such as commuting.
Also, keep in mind that private schools tend to cost more than public ones. Graduate students attending private colleges paid an average of $28,017 in tuition and required fees for the 2021-2022 school year, compared to $20,523 for those attending public colleges.
Find Financial Aid for Your MPH Degree
What Is an Online MPH’s ROI?
Your specific ROI depends on several factors such as tuition cost, financial aid, and salary after graduation.
There’s a formula to roughly calculate the return on investment for your online MPH. Subtract the total cost of earning your degree — such as tuition, fees, and living costs — from your potential earnings after you graduate.
Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that earning an MPH can boost your earning potential overall. For instance, with a bachelor’s in public health, you’ll earn an average starting salary of around $50,000. Obtaining an MPH can raise that by more than $10,000.
Additionally, salaries in public health careers can vary depending on your experience, location, and specialization. Epidemiologists, for example, earned a median annual salary of $83,980 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job opportunities in this profession are also projected to grow by 16% between 2024 and 2034.
While many MPH roles may pay less initially, the overall ROI may still be considerable when you factor in your potential earnings over decades.
How to Save Money on Your Online Master’s in Public Health
Earning an online master’s in public health doesn’t have to put you in heavy debt. Transferring credit from previous education and financial aid such as scholarships and tuition assistance can help you save money. Here are some other money-saving tips to consider:
1. Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if you qualify for financial aid, such as federal loans, grants, and need-based scholarships.
Note that graduate students must enroll in a minimum number of credit hours — often between 4.5-5 — to qualify for federal student loans. Each school’s financial aid office decides this number, so make sure to verify before enrolling and filling out your FAFSA application.
2. Get Exempt from Credits
Many MPH programs let you transfer a limited number of credits (around 6-12) from regionally accredited institutions. The coursework must meet specific criteria, such as a minimum B grade and relevancy to the curriculum. Some programs may also award credits to healthcare professionals with relevant work experience.
3. Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Assistance
Some companies offer tuition assistance programs as part of their benefits package.
The criteria to qualify varies by employer, but it usually includes enrolling in a degree program from a list of approved ones and maintaining a minimum GPA. You may also be required to work for the company for a set amount of time after graduation.
Government agencies and affiliated nonprofits also offer tuition assistance, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
4. Choose CEPH-Accredited and State-Authorized Programs
Verify that your preferred MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) before enrolling. This ensures the educational quality of your degree and that you can transfer credits to other accredited programs if you ever need to. CEPH accreditation is also a requirement to sit for the valued Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam.
Another factor to consider is state authorization. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) guarantees a school can offer online programs across state lines. It also ensures that you can complete practicums in other states.
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