Best Affordable Online MPH Programs of 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.