Most Affordable Online MPH Programs

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If you’re driven by the desire to improve community health, influence health policies, and make a difference on a local to global scale, an online master’s in public health (MPH) might be the perfect fit for you.

It’s a versatile degree that can lead you to rewarding a career in diverse sectors like healthcare, education, business, data analytics, and policy. But let’s face it: Pursuing a master’s degree can be expensive. Thankfully, there are affordable public health degrees available for the budget-conscious student.

Read on to explore the ins and outs of the most affordable online MPH programs and learn key insights to make an informed decision on your educational journey.

If you find yourself drawn to addressing health challenges on a community or global scale, an MPH might be a great educational path for you. This degree is well-suited for those looking to shape health policies and work in community outreach, health education, policy coordination, data analytics, or research.

The healthcare industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare occupations are expected to grow much faster than average between 2022 and 2032, offering strong career prospects.

Moreover, public health jobs requiring a master’s degree typically earn higher-than-average salaries. For example, the median pay for epidemiologists was $81,390 per year in 2023 — much higher than the median pay for all other occupations ($48,060).

MPH programs prepare you to become a leader in the field of public health. Through classroom instruction and field-based practice, you’ll acquire skills to address public health challenges like disease prevention, health policy, community health, and more.

MPH programs typically require a total of 42-80 credit hours, depending on the specific program. How long it takes to complete an MPH program can vary depending on your pace of study. On average, full-time students can complete an MPH program in about two years. Part-time students might take longer, generally around 3-4 years.

In an MPH program, you’ll dive into the five core disciplines of public health: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, community health and administration, and social and behavioral sciences. Many programs allow you to specialize in one of these areas.

The cost of an MPH program can vary depending on the institution. According to the 2020 NCES National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the median annual tuition for online master’s in health-related programs was $9,310.

You may be able to find affordable online MPH degrees well below this average cost, however. For example, Appalachian State University estimates the annual graduate tuition cost for online in-state students at $3,963 and $14,470 for out-of-state students for the 2023-24 academic year.

Finding an affordable online MPH program involves a bit of research. You’ll want to consider factors such as accreditation, location, and the specific course offerings that align with your career goals. And, of course, you’ll want to ensure the program is within your budget.

An online MPH degree is a significant investment, but there are several ways to fund your education and make it more affordable. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential first step in securing funding for your MPH degree.

It determines your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, student loans, and work-study funding.

Scholarships and grants are essentially free money designed to help you fund your education. They are typically based on various criteria, including academic merit, financial need, or in some cases, the field of study like public health.

This means they don’t need to be repaid, making them a more desirable option than loans, which accrue interest over time. Before resorting to loans, it’s advisable to exhaust all possibilities of scholarships and grants. Check with your program advisor for more detailed information on grants and scholarships offered through your school.

College loans can also help cover your educational expenses. The most common federal student loans for graduate students include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan. Student loans accrue interest over time and must be repaid after you earn your degree, so it’s wise to exhaust all other payment options before you use loans to cover your educational expenses.

Graduate assistantships offer you the opportunity to work part-time for the department while you’re studying in exchange for a stipend or tuition credits. This enables you to earn or save some extra money that can be put towards covering your educational costs. Check with your school to find out if such options exist.