Most Affordable Online MPH Programs of 2025
Earning a master’s in public health doesn’t have to mean going into debt. Discover the cheapest online MPH programs to advance your career.
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Earning a master of public health (MPH) degree can open new career doors. With your public health expertise, you can pursue work as an epidemiologist, public health consultant, or healthcare administrator.
And by choosing an affordable online MPH program, you can open new career doors while limiting your student loan debt.
Our list introduces the most cost-effective online MPH programs so you can find an option that fits your budget, schedule, and career goals.
Master of Public Health Degree Highlights
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that online MPH students paid a net price of under $9,300 during the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Class of 2023 master’s graduates earn an average starting salary of just over $81,000, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
- In our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online master’s degree students and graduates believe an online education has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Start Your Online MPH Today
Cheapest MPH Programs Online
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
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
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
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
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
59%
67%
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
$6,168
$18,566
92%
54,085
Public
Yes
$911
$2,003
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
59%
67%
$6,168
$18,566
92%
54,085
Public
Yes
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
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,552
$28,844
19%
25%
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
$7,020
$37,360
97%
32,496
Public
Yes
$10,552
$28,844
Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,552
$28,844
19%
25%
$7,020
$37,360
97%
32,496
Public
Yes
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
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
92%
58%
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
$5,742
$17,622
74%
40,564
Public
Yes
$7,176
$16,680
Northridge, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
92%
58%
$5,742
$17,622
74%
40,564
Public
Yes
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
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,718
$28,520
50%
35%
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
$9,208
$28,010
91%
52,211
Public
Yes
$9,718
$28,520
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,718
$28,520
50%
35%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
52,211
Public
Yes
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
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$19,140
34%
56%
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
$5,742
$17,622
90%
37,539
Public
Yes
$7,176
$19,140
San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$19,140
34%
56%
$5,742
$17,622
90%
37,539
Public
Yes
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
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online
$16,238
$35,388
45%
27%
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
$9,889
$38,690
96%
40,813
Public
Yes
$16,238
$35,388
College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online
$16,238
$35,388
45%
27%
$9,889
$38,690
96%
40,813
Public
Yes
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
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online
$12,140
$18,340
97%
58%
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
$11,436
$27,000
78%
16,759
Public
Yes
$12,140
$18,340
Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online
$12,140
$18,340
97%
58%
$11,436
$27,000
78%
16,759
Public
Yes
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
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$7,585
$11,377
96%
49%
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
$9,309
$13,963
77%
11,952
Public
Yes
$7,585
$11,377
Fargo, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$7,585
$11,377
96%
49%
$9,309
$13,963
77%
11,952
Public
Yes
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
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$11,963
$17,944
77%
68%
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
$9,237
$13,856
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
$11,963
$17,944
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$11,963
$17,944
77%
68%
$9,237
$13,856
83%
14,172
Public
Yes
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
Why You Should Get an MPH
Public Health Expertise
You can specialize your knowledge in areas such as environmental health, public health policy, or community health promotion.Career Paths
You have many career options with an online MPH, including, for example, epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health administration.Leadership Opportunities
Use your expertise to take on leadership roles in healthcare and public health organizations — and potentially earn more money.
Benefits of Getting an MPH Online
- On-campus and online MPH programs meet the same high accreditation standards. Be sure to choose an accredited program.
- In our survey, 97% of online master’s students and graduates said they would recommend an online education to others.
- Similarly, 95% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates believe their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
How to Choose the Best Affordable Online MPH Program for You
You need an affordable online MPH program that fits your budget. But you also need to consider factors like program length, application requirements, and accreditation.
Here are some tips for choosing the right program for you.
How Much Does an Online MPH Cost?
Online MPH Degree
$12,780
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)
$9,293
Avg. Net Price (2019-2020)
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to NCES, online MPH programs cost an average of just under $13,000 in tuition and fees in the 2019-2020 academic year.
In addition to tuition and fees, you’ll need to factor in textbooks, technology costs, and other expenses.
Fortunately, you can lower your out-of-pocket costs with financial aid. The average net price for an online MPH in the 2019-2020 school year after financial aid was under $9,300, or about $3,500 less than the average cost in tuition and fees.
When researching the most affordable online MPH programs, make sure to consider the total cost of the degree, including financial aid, such as scholarships or grants. And research career options in your specialty and location to get an idea of your earning potential.
Find Financial Aid for Your MPH
How Long Does It Take to Get an MPH?
42-63 Credits
Typical # of Credits
1-3 Years
Typical Program Length
You’ll typically spend two years on your online MPH degree. The exact length of your program will depend on the school, your enrollment type, and whether you have any transfer credits.
Choosing an accelerated online master’s program can help you graduate in less time.
On the other hand, if you earn your degree part time, you can expect to spend around three years in an online MPH program.
Typical Online MPH Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- GRE scores (optional for many MPH programs)
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Professional experience (required or recommended for many programs)
Accreditation for Online MPH Programs
It’s best to choose an online MPH program that holds programmatic accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This agency accredits programs that meet high standards for preparing public health professionals.
Institutional accreditation also impacts financial aid, licensure eligibility, and employment opportunities, so make sure you choose a school that is regionally accredited.
Our ranking of the most affordable online public health degrees only includes CEPH-accredited programs.
What Can You Do With an MPH?
An online MPH can prepare you for careers in healthcare, population health services, and research.
Professionals with an MPH can lead programs, analyze threats to public health, and analyze data. You can work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, healthcare organizations, and research facilities.
The following table provides salary and job information for common careers with an MPH.
| Job | Avg. Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $55,930 (December 2024) | Collects research data, monitors participants in research trials, and tracks the research process. |
| Epidemiologist | $71,150 (December 2024) | Researches communicable diseases, identifies disease vectors, and improves public health and safety. |
| Healthcare Administrator | $80,010 (December 2024) | Manages departments related to public health services and oversees staff. |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $74,060 (July 2024) | Manages daily operations, including staffing, budgeting, and reporting, for health services organizations. |
| Public Health Consultant | $82,300 (October 2024) | Advises organizations on public health matters, develops solutions, and educates organizations. |
Source: Payscale
Learn More About Public Health Jobs
Is an Online MPH Program Worth It?
Will earning your MPH online pay off?
Our research found that 95% of nursing and healthcare students and graduates believe their online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Salary data from master’s graduates in the class of 2023 backs that up: These recent grads earn an average starting salary of around $81,000, according to NACE.
Researching the most affordable MPH programs online can also boost your return on investment by helping you limit the cost of your degree.
Education Beyond an MPH
Most public health graduates with an MPH enter the workforce, based on NACE data. But some recent grads decide to continue their education.
After earning an MPH, you can, for example, pursue a doctorate in public health or move into a related field by earning a doctorate in healthcare administration or healthcare management.
A doctorate program can prepare you for academic, research, and leadership careers in public health or the healthcare field more broadly. Common job titles with a doctorate include public health professor, hospital administrator, and public health director.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online MPH Programs
The easiest MPH programs to get into do not require the GRE and set a low minimum GPA for admission. Research data on the average GPA for admitted students to find a program that matches your academic record.
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