Public health is one of the largest career fields in the world, it’s no wonder why it’s become such a lucrative profession to be in. With public health constantly growing, it’s become a competitive community health science field. For individuals who want to be the best they’ll need to earn their Masters in Public Health (MPH). Once you’ve earned this prestigious degree you can either begin your career or continue your education to work in health promotion, create health policy, start a public health practice, promote health equity, assist in public health administration, and generally promote global health.
We understand that life gets busy and finding the time to complete your education isn’t as easy as it once was. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges to attend while gaining a Masters in Public Health degree. No matter which cheap online mph programs you choose, all of your coursework will be done from the comfort of your home. When it comes time to do an internship or research project you’ll have the choice of working within your own community health care or assisting with global health issues. Each health science course from these cheapest online MPH programs is taught by world-class faculty who’ve worked in public health for years. Earning your online master has never been easier or more affordable than with these respected medical colleges in the following universities.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online master’s in public health degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2022.
2023 Most Affordable Online MPH Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | New Mexico State University | $10,428 |
| #2 | American Public University System | $10,563 |
| #3 | Columbia Southern University | $11,241 |
| #4 | Lamar University | $11,739 |
| #5 | University of Illinois at Springfield | $12,034 |
| #6 | Mississippi University for Women | $12,761 |
| #7 | Indiana State University | $14,270 |
| #8 | University of Nevada – Reno | $14,930 |
| #9 | San Jose State University | $16,542 |
| #10 | University of Missouri | $16,559 |
| #11 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $16,998 |
| #12 | SUNY at Albany | $18,355 |
| #13 | South Dakota State University | $18,578 |
| #14 | Texas A&M University-College Station | $18,919 |
| #15 | University of South Dakota | $19,389 |
| #16 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $20,559 |
| #17 | University of Alabama | $20,917 |
| #18 | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | $21,101 |
| #19 | University of Massachusetts – Amherst | $22,038 |
| #20 | Nova Southeastern University | $25,833 |
| #21 | Shenandoah University | $30,878 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s in Public Health Degrees
1. New Mexico State University
Average Net Price: $10,428
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
New Mexico State University leads through values of excellence, access, diversity, inclusion, and always being student-centered in how they teach. Today this highly respected institution is home to over 14,000 students from across the globe. Brookings Institute called New Mexico State University a leader in equal access for higher education. The university begins helping individuals reach their goals when students first step foot on campus. New Mexico State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The university offers an intensive Master of Public Health degree program. This program is designed to give working professionals the flexibility they need. With this, they offer night classes and online classes for studying areas like behavioral science, social work, healthcare management, environmental health science, and more that fit any schedule. This program is accredited by Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), this accreditation comes from providing an exceptional mental health education for many years. You’ll participate in classes such as Biostatistical Applications in Public Health, Environmental Public Health Issues, Health Services System: Administration and Organization, Techniques of Health Communication/Education, and more.
2. American Public University System
Average Net Price: $10,563
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
American Public University System is a renowned university that’s currently home to over 91,000 students. American Public University System is run on values of accessibility, innovation, integrity, quality, and a passion for life-long learning. The university specializes in educating military veterans and their families by offering affordable and student-focused online courses. The school was ranked #1 as the academic provider for U.S. Military and Veterans. American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Public Health program offered at the American Public University System will give you a deeper understanding of the psychological, sociological, and scientific factors that impact public health practice across the globe. In this program, you’ll be challenged to solve complex population health issues, understand epidemiology, know different environmental health sciences, tackle occupational health problems, and more. This program is extremely affordable with no application fee, no transfer credit evaluation, and no entrance exams are required. To graduate from the program you’re required to complete 47 credits, all this cheap online mph program’s courses are online and vary from 8 to 16 weeks.
3. Columbia Southern University
Average Net Price: $11,241
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Columbia Southern University is a fully online private university located in Orange Beach, Alabama. Columbia Southern University’s mission is to, “diverse learning experiences and affordable, flexible distance education programs at the certificate, undergraduate and graduate levels to a global student body, delivered by qualified, student-centered faculty committed to teaching and student learning. The university is dedicated to providing exceptional academic and student support services.” This institution is accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
The university’s Master of Public Health degree program will teach you core foundational skills needed to be successful in this global health field. The skills attained throughout this course will prepare you for a job in either a private, public or international setting and gives you the tools necessary to work in both clinical and research settings. By the time you graduate from this public health program, you’ll understand how to interpret epidemiological data in public health studies, input health informatics, analyze factors that affect lifestyle choices and public health, evaluate external affairs, and analyze the etiology of major health science problems and their influence on a population.
4. Lamar University
Average Net Price: $11,739
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Lamar University is amongst one of the top public universities across the nation. They keep smaller class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio because providing high-quality personal education is a top priority for the university. At Lamar, you’ll feel confident finding your path with over 139-degree programs to choose from. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Lamar University Master of Public Health program concentrates on public health practice issues that affect low socioeconomic populations. At the end of the two-year program, each student is required to create a research proposal and seminar before graduation. You’ll learn from professionals in the field who will teach you the necessary skills to improve community health. You’ll become an expert in biostatistics, environmental health sciences, obesity prevention/lifestyle interventions, public health surveillance, emergency preparedness, and foundations of population health promotion in diverse communities.
5. University of Illinois at Springfield
Average Net Price: $12,034
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
For the last two years, the University of Illinois at Springfield has been ranked the 3rd best public school in the and the 6th best value in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. The university is dedicated to active teaching and wants to help create a passion for life-long learning no matter where you go in life. Students have the opportunity of partaking in leadership opportunities that other universities don’t offer. This gives individuals an advantage and a more well-rounded resume after graduation.
A Master of Public Health degree at the University of Illinois at Springfield is a competitive health education program to get into. With only 944 graduates being accepted, the graduate school expects students who are willing to go above and beyond. For those who get into the program, you’ll have the opportunity of either earning a Master of Public Health-General degree or by earning one of their concentrations including a Master of Public Health-Environmental Health, Master of Public Health and Master of Public Administration, or a Master of Public Health and Health and Human Services degree. Any degree path chosen is taught by renowned professionals in the career of public health.
6. Mississippi University for Women
Average Net Price: $12,761
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Mississippi University for Women is where leadership, excellence, and a passion for change are developed. The university has kept a strong mission statement to, “provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate education for women and men in a variety of liberal arts and professional programs, while maintaining its historic commitment to academic and leadership development for women.”
The Master of Public Health degree program at Mississippi University for Women is a very competitive program. For those who receive admission, you’ll be required to take 42 credit hours of coursework and 3-credits worth of either an internship or research. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work in school settings, healthcare, and government agencies. A few of the classes you’ll be taking include, Community Health Education Methods, Gender Issues in Health, Nutrition for Health, Stress Management, and Survey of Human Disease.
7. Indiana State University
Average Net Price: $14,270
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Indiana State University holds values of discovery, engagement, inclusiveness, and learning. Indiana State University has a mission statement to, “transform the lives of students through a high-quality education infused with experiential learning, community engagement, and career readiness. Our students succeed within a culture of inclusion and support that provides the skills and knowledge to impact Indiana and beyond.”
A Master of Public Health degree from Indiana State University is great for students who want to advance their career or begin a new passion. Individuals have the choice between doing an internship and completing a mental health research project or doing an internship and writing a thesis. You’ll be required to take classes in applied communications in health professions, health behavior theories, health policy leadership, principles of environmental health, and statistical methods in health sciences. Graduating with a Master of Public Health degree from ISU will give you the expertise needed for a variety of different health management professions.
8. University of Nevada-Reno
Average Net Price: $14,930
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
The University of Nevada-Reno was founded in 1874 as Nevada’s first university. Since its opening, the university has strived to keep a mission that provides, “outstanding learning, discovery, and engagement programs that serve the economic, social, environmental and cultural needs of the citizens of Nevada, the nation, and the world. The University recognizes and embraces the critical importance of diversity in preparing students for global citizenship and is committed to a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accessibility.”
A Master of Public Health degree from the University of Nevada in Reno will prepare you to become a health care practitioner, researcher, educator, and leader. You’ll learn how to engage with multiple communities and learn how public health affects different communities around you. You’ll be taking public health online courses in, Epidemiological Surveillance, GIS & Spatial Analysis in Public Health, Health Policy, Public Health Information Systems, and Data Management, as well as Public Health Law.
9. San Jose State University
Average Net Price: $16,542
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: WSCUC
San Jose State University is a highly respected second-tier educational institution located in sunny California. Its home to over 36,000 students, offers 250-degree programs, hosts 22 athletic teams, and currently has over 300 students actively involved in research. In 2020 Money Magazine ranked San Jose State University #1 for Most Transformative University. In regional rankings (west) the institution was ranked #8 for Most Innovative School. San Jose State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
San Jose State University offers an incredible Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in community health education. Their online option for a Master of Public Health degree is on a Special Session track and is a fast-paced 24-month long program. This behavioral science degree program has been accredited by Council on Education for Public Health since 1974. You’ll take classes in computational public health statistics, environmental health, health services organization, and multicultural communication for health professionals.
10. University of Missouri
Average Net Price: $16,559
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: HLC
University of Missouri, or Mizzou, is a nationally accredited public university in Columbia, Missouri. Mizzou enrolls almost 6,000 graduate students and they accept 82% of applicants, 73% of whom complete their degree there. Popular majors at the University of Missouri include Minority and Ethnic Studies, Health Service Preparatory Studies, and Business. Mizzou alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $39,400.
Mizzou’s Master’s in Public Health degree program is an interdisciplinary degree that can be completed with either of two emphasis areas: Veterinary Public Health or Health Promotion and Policy. Coursework for this health science program reflects Mizzou’s capability in health management, health care, veterinary medicine, community health science, health informatics, and more.