An online public health degree is a great way to get an education in the field of public health without having to relocate. The most common public health online degree programs are Master’s degrees, which can take anywhere from one year up to three years depending on the program. Classes typically consist of lectures and discussions with other students. There is also an opportunity for hands-on learning with internships or volunteer work at local agencies; this experience will be beneficial when applying for jobs after graduation. Students interested in working on health promotion in rural areas may find that an online public health degree is their best option because it allows them to obtain a graduate-level education while still living where they want, not where they have access to resources like other public health practice professionals. The majority of online courses are taught by university faculty, but there may be some classes taught by other local professionals (nurses, physicians, community leaders) as well as guest lecturers from universities and organizations nationwide. Some undergraduate students who do not live close enough to a school offering online degrees can also take advantage of this option to get a head start on their master’s degree.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online 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 2022
2023 Most Affordable Online Public Health Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| 1 | University of South Florida Online | $8,346 |
| 2 | American Public University System | $10,563 |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $11,629 |
| 4 | Murray State University | $11,736 |
| 5 | Monroe College | $12,239 |
| 6 | Mississippi University for Women | $12,761 |
| 7 | University of the Cumberlands | $13,476 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | $14,084 |
| 9 | Delaware State University | $14,866 |
| 10 | The University of Texas at Arlington | $15,509 |
| 11 | Central Michigan University | $16,007 |
| 12 | Boise State University | $16,153 |
| 13 | University of Missouri-Columbia | $16,559 |
| 14 | Old Dominion University | $17,204 |
| 15 | Bellevue University | $17,288 |
| 16 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | $18,929 |
| 17 | University of South Dakota | $19,389 |
| 18 | Rivier University | $25,681 |
| 19 | Roger Williams University | $36,054 |
| 20 | Southern New Hampshire University Online | $41,217 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Public Health Degrees
#1. University of South Florida Online
Average Net Price: $8,346
USF ranks in the top 100 best public schools in America, according to “Newsweek”, and was ranked among the nation’s top five universities for diversity by “U.S. News & World Report”. USF is one of the nation’s most diverse and international universities. The student body consists of students from most states, US territories, and over 100 foreign countries.
The University of South Florida is home to fourteen colleges that are divided into sixteen schools. As a polytechnic university, it offers courses in disciplines ranging from the liberal arts to engineering, education, architecture, and business. USF has experienced significant growth in its academic programs as well as enrollment over the past two decades.
The University of South Florida System offers an online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree with a concentration in public health administration. This program is designed for students who want to work in the public health field but don’t have the time to attend traditional, on-campus classes. The curriculum covers topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy and management. Students also have the opportunity to choose electives based on their interests and career goals.
The University of South Florida System’s M.P.H. degree is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Graduates of this program are prepared to work in a variety of public health settings, including government agencies, health care programs, nonprofit organizations and more. A few of the job titles for which this online program prepares students include Public Health Director, Health Program Manager, Community Health Educator, Epidemiologist, Public Health Nurse, and Licensed Practical Nurse. After graduation, students may choose to earn a doctorate in public health if they wish to pursue management positions.
The University of South Florida System’s online M.P.H. program accepts students year-round, but classes are only offered during the fall and spring semester. The program is flexible enough for students who have full-time jobs or other obligations so that they can earn their degrees at their own pace.
#2. American Public University System
Average Net Price: $10,563
The American Public University System (APUS) is a higher education institution that focuses on providing online education to students. The university offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as certificate programs. APUS has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1997.
The APUS was originally founded as the American Military University (AMU) in 1991 to provide distance learning education to active duty military personnel who couldn’t attend traditional colleges or universities for one reason or another. It eventually evolved into two different institutions: AMU and the American Public University System (APUS).
The American Public University’s online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Degree is designed for students who want to learn how to make healthy communities and help individuals maintain their health by creating policies and programs that promote healthy lifestyles. The curriculum consists of 39 credit hours where the student will learn about various aspects of public health including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health education and promotion, and global health. The program also includes a practicum experience that provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
#3. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Average Net Price: $11,629
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university is also one of only four institutions in the UNC system to have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. UNCG has been named one of the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report for 16 consecutive years and was ranked third in the South region in 2018. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranks UNCG as one of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” for 2018. The university is also a Military Friendly School.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is an excellent institution of higher education, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With more than 100 years of experience, UNCG is a well-respected and historical institution in the state and has been ranked as one of the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report for over 15 years.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a public health degree on its website. It is one of the longest-running programs on public health in the country and has been operational since 1948. The graduate program on public health is designed to offer students who want to work in providing services for populations with minimal resources. The goals of the program are to promote good health, prevent diseases, and reduce death and disability among individuals and populations. The program also offers an online component that is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
The UNCG School of Public Health has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978. The school has also received full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school also has received accreditation from the American Public Health Association (APHA), which is an organization that works to improve the public’s health.
#4. Murray State University
Average Net Price: $11,736
Murray State University is a public university located in Murray, Kentucky. The school offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in business, education, science, and arts.
Murray State University is known for its strong academics and diverse student body. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, the school also offers a wide range of student activities and organizations. Murray State University has been ranked as one of the best regional universities in the south by U.S. News & World Report.
Murray State University has a Master of Science in Public Health program that offers Areas of Specialization in Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease Control, Environmental Health, School Health Education, Epidemiology & Biostatistics. The curriculum at Murray State is designed to provide students with the skills to conduct research and analysis of public health problems, design programs for their implementation, analyze existing programs and policies with an eye towards improvement, and lead efforts to promote public health.
#5. Monroe College
Average Net Price: $12,239
Monroe College is a private, not-for-profit, four year degree-granting institution in New Rochelle, NY. Monroe College only accepts the top 10% of applicants through an admissions process that evaluates academic preparation and extracurricular activities. Monro College provides educational opportunities for students to get their degree in the many majors it has to offer. Some of its majors include nursing, finance, and athletics.
Monroe College is also known for providing its students with excellent career services that help students land their dream job. In addition, Monroe College offers affordable tuition rates and has a diverse student body. Overall, Monroe College is a great school that provides students with many opportunities to succeed.
Monroe College offers an Associate of Science in Public Health degree. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of public health settings. The curriculum includes courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health policy, and environmental health. Graduates of the program will be able to:
-Assess the public health needs of a community
-Develop and implement public health programs
-Evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs
The program is offered online and on campus. Students can choose to attend full or part-time.
#6. Mississippi University for Women
Average Net Price: $12,761
Mississippi University for Women was founded in 1884 because there were not enough opportunities available for women. In 1956, the name of the university changed from the original Women’s College to Mississippi University for Women. The school is a private, co-educational college that provides higher education to students who are traditionally under-represented at other major universities.
The university offers a variety of degree programs which include associate degrees in subjects such as nursing and occupational therapy assistant studies, bachelor’s degrees in social work, business administration, and physical therapy, and doctoral degrees in nursing practice and education leadership. It also offers other graduate-level certificates such as an MBA program for working professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field of study or an M.Ed. degree program for currently certified teachers. Tuition and fees are also very affordable when compared to other private colleges.
The Mississippi University for Women offers a public health degree that can be completed online. The degree focuses on the areas of community health, environmental health, epidemiology, and biostatistics. The program also includes a practicum experience that can be completed in the student’s local community.
#7. University of the Cumberlands
Average Net Price: $12,761
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. The University of the Cumberlands is also accredited by Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), an accreditation division recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
In 2009, UC was ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. The university was also recognized as a “Best Buy” college by The Princeton Review and one of the country’s most affordable colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
The University of the Cumberlands Public Health Program is committed to educating students on topics that are important for public health. This includes instruction in the areas of epidemiology, environmental health, mental health, bioethics, population sciences, and more.
The curriculum at the Public Health Program is designed to give students a strong foundation in science while combining knowledge of public policy. The program’s interactive learning environment gives you the skills necessary to work in the field or go on to graduate school.
#8. University of Wisconsin-Superior
Average Net Price: $14,084
The University of Wisconsin-Superior is a public university located in Superior, Wisconsin. It offers undergraduate and graduates degrees, certificate programs, and distance education options. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University of Wisconsin-Superior is a great place to pursue higher education. With its diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, small class sizes, and campus located on the shores of Lake Superior, UW-Superior provides students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their careers and lives.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior offers an online MPH degree. The program is designed for individuals with a variety of backgrounds, including those who are currently working in the public health field and those who are looking to change careers. The program is also accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
#9. Delaware State University
Average Net Price: $14,866
Delaware State University is a public HBCU located in Dover, Delaware. The university offers undergraduate and graduates degrees to students from diverse backgrounds. The university has a rich history dating back to 1891. Delaware State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The university has a strong focus on STEM education and offers students unique opportunities to conduct research and engage in experiential learning. Delaware State University is an important resource for the state of Delaware, and its students are poised to make a positive impact on the world.
One of the school’s most popular majors is its public health degree. This program offers an in-depth exploration of the key issues and challenges affecting public health around the world. Students in the program will learn about everything from epidemiology to health policy, and they will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on internship program that gives them real-world experience in their chosen field. The school also offers master’s degrees in public health administration, public health education, environmental health science, and community health nursing.
#10. The University of Texas at Arlington
Average Net Price: $15,509
The University of Texas at Arlington is a prestigious public research university and the second largest university in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The school is the fourth university in Texas to be designated Tier One by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, #1 in the nation for Veterans and their families according to Military Times, and #1 in Texas for Degrees Awarded to African American Students according to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Their nine colleges offer over 180 degrees in a broad array of disciplines. UTA boasts several of the best-ranked graduate programs in the nation thanks to the expertise of their award-winning faculty.
