10 Affordable Online Master's in Public Health Programs 2025

Online Master of Public Health (MPH) programs enable aspiring health policy analysts, global health specialists, and community health workers to train for desired roles without commuting to school for in-person classes. If you want to pursue an MPH degree, many institutions offer distance learning options with low tuition rates and financial aid. Keep reading to discover affordable online programs nationwide.

What Is an Online Master of Public Health Degree?

An online MPH degree is a distance learning program for students who prefer to access coursework outside of a traditional classroom. These programs cover the same concepts as in-person programs, including biostatistics, behavioral sciences, environmental health, and health policy ?and are often taught by the same faculty members.

How Much Does an Online Master of Public Health Cost?

The cost of an online MPH program varies based on factors like enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time) and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state). As a result, you might encounter a range of tuition costs. However, it's possible to earn an online master's in public health for less than $600, especially with scholarships. Schools with the lowest rates include the University of West Florida and New Mexico State University.

Cheapest Online Master of Public Health

Earning a master's in public health online can open doors to numerous career opportunities. Review the schools below to discover some of the nation's most affordable virtual programs.

1. University of West Florida

The online MPH at the University of West Florida is a flexible program that is accredited by and built on foundational public health competencies from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Students complete core courses and electives in one of three concentrations: generalist MPH, global health, or health promotion, education, and behavior. For practice experience, students complete a two-semester, six-hour practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $384.60 per credit hour (in-state); Starting at $478.83 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can reduce costs with tuition waivers, federal financial aid, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University offers a 42-credit, CEPH-accredited online MPH exploring environmental public health issues, epidemiological approaches to disease control, and psychosocial aspects of public health. Students who want to focus their studies can choose from two thesis and non-thesis concentrations: health behavior and health promotion (HBHP) and health management, policy, and administration (HMAP).

• Estimated tuition cost: $444.40 per credit hour
• Financial aid: NMSU students can reduce costs with scholarships, loans, and other financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis

The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis offers an online MPH program that students can complete in as little as 16 months. Coursework explores health policy and services, health promotion, public health, and more. In addition to a generalist track, learners can pursue an epidemiology concentration and gain insight into biostatistics and clinical trials.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit hour
• Financial aid: MPH students can apply for a limited number of scholarships and use employer tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance to save.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Oklahoma

Students attending the University of Oklahoma can pursue a 42-credit, fully online MPH in community and population health designed for completion in 20 months. The program examines the U.S. health care system, program planning for health promotion, and environmental health, and includes a public health practicum. Admission requirements for this degree include a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $575 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and financial aid can help students reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students interested in careers in medical research and public health can pursue the Master of Arts (MA) in medical sciences with a public health focus. This 100% online program, which explores biostatistics, epidemiology, and community health principles, prepares learners for careers as clinical research associates and program officers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit (full-time); $645 per credit (part-time)
• Financial aid: Students can lower tuition and fees with scholarships and federal student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Boston University

Boston University's School of Public Health offers a fully online CEPH-accredited MPH for working professionals in public health practice who want to enhance their ability to solve real-world public health challenges. This program, which takes as little as 24 months to complete, includes a project-based practicum during which students apply research skills in hands-on environments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $595 per credit
• Financial aid: Online MPH students may be eligible for federal student loans.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. University of Arizona Global Campus

The online MPH at the University of Arizona Global Campus is designed for aspiring public health professionals interested in growing their knowledge of biostatistics, health services administration, and environmental health sciences.

This two-year program includes three public health practicums and a capstone/culminating experience. If students want to focus their studies, they can choose the program's health care administration track.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UAGC students can make their degrees more affordable with scholarships and federal student aid.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

8. Florida International University

Florida International University prepares learners to become well-rounded public health practitioners through a CEPH-accredited online MPH that can be completed in one year and three semesters. In this 45-credit program, students take core courses in health policy, biostatistics, and community health promotion, and electives in environmental health and AIDS epidemiology. Learners also complete a six-credit practicum and culminating experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships and federal financial aid make learning at FIU more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is home to an online MPH that teaches strategies for improving community health, controlling disease outbreaks, and developing wellness programs. Students interested in promoting equitable access to care on the world stage can add SNHU's global health concentration. Both programs are accredited by the CEPH.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Applying for scholarships and federal financial aid can help enrollees lower the cost of their degrees.
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. Louisiana State University

In Louisiana State University's CEPH-accredited online MPH program, students prepare for careers as epidemiologists and health education specialists via coursework that examines how to tackle critical health issues and make a global impact. To enroll in this 15-month program, students need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $780 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, military benefits, and employer tuition assistance can make learning at LSU more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the SACSCOC and the HLC. Many programs are also CEPH-accredited.
• Affordability: These institutions offer low tuition rates and provide scholarships and other financial assistance to make learning more affordable.
• Program reputation: Each school in this list has a reputation for providing quality graduate programs for on-campus and online students.

What To Expect From a Master of Public Health Online

In online public health master's degree programs, courses have synchronous or asynchronous learning formats and explore health management, epidemiology, public health foundations, program planning, data analysis, and more. Some might also have real-world practicum and culminating experiences.

These degrees typically take about two years to complete and require 42 to 45 credit hours of coursework. Potential concentrations include global health, health policy analysis, health promotion, and urban design.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Master of Public Health Programs

Do you want to begin the process of pursuing a Master of Public Health degree? Learn more about these programs by reviewing the following FAQs.

Can You Do a Master of Public Health Online?

Yes, it's possible to earn an MPH degree online. Several schools nationwide deliver programs that provide 100% virtual access to coursework. However, it's good to note that some schools include practicum experiences that require students to gain hands-on training in real-world settings.

Is an Online Master's in Public Health Worth It?

Yes, an online master's in public health can be worth it. These degrees are flexible and convenient, sometimes enabling learners to study at their own pace. After graduating, students can pursue top roles in the field or further their education by enrolling in a doctoral program.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Public Health Degree?

Students who have earned an MPH can enroll in a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program or start a new career. Those seeking Master of Public Health jobs can pursue roles such as:

• public health consultant
• epidemiologist
• health educator
• medical researcher
• healthcare administrator
• environmental health specialist

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Public Health Master's Degree?

The time you'll spend earning an online public health master's degree depends on factors like the program you choose and your enrollment status. However, on average, students complete program requirements in two or fewer years.

How Fast Can You Get a Master's in Public Health?

If you want to earn your MPH degree in less time, consider accelerated programs with shorter course terms and multiple start dates. Also, look for schools with generous transfer policies that accept prior learning credits. At these schools, you could get an MPH in as little as 15 months.

Discover Online Public Health Degrees

Take steps toward a rewarding public health career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest to learn ways they can help you reach your career goals.