10 Most Affordable Online Public Health Degrees 2025

In the post-pandemic world, health policy remains at the forefront of popular discussion. Public health professionals have seen an increased demand for their skills in areas like disease prevention, general health promotion, and health education.

Students looking to earn a bachelor's degree in public health or related fields can find low-cost online colleges across the nation that offer Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited programs.

The best online public health degrees cover fundamental skills needed to work in public health while preparing students for entry-level careers and graduate programs, like Master of Public Health degrees.

Affordable Online Public Health Degree Programs

Online students have access to the same high-quality learning experiences as their on-campus counterparts. Some of these programs will offer unique specializations for students preparing to work in certain areas of public health, like infectious diseases, health management, or health education.

1. National University

Students at National University can earn a CEPH-accredited Bachelor of Science in public health. This fully online course covers environmental health, introductory-level epidemiology, and community health promotion. Graduates of this program will be prepared for a master's in public health program or to pursue certifications to apply for advanced careers.

The base tuition rate for this program is $370 per credit hour.

2. University of Arizona

Ranked by U.S. News as one of the top 40 public health programs in the states, the University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Science in public health accredited by the CEPH. Students can choose from multiple emphasis options, such as global health, occupational health, and health systems theory. The University of Arizona also offers an online Master of Public Health degree program.

This program costs $525 per credit hour, but students can qualify for financial aid, payment plans, and tuition reimbursements.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

The online Bachelor of Science in public health from Southern New Hampshire University combines biology with social and behavioral sciences. Coursework includes statistics for healthcare professionals, evaluating public health challenges, and the ethical and legal considerations of public health.

The online tuition cost at SNHU is $330 per credit hour.

4. Capella University

Capella University offers an online Bachelor of Science in public health. This program works with Vila Health to provide a hands-on, practical experience through simulated healthcare settings. This program can be used as part of the accelerated master's in public health degree program, which can save you time and money on your graduate degree.

The tuition cost at Capella changes whether you enroll in the self-paced FlexPath or the traditional Guided Path. FlexPath students pay $2,500 per 12-week session, with no limit to the amount of courses they can take in that time frame. GuidedPath students pay either $365 or $415 per credit, based on the level of the course they're taking.

5. University of Southern Mississippi

The Bachelor of Applied Science in allied health from the University of Southern Mississippi is a degree completion program. This CEPH-accredited program requires an associate degree in allied health from an accredited program at a community college or university. This program covers common public health issues like tracking disease outbreaks, promoting healthy behaviors, and public health policy.

The cost per credit hour for this degree program is $416.59 per credit hour.

6. Johnson & Wales University

Students at Johnson & Wales University can earn a Bachelor of Science in public health. This online degree includes courses on epidemiology, public health policy, and comparative healthcare systems. All courses at JWU are either seven or 15 weeks long, which can help students reach their career goals at a quicker pace.

The tuition rate is $495 per credit hour, but JWU offers multiple scholarships and grants to reduce these costs further.

7. Delaware State University

Delaware State University provides students the opportunity to earn an online Bachelor of Science in public health. This degree teaches students the competencies needed to pursue entry-level careers in public health, epidemiology, and chronic disease prevention. Students will also be fully prepared for graduate programs in public health-related fields of study.

Online students pay $415.80 for an average full-time enrollment schedule.

8. Mississippi University of Women

Despite the name, the Mississippi University of Women accepts co-ed students to both its online and on-campus programs. The Bachelor of Science in public health education is ideal for students looking for public health careers in leading programs to promote public health. Courses include biostatistics, global health, and infectious diseases in public health.

The online tuition cost for this degree program is $353 per credit hour.

9. Youngstown State University

The Bachelor of Science in applied science with a public health major can be used as part of YSU's 4+1 accelerated Master of Public Health program. Students can choose between two educational tracks: environmental health and safety or health education/promotion.

Online students at Youngstown State University pay around $5,950 per semester with full-time (12 to 18 credit hours) enrollment.

10. Western Governors University

The Bachelor of Science in public health from Western Governors University covers topics like mental health services, wellness and health science, and public health administration. WGU offers flexible, self-paced learning opportunities for working professionals hoping to pursue new career opportunities.

WGU charges students based on six-month-long sessions. Online learners play a flat rate of $4,210 per six months, whether they're on a full-time or part-time schedule.

Our Selection Criteria for Online Degree Programs

Multiple methodologies can be used to evaluate public health degree programs. We focused on three main criteria, but you should also consider personal factors when evaluating programs on your own.

• Accreditation: Accredited schools of public health will meet standards set by national and regional bodies. We selected higher education programs with accreditation to help students work toward career goals or graduate school programs.
• Affordability: We looked for online programs that charged low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. We also looked for online schools that accept FAFSA and offer their own financial aid programs, like grants and scholarships.

FAQs About Public Health Programs

Undergraduate and graduate students alike have questions about online public health programs. The most common questions are about cost, value, and career outcomes.

Are Online Public Health Degrees Worth It?

Yes, online public health degrees are worth it. These programs are generally more flexible and affordable than their in-person counterparts, providing more convenient routes to working in public health practice.

Which Universities Offer Affordable Master's Degrees in Public Health?

Several universities offer affordable master of public health programs. Some of the most popular choices include New Mexico State University, North Dakota State University, and the Colorado School of Public Health. On average, the most affordable online MPH degrees are offered at nonprofit and public universities.

What Can I Do With an Online Public Health Degree?

Public health degree holders can pursue multiple career opportunities including healthcare administrators, epidemiologists, and population health analysts.

Discover Online Bachelor's and Master's Degrees Today

Whether you're looking for the most affordable online MPH programs or an undergraduate degree, our resources can help you find the best program for your career goals. Read about various colleges and universities, their degree offerings, and what it takes to get admitted. Once you've narrowed down the best programs for your goals, use our contact forms to reach out and start your application process today.