10 Affordable Online Public Health Degrees (2025)

In 2024, there is a growing need for accessible and cost-effective educational opportunities in public health. Aspiring professionals are increasingly seeking affordable online public health degree programs that are both affordable and high-quality.

List of Affordable Public Health Degrees Online

Below is a list of 10 affordable online public health degree programs that provide a gateway for students to obtain their bachelor's degree while managing their financial resources wisely.

These programs cover various aspects of public health, ensuring that prospective students can find an option that aligns with their interests and career goals.

1. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona provides an online Bachelor of Sciences in public health program that holds accreditation from the CEPH.

This program consists of 120 credit hours, teaching essential skills in the health sector, including leadership, community engagement, and data analysis.

Students have the flexibility to choose from three specializations, health systems theory and practice, global health, and public health practice. The tuition for this program is $525 per credit hour.

2. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online Bachelor of Sciences in public health program primarily designed for students with prior college credits.

With 120 credit hours, including 30 credits to be completed at ODU, students can transfer up to 90 credits from previous courses, saving both time and money.

This program equips students with skills to enhance community public health practices and encourages them to evaluate public health information.

The tuition rate per credit hour is $393 for in-state students and $423 for out-of-state students.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University presents a 120-credit-hour online Bachelor of Science in public health program.

This program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits from previous courses, offering both time and cost savings. Additionally, there are no application fees or SAT/ACT score requirements for admission.

With a tuition cost of $330 per credit hour, this program is accessible and cost-effective holding accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

4. San Diego State University

San Diego State University provides an online Bachelor of Science in public health program designed primarily for students who have already taken courses in the field.

Applicants are required to have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours with a GPA of at least 2.90. The tuition cost for this program is $532 per credit hour.

The program is designed to be completed in a minimum of two years and mandates students to finish at least 54 upper-division units along with three writing proficiency units.

5. Walden University

Walden University offers an online Bachelor of Science in public health program consisting of 180 quarter credit hours. Students have two options for program completion.

The course-based option takes 48 months to complete with a total cost of $46,175, while the tempo learning option allows students to finish in 25 months at a cost of $22,330.

Additionally, students can apply to transfer up to 135 quarter credits from prior courses, which can significantly expedite their degree completion.

6. Oregon State University

Oregon State University presents an online Bachelor of Science in public health program, made of 180 quarter credits or 120 semester credit hours.

This program offers flexibility with four start dates per year and has a tuition rate of $350 per credit hour, with no additional charges for out-of-state students.

Students can personalize their degree by selecting a specialization in either health promotion and health behavior or health management and policy. This program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

7. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama extends an online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, totaling 120 credit hours.

Within this program, students encounter 51 major credit hour courses and must choose between two concentrations, health professions or health education and promotion.

This program provides knowledge in health areas including environmental health, patient education, and human behavior. The tuition rate per credit hour stands at $385 before taxes and applicable fees.

8. South University

South University offers a cost-effective online Bachelor of Science in public health program, where students will learn to assess the health needs of local, national, and international populations.

Graduation requires 182 credit hours, including 16 elective courses such as business communication, managed care, and a career exploration seminar.

This program is accredited by the SACSCOC and provides various financial aid options tailored to specific tuition rates, making quality education accessible.

9. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati provides an online Bachelor of Science in public health program that has both full-time and part-time study options.

With 120 credit hours, this program offers graduates the opportunity to apply for the certified health education specialist (CHES) certification.

Tuition per credit hour for part-time students is $566 for state residents and $581 for non-residents, while full-time students pay $6,785 per semester for residents and $6,965 for non-residents.

10. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida presents an online Bachelor of Science in public health program, requiring 120 credit hours that can be completed in 48 months.

This program allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours from previous courses, offering valuable time and cost savings. Tuition cost is $218.98 per credit hour for in-state students and $648.37 for out-of-state students.

An additional discount option exists, reducing the out-of-state tuition cost to $341.67, making education accessible and affordable for aspiring public health professionals.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Health Cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree in public health can vary widely depending on factors like the university, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, the duration of the program, and any financial aid you might receive.

Tuition rates differ between institutions with public universities often having lower rates. The tuition cost of a credit hour in a public health degree stands between $220 and $581 or more.

How To Make an Online Public Health Degree Affordable

To make an online public health degree more affordable, consider enrolling in a public university as an in-state resident for lower tuition rates. Look for affordable online programs and apply for financial aid through the FAFSA.

Look for scholarships, grants, or loans offered by institutions, transfer credits if you have prior coursework, and explore employer tuition benefits.

Is an Online Public Health Degree Worth It?

Whether an individual should consider an online public health degree's worth depends on their career aspirations, financial situation, and the program's quality.

If one has ambitions in public health-related roles, values flexibility, and can enroll in an affordable online public health degree, it can indeed be worth it.

The prospective student should verify the program's accreditation, the reputation of the offering institution, and its networking opportunities.

Find an Affordable Degree in Public Health Online Today

In the search for an affordable online public health degree, students have many options available.

By researching accredited programs, exploring financial aid opportunities, and considering their career goals, individuals can obtain valuable education in public health.