Most Affordable Online MPH Programs
By Staff Writer

cheapest online mphOne of the fastest-growing and most dynamic career paths today is in Public Health. With our booming population and ever-expanding healthcare system, government, private industry, and non-profit services are working together to address the many critical health issues that plague our nation – obesity, cancer, addiction, pollution, and many, many more. All of that system together is what we think of as Public Health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average projected job growth rate between 2012-2022 is 11% for the general public health field, but projected growth rates for some specific Public Health careers is even higher: 27% for Biostatisticians; 23% for Medical and Health Administration; and 21% for Health Educators and Community Health Workers, Nutritionists, and Community Services Managers.

Featured Programs

Advantages of Online MPH

For professionals already in some aspect of the healthcare system, whether as care providers, managers, or educators, a master’s degree in public health may be the key to promotion and advancement. In many settings – hospitals, government agencies, school systems – the MPH may not even be an advantage, but a necessity. Online degree programs are a natural choice for prospective MPH students, especially for working professionals who do not wish to leave their current careers, cannot move move to attend a campus-based program, or have other personal or family obligations that prevent them from attending an on-campus program. An added plus, some of these programs do not require taking the GRE for admission if the applicant has current, related work experience to show.

Factoring the Cost of an MPH

For an experienced professional looking for advancement, or a new graduate hoping for a leg up, the first question may be “How much is this going to cost me?” That’s why MPH Online has put together this timely ranking of the Most Affordable MPH Programs. The only factor is price, based on total in-state cost of the program (tuition and fees). In other words, the name of the game is cheap, but great, with only high-quality, recognized colleges and universities included. And remember, scholarships are available for many of these online MPH programs, be sure to inquire within the institution’s Financial Aid department.

MPH Online ranks only online MPH programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the US Department of Education and considered the standard for Public Health accreditation. Cost data were obtained from the most recently information on each program’s website.

note: all pictures sourced from institution’s website

1. University of North Texas Health Science Center – Fort Worth, TX

Founded in 1970 as a private osteopathic medical school, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine was absorbed by the University of North Texas in 1975 to become the UNT Health Science Center. Today the UNT Health Science Center consists of five schools and colleges and is regarded as one of the finest university health centers and research institutions in the state. With a large percentage of minority students, and a commitment to providing healthcare to the people of the region, the UNT Health Science Center puts public health at the center of their practice, most notably through programs like the Hispanic Wellness Fair and the Pediatric Mobile Clinic, which provides care for low-income and disadvantaged patients throughout northern Texas.

The UNT Health Science Center’s online MPH program features two distinct paths: the Traditional MPH, and the MPH Online Professional Option. The traditional MPH online takes students through a 48-credit program with a concentration in either Global Health or Geographic Information Systems, ending in both an MPH and a graduate certificate in the concentration. Students who already have a master’s degree in another field, and/or 3 years of work experience in the public health area, can enroll in the MPH Professional Option, a shorter 42 credit program. With 100% online asynchronous courses, accelerated 8-week schedules, and 5 terms per year, full-time students can complete their MPH in less than two years, and even part-time (1 course per term) students can finish in just three years.

Cost Per Credit: $164

2. New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University was founded in 1888 as the territory’s land-grant institution, and its original focus on agriculture and mechanical science began a mission that continues today: provide the most practical, useful education for the most people possible. In the 21st century, NMSU is not only the oldest university in New Mexico, but the only major land-grant research university in the border region designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. As a comprehensive land-grant university, NMSU is best known for their science and engineering programs, driven by NASA’s presence in the state, but NMSU is also known for their commitment to the well-being of New Mexico’s people through fields like nursing and public health.

The NMSU online MPH degree program has strong roots in the university; New Mexico State has offered a Master of Public Health degree for more than 20 years, and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students can choose from two specialization tracks: the Community Health Education track can be earned on campus or online, while the Health Management Administration and Policy concentration is online only. The program is designed for working adults, with asynchronous classes and flexible scheduling. NMSU’s MPH is focused on providing care for diverse populations, perfectly in line with New Mexico values.

Cost Per Credit: $269

3. Texas A&M Health Science Center – Bryan-College Station, TX

Founded in 1876 as Texas’ land-grant university, Texas A&M University is the largest institution in the state, and one of the most productive public research institutions in the nation. While it began its life as an agriculture and mechanics college (hence the A&M name), TAMU is known today for its world-class STEM program, especially engineering, and for the Texas A&M Health Science Center, a distributed program with campuses across the state. The Health Science Center is one of the leading academic health institutions in the nation, especially the School of Public Health, which U.S. News & World Report ranks as one of the top 25, and one of the five most diverse, despite being founded less than 20 years ago.

The Texas A&M Health Science Center offers an online MPH degree, a top-tier program designed for working professionals who are interested in disease prevention and large-scale public health concerns. The online program has a specialization in Epidemiology and is open only to Texas residents. All coursework is fully online (though some prerequisites or non-epidemiology electives may not be available every semester), and full-time students can complete the program in just 2 years. Students need never attend the College Station or Bryan campuses, but receive the same excellent, U.S. News-acclaimed education as traditional students.

Cost Per Credit: $310

4. University of West Florida – Pensacola, FL

A mid-sized public research university in Pensacola, FL, the University of West Florida was founded in 1963 and is part of the State University System of Florida. Long recognized by publications like the Princeton Review and Washington Monthly as a top regional institution for the South, and a best value, UWF has made major leaps forward in recent years, as it has pursued its mission of bringing the highest quality professional, health, and scientific education to the people of Florida. UWF is particularly strong in healthcare, especially the Department of Public Health in the Kundu College of Health.

The UWF online MPH degree program is built around interdisciplinary, competency-based education that prepares healthcare professionals for understanding population-related health issues from the local to the international level. This 42-credit program takes a generalist approach rather than a specialization, allowing students the flexibility to tailor their internship and research to their current or preferred field, while a wide range of regional partnerships give graduates access to a booming Florida health job market.

Cost Per Credit: $384

5. Florida A&M University – Tallahassee, FL

Florida A&M University was founded in 1887 as a land-grant, historically black college, and ranks today as not only the #1 public HBCU in the nation (according to U.S. News & World Report), but as the #1 HBCU for research by the National Science Foundation. Florida A&M’s heritage as a land-grant university – with the A&M standing for agriculture and mechanics, the original mission of the federal land grant – has given the university a long history of investment in the needs of Florida’s people, industry, and government, including nationally-ranked pre-med, pharmacy, and public health programs.

The Florida A&M online MPH degree program is known for producing more African-American public health officials and experts than almost any other university. As the first online MPH program from an HBCU, and the first in Florida, FAMU’s program has had ample time to perfect the process, with strong connections to the CDC, EPA, and healthcare facilities throughout Florida to provide graduates with opportunity. Full-time students can complete the 50-credit program in five semesters – potentially less than two years. With recognition as a top regional institution from the Princeton Review, Washington Monthly, and many more, Florida A&M has long been considered not only an excellent education, but a top value.

Cost Per Credit: $405

6. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL

Founded in 1963, the University of Alabama at Birmingham – Alabama’s only public R1 research institution – actually dates back to an extension campus opened in 1936 to provide educational opportunity to Alabama’s biggest city. UAB has the largest economic impact on the city of Birmingham and the surrounding region than any other employer or industry, and has the highest influence on healthcare in the state through the UAB Health Center, one of the nation’s most prominent academic health centers. In the South, only Duke, Vanderbilt, and the University of North Carolina stand alongside UAB for health.

The School of Public Health at UAB offers an online MPH degree program in more varieties than almost any other institution in the nation. Students can earn an online MPH in seven different concentrations, including Epidemiology, Maternal and Child Health Policy & Leadership, Health Behavior, and more. Other options include the Master of Science in Public Health, a research and analysis-oriented degree with a specialty in Outcomes Research, (including areas like cost analysis); and the online MPH/Master of Social Work dual degree. All are offered at one of the lowest rates in the nation from a university that sets the standard.

Cost Per Credit: $419

7. University of Missouri – Columbia, MO

The largest university in Missouri, and the first public university west of the Mississippi River, the University of Missouri is a land-grant, R1 research university founded in 1839. UM’s greatest strengths are in science, engineering, and health sciences, and as one of the most extensive comprehensive universities in the nation, UM is one of the few to include law, agriculture, engineering, medical, and veterinary programs on one campus. With the UM Health System, composed of five hospitals, the university is central to health care in Missouri, including the School of Health Professions (the only public health program in Missouri located on an academic health campus).

The University of Missouri online MPH degree program – the Mizzou MPH – is designed for working professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of diverse population health needs, as well as advance in their career. Courses are fully online; some may be asynchronous or require scheduled, live commitments, but none require attendance on campus. With an exceptionally affordable tuition rate that ranks as one of the best in the Midwest, and a trusted name in the UM Health System, graduates can count on this affordable degree to take them places.

Cost Per Credit: $425

8. University of South Florida – Tampa, FL

Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida was the first public research university built from scratch in the 20th century, growing over five decades from a regional institution to a major R1 research university (one of four in Florida) and earning accolades for their research expenditures, patents, and high proportion of Fulbright Scholars. As a highly diverse university, half of USF’s students are Hispanic, African-American, Asian, or from another minority background. USF’s College of Public Health is one of the most respected in the South, with many research centers that include the Center for Biological Defense, the Center for Positive Health, and the Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies.

The College of Public Health also offers the USF online MPH degree program, a cutting-edge, fully online course of study that not only provides flexible, convenient education for working professionals, but is actively pushing the boundaries of online educational excellence. The online MPH is developed in collaboration with the Office of Educational Technology and Assessment, with teachers, multimedia professionals, and design experts putting together a suite of student-centered educational modes. Students can choose from seven concentrations, including Public Health Administration; Health, Safety, and Environment; Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief, & Homeland Security; and even Social Marketing, all for an affordable rate that deserves national attention.

Cost Per Credit: $431

9. University of Nevada, Reno – Reno, NV

Nevada’s land-grant university, the University of Nevada, Reno has been dedicated to advancing knowledge and teaching the state’s population since 1874, just a decade after Nevada even became a state. UNR is named a high research activity institution by the Carnegie Classification, and is well known for health education as the home of the state’s first School of Medicine, which provides health care and outreach across the state of Nevada, particularly to the rural residents. No other college or university in Nevada knows the public health needs of the state like UNR.

It’s that expertise that makes the UNR online MPH degree program a leader in the west. Designed for working adults already in the healthcare field, this 45-credit program offers one specialization in general Public Health Practice, including a full view of policy and practice from government and non-profit to education and corporate healthcare. Students do not need GRE scores to apply, and with fully online courses, no residency, and many start dates throughout the year, students can complete their degree in only 2 years. With a philosophy emphasizing collaboration, diversity, and integrity, the UNR MPH is built for now and years to come.

Cost Per Credit: $440

10. University of Alaska Anchorage – Anchorage, AK

The University of Alaska Anchorage traces its origins to the Anchorage Community College, which began offering courses on Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1954, while Alaska was still a territory. Interest and need for full degrees gradually led to the creation of a senior college (offering degree completion courses alongside the community college) and eventually a full four-year university, part of the University of Alaska System. As Alaska’s largest city – home to nearly half the state’s population – Anchorage quickly became the largest college in the system and a central player in higher education, particularly in health care. UAA’s location in the University-Medical District puts the university in direct collaboration with the Alaska Native Medical Center and the Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s most prestigious hospitals.

UAA offers an online MPH degree program that is specifically attuned to the needs of Alaskans and the arctic region, from rural health to occupational safety. All coursework for the 42-credit curriculum is fully online, though one yearly trip (during the Alaska Public Health Summit) is required, as well as an in-person thesis or project defense. While the program is open to new bachelor’s degree graduates, mid-career professionals will benefit the most from the flexible scheduling and convenience that the online MPH degree provides. For future healthcare leaders in Alaska, there’s no more affordable, more trusted opportunity than UAA’s online MPH.

Cost Per Credit: $466

11. San Jose State University – San Jose, CA

The oldest public university on the West Coast, San Jose State University began its life as a normal school (the precursor of the teacher’s college) in 1857, preparing teachers for the growing territory. SJSU was also the founding member of the California State University System, one of the most prominent public higher education systems in the US. That pedigree, and a century and a half-long commitment to practical, socially responsible education has made SJSU one of the most diverse institutions in the nation, while its proximity to Silicon Valley has made it one of the most desirable. As a top 10 U.S. News & World Report regional university for the West, and one of Forbes’ most likely to make graduates rich, students flock to San Jose State.

The SJSU online MPH degree program, from the College of Applied Sciences and Arts, is one of only three online MPH programs in California. Designed for value and marketability, this 42-credit program is intended to provide students with a realistic, classroom-style education through synchronous courses using the most current technology to interact with professors and classmates. Courses are patterned in a cohort format, with students working through the program together, and short 5 and 7-week courses are flexible and convenient. Students will need to be able to meet once a year on-campus, but all other work is online. With SJSU’s nationally-renowned affordability and value, it’s money and time well spent.

Cost Per Credit: $473

12. University at Albany (SUNY) – Albany, NY

Part of the State University of New York System – one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious public university systems – the University at Albany is a major, public research institution in New York’s capital city. Because of its critical location, many of UAlbany’s best, most highly-ranked programs are centered on the work of government, including areas like social welfare, public policy, criminal justice, economics, non-profit management, and public health. The UAlbany School of Public Health was developed in 1985 in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, paving the way for education that meets real, diverse community needs.

UAlbany offers the online MPH degree program through the School of Public Health, a part-time, fully online curriculum with the same basis as the conventional on-campus MPH. This 51-credit, multi-disciplinary program is offered throughout the year in all semesters, with an impressive range of opportunities for internships sustained by the university’s deep relationship with the NYSDH. Graduates will be prepared for leadership in New York’s complex and dynamic healthcare sector, government, non-profits and more, all for one of the best tuition rates in the northeast.

Cost Per Credit: $524

13. University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC

Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina is the flagship of the USC System and a major, public R1 research university. USC has regularly been ranked as an up-and-coming institution, with its national reputation steadily rising along with its research productivity – currently #52 among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. USC has particularly made its reputation in the last two decades on professional education, including one of the top business schools in the nation, while health has also emerged as a best program with the graduate public health program reaching the U.S. News & World Report top 25.

The University of South Carolina’s online MPH degree program was created with the working professional in mind – educated adults who are already in the field in some capacity and who wish to increase their skills and credentials for leadership positions. This fully online degree specializes in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, and is more oriented toward administrative and managerial roles in the public health sector. With a 45-credit curriculum and flexible full or part-time schedules, the online MPH provides an interdisciplinary education designed for applicability and adaptability. With the University of South Carolina reputation, and an affordable tuition rate, graduates will see their investment pay off quickly.

Cost Per Credit: $533

14. University of Florida – Gainesville, FL

Dating back to 1853 and the East Florida Seminary, the first public higher education in the state, the University of Florida is a public land, sea, and space-grant research institution that has been a center of learning and knowledge. The 21st century has seen the University of Florida make a concerted effort to rise to the top of national rankings, including an official state designation as a “preeminent university” and funding to lower the student:faculty ratio, increase research, and reach the top 10. Currently U.S. News & World Report ranks UF as the #14 public university in the nation, a sound reflection of the Gators’ prominence in the South and the US.

The University of Florida’s online MPH degree program is meant for working professionals seeking the competencies in public health recommended by the CDC. UF’s 48-credit curriculum uses asynchronous, recorded lectures, proctored exams, and in-place internships to provide students with the most current, most relevant public health skills. Two concentrations are available: Public Health Practice, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Students will need to attend the Public Health Day Presentation at the end of their work to present their research and internship project, but all coursework is fully online. UF is one of the most trusted names in the South, and a Kiplinger’s best value.

Cost Per Credit: $550

15. Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University – Portland, OR

The Oregon Health & Science University/Portland State University School of Public Health is a unique collaborative effort between two of Portland, OR’s finest institutions. Both universities are public research institutions with solid roots in the city of Portland. OHSU began as the University of Oregon’s medical campus before gaining its independence, originally offering medical, dental, and nursing schools. PSU started as a vocational school and college for returning WWII veterans, before growing into a major research university in its own right. Together, they developed the School of Public Health in 2010 to address the needs of Oregon’s health care system, combining their expertise in health, urban social affairs, and public policy.

The OHSU-PSU online MPH degree builds on the Primary Health Care philosophy and practice, which puts a special emphasis on disease prevention and open access care for underserved populations. The online MPH offers just one concentration, Primary Health Care & Health Disparities, and is specifically designed for working health professionals in some area of primary care. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and be interested in open access health care. It is a demanding, challenging program with the same rigor as the on-campus MPH, offered at a reasonable tuition rate for working adults.

Cost Per Credit: $556

16. University of Nebraska Medical Center – Omaha, NE

Ranked in the top 5 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is one of the most prestigious public centers for medical education, care, and research. Founded in 1880, UNMC was originally a private medical school, but was absorbed by the University of Nebraska system in 1902. Over the 20th century, UNMC added a hospital as well as pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and other programs, including the most recent division, the College of Public Health. Since its founding in 2007, the College of Public Health has become one of the most trusted in the Midwest, and a top 40 public health school nationally.

The UNMC online MPH degree program brings all of the College of Public Health’s excellence to bear with the convenience and flexibility of an online program. The online MPH is intended for working professionals with positions in some aspect of the public health industry, particularly in rural areas or urban environments. Students can choose from three possible specializations: Biostatistics, Public Health Practice, or Environmental & Occupational Health. The online program’s accessibility is a major selling point, but even more important is the incredible bargain: tuition is the same for Nebraska residents and non-residents, making the UNMC online MPH a great investment anywhere in America.

Cost Per Credit: $560

17. Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, FL

A private research institution in Fort Lauderdale and Davie, FL, Nova Southeastern University was founded in 1964 as a science and tech school. In 1994 Nova merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences to form Nova Southeastern, which has become a major player in Florida higher education in the ensuing decades. NSU has been recognized by the Times Higher Education and World University ranking as one of the most important universities on the rise in the world, while U.S. News & World Report has ranked NSU one of the most diverse colleges in the nation, with two-thirds of the student body identifying as a racial or ethnic minority group.

Nova Southeastern has made online education a central part of its strategy and vision in the 21st century, winning attention from U.S. News as a top online educator, especially for minority students. The NSU online MPH program demonstrates Nova’s well-designed, comprehensive approach to distance education. Working professionals in the field can complete their degree full-time or part-time with fully online coursework, though students are required to attend an orientation and seminar at the beginning and end of their program. NSU’s economic impact and social mobility make it a top value and one of the most effective, and affordable, online MPH degrees around.

Cost Per Credit: $585

18. University of Montana – Missoula, MT

Montana’s flagship institution, the University of Montana is a large public research university known for academic excellence, social engagement, and deep ties to the land of Montana. Founded in 1893, the University of Montana has long been at the center of learning and culture in the state, among the most successful universities for producing Rhodes Scholars and other esteemed students, alumni, and faculty. UM has also been central to the economic and medical well-being of Montana, with programs like the School of Public and Community Health Sciences, the only CEPH-accredited public health program in Montana.

The University of Montana online MPH degree program is a fully online, 42-credit curriculum specifically designed to give working professionals in Montana the world-class education they need to bring the most current, most beneficial services to the rural communities of the state. While all course work can be done online, students can also choose on-campus electives if they wish. Full-time students can complete their degree in two years, while part-time students continuing to work their full-time jobs may finish in three to three and a half years. It’s a Montana education that brings the best multidisciplinary insight to the unique needs of Montana and the Rockies.

Cost Per Credit: $589

19. Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University is a large, regional public institution dedicated to meeting the educational needs of the Bluegrass State. WKU was founded in 1906 by the commonwealth legislature, but actually dates back to a private normal school founded in 1876; when the private school was sold to Kentucky, it became a public teacher’s college and set the stage for WKU. As a regional university, WKU’s first responsibility is to the people, providing practical professional and technical education to more than 20,000 students, which has made WKU nationally-known for social mobility, as well as earning U.S. News & World Report recognition as one of the top 30 regional institutions in the South.

WKU’s online MPH degree program is the first and only accredited online MPH in the state, a 42-credit, competency-based curriculum provided in a completely online format. Students combine the competencies they gain in online courses with experiential practice projects, integrating and synthesizing what they have learned through real-world action. Students may also choose to use their elective courses to earn a certification for added specialization; a dozen possible certifications are available, including Aging Studies, Environmental Health & Safety, and Non-Profit Organizations. At a reasonable tuition rate, it’s what Kentucky professionals need to get to the next step.

Cost Per Credit: $589

20. Des Moines University – Des Moines, IA

A private medical institution, Des Moines University was founded in 1898, only the second osteopathic medical school in the nation. DMU is strictly a graduate medical school, with no undergraduate programs, and with over 1600 students is not only the largest medical school in Iowa, but one of the largest in the US. With a third of students coming from Iowa, DMU is highly diverse and contributes to the health care system in Iowa and all over the nation, both through its many alumni spread across the US, and community service programs in Des Moines and throughout Iowa.

The Des Moines University online MPH degree program is accredited by the CEPH and is dedicated to preparing public health leaders in government, non-profit, industry, and other sectors. This fully online program offers three concentrations: General Public Health, Health Service Management, and Health Promotion. DMU is proud of their graduates’ successes, including a 95% job placement rate at graduation. As a self-paced distance program, students are able to complete their degree in around two and a half years, getting out into the job market and their professional careers with confidence and ease.

Cost Per Credit: $616

21. A.T. Still University – Kirksville, MO

The first osteopathic medical school in the world, A.T. Still University (named for founder Andrew Taylor Still, the creator of osteopathy) is a private, regionally-accredited graduate medical university based in Kirksville, MO. Founded in 1892, ATSU remains true to its roots in osteopathic medicine, emphasizing holistic care, medical reform, and outreach to diverse and underserved populations. In recent years, that mission has included numerous online master’s and doctoral degrees, using the advantages of distance education to provide the means for working professionals throughout the nation earn the credentials they need to help.

ATSU offers an online MPH degree program based on the most current public health education standards. With working professionals and busy adult students in mind, the ATSU online MPH degree is designed to give future leaders in the public health field the knowledge and skills they need to take on demanding roles in a variety of areas. With class sizes capped at 16 students, and the opportunity for individualized attention from expert practitioner faculty, the ATSU is built for the modern healthcare environment, and priced for accessibility.

Cost Per Credit: $638

22. Benedictine University – Lisle, IL

A small, private Catholic institution in Lisle, IL, a Chicago suburb, Benedictine University is well known throughout the Midwest as one of the most prestigious and respected of Chicago’s many elite colleges. Founded in 1887 by Benedictine monks, Benedictine remains dedicated to the Catholic values of educational excellence, community engagement, and the union of faith and service. Benedictine is also highly career-oriented and known for innovation, especially through its highly-ranked online programs.

The Benedictine online MPH degree program is an intensive, deep-dive into the public health field that is designed to prepare students for every facet of their career. With rolling entry and six 8-week sessions per year, students can begin at any time and complete the full 66-credit program in only two years, taking one course at a time. No residency on-campus is necessary, and experiential internships can be assigned in the student’s own region, so no student ever needs to attend on-campus. The Benedictine name is one that is trusted all over the Midwest and the US, making it one of the best, most affordable options for an MPH.

Cost Per Credit: $650

23. Northern Illinois University – DeKalb, IL

Founded in 1895, Northern Illinois University originated as a normal school (teacher’s college) intended to expand education for the schoolteachers in the state’s northern region. Over the course of the 20th century, NIU expanded from a small teacher’s college to a comprehensive public research university, offering degrees at all levels, including the JD from the College of Law. In recent years, NIU’s reputation has grown to such a degree that it has advanced from regional to national recognition, entering U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings in the top tier, with many individual programs ranking high on the national stage, particularly in areas like public policy and public affairs.

That spirit informs NIU’s online MPH degree program as well. As a multidisciplinary curriculum, the online MPH draws on a wide variety of medical, social science, and management expertise to prepare working professionals for leading roles in public and private healthcare sectors. Two specializations are available: Health Promotion, and Health Services Management. Students may also be qualified to sit for the Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Licensing Examination. Throughout Illinois and the Midwest, the NIU School of Health Studies is known and trusted, giving graduates a strong showing on the job market.

Cost Per Credit: $650

24. Kent State University – Kent, OH

Kent State University is a public research institution that stands as one of the largest in the midwest, with over 40,000 students. Founded in 1910 as a normal school, Kent State has been a key part of Ohio’s higher education landscape for over a century, growing into a highly productive research university ranked in the top 100 by the Carnegie Institute, and coming in at #101 in U.S. News & World Report national rankings. As public institution, Kent State’s mission has always been community engagement and providing the best education for Ohio’s citizens, producing professionals and leaders for every field.

The Kent State online MPH degree program is designed with the future of public health in mind, particularly the need to close a steadily-widening gap in qualified public health experts. The online MPH is specifically intended to get working adults into the public health field quickly and with a full suite of knowledge and skills. Only the Health Policy and Management specialization is available fully online, and for qualified applicants no GRE is necessary. The 46-credit program can be completed on a 24 or 27 month schedule, helping graduates move on to the next stage of their career without interruption.

Cost Per Credit: $659

25. North Dakota State University – Fargo, ND

North Dakota’s land-grant, public research institution, North Dakota State University was founded in 1890 as an agricultural college. NDSU is the only university in the state designated as a Very High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Classification, and the National Science Foundation has named NDSU one of the 100 top universities in many areas of research, such as agriculture and social sciences. In keeping with the public, land-grant mission, NDSU takes pride in a student-centered curriculum that focuses on the practical, real-world value of professional and technical education.

The NDSU online MPH degree program is created with the unique needs of North Dakota’s healthcare professionals in mind. The NDSU MPH puts special consideration into rural health needs, due to the widespread populations across North Dakota’s large but sparsely-populated land. That includes the spread of disease, lifestyle health, and disability care. Four specializations are offered: Public Health in Clinical Systems; Health Promotion; Management of Infectious Diseases; and the groundbreaking American Indian Public Health, a specialization with broad applicability in the Midwest, West, and Southwest. Small classes and the opportunity to work with faculty on real-world research only adds to the already great possibilities NDSU offers.

Cost Per Credit: $674

26. University of New England – Biddeford/Portland, ME

Maine’s largest private university, the University of New England’s oldest precursor dates back to a seminary founded in 1831, on what is now the Portland campus. The Biddeford campus began as a high school and junior college for French Canadian boys, which later merged with an osteopathic medical school to become the University of New England. Today, UNE is primarily known for health sciences, and is the largest medical school in Maine, producing more doctors, dentists, nurses, and health professionals than any other institution in the state.

The University of New England online MPH degree program is the only CEPH-accredited, fully online degree of its kind in Maine. No other college in Maine knows healthcare and the healthcare system of New England like UNE, and students benefit from that expertise with a real competitive advantage. This fully online, 46-credit program requires no campus residency and can be completed in as little as 18 months of full-time study. Courses are taught in synchronous and asynchronous formats, with instructor-led discussions and self-paced exams, so students get the best of both methods. Applicants also need no GRE, making the application process much more convenient.

Cost Per Credit: $690

27. East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University began in 1911 as a normal school, bringing the most current, experiential teaching education to the schoolteachers of Tennessee’s Appalachian Mountains. As a large, public institution with a regional mission, ETSU is focused on the needs and people of its home; some of the university’s most acclaimed and innovative programs are rooted in the Appalachians, including their Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music; Appalachian Studies; and Storytelling degrees. East Tennessee State is also a center of healthcare for the region, including the Quillen College of Medicine, the Gatton College of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing, and the College of Public Health.

The College of Public Health, one of the leading programs in the state of Tennessee, offers the ETSU online MPH degree program. The fully online curriculum is based in two decades of development, with 175 institutional partners for internships and a competency-based, practical course of study. Three concentrations are available: Community Health, Epidemiology, and Health Services Administration. ETSU has been central to East Tennessee’s healthcare for generations, making the online MPH a modern version of what ETSU has been doing all along – providing the best for Tennessee.

Cost Per Credit: $718

28. Colorado School of Public Health – Aurora, CO

The Colorado School of Public Health is a unique collaborative school bringing together the faculty and resources of the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. Founded in 2008, Colorado SPH is the first accredited, collaborative public health school in the region, using the collective strengths of more than 150 faculty members and the resources of three universities to provide the best possible public health education in the Rockies. Success has been clear: 96% job placement and 2% further schooling for MPH graduates shows that Colorado SPH gets graduates into their careers.

The Colorado SPH online MPH degree program brings all of that collective excellence into the digital realm. With a concentration in Leadership & Public Health Practice, the online MPH is presented as a low-residency online program; all coursework is online, but students must travel to campus twice in their two-year curriculum to meet with their program advisor. Applicants must have at least three years work experience, as the program is designed specifically for working professionals who are already in the field and are sufficiently up to date. It’s a program that exemplifies and demands excellence, and graduates see the results.

Cost Per Credit: $778

29. University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, IL

When the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867, the city of Chicago accepted the promise of a polytechnic university some time in the future as a consolation prize. No such college ever appeared, but after WWII, a branch campus of UI opened in Chicago to educate the many returning veterans using their GI Bill to reintegrate into civilian life, where several medical and health science schools already operated under the name Chicago Professional Colleges. The consolidation of all these schools in 1982 created the University of Illinois at Chicago, home to the nation’s largest medical school and one of the most important healthcare education institutions in the world.

UIC’s online MPH degree program offers working professionals in the public health field the opportunity to earn their graduate degree from one of the most prestigious and trusted names in the nation, without ever visiting campus. Concentrations are available in Community Health Sciences; Health Policy & Administration; and the only CEPH-accredited online Public Health Informatics concentration anywhere. Courses are offered in a largely asynchronous format, with web-based discussions designed to increase collaboration and interaction between faculty and classmates for a more real-world experience. Graduates can trust UIC to vault their careers in public health to a new level.

Cost Per Credit: $793