Written by: Staff Writers
Last Updated: February 12, 2021

A master of public health (MPH) can prepare graduates for impactful careers in the healthcare industry, particularly within specialized areas, such as epidemiology. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the medium annual wage for healthcare practitioners in general at $68,190 in May 2019, epidemiologists earned a median annual salary of $70,990 that same year.

Of course, not all MPH-holders go into epidemiology. Many go into public health policy, healthcare management, and public health education, to name a few examples. Overall, a master's degree in public health is a versatile degree that can help you impact healthcare within communities and on a global scale.

MPH degrees generally take two years for full-time students to complete. The curriculum usually covers topics in public health policy, environmental health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and the behavioral and social determinants of health. Students can also choose to pursue a master's in public health online, which offers a greater degree of flexibility for those who live far from campus or have other commitments.

Below, you can find a list of the most affordable MPH degrees for anyone interested in a career in public health.

View ranking methodology

Ranking the Cheapest Graduate Degrees in Public Health

#50- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: Tallahassee, FL

Online Master of Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $8,019

Ranked 88th nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, the College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has 13 patents and over $29 million in research funding across three divisions. Directed by Dr. Cynthia Harris, the CEPH-accredited Institute of Public Health utilizes Blackboard Learn for the Online Master of Public Health (MPH). The 50-credit, non-thesis program has elective tracks for Behavioral Science and Health Education, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, or Health Policy and Management with 360 fieldwork hours.

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#49- East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,992

Chaired by Randy Wykoff, MD, the College of Public Health at East Tennessee State University was placed 31st nationally by the U.S. News & World Report with a 98.5 percent job placement rate. Partnered with 250+ preceptors, including the Peace Corps, the CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health accepts applicants until June 1st yearly for on-ground or online training. Fall cohorts complete the 43-credit degree's Biostatistics, Community Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Health Services Administration concentrations before culminating field experiences. There's also an MD/MPH or PharmD/MPH dual program.

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#48- University of Nebraska Medical Center: Omaha, NE

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,911

Established in 1880, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is endowed for $641.6 million to house six colleges, including the CEPH-accredited College of Public Health, as the ARWU's 75th best clinical medicine institution globally. Led by Dr. Ali Khan, the Master of Public Health has a 45-credit, values-based curriculum with 360 practicum hours. Online students select concentrations for Biostatistics, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion, or Health Administration and Policy, but Omaha post-grads could also specialize in Community-Oriented Primary Care or Maternal and Child Health.

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#47- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center: Albuquerque, NM

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,780

Enrolling 1,966 Lobos, the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center belongs to Forbes' 222nd best research institution and generates a $1.6 billion economic impact yearly. Its CEPH-accredited College of Population Health headed by Dr. Karen Armitage confers the Master of Public Health from a systems-based approach. Open for admission until December 15th, the 42-credit degree emphasizes Southwestern diversity in Community Health, Epidemiology, and Health Systems Services concentrations before the thesis or capstone paper. There's also a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and Public Health.

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#46- University of Akron: Akron, OH

Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $7,731

The University of Akron, home to Washington Monthly's 117th best faculty nationwide, participates in the Consortium of Eastern Ohio Master of Public Health with Cleveland State, Northeast Med, Ohio, and Youngstown State. Organized by Dr. Timothy McCarragher, the 42-credit MPH offers online or Saturday classes in an Advanced Generalist track. CEPH-accredited since Fall 2003, the program involves studying topics like environmental health, obtaining 300+ practicum hours, and completing capstone portfolios. The applications are accepted until July 31st yearly from bachelor's grads with GRE scores above the 40th percentile.

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#45- University of Alabama Birmingham: Birmingham, AL

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,588

Affiliated with four Global Clinton Scholars and given $13.6 million in NIH grants, the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama-Birmingham is ranked 19th nationally by the U.S. News & World Report. Though headquartered in Ryals Hall, the 42-credit, CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health offers seven online concentrations: Industrial Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Health Care Organization and Policy, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Environmental Health and Toxicology, or Occupational Health and Safety. Chaired by Dr. Peter Ginter, the School has an M.S. in Biostatistics and Master of Science in Public Health too.

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#44- University of Southern Mississippi: Hattiesburg, MS

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,549

Declared America's 149th best master's institution by Washington Monthly, the University of Southern Mississippi houses the Department of Public Health in Harkins Hall with close ties to the 90-bed Forrest General Hospital. Directed by Dr. Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Ph.D., the Master of Public Health is a 17-course, CEPH-accredited major with Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Education, or Health Policy and Administration specializations. Students take face-to-face courses like chronic disease, finish 400-hour internships, and join Eta Sigma Gamma. The Executive MPH format offers online study with monthly Saturday sessions for 3+ years of experience.

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#43- South Dakota State University: Brookings, SD

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Annual Tuition: $7,516

Originally opened in 1898, the College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions at South Dakota State University was ranked 70th nationally by the U.S. News & World Report and honored for a 100 percent NAPLEX pass rate. Housed in the Avera Health Center, the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program chaired by Dr. Jane Mort became a CEPH candidate in February 2017. The 42-credit, collaborative major develops generalist rural practitioners via online courses from nutrition education to infectious disease and practicum partners like the Indian Health Service.

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#42- University of Arkansas: Fayetteville, AR

M.S. in Community Health Promotion

Annual Tuition: $7,379

Known for its Sexuality Education & Consent Studies Lab, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville has America's 99th best faculty according to Washington Monthly in 10 colleges, including the College of Education and Health Education. Here post-grads with minimum 3.0 GPAs can apply for the M.S. in Community Health Promotion until March 1st or November 1st each year. Chaired by Dr. Ches Jones, the 33-credit MPH online alternative fulfills CEHS certification through courses like health counseling and a thesis or master's project. Also consider Arkansas' M.S. in Food Safety and M.S. in Human Environmental Science.

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#41- University of North Dakota: Grand Forks, ND

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,185

Guaranteeing low in-state prices for the Western Interstate (WICHE) region, the University of North Dakota's School of Medicine & Health Sciences opened in 1905 was ranked seventh for rural medicine by the U.S. News & World Report. Overseen by Dr. Joshua Wynne, the Master of Public Health has CEPH accreditation for study in Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, Casper, or abroad in Bergen, Norway. Emphasizing Big Data, the 42-credit program includes courses specialized in Population Health Analytics or Health Management & Policy, 240 practicum hours, and Public Health Association (PHA) activities.

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#40- Jackson State University: Jackson, MS

Master of Public Health Degree

Annual Tuition: $7,141

Jackson State University, the 57th best national university in Washington Monthly, chartered the Hospitality State's first School of Public Health in 2012 to "Challenge Minds, Change Lives." Headed by Dr. Mary Shaw at Jackson Medical Mall, the Master of Public Health Degree takes 2.5 years full-time for problem-centered training with at-risk, underserved minority populations. The HBCU's 45-credit, CEPH-accredited curriculum provides five concentrations in Behavioral Health Promotion, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Policy & Management, and Environmental & Occupational Health before the capstone residency.

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#39- University of West Florida: Pensacola, FL

Online Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,088

Ranked America's 228th best public school in Forbes, the University of West Florida is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the $56 million Usha Kundu, MD College of Health and its six graduate degrees. Adhering to Quality Matters standards, the CEPH-accredited Online Master of Public Health takes 24 months on Desire2Learn. Directed by Dr. Justice Mbizo, the 42-credit, non-thesis program develops competencies in the Generalist or Health Promotion, Educator & Behavior tracks before the 180-hour supervised internship and capstone exam. There's also an M.S. in Health Promotion & Worksite Wellness.

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#38- Morgan State University: Baltimore, MD

Online Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,074

Pioneering the Morgan Minority Male Health Project (M3HP), Morgan State University's School of Community Health & Policy was ranked 26th nationally for most African-American master's graduates by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Coordinated by Dr. Kim Dobson Sydnor, the CEPH-accredited Online Master of Public Health was launched in 2003 with a built-in Executive Health Management specialization. On Blackboard, graduates with minimum 3.0 GPAs start reshaping healthcare policies with 48 credits of courses like urban health, 400 fieldwork hours, and capstone research. Analytically-inclined students also consider the M.S. in Bioinformatics.

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#37- University of Texas Health Science Center: Houston, TX

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $7,061

Led by Dr. Giuseppe N. Colasurdo, an NIH Basic Scientist Development Award winner, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston was declared America's 59th best medical school by the U.S. News & World Report. Its CEPH-accredited School of Public Health confers the Master of Public Health face-to-face at six regional campuses over 18-24 months full-time. The 45-credit major integrates 200 practicum hours into seven concentrations: Epidemiology, Health Education, Environmental Health, Biostatistics, Community Health Practice, Healthcare Management, or Genomics and Bioinformatics. The 36-credit, research-intensive Master of Science is available too.

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#36- Ferris State University: Big Rapids, MI

Public Health MPH Online

Annual Tuition: $7,046

Applauded for America's 58th best online graduate nursing education by the U.S. News & World Report, the College of Health Professions at Ferris State University is headed by Dr. Matthew Adeyanju for three master's degrees. The Public Health MPH Online is accessed 24/7 via Blackboard Learn with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio for promoting evidence-based rural practices. Offering an Accelerated BS/MPH track, the 42-credit curriculum requires virtual courses like cultural diversity, practicum, and capstone projects. Alumni have excelled with the CDC, Red Cross, American Cancer Society, HHS, and more.

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#35- Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,876

Sponsored for $16 million by the NIH, Georgia State University's School of Public Health enrolls 550 Panthers, 67 percent of whom represent minorities, in the 130th best Southern education according to Forbes magazine. Boasting Atlantic CDC connections, the Master of Public Health is a 42-credit, CEPH-accredited degree with at least 240 practicum hours. Graduates customize coursework in Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy Management, and Health Promotion before the thesis or capstone. Majors could also join Delta Omega Honorary Society, study abroad in Brazil, and pursue the dual Juris Doctor.

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#34- University of Southern Maine: Portland, ME

MPH in Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,840

Named Washington Monthly's 312th best master's institution countrywide, the University of Southern Maine houses the Muskie School of Public Service on Bedford Street to deliver three graduate degrees with funds like the $1,000 Peter Fenney Scholarship. Accredited by the CEPH through 2021, the MPH in Public Health follows a 45-credit, generalist curriculum with campus courses from disability policy to patient safety and biostatistical analysis. Between year one and two, eight-week summer internships are arranged at Geisinger Health, Mid-Coast Mental Health, The Opportunity Alliance, Janssen Pharmaceutical, and others.

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#33- Idaho State University: Pocatello, ID

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,789

Granted the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Excellence Award, the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences at Idaho State University, Forbes' 255th top public school, is directed by Dr. Rex Force with 20 graduate degrees. The CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health is a 48-credit, civic-engaged program available in Pocatello, Meridian, or online via Blackboard Learn. Funding like the Louis Galen Scholarship lowers cost further for generalist courses from biostatistics to global health before the thesis or project. ISU Bengals also access the 12-month Master of Health Education (MHE) online.

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#32- California State University-Fullerton: Fullerton, CA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Employing 219 full-time faculty for 6,609 Titans enrolled, the College of Health and Human Development at California State University-Fullerton, America's 106th best value in Money magazine, has state-of-the-art facilities like the Center for Obesity Prevention. Chaired by Dr. Laurie Roades, the Master of Public Health accepts SOPHAS applications until January 31st yearly for CEPH-accredited disease control training. The 42-unit curriculum infuses 240 internship hours into specializations for Health Promotion, Environmental & Occupational Health, and Gerontological Health before the thesis or culminating exam.

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#31- California State University-Long Beach: Long Beach, CA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Hosting a Students for Sustainable Health Club, the College of Health & Human Services in Brotman Hall belongs to America's 92nd best university, California State University-Long Beach, according to the Daily Beast for 25 graduate degrees. The affordable Master's in Public Health admits aspiring practitioners with minimum 3.0 GPAs into its Community Health Education Option. Aligned for CHES certification, the 42-unit, CEPH-accredited program has comprehensive exam and thesis tracks after courses like curriculum development. Long Beach also confers an M.S. in Health Science or MSN/MPH dual degree.

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#30- California State University-Northridge: Northridge, CA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Ranked 123rd nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, the College of Health & Human Development at California State University-Northridge is overseen by Dr. Farrell Webb in Sequoia Hall to grant 10 graduate degrees with funding like the Holly Hunt Scholarship. Redesigned in Fall 2016, the CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health offers specializations in Community Health Education and Applied Epidemiology with an optional Gerontology Certificate. Open until March 15th yearly, the 42-unit, multi-faceted campus program requires 400 internship hours at agencies like Venice Family Clinic, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and Kaiser Permanente.

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#29- California State University-San Bernardino: San Bernardino, CA

Public Health, M.P.H.

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Congratulated for America's 119th best standout academics on Niche, California State University-San Bernardino embarks on the "Quest for Excellence" with seven graduate programs in the College of Natural Sciences chaired by Dr. Peter Williams. Admitting Fall cohorts of 25-30 until October 20th yearly, the 56-unit Public Health M.P.H. fosters interdisciplinary collaboration for generalist practitioners to enhance community well-being. The CEPH-accredited curriculum culminates with 120 practicum hours and capstone research after courses like nutrition and health system delivery. Registered nurses might choose the Advanced Community/Public Health M.S.N. instead.

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#28- San Diego State University: San Diego, CA

Master's in Public Health Online (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Located in Huffington Post's 10th fittest city, San Diego State University was ranked 39th nationally by the U.S. News & World Report for its CEPH-accredited Graduate School of Public Health in Hardy Tower. Chaired by Dr. Hala Madanat, the Master's in Public Health Online (MPH) is a 51-unit, 20-month program with accelerated, eight-week courses specialized in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. Leading the Live Well Aztecs initiative, the Traditional MPH also has on-campus Biometry, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Health Management & Policy concentrations with CBEACH Lab access.

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#27- San Francisco State University-San Francisco, CA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Formally established in 1995, the College of Health & Human Services at San Francisco State University, America's 60th best master's provider in Washington Monthly, houses nine departments with cutting-edge research in the Health Equity Institute. Organized by Dr. Alvin Alvarez, the Master of Public Health considers applicants with at least 3,700 hours of full-time healthcare work from October 1st to April 1st yearly. The 44-unit, CEPH-accredited program embeds the Community Health Education specialization for team practice experiences and concentrated courses like behavioral change two days per week.

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#26- San Jose State University: San Jose, CA

Public Health MPH

Annual Tuition: $6,738

Headed by Dr. Mary C. Schutten since 2015, the College of Applied Sciences and Arts at San Jose State University, Forbes' 140th top value school, offers liberal arts-based courses to 32,773 Spartans with faculty-led programs from Grenada to Finland. Founded in 1970, the Public Health MPH admits cohorts of 25 post-grads with minimum 3.0 GPAs every August both on-campus and online via Canvas. The 24-month, CEPH-accredited generalist curriculum has synchronous scheduling for courses like health education, plus 400 practicum hours, participation in Project SHINE, and capstone projects.

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#25- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus: Aurora, CO

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,714

Ranked eighth nationally for primary care by the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shares the CEPH-accredited Colorado School of Public Health with Colorado State and Northern Colorado. Directed by Dr. Jon Samet, the Master of Public Health boasted 97 percent job placement for 486 graduates in 2016. The 42-unit, practice-oriented curriculum features 14 specializations, such as Global Health Systems, Health Services Research, and Maternal & Child Health, either on-campus or online via Canvas. Also consider the M.S. in Public Health or Dual MPH/MSW Program.

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#24- Georgia Southern University: Statesboro, GA

Master of Public Health, M.P.H.

Annual Tuition: $6,636

Featuring the Karl E. Peace Center for Biostatistics, the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University, America's 235th best national university in Washington Monthly, has graduate assistantship stipends worth $3,875-$7,750 yearly. Chaired by Dr. Greg Evans, the affordable Master's in Public Health welcomes applicants with minimum 2.75 GPAs until June 1st. The 45-credit, CEPH-accredited curriculum takes two years full-time in Statesboro or Armstrong with Biostatistics, Community Health Education, Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology, Generalist, and Health Policy Management tracks that include capstones.

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#23- Southern Connecticut State University: New Haven, CT

Public Health, M.P.H.

Annual Tuition: $6,497

Placed 195th by the Social Mobility Index, Southern Connecticut State University maintains the School of Health & Human Services under Dr. Sandra Bulmer in Engleman Hall for opportunities like the Environmental Health Training Program. The Public Health M.P.H. is an intensive, 48-credit major with CEPH accreditation for terminal generalist study that promotes healthy people in healthy communities. Open for admission until March 1st, the degree includes an optional Guatemala trip with 150-hour practica in settings like Stamford Hospital, Prevent Blindness Connecticut, and the Boston AIDS Consortium.

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#22- University of Texas Medical Branch: Galveston, TX

Public Health Program

Annual Tuition: $6,347

Attracting 2,500 Longhorns, the University of Texas Medical Branch is recognized for the 235th best faculty by the CWUR and a $3.3 billion economic impact. Linked to Texas Medical Center that serves 10 million patients yearly, the Preventive Medicine & Community Health Department grants the CEPH-accredited Public Health Program. Directed by Dr. Cara Pennel, the 42-48 credit MPH integrates professional tracks for Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Aerospace Medicine. Besides courses like social health determinants, students could finish the 240-hour practicum at St. Vincent's Clinic, engage in National Public Health Week, and pursue the MD-MPH.

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#21- American Public University System: Charles Town, WV

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $6,300

Crowned the Southeast's fifth best buck in Washington Monthly, American Public University System is a "Military-Friendly" for-profit with five master's degrees overseen by Dr. Brian Freeland in the CEPH-accredited School of Health Sciences. On Sakai, APUS post-grads access one of the online public health degrees with monthly start dates to develop preventative methods. The 47-credit, two-year MPH integrates generalist courses like biostatistics, quarantine, and ethics before a capstone. Similar online degrees include the M.A. in Emergency & Disaster Management and M.S. in Health Information Management.

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#20- Marshall University: Huntington, WV

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,298

Gifting $144 million via financial aid, including the George J. Harbold Graduate Award, Marshall University is ranked America's 108th best master's institution in Washington Monthly with a CEPH-accredited College of Health Professions. Managed by Dr. Michael Prewitt, FCCP, the Master of Public Health conveniently offers courses in Huntington, Cabell County, or South Charleston. Accepting applicants until April 1st, the 44-credit, two-year curriculum infuses 240 practicum hours into concentrations for Global and Community Health or Research Evaluation and Policy. Other offerings are the Accelerated MPH and Joint MD/MPH.

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#19- Louisiana State University-Shreveport: Shreveport, LA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,196

Belonging to the Ochsner Health System, the Louisiana State University-Shreveport is deemed the South's 114th best college on the U.S. News & World Report with a CEPH-accredited Health Sciences Center that's directed by Dr. Jill Rush-Kolodzey. Exclusively on-campus, the Master of Public Health admits a cohort of 30 post-grads with minimum combined GRE scores of 1,000 for advanced generalist training. The 48-credit, non-thesis curriculum spans six semesters with courses like public health law, 200 practicum hours, and capstone projects. Online students might pursue Shreveport's Master of Health Administration instead.

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#18- Lamar University: Beaumont, TX

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $6,048

Following the Washington Post's advice to "Forget Harvard and Think Lamar" would take post-grads to America's 49th best school according to the Social Mobility Index. Granted CEPH candidacy in June 2017, the College of Education & Human Development confers a Master of Public Health specialized in Health Disparities. Organized by Dr. Dan Chilek, the 42-credit, online degree utilizes Blackboard Learn to train practitioners for underserved regions. Students with minimum 2.7 GPAs may join Eta Sigma Gamma, practice with the Health Education Corps, and complete fieldwork at Christus Hospital.

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#17- Texas A&M Health Sciences Center: Bryan, TX

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $5,784

Ranked 73rd for medical research by the U.S. News & World Report, the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center enrolled 2,602 Aggies, a 5.4 percent jump from 2014, to confer 21 graduate degrees at six regional campuses. The Master of Public Health (MPH) is available in Bryan, McAllen, and online via Blackboard for bachelor's grads with minimum 2.75 GPAs. Headed by Dr. Susan Carpender, the 45-credit, CEPH-accredited curriculum has tracks for Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Management, Community Health Sciences, or Occupational Health and Safety.

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#16- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: Lubbock, TX

Master of Public Health Degree

Annual Tuition: $5,760

Serving the 108-county Panhandle and Permian Basin regions for 40+ years, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center was ranked 71st nationally for primary care by the U.S. News & World Report with 4,788 future practitioners enrolled. The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences houses the CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health Degree chaired by Dr. Theresa Byrd. Closely tied to the F. Marie Hall Institute, the 45-credit program delivers generalist courses in Lubbock, Abilene, and online.

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#15- Chicago State University: Chicago, IL

MPH Program

Annual Tuition: $5,580

Noticed for America's 169th highest research expenditures in Washington Monthly, Chicago State University is a historically Black AASCU member with a CEPH-accredited College of Health Sciences. Chaired by Dr. William Ebomoyi, the MPH Program admits diverse post-grads with "B" averages for the affordable Master's in Public Health until October 15th or March 15th yearly. Since 2010, the 48-credit, thesis-optional program has awarded Health Promotion and Disease Prevention or Health Service Management concentrations with practica at agencies like Provident Hospital of Cook County.

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#14- North Dakota State University: Fargo, ND

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $5,570

The College of Health Professions at North Dakota State University, America's 171st top research institution in Forbes, has grown since 1902 to serve 2,010 Bison with 13 clubs, including Phi Lambda Sigma. Directed by Dr. Donald Warne, the Master of Public Health (MPH) boasts nearly 100 percent job placement after Fargo or online study. The 42-credit curriculum blends 240 practicum hours into specializations for American Indian Public Health, Community Health Sciences, or Infectious Disease Management. Graduates have become Certified in Public Health for positions at Sanford Health, City-County Health District, and more.

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#13- Augusta University: Augusta, GA

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $5,144

Led by Dr. Lester Pretlow, Augusta University's College of Allied Health Sciences, ranked 83rd for medicine by the U.S. News & World Report, celebrated its 50th anniversary by expanding its 18 academic programs by nearly 250 percent. The Master of Public Health has a 90:10 hybrid blend of online and Augusta courses for bachelor's grads applying by May 1st. Four MPH concentrations in Health Management, Health Informatics, Environmental Health, and Social/Behavioral Science customize the 45-credit degree and its 50 practicum hours. The Medical College of Georgia collaborates for a five-year MD/MPH too.

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#12- University of North Carolina-Greensboro: Greensboro, NC

MPH in Community Health Education

Annual Tuition: $5,117

Named America's 62nd coolest school by the Sierra Club, the University of North Carolina-Greensboro is celebrating its 125th year in the College of Health and Human Sciences by enrolling 3,783 Spartans in 10 departments funded with $8.49 million. Chaired by Dr. Celia Hooper, the MPH in Community Health Education admits cohorts of 30 yearly after the March 1st deadline for aspiring Master's Certified Health Education Specialists. The 45-credit, student-centered program involves four courses like disease prevention per semester, 180 internship hours at agencies like TRIAD Health Project, and Eta Sigma Gamma activities.

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#11- Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK

Master of Public Health Program

Annual Tuition: $5,033

Granted the CASE Seal of Excellence, Oklahoma State University is ranked America's 158th best institution by the U.S. News & World Report with 25,594 Cowboys studying 200+ majors in 10 colleges, including the CEPH-accredited Center for Health Sciences. Located in Willard Hall, the Master of Public Health Program was developed in 2014 by Dr. Julie Croff with a rural community focus. The 42-credit, two-year curriculum has thesis or practicum options. Students benefit from access to the Center for Family Resilience and Wings of Hope Crisis Intervention Program.

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#10- University of Nevada-Las Vegas: Las Vegas, NV

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $4,968

Enrolling 28,600 Rebels at a 22:1 faculty ratio, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is America's 184th top public college in Forbes magazine with an affordable Master's in Public Health in the CEPH-accredited School of Community Health Sciences. Funds like the Mary Guinan/Shawn Gerstenberger Scholarship help cover the 45-credit MPH and its optional Doctor of Dental Medicine track. Coordinated by Dr. Mark Buttner, the curriculum integrates 200 internship hours into four concentrations for Social and Behavioral Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Healthcare Administration and Policy, or Biostatistics and Epidemiology before the thesis.

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#9- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center: Oklahoma City, OK

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $4,889

Ranked 37th nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, established in 1971, has cutting-edge institutes like the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center in Oklahoma City and Tulsa for nearly 4,000 Sooners. The CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health has rolling admission into Health Promotion Science, Health Administration & Policy, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, and Interdisciplinary Public Health tracks. Chaired by Dr. Gary Raskob, the 45-credit degree builds on core courses like behavioral science with 240 practicum hours before the NBPHE exam.

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#8- University of Nevada-Reno: Reno, NV

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $4,752

Housing the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory, the CEPH-accredited School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada-Reno, America's 330rd best institution in Times Higher Education, went independent in 2017 under Dr. Trudy Larson. Accepting applications until February 1st for scholarships like the Graduate Dean's Award, the Master of Public Health is a 45-credit, 24-month degree available face-to-face in the Fleischmann Building and online without residencies. MPH students choose the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health Practice, Social and Behavioral Health, or Health Administration and Policy emphasis before diving into 200 fieldwork hours.

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#7- University of North Texas Health Science Center: Fort Worth, TX

Master of Public Health Program (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $4,729

Endowed for $143.4 million, the University of North Texas Health Science Center has a 33-acre DFW Metroplex campus serving 2,243 Mean Green with America's 66th best primary care medical training according to the U.S. News & World Report. Also ranked 44th nationally, the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health boasts a 99 percent CPH exam pass rate for the Master of Public Health Program. The 45-credit, five-semester degree admits Fall cohorts of 30 post-grads for undertaking specializations in Public Health Practice, Epidemiology, and Maternal & Child Health with 600+ practicum hours. There's also the MPH Online Professional Option exclusively for experienced clinicians.

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#6- Missouri State University: Springfield, MO

Master of Public Health

Annual Tuition: $4,644

Directed by Dr. Dalen Duitsman, the Ozarks Public Health Institute at Missouri State University, America's 131st top college on the Social Mobility Index, has grown since February 2001 to research areas from avian flu to bioterrorism. The 42-credit, 2.5-year program takes an executive hybrid format for blending CEPH-accredited courses online with Saturdays in Springfield and FPHP Club involvement. At least 200-400 internship hours are integrated at assignments like Freeman Health System, Minority Health Alliance, and Joplin City Health Department. Others might add the MPH/MPA Dual track or Homeland Security Certificate.

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#5- University of Texas at El-Paso: El Paso, TX

Master in Public Health

Annual Tuition: $4,497

Renowned for its Paso del Norte Institute for Healthy Living, the University of Texas at El-Paso is a Hispanic-serving school ranked #1 for social mobility by the Brookings Institution that's partnered with 400+ clinical facilities via the College of Health Sciences. Led by Dr. Maria Duarte-Gardea, the Master in Public Health was reaffirmed by the CEPH in 2013 for preparing practitioners in Hispanic and Mexican border communities. The 42-credit curriculum boasts a 5:1 student-faculty ratio for generalist courses like health disparities, 240 practicum hours, and a capstone research in NIH-funded projects.

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#4- University of North Carolina-Charlotte: Charlotte, NC

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $4,252

Hosting the Women Veterans' Health Conference each February since 2013, the College of Health & Human Services at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte is placed #2 by the U.S. News & World Report countrywide for nurturing "Healthy People, Healthy Places." Chaired by Dr. Jan Warren-Findlow, the 45-credit Master of Public Health (MPH) has selective 57 percent admission for affordable, engaging courses capped at 30. Post-grads with an average 3.4 GPA progress through 180 internship hours in MPH concentrations for Community Health Practice, Epidemiology, and Population Health Analytics to the culminating experience.

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#3- University of Montana: Missoula, MT

Master in Public Health (MPH)

Annual Tuition: $4,135

Included in The Princeton Review's "Best 382 Colleges," the University of Montana was ranked 393rd nationally on Niche for its CEPH-accredited College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences that's located in Jeannette Rankin Hall for seven degrees. Launched in Fall 2006, the Master in Public Health (MPH) is now directed by Dr. Tony Ward with eLearning via Blackboard Ultra. The 42-credit, non-thesis curriculum centers on the built-in Community Health and Prevention Sciences concentration for rural-oriented courses, 200+ internship hours, and the capstone professional paper.

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#2- New Mexico State University: Las Cruces, NM

Master's (MPH) Degree in Public Health

Annual Tuition: $4,088

Participating in the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program since 2003, the College of Health & Social Services at New Mexico State University, America's 264th best master's institution in Washington Monthly, is "All About Discovery" in five graduate programs with funds like the Chui Kwok-Yeung Scholarship. The Master's (MPH) in Public Health features asynchronous online or on-site courses after 5 pm weekly and offers two concentrations in Community Health Education and Health Management. Headed by Dr. Anup Amatya, the 42-credit degree fulfills CHES certification with 180+ internship hours, thesis or capstone projects, and optional US-Mexico Border Health minors.

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#1- Armstrong State University: Savannah, GA

Public Health MPH

Annual Tuition: $3,798

Charging our list's cheapest in-state price, Armstrong State University is ranked America's seventh most vet-friendly school by Military Times and 380th safest campus on Niche with a CEPH-accredited Department of Health Sciences on Abercorn Street. Coordinated by Dr. Sara Plaspohl, the Public Health MPH utilizes resources like the Biodynamics & Human Performance Center to enhance population well-being globally. Accepting SOPHAS applications for Fall admission, the 45-credit master's has a Generalist focus with 180 practicum hours in settings like Compassionate CARE Hospice.

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Applying to an Affordable MPH Program

The prerequisites for public health master's programs vary by school, but all applicants must possess a bachelor's degree. While some schools look for prospective students who majored in a health-related field, other schools consider applicants with different academic backgrounds. Most schools set a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or above.

MPH programs may also require additional materials, such as GRE or MAT scores. Applicants may need to write a personal statement, submit recommendation letters, or participate in an admissions interview. Although MPH programs usually do not require a previous professional background in public health, prospective students can strengthen their application with any volunteer, research, or work experience in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What public health specializations are available for master's degrees?

Public health master's programs generally come with the option to choose between several concentrations. Those specializations might include global health; child and adolescent health; epidemiology and biostatistics; food, nutrition, and health; health leadership and management; women's and reproductive health; health systems and policies; and community health.

What is accreditation and why is it important?

If you want a high-quality education, you should look out for accredited schools and programs. The accreditation process evaluates higher education institutions and degrees to make sure they offer students a valuable education that properly prepares them for their career. Therefore, when you see a program without accreditation, you should certainly consider that a red flag. When searching for master's programs in public health, look for degrees accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Is a master's in public health a good degree?

If you'd like to dedicate your career to improving population health and quality of life, then a master's in public health can help you towards that goal.

What can I do with an MPH degree?

An MPH degree can prepare you for many careers. Graduates work in health services administration, biostatistics, and public health education. They can also pursue careers as public health consultants, epidemiologists, and social and community service managers. Others go on to work in research at universities, nonprofits, government agencies, or other organizations.

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