The role of public health education, health policy design, and disease prevention has become more prominent over the last several years. As the demand for public health professionals continues to rise, more affordable online colleges offer public health degrees.
These online bachelor's in public health degrees prepare students for work in various specializations, including public health careers as community outreach coordinators, public health policy advisors, epidemiologists, and more. These degrees provide affordable and convenient online learning experiences for prospective students with public health career goals.
Low-Cost Online Public Health Degree Programs
Many top-ranking schools offer online public health bachelor's degrees that are the same as their on-campus programs. These online courses take theoretical approaches to public health issues and infectious diseases combined with practical experience and capstone projects to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Keep reading to see some of the most affordable online public health degrees.
1. University of North Carolina Greensboro
Students at the University of North Carolina Greensboro can pursue a Bachelor of Science in public health with a concentration in health studies. This higher education program is designed for degree completion and students must complete their general education requirements at a community college or accredited university.
Students who complete this program will be ready to start their careers or pursue a master's in public health. North Carolina residents will pay $184.25 per credit hour, while non-residents will pay $368.50.
2. San Diego State University Global Campus
San Diego State University Global Campus extends SDSU's degree programs beyond California. SDSU has a $532 per credit hour online tuition cost. Students can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in public health and learn skills like epidemiology, infectious diseases, and other population health topics.
This degree is taught fully online in a mostly asynchronous format, allowing students with flexible course scheduling. Students must complete 60 eligible transfer credit hours, either as an associate degree or general education credits.
3. Youngstown State University
Youngstown State University's online Bachelor of Applied Science in public health major will highlight skills like epidemiology, health services administration, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental health. This program can lead to an accelerated 4+1 program, leading directly to an online master of public health. Students can choose two tracks for their BAS, choosing from health education/health promotion and environmental health and safety.
Youngstown State University is located in Ohio, and in-state students have a $364.75 tuition rate, while out-of-state students pay $379.75.
4. Mississippi University for Women
Despite its name, the Mississippi University for Women has provided co-ed higher education since 1982. Students can complete an online Bachelor of Science in public health education. Students in this program will study biostatistics, global health, and infectious diseases to help develop and promote community health initiatives.
Students will pay $353 per credit hour.
5. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in public health. This degree combines health sciences and policy education to prepare graduates for leadership roles in public healthcare administration. Coursework focuses on public health advocacy and communication methodologies.
The online tuition rate for SNHU is $330 per credit hour.
6. University of West Florida
The Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of West Florida teaches competencies like how public health practices function, public health management, and how to craft community health and wellness plans. Learners can use electives to highlight skills needed for various public health specializations, like nutrition, bioterrorism, and more.
In-state students have a tuition rate of $218.98. However, non-resident students can qualify for a 75% out-of-state fee waiver that reduces their costs to $341.67 per credit hour.
7. Kent State Online
Kent State University offers in-person coursework in Ohio, but its online programs allow students from any state to enroll in its Bachelor of Science in public health degree. Kent State has Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students can choose from three concentrations: allied health, health services administration, and clinical trials research.
Ohio residents pay $559 per credit hour, while students from the other 49 states pay just $10 more at $569 per credit hour.
8.Arizona State University
Public health systems can extend beyond borders. Students can earn a Bachelor's degree in international public health from Arizona State University to prepare for international public health organization roles. This degree was created from a partnership between ASU and the University of New South Wales in Sydney to provide a truly global approach to public health.
Online tuition at ASU is $744, regardless of residency.
9. Monroe University
Monroe University offers a Bachelor of Science in public health online and on-campus in New York City. Students will have access to 24/7 tutoring and support services to aid them as they study patient advocacy, health behavior, and more. Monroe uses project-based learning to give students hands-on experience.
Full-time students at Monroe University pay $7,920 per semester or roughly $660 per credit hour.
10. University of Cincinnati
Students at the University of Cincinnati can complete a fully online Bachelor of Science in public health. This degree includes full-time and part-time enrollment options to increase flexibility even further. Students will be well prepared for careers in public policy, health education, and biostatistics, as well as graduate degrees like a Master of public health program.
Full-time students have a $513 tuition rate, but out-of-state students will have an additional surcharge added after their tuition rate is calculated.
FAQs About Affordable Public Health Programs
In a post-pandemic world, there is a demand for public health professionals in many different positions. Prospective students looking to enter this field often have questions about the degrees, their costs, and what kind of return on investment these degrees have.
How Much Does a Public Health Degree Cost?
The average cost of an online bachelor's degree is about $41,000, regardless of field of study. These costs can be reduced using multiple methods, though. Students should start by submitting their FAFSA forms and applying for financial aid.
It's also important to look for some of the factors that can result in more affordable education. The most affordable degrees are usually from public, nonprofit universities.
Are Low-Cost Public Health Degrees Accredited?
There are many affordable public health degrees with accreditation. These programs are often included in a school's general regional or national accreditation, but some programs receive special SEPH accreditation.
What Is the ROI of an Online MPH Program?
The exact ROI of an online MPH is hard to gauge because each degree will have different costs and individual specializations will have different pay scales. In most cases, the earning potential of a graduate student compared to an undergraduate student will be higher and justify any investment in the degree.
Explore Online Public Health Programs Today
Many schools offer public health degrees, but some have unique specializations and lower tuition rates that will make them better for individual students. Use the resources on BestAccreditedColleges.org to learn more about schools, degree programs, and what you need to do to submit your application today.
