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Best Online Public Health Programs
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In today's job market, a degree in public health can open doors to rewarding careers. With online programs on the rise, many students are weighing their options to find the best fit for their needs. This list highlights some of the top online public health programs, making it easier to see which schools stand out in key areas.
The schools featured here were evaluated based on important outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall value. These metrics are crucial for understanding how a program can impact your future. As you explore the list below, keep an eye on the earnings and graduation rates; they often indicate how well a program prepares students to enter the workforce and succeed.
For example, the University of Florida-Online leads the group with impressive average earnings of $71,588 and a graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, Western Governors University has lower earnings at $60,615 and a graduation rate of only 48%. This contrast highlights the importance of not just looking at earnings, but also the completion rates that can reflect student support and program effectiveness.
How We Ranked
Online Public Health programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
The University of Florida-Online has the highest average earnings at $71,588.
Graduation rates vary significantly, with the University of Florida-Online at 81% and the University of New Hampshire at 22%.
Western Governors University has a lower average debt of $11,116 compared to the University of Arkansas Grantham's $21,956.
The average earnings across all listed programs is $63,331.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #2 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #3 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #4 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #5 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #6 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #7 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #8 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #9 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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With a solid graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online in Gainesville is a compelling choice for students seeking a reliable path to a degree. The school’s focus on online learning means flexibility for those balancing work and family commitments, allowing students to earn their degree on their own terms while still receiving a respected education from a public institution.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University is a unique option that caters to a diverse student body, with an impressive 155,088 enrolled. The online format is particularly beneficial for working adults and those with busy lives, enabling them to pursue their degrees without sacrificing their jobs or personal commitments. Despite a graduation rate of 48%, the flexible structure of the programs attracts students who thrive in self-paced learning environments.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online offers a focused and accessible education for those seeking career advancement, though its graduation rate of just 22% indicates that it may not be the best fit for everyone. With a smaller student body of 1,157, this school provides a more intimate learning environment that can be appealing for students wanting personalized attention and support in their online studies.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University Digital Immersion is an intriguing option for students considering an online education, especially with a large enrollment of 53,782. However, the school’s graduation rate of only 29% may be a red flag for some. This can indicate challenges for students navigating the online learning experience, making it essential for prospective students to assess their readiness for this format and the support available to them.
Pillar breakdown
With a compact community of 2,833 students in Little Rock, Arkansas, this school is a solid choice for those seeking a personalized education experience. The university has a notable percentage of Pell Grant recipients at 72%, indicating a commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Pillar breakdown
With nearly 50,000 students, the University of Maryland Global Campus serves as a gateway for many looking to advance their education online. This school caters particularly well to adult learners and working professionals, making it a practical option for those balancing education with other life commitments.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide offers a close-knit learning environment with just 454 students, making it a good fit for those who thrive in smaller classes. The school’s commitment to serving underrepresented populations is evident, with 51% of students receiving Pell Grants, highlighting its focus on accessibility.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
Situated in Kirkland, Washington, Northwest University Center for Online and Extended Education caters to students looking for flexible learning options. With a graduation rate of 40%, the school is focused on ensuring that students get the support they need to succeed in their studies, especially those who may need to balance work and family obligations while pursuing their degrees.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
With a focus on aviation and aerospace, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide attracts students eager to launch careers in these dynamic fields. The school has a diverse student body of over 9,000, and its graduates earn a median income of $84,131 after ten years, indicating strong career outcomes for those who complete their degrees.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles Pacific University, with its smaller community of around 1,500 students, cultivates an intimate learning environment that many find appealing. The university's focus on personal development aligns well with its mission, and 52% of its students receive Pell Grants, highlighting its commitment to accessibility for those from lower-income backgrounds.
Pillar breakdown
The University of the People stands out as a unique option in the higher education landscape, with a focus on accessibility and affordability. With over 22,000 students enrolled, it aims to make quality education available to anyone, anywhere, and its 35% graduation rate reflects a commitment to supporting students through their academic journey.
Pillar breakdown
Despite their differences, some schools excel in ways that others do not. For instance, the University of Florida-Online not only leads in earnings at $71,588 but also boasts a graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online has a graduation rate of just 22% and a higher average debt of $26,814, showing how important program effectiveness can be in determining overall success.
As you consider these programs, think about your priorities. Are you looking for a program with high earnings potential, or is a lower debt load more appealing? Location and program fit are also vital factors. Reflect on what matters most to you, and use this data to guide your search. Balancing these considerations will help you make a more informed choice.
The transition from college to a stable career is a critical journey for many families. The data here reflects not just academic choices, but the real-life implications of those choices. For families, this means understanding that a significant investment in education can lead to better outcomes, but it requires careful consideration of the program's effectiveness and return on investment.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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