Edited by: Dr. Paul Sparacio
Last Updated: 10/31/2024
Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked school for a master’s in public health is Emory University, followed by Columbia University.
- The best MPH programs have strong connections to health agencies, diverse specializations, and hands-on learning opportunities.
- Public health professionals are in demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for community health workers and epidemiologists are expected to grow by 13% and 19%, respectively.
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that public health fascinating. No wonder there has been an explosion of interest in master of public health degrees, also known as MPH degrees.
A graduate degree in public health management is right up your alley if you are interested in:
- the American Health Care System
- Community Health Issues
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- various other areas of Public Health
A top MPH program can lead to a rewarding career of improving the lives of others.
In this article, we take a closer look at the 20 best universities at which to earn a master’s of public health degree. We’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about MPH degrees at the end of the article.
Related (Campus):
Related (Online):
Methodology
To determine the best master’s degrees in public health, we put together a list of every university offering a Master of Public Health degree accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To determine our top 20 rankings, we used the following points-based system:
Annual Out-of-State Graduate Tuition:
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
9% and above: 5 points
7%-8%: 4 points
5%-6%: 3 points
3%-4%: 2 points
1%-2%: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and better: 5 points
12:1 and better: 4 points
15:1 and better: 3 points
17:1 and better: 2 points
20:1 and better: 1 point
In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was awarded to the university with the lowest annual tuition for out-of-state graduate students. All tuition numbers are accurate as of February 2022.
Related: Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
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Related: Top Master’s in Healthcare Management Online
Emory University

Topping our list of the best public health master’s programs is Emory University. This private research university is home to the Rollins School of Public Health, which often works closely with the nearby Center for Disease Control (CDC). This connection puts Emory high on the list for any grad student interested in a career in public health.
Emory University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) Tuition Costs for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Emory University, as a private institution, applies the same tuition rates to all students, regardless of residency status.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition rates for the Rollins School of Public Health are as follows:
- Master of Public Health (MPH) – 4 Semesters: $20,800 per semester
- Accelerated MPH (3 Semesters): $27,872 per semester
- Dual Degree Program (2 Semesters in Public Health): $32,240 per semester
- Part-time MPH/MSPH Programs: $2,370 per credit hour
These rates are consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students.
An MPH from Emory University can be earned in just two years or less. As a public health major at Emory, you have your pick of 10 different focus areas in which to earn your degree, including:
- Epidemiology
- Global Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Health Care Management
For those professionals who already work full-time, Emor
