10 Most Affordable MPH Programs that Don’t Require GRE 2024

Welcome to our ranking of MPH programs that don’t require GRE.

Are you considering advancing your public health career by pursuing a Master of Public Health degree? While most MPH programs require a GRE score, you can begin your journey to graduate school today without taking your GRE. Check out these affordable CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health degree programs that do not require students to take the GRE. See if one of these affordable MPH programs that don’t require GRE is the right fit for you to advance your career so you can make a bigger impact in the field of public health.

Earning an MPH no GRE can set you apart as a qualified applicant for a wide array of career opportunities in healthcare. Professionals in the field of public health may work in a variety of areas, including:

  • government or NGO agencies
  • education
  • research

You can make an impact in local communities or global communities. the Master of Public Health degree will increase your ability to make a difference in people’s quality of life and health. Check out these schools to find a program that fits your educational and career goals.

Ranking the 10 Most Affordable MPH Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Methodology

The initial pool consisted of 19 MPH programs. They did not not require GRE with tuition under $42,000 for all or some of their MPH concentrations. All schools in the initial pool had a Master of Public Health program that was accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Tuition costs were taken from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator website. In-state tuition rates were used for comparison purposes. Schools were ranked in order according to their in-state tuition rate. As a prospective student you should communicate with your school of choice to verify tuition costs and application requirements for your program of interest.

10. CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY

CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy

MPH Programs No GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $9,930

Out-of-State $23,160

  • Five MPH concentrations

With five MPH concentrations for you to choose from, CUNY students have a wide variety of study paths to choose from. Concentrations not requiring you to take the GRE include:

  • community health
  • health policy and management
  • public health nutrition

MPH concentrations in epidemiology & biostatistics and in environmental & occupational health science do require the GRE for admission.

The community health Master of Public Health degree is designed to promote health in urban communities and includes competencies in:

  • assessment
  • community engagement
  • program development
  • grant writing
  • research
  • evaluation

The MPH in health policy and management will prepare students to plan and manage urban public health programs in a variety of settings. They will advocate policies that promote health in an urban setting. The MPH concentration in public health nutrition prepares students to promote nutritional well-being in a variety of populations. They do this by assessing the nutritional needs of populations and by evaluating and designing nutrition and food programs. Graduating from this Master of Public Health program will enable you to work in a variety of public and nonprofit organizations in New York and beyond.

9. West Chester University, West Chester, PA

A logo of West Chester University for our ranking of the top 10 MPH programs that don’t require GRE

MPH No GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $9,288

Out-of-State $13,932

  • In person and online courses available
  • Community Health concentration offered in accelerated format

Enrolling in this interdisciplinary Master of Public Health program promises to prepare you to be a leader in:

  • community health
  • healthcare management
  • environmental health

You will develop skills and apply your knowledge across disciplines for the promotion and protection of health in diverse populations. Concentrations you can choose from include:

  • community health
  • health care administration
  • environmental health

This competency-based curriculum offers courses in both in-person and online course formats. A wide variety of practicum opportunities are available There are also opportunities for student participation in faculty research projects. The community health concentration is offered in an accelerated format for those who qualify.

8. University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska

University of Alaska

Online MPH No GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $9,234

Out-of-State $19,422

  • 100% online
  • In person requirement for oral defense of practicum thesis or practicum project

This Master of Public Health program prepares you as a public health practitioner. You will assess population needs and plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs. These will help address those needs and assure conditions that promote and protect the population’s health. This MPH in public health practice is an interdisciplinary degree. It will provide you with the broad background needed to meet the challenges in the diverse field of public health. This program has a focus on the needs of Alaska and the circumpolar north. It’s affordable and does not require the GRE to enter. Students with diverse backgrounds have entered this MPH program. These include backgrounds in:

  • natural sciences
  • social sciences
  • health professions
  • human services
  • business
  • education
  • law

The UOA MPH degree program is an online degree designed for both mid-career students and recent graduates. It ensures minimal disruption to careers. At the end of the MPH program, you are required to appear in person for an oral defense of the practicum thesis or practicum project.

7. Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT

A logo of Southern Connecticut State University for our ranking of the top 10 MPH programs that don’t require GRE

MPH Programs No GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $8,299

Out-of-State $18,092

  • 150- hour internship
  • Culminating experience

Southern Connecticut State University offers a Master of Public Health degree. It provides you with opportunities to gain experience in public health through a concentration in health promotion. SCSU’s MPH program has a strong mission and vision for “healthy people in healthy communities” involving:

  • social justice
  • education
  • research
  • service

Through practical learning opportunities, you are educated and contribute in meaningful ways. You will participate in a 150-hour internship, in which you can gain practical experience and improve skills learned in the classroom. In addition to the internship, a culminating experience requires MPH candidates to conduct research or implement a project designed by the student. MPH program graduates will be able to contribute effectively and ethically to the field of public health. As a graduate, you will be prepared to use scientific public health to:

  • assess health problems
  • formulate interventions
  • perform public health service in the community.

6. The University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama

A logo of the University of Alabama for our ranking of the top 10 MPH programs that don’t require GRE

On-campus or Online MPH No GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $8,424

Out-of-State $19,962

  • Five concentrations
  • 44 credit degree
  • On campus or online format
  • 17 dual MPH programs

Birmingham is home to the University of Alabama’s top and well-priced Master of Public Health program. This city boasts the United States’ third-largest hospital. In addition, it’s the hub for science, research, and entrepreneurship that has more green space per capita than any other city in the country. There are five areas of concentration for you to choose from. You can complete this 44-credit MPH program in an on-campus or flexible online format. Concentrations include:

  • environmental health sciences
  • epidemiology
  • health behavior
  • health care organization & policy
  • population health

An array of 17 dual MPH degrees are available in this highly collaborative field. Research opportunities are possible to help expand student experience.

5. Jackson State University, Jackson, MS

A logo of Jackson State University for our ranking of the top 10 MPH programs that don’t require GRE

MPH No GRE

  • Tuition: $8,270
  • Offered full time or part time
  • Five concentrations offered
  • 45 credit program
  • internship requirement

MPH students enrolled at Jackson State University will graduate prepared to be practitioners in the public health field. You have a choice of five concentrations. The JSU Master of Public Health program offers you opportunities to study in such areas of concentration as:

  • behavioral health promotion and education
  • epidemiology
  • health policy and management
  • biostatistics
  • environmental and occupational health

Jackson State University’s MPH program has three primary goals:

  • instruction
  • research
  • service

These guide the program by valuing quality, social justice, and collaboration. The goals and values of the MPH program reveal how you can become prepared to serve minorities and underserved populations. You can choose to take courses full time or part time to complete the 45 required credits. Graduates find opportunity to work in a variety of areas, including:

  • healthcare
  • preventive and regulatory agencies
  • community health promotion service organizations
  • health policy
  • health-related public, not-for-profit, and private organizations

This MPH program includes a field practice internship that helps prepare you for the public health profession by giving you opportunities to apply your knowledge.

4. Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University

MPH Programs No GRE

  • Tuition: $7,893
  • 120 hour practicum requirement
  • 42 credit program
  • generous transfer of credit allowance
  • Christian university

Liberty University boasts one of the largest CEPH accredited Master of Public Health programs in the U.S.. Classes are centered on extensive hands-on fieldwork led by faculty. This 42-credit program allows you to transfer of up to 50% of credits into the program. Liberty’s robust MPH degree program focuses on foundational concepts of:

  • administration
  • biostatistics
  • environmental health
  • epidemiology
  • research methods in the field,
  • social and behavioral theories in public health

This program offers the opportunity to develop:

  • strong research methods
  • awareness
  • critical thinking skills

These skills will transfer into any health setting. Master of Public Health specializations include:

  • epidemiology
  • global health
  • health promotion
  • nutrition

You can expect to gain a broad perspective with coursework from a variety of health-related disciplines. With a professional 120-hour practicum, you are given time to practice professional skills and interact with health professionals. As an MPH candidate, you can pursue research opportunities, including projects centered on data analysis from Liberty’s ongoing projects:

  • among the underserved of Lynchburg
  • with Hope of Life in Guatemala
  • among the Mixteco in Richmond.

3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

MPH No GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $7,722

Out-of-State $23,994

  • 42 credit program
  • Online and evening programs

With multiple campuses and a variety of concentrations, this degree will most often require 42 credits for you to complete. It’s one of the top graduate schools of public health in the nation. It is the only collaborative school of public health in the region. At this accredited and collaborative school of public health, you can take advantage of academic and professional degree programs offered at three Colorado university campuses. Across three universities, students find:

  • a variety of programs
  • specialty focus areas
  • courses that provide an understanding of the issues relevant to improving and protecting the public’s health

No matter where you live, the Colorado School of Public Health offers online and evening programs to suit your educational and professional needs.

2. American Public University

A logo of American Public University for our ranking of the top 10 MPH programs that don’t require GRE

Online MPH Programs No GRE

  • Tuition: $6,660
  • Can be completed in as little as 2 years, or up to seven years part time
  • APU offers programs to military and service fields.

American Public University’s Master of Public Health is available for you to study online. It can be completed in as few as two years full-time, or up to seven years part-time. American Public University is part of the American Public University System (APUS). It offers educational programs to the military and service fields. The APUS mission is to provide quality education in a format that is:

  • accessible
  • respected
  • affordable
  • student-focused

This online MPH not requiring GRE provides you with a foundation in the five core disciplines of public health. A master of public health degree from American Public University will help you prepare to influence and protect health in communities around the world. Teaching, research, and service are used to prepare you to be effective in the public health field. It’s an interdisciplinary degree. It will challenge you to seek solutions and develop preventative measures that will positively impact public health policy and practices in your community.

1. New Mexico State University

A logo of New Mexico State University for our ranking of the top 10 MPH programs that don’t require GRE

On-campus or Online MPH no GRE

  • Tuition: In-State $5,184

Out-of-State $18,023

  • 42 credits to complete
  • Online or on campus programs
  • On campus orientation required
  • Field experience required
  • thesis and non thesis options

This 42-credit Master of Public Health degree is offered with a concentration in health behavior and health promotion (HBHP) and one in health management, administration, and policy (HMAP). As an MPH student you will master core competencies during the program This will provide a strong academic foundation for a career in public health or further graduate study. Students become successful health professionals and leaders working with diverse populations. HBHP is offered in two formats: online or on campus.

The on-campus program is scheduled to accommodate working professionals, with graduate assistantships available to qualified students. The HMAP concentration is available online only. Online students are required to visit campus for their initial orientation at the start of their first semester. All students complete field experience and either a thesis or non-thesis option. At this time, international students are not eligible to participate in online programs.

FAQ on MPH Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Are people enrolled in these programs prepared academically?

Although a school may not require a GRE score, they will have other requirements that will show if a student is prepared academically for graduate school. Graduate schools want their students to be successful in their programs, so with or without a GRE requirement, they will make sure incoming students are ready for the rigors of their program.

What are some other admission requirements that schools ask for?

Check out the admissions requirements that can be found on the admissions page of the school’s website. There you will see GPA requirements, references needed, work experience requirements, a personal statement of interest from the applicant, or letters of recommendation from an employer or a former instructor. Find out exactly what the program you’re interested in requires from their website and from speaking to an admissions officer.

Do students that already have a master’s or doctorate degree need to take the GRE if a program requires it?

Many programs waive GRE requirements for students with proven academic ability. But you will still need to check with your program of interest to confirm if it’s needed in your situation, so check with the admissions office to make sure you have all the requirements taken care of.

What is a waiver for the GRE requirement?

Some programs will waive the GRE requirement for students who already have an advanced degree. If this is the case, you will need to submit a waiver to waive the GRE requirement.

How do I find a MPH program that is a good fit for me?

First, figure out what is most important to you. What concentration are you interested in? Do you want to study full or part time? Do you plan to work while in school? Do you want an on campus program or online? How are you going to pay for school and does the program you’re interested in offer scholarships? There are a lot of great programs available so take some time to find one that you will be successful in.

How long does it take to finish a MPH?

Full-time MPH programs usually take one to two years to complete. Part-time programs can take four to seven years. Schools sometimes have a limit on how long you can take to finish a degree, so know that going in. Some programs accept transfer credits, which can shorten the time it takes to finish.

I’m not sure which MPH concentration to go for. How do I figure this out?

There are quite a few options for concentrations, so take some time to look at each one and where it can take you in your career. Some people already have a direction with their career and continue in that direction. Others may want to switch direction and do something different. Speak with a career counselor, others in the profession, and even your current boss to help shed light on the subject. Shadowing someone that is working in your possible area of interest can help you decide on a concentration. Speaking with MPH students and professors can also help guide you in deciding which concentration is best for you.

What job can I expect to qualify for with a MPH?

People with a MPH can expect possibilities in public health in leadership, program development, and public health research, among other things. Internship requirements sometimes turn into jobs. There is a pretty large variety of work environments that MPH holders work in.

Can I make a difference in public health with an MPH degree?

By being a public health professional you can impact individuals and populations. According to the CDC, public health initiatives over the last 100 years have added 25 years to the life expectancy in the U.S. due to improvements in workplace safety, food safety, motor vehicle safety, vaccinations, and declines in death from heart attack and stroke. There is still improvements to be made.

Is there an organization for public health workers?

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the organization for public health workers. APHA works to strengthen the profession and influence federal policies. They have a global membership with members from over 40 countries.

MPH Staff
Updated November 2023

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This concludes our list of the 10 most affordable MPH programs that don’t require GRE.