Master of Public Health in USA: Top Universities and Application Guide

Ever dreamt of being a health superhero without wearing a white coat? That’s exactly what an MPH in USA sets you up for. This 1-2 year Public Health Masters USA program is tailor-made for those who want to shake up the system, raising awareness, preventing disease outbreaks, and making health everyone's business.

Whether you're running a wellness campaign in California or curbing a virus in Vermont, this degree trains you to be society’s frontline defender, minus the cape. And once you graduate, the doors open to dynamic roles in government bodies, non-profits, and global health organizations that actually change lives.

Why Pursue a Master of Public Health USA?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth in healthcare occupations from 2021 to 2031, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all professions. Besides that, here are some important factors that make the USA a top choice for many:

The rich selection of MPH programs in USA is designed to cater to a variety of interests and career aspirations.

For students looking for budget-friendly education, numerous low-cost MPH programs in USA are available that offer quality training without breaking the bank.

MPH in USA for international students provides students with the opportunity to cultivate a varied professional network. Moreover, engaging with specialists and fellow learners from all corners of the world.

Top Universities for MPH in USA

If you’re exploring MPH in USA for international students, here’s a comprehensive list of universities to bookmark:

1. Harvard University

Location: Cambridge
QS World University Rankings: #4
Acceptance Rate: 3.2%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 7: 1
Annual Tuition Fees: $69,300 per year

Harvard, a world-renowned public health institution, mixes philosophy, policy, and practice with the latest research. With over 20 public health research centers, students here are part of a solid global alumni network of 16,000+.

2. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia
QS World University Rankings: #11
Acceptance Rate: 7.63%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $61,400 per year

If small class numbers and personalized mentoring appeal to you, Penn is the place for you. It provides dual degrees and flexible scheduling, making it suitable for professionals looking for a career after MPH in USA.

3. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca
QS World University Rankings: #16
Acceptance Rate: 7.30%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $42,688 per year

Cornell's 52-credit MPH program prepares students for the changing world of public health, with an emphasis on sustainability and disaster management.

4. University of Chicago

Location: Chicago
QS World University Rankings: #21
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $69,800 per year

University of Chicago's 15-month MPH in USA program is known for its analytical and data-driven approach, and offers specializations in Health Policy and Epidemiology.‍

5. Yale University

Location: New Haven
QS World University Rankings: #23
Acceptance Rate: 4.6%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $69,800 per year

Yale's MPH program has six specializations and a diverse range of theory and professional skill workshops. It's an excellent starting point for students interested in combating chronic illnesses and microbial threats.

6. Johns Hopkins University

Location: Baltimore
QS World University Rankings: #32
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $86,700 per year

JHU's MPH program, one of the oldest and most reputable in the industry, features eight dual-degree options. It includes a 100-hour practicum, and a capstone project, making it an excellent starting point for overseas students looking for top universities for MPH in USA.

7. Columbia University

Location: New York
QS World University Rankings: #34
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $49,400 per year

Columbia's MPH program has a fast-track one-year option with a team of 150+ experienced teachers who provide exceptional training in ethics, public policy, and global health systems.

8. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor
QS World University Rankings: #44
Acceptance Rate: 17.7%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $57,800 per year

With over 18,000 MPH alumni and six distinct departments, Michigan provides both practical experience and excellent research support. It is a leading master's public health program in the USA.

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill
QS World University Rankings: #155
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $12,600 per year

UNC provides online, on-campus, and distance learning opportunities throughout 13 departments of study. It is also one of the cheapest MPH programs in USA, making it an excellent alternative for students on a tight budget.

10. Emory University

Location: Atlanta
QS World University Rankings: #196
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Annual Tuition Fees: $21,700 per year

Emory offers over ten specializations, as well as customizable project choices such as a thesis or capstone. It is one of the most adaptable programs, perfect for those seeking an MPH in USA for international students on a budget.

MPH USA Eligibility & Admission Requirements

To apply for a Master of Public Health USA, international students must meet both academic and visa-related requirements. Here's a simple breakdown of the eligibility and admission requirements:

MPH USA Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s Degree: A 3-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
Minimum GPA: At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 83–86%).
Subject Prerequisites: Completion of at least one course in Algebra, Biology (General or Human), or Calculus (varies by university).
English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL score as proof (minimum score varies).
GRE/GMAT: May be required by some universities.

Additional MPH Admission Requirements USA

Academic Transcripts: Bachelor's degree mark sheets or provisional certificates.
Passport: A valid passport with sufficient validity.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial documents showing your ability to cover tuition and living costs.

Make sure to check individual university websites for exact MPH admission requirements USA, as they may vary.

Cost of Studying MPH in USA

Pursuing an MPH in USA can be a valuable investment, but it's essential to understand the financial commitment involved. Here’s a breakdown of estimated living expenses:

Cost of Studying MPH in USA

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Expense	Average Yearly Cost (USD)
Books and Stationery	$500 – $1,000
Travel	$500 – $1,200
Food	$2,500
Clothes & Footwear	$500
Miscellaneous Expenses	$2,000

Top Scholarships to Study MPH in USA

Planning to pursue an MPH in USA but worried about the cost? Good news—there are several scholarships for students funding everything from tuition to living expenses. Here’s a closer look:

Top Scholarships to Study MPH in USA

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Scholarship Name	University	Eligibility	Award Amount (Approx. USD)
Harvard Chan Grant	Harvard University	MPH student, merit, and financial need	Variable
Interschool Fellowships	Columbia University	Indian residents, financial need	Up to $52,800
AAUW International Fellowship	Govt.-aided US Universities	Non-US women, pursuing PG in the US	Up to $20,500
Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship	Govt.-aided US Universities	Indian citizens, academic excellence	$24,000 – $36,000
Sloan Scholarship	Cornell University	Merit-based	Up to $60,200

Securing comfortable and affordable accommodation is an essential step in your journey to pursue an MPH in USA. While many public universities offer on-campus housing, spots often fill up quickly, especially for international students. That’s where reliable off-campus options come in handy.

Be it shared apartments, studios, or private rooms, platforms like amber make your search easier by offering verified listings near top universities, transparent booking, and round-the-clock support.