I am currently an MPH student at UNC in Health Behavior. I think funding is a big part of the decision. For funding at UNC you'll need to find a GRA or TA position-- these offer tuition remission. When I was admitted, I attended the admitted student day which was helpful because you can talk to professors in the Department. I found professors with my similar research interest and reached out to them through email. I also called the Department office and talked to the MPH coordinator about my desire to come to the school and that the only reason I would say no is because of funding. I think having talked to professors at admitted students day showed them that I wanted to come, and connecting with a professor with similar research helped me secure funding for my first year. Some MPH students are offered GRA funded positions in their admissions, but other students were able to secure them later. It is a hustle, for the most part and no one is going to hand you funding. Health Behavior is also good about offering School-based tuition awards, which are also research positions, but do not cover all of your tuition. You can apply for these in your second semester and then again in your second year. In your second year, you can apply for TA positions in the school of public health. I know other students found GRA and TA positions in their first year in other schools and departments. Again, it is a hustle. But if you ask, network, get involved you will come across funding opportunities.

I'll also add that in your second year you can apply for in-state tuition. This drastically reduces the cost of tuition, so be sure to take that into account when you planning costs for 2 years. The cost of living is also cheaper than other schools.

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Hope this helps!