AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER'S IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION

Find the most affordable master's programs offered online for healthcare administration.

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There's a reason that getting a healthcare administration master's degree online is so popular. First, there has been a remarkable surge in the need for healthcare managers in the past several years, as medical facilities - and the number of patients for whom they provide care - grow in size.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics corroborates this claim with its recent occupational analysis, which projects that the demand for medical and health service managers will grow 23% by 2022. Naturally, graduate programs in healthcare administration are becoming more attractive, and online colleges make the incredibly useful curriculum available to students who would otherwise be left on the sidelines.

Methodology
It can be difficult to know where to start as you search for a degree, and we understand what an important decision this is. We also anticipate that most students, while their interests are wide ranging, are essentially looking for a few main features: affordability, accreditation, and quality. All of the universities we have listed below share these exact traits. Not only do they all have national, regional, and/or subject-specialized accreditations, but they all boast top rankings and reviews by real students. And last but not least, they represent the 15 least expensive online MHA programs in the nation, as reported by data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator. In other words, if you're looking for that ideal mix of high quality and low cost ("best value") you've come to the right place.

#1 Trident University Cypress, CA
#2 Grantham University Lenexa, KS
#3 Midwestern State University Wichita Falls, TX
#4 Purdue Global University West Lafayette, IN
#5 University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD
#6 Wayland Baptist University Plainview, TX
#7 University of Nebraska Omaha Omaha, NE
#8 St. Joseph's College of Maine Standish, ME
#9 Montana State University at Billings Billings, MT
#10 Park University Parkville, MO

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Trident University
    Location

    Cypress, CA

    Tuition

    $3600

    The online master's degree in healthcare administration at Trident University provides learners a deep understanding of finance, ethics, human resources, and regulations. Students collaborate with peers and faculty to examine how shifting demographics inform the field. Earning this MS in health administration requires completing 40 credits plus eight prerequisite credits for those with little previous experience in a health-related field. In addition, learners can opt to concentrate in one of four areas such as health informatics and conflict resolution management.They can also pursue a dual degree by earning an MBA, which requires a total of 60 credits for both degrees.

  2. Grantham University
    Location

    Lenexa, KS

    Tuition

    $3900

    Grantham University's affordable online master of healthcare administration attracts learners who want to advance professionally by entering managerial positions in the field. It requires 37 credits, which they can complete in two years or less depending on their previous coursework and experience. The curriculum explores financial management, managerial economics, and information systems. In addition, students execute a research-based capstone project that demonstrates their ability to make a strategic change in the field thanks to their lessons learned. Graduates possess the knowledge to assess the legal complexities of the healthcare industry and can integrate multiple perspectives to problem-solve challenges in healthcare environments. They frequently enjoy careers as health managers, clinical directors, and practice administrators.

  3. Midwestern State University
    Location

    Wichita Falls, TX

    Tuition

    $4797

    Midwestern State University's master of health administration builds students' knowledge for managerial careers in the field. A 45-credit program, learners choose one of four concentrations, which include rural and urban hospital management and health information management. They design their degree plan in collaboration with their graduate coordinator once they select their concentration. Required classes for all concentrations include studies in healthcare marketing, personnel law, and financial management. Students generally complete their degree in two to three years while working full-time. The university helps make this happen by offering the degree fully online, but students can also attend in-person workshops and seminars if they wish.

  4. Purdue Global University
    Location

    West Lafayette, IN

    Tuition

    $7320

    The online master of healthcare administration that Purdue Global University offers equips students with the skills needed to respond to the country's changing demographics. They strengthen their problem-solving capabilities and deepen their understanding of finance, policy, ethics, and economics. Offering multiple start dates each year, this online master's degree in healthcare administration culminates with a capstone course that allows students to integrate what they have learned throughout the program. The curriculum requires at least 52 quarter credits. Graduates possess competencies in assessing healthcare standards, designing healthcare policy, and comparing theories that guide leadership and practice in the field.

  5. University of South Dakota
    Location

    Vermillion, SD

    Tuition

    $10687

    The University of South Dakota offers one of the most affordable healthcare administration master's programs online. The school's MS in administration provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares learners for leadership in their selected organization. Those who select to specialize in health services administration enroll in core classes that examine financial management and ethics. They also complete studies in managing health services resources and understanding the international health system. In total, graduation requires earning at least 36 credits. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation in addition to a purpose statement and resume. They must also possess at least three years of professional experience.

  6. Wayland Baptist University
    Location

    Plainview, TX

    Tuition

    $8190

    The MA in management that Wayland University offers allows students to balance work, family, and school, and it requires just 39 semesters of coursework to complete. This Christian university program equips learners to set and attain goals while exposing them to a well-rounded curriculum that allows them to specialize in healthcare administration. Core classes build skills in strategic management and research methods. Those who select the healthcare administration specialization study topics like healthcare law, healthcare finance, and long-term care administration. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and an application and the admissions office also schedules campus tours upon request.

  7. University of Nebraska Omaha
    Location

    Omaha, NE

    Tuition

    $11970

    The College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of Nebraska Omaha prepares learners to transform society by developing their intellectual capabilities. The university's master's in public administration prepares them for leadership roles in public service, including nonprofits and governments. Concentrations within this program include healthcare administration, which deepens learners' understanding of healthcare policy and finance. Concurrently, they build their knowledge of the country's healthcare system. Students also enjoy the freedom to choose electives that align with their interests. For example, they can enroll in classes that explore emergency management, aviation, and public administration.

  8. St. Joseph's College of Maine
    Location

    Standish, ME

    Tuition

    $8229

    The master of health administration at Saint Joseph's College ranks among the best values when it comes to an online master's degree in healthcare administration. Highly affordable, students sacrifice neither quality nor rigor while developing the leadership competencies necessary for the field. The curriculum includes classes in financial management, human resources, and ethics, Learners must complete 30 core credits and nine elective credits in addition to a three-credit capstone course. The 42-credit program can take just two years to complete if students enroll in two classes each term. Moreover, those who wish to marry their faith with their degree can opt for the Catholic Health Leadership Concentration, which targets professionals who work in Catholic healthcare settings.

  9. Montana State University at Billings
    Location

    Billings, MT

    Tuition

    $11226

    Flexibility and the opportunity to complete studies in just 20-24 months attract students to the master of health administration program at Montana State University at Billings. This online master's degree in health administration appeals to clinicians, mid-level managers, and an array of working professionals looking to practice in rural-frontier settings. The curriculum consists of concentrated web-based classes and an on-campus, two-day professional seminar each semester. In addition, program completion requires executing a capstone project. Student who do not possess a background in healthcare management must also participate in an internship to gain practical experience.

  10. Park University
    Location

    Parkville, MO

    Tuition

    $8640

    Park University's master of healthcare administration prepares students who either wish to begin or advance their career in the field. The School of Business located within the university's College of Management delivers this affordable online master's in healthcare administration. It Requires 36 credits to complete. Students can opt to earn either a general degree or one more specialized in a concentration such as disaster emergency management, homeland security, and management accounting. While they can complete all coursework online, some may decide to blend online and on-campus studies. Graduates go on to pursue leadership positions within organizations, often as chief operating officer and chief executive officer.

See also: Healthcare Management Scholarships and Healthcare Administration Scholarships.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
College Navigator
U.S. News & World Report
Forbes
TheBestColleges
TheBestSchools
College Prowler

About the Author:
Iris Stone began her writing career when she started working as a freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers. Her interests actually span far beyond writing, and she is currently studying to be a physicist! Check out her Google+ Profile.

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