Most Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration
If you are interested in a healthcare leadership role with high-income potential and employment growth, this guide to affordable online master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) programs can put you on the right path. This page lists the most affordable online MHA programs, explains the benefits of earning an MHA, and includes suggestions for cutting educational costs.
Read on for information about coursework you can expect, career options for MHA graduates, and post-graduate earning potential.
The Most Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.
This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Why Get an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration?
Now is a great time to pursue an online MHA. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a strong, 10-year employment growth rate for medical and health services managers, with approximately 62,100 openings per year. These professionals earn median annual salaries that exceed $100,000, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $219,080.
Other benefits of an MHA include opportunities to lead healthcare departments and organizations, improve the quality of healthcare, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. MHAs can choose career paths managing a healthcare facility, a clinical area, or a group medical practice of physicians. Other employment options include nursing and residential care facilities, government agencies, and outpatient care centers.
Affordable online MHA programs offer cost savings and flexibility to continue working while earning your degree. MHA programs typically require 2-3 years to complete.
How Much Does a Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?
According to data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the median annual cost of tuition and fees for online master’s degrees in any health-related field is $9,310. By comparison, the median cost of traditional, on-campus master’s in health degrees is $14,245 per year.
In general, public universities offer lower tuition than private institutions, and distance learners can save money on commuting, relocation, and housing costs. Affordable online MHA programs may offer in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.
Additional Online Student Fees
Master’s students should consider the total cost of earning a degree. In addition to tuition, many online programs charge a distance learning fee or technology fee. Students may also need to upgrade their laptop or internet service. Books and supplies can cost several hundred dollars per term, and some programs charge a graduation fee.
Online students should budget for any in-person components, such as campus visits. Learners should contact their prospective program for details about the total cost of earning a healthcare administration degree online.
What to Look for in an Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program
Accredited online MHA programs offer the same level of high-quality academics as their on-campus counterparts. Look for schools that hold regional accreditation from Council for Higher Education Accreditation-approved organizations and for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. You can also check institutional graduation and retention rates and programmatic post-graduation hiring statistics.
Affordable online MHA programs also offer financial aid to enrollees. Students can apply for federal loans and grants and public and private scholarships. Schools and departments also offer scholarship opportunities and list those specific to the institution or program on their financial aid pages.
How Much Do Healthcare Administration Majors Make?
Graduates of online master’s in healthcare administration programs often earn above-average salaries. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $117,960 per year. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 23% from 2024-2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Earning potential varies by location, job title, and work setting. The top 10% of medical and health services managers earn more than $219,080 per year. Hospitals and government facilities pay the highest median salaries. Additionally, more experienced professionals often qualify for the highest-paying healthcare administration careers.
Courses in Healthcare Administration
Online master’s in healthcare administration programs emphasize analytical and leadership skills. Students earning a master’s in healthcare administration often take courses in finance and accounting, information systems management, and human resources management.
Some programs require elective courses, such as healthcare marketing, healthcare policy, and healthcare economics. Master’s students may complete a capstone or practicum demonstrating administration skills.
Course availability varies by program. However, students earning their healthcare administration degree online often take the following classes.
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Healthcare Operations Management
Students examine operations principles for the U.S. healthcare system. They explore healthcare policy, operations management, and the interconnected parts of the healthcare system. Learners focusing on healthcare organizations and management prepare for advanced coursework and careers in healthcare administration. -
Healthcare Financial Management
Learners examine financial planning, risk management, and payment systems. Coursework emphasizes healthcare organizations and covers topics such as budgeting, risk analysis, forecasting, and insurance systems. Degree-seekers build financial management skills, including budgeting and investment management. Learners prepare for decision-making roles within healthcare organizations. -
Strategic Planning for Healthcare
Master’s students develop strategic decision-making and planning abilities. Learners prepare to make organizational assessments, develop strategic plans, and evaluate plans’ effectiveness. Learners also explore the business environment for healthcare organizations. Students prepare for leadership roles in the field.
How to Become a Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators need at least a bachelor’s degree, but many employers prefer to hire master’s degree-holders. Graduate-level training in business, healthcare management, and health information systems can benefit healthcare administrators.
Most medical and health services managers work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or nursing and residential care facilities. Other common work settings include government medical facilities and outpatient care centers. These professionals review budget proposals, analyze health services delivery data, and supervise nonclinical staff members. Healthcare administrators typically work full-time hours, and those in hospital settings may work evenings and weekends.
What Can You Do with an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration?
Many graduates of master’s in healthcare administration programs pursue careers in medical and health services management. According to the BLS, these professionals earn a median salary well above the median for all occupations. The BLS projects strong growth from 2024-2034, meaning recent graduates will likely find many opportunities for healthcare administration careers.
Master’s degree-holders can become community health advocates and administrative services managers. Healthcare administration programs feature management and leadership training, which can lead to a variety of career opportunities.
Administrative Service Managers
These managers oversee organizations’ administrative tasks, such as facility upkeep, record-keeping, and support services. Also known as business office managers, these professionals make sure organizations run efficiently. Most administrative services managers have experience or training in administration or business operations.
Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers
These professionals educate the public about wellness and health. Community health workers serve as intermediaries between clients and healthcare systems or social services organizations. They must understand the healthcare system and individual and community welfare. These specialists may analyze data and recommend policies to improve community health.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers oversee the nonclinical side of healthcare organizations. Also called healthcare administrators or healthcare executives, these professionals manage staff and create long-term plans. Medical and health services managers also ensure their facility complies with laws and regulations. They manage budgets and implement plans to improve service quality.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Service Managers | $106,880 | 4% |
| Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers | $63,000 | 4% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $117,960 | 23% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration
What jobs can I get with a degree in healthcare administration?
A healthcare administration degree qualifies graduates for careers as medical and health services managers. Many employers in the healthcare field prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
How long does it take to become a healthcare administrator?
Healthcare administrators need at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree can lead to advanced roles. Most students earn their master’s in healthcare administration in two years.
What is the difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management?
Healthcare administrators typically manage day-to-day tasks, while healthcare managers focus on long-term strategic planning. However, these professionals’ responsibilities may overlap.