Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Browse the best doctoral degrees in healthcare administration to advance your career in the field!
by

Updated January 3, 2024

check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial staff.

A doctorate in healthcare administration can offer you the opportunity to specialize in the healthcare industry. With this degree, you can become an expert in the field and access a variety of career opportunities.

You can pursue roles in healthcare administration, policy development, and health informatics, as well as develop the skills to manage healthcare systems, design healthcare plans, and facilitate research in the healthcare field. Additionally, there are many internships, networking, and financial aid opportunities available.

Explore Featured Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Overview: Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Enrolling in an online doctoral program in healthcare administration can be an exciting and rewarding experience. You can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and the skills needed to lead a successful healthcare organization.

Doctoral-level education in healthcare administration comes in different forms, such as a Ph.D. in healthcare administration or a doctor of healthcare administration degree (DHA). Ph.D. programs in healthcare administration emphasize research while DHA programs emphasize application.

Doctoral programs typically take 4-5 years to complete and cover a wide range of topics. The curriculum includes core classes such as finance, marketing, and healthcare law, as well as more specialized classes such as healthcare data analytics, health policy, and healthcare informatics. Most programs also require the completion of a capstone project, dissertation, or thesis.

Data USA also provides insights into the skills necessary for those working in this field, including:

With the right skills, knowledge, and experience, you can be well-prepared for a career in the healthcare industry.

4 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

#1 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a selection of accredited online programs, including a doctorate in healthcare administration. For those seeking an online degree, UNC-Chapel Hill may be a good choice. 

The university has a reputation for academic excellence. With a 91% graduation rate, 25% admission rate, and a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students can receive a great education. 

The total number of programs offered is 234, with about 30,000 students enrolled. The school also offers 25 online programs, with 91% of students taking courses online. 

In-state tuition for graduate students is $10,552, while out-of-state tuition for graduate students is $28,278.

Among UNC-Chapel Hill students, 64% receive financial aid. The average amount of aid is $14,182. After financial aid is taken into account, the average price per student is $10,038.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

National University offers an online Ph.D. in health services. This private university's online program offers students an accessible and rigorous curriculum to develop their skills and knowledge.

All courses are taught by experienced faculty. The graduate tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students alike is $16,983. To help finance their education, 29% percent of students receive loans.

National University's online program also offers several student services, including career advisors and internship programs, to give students the skills and experience necessary to enter the workplace.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,064
Out-of-state
$11,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,983
Out-of-state
$16,983
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,471
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Franklin University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Franklin University is a private university in Columbus, Ohio. The school offers a total of 73 programs, with 61 of them available entirely online. This makes it an attractive choice for busy professionals who need the flexibility of studying remotely.

Franklin University's online courses are designed to give students the same level of education and support as on-campus courses. Students have access to virtual career-planning events, internship programs, and academic advisors. Furthermore, 95% of students receive some form of financial aid, including loans. 

If you're looking for a quality online doctorate in healthcare administration, Franklin University is a great choice. With dedicated faculty and plenty of support, you'll be well-prepared to take the next step in your professional career.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$16,080
Retention Rate
9%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,926
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Central Michigan University

  • Mount Pleasant, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Central Michigan University is a great choice for those seeking an accredited doctoral program in healthcare administration. With 56 online programs, 42% of students enrolled at CMU are taking their courses online. Additionally, 97% of students are awarded financial aid, and the average amount of aid awarded per student is $9,297.

The university is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and offers 238 total programs, 18 of which are doctoral programs. Students can also take advantage of career-planning resources available through the university.

In terms of tuition, graduate tuition for in-state students is $14,223. For out-of-state students, the cost is $18,909. After financial aid, the average price per student (including undergraduate and graduate students) is $15,758.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,296
Out-of-state
$22,881
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,223
Out-of-state
$18,909
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
17,311
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Salary and Demand for Healthcare Administration Occupations

Careers in healthcare administration offer a wide range of salary and job outlooks, depending on the occupation and qualifications. The following lists contain salary information and growth projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for a few careers related to healthcare administration.

Median Annual Salaries

The BLS also states that the job outlook for several healthcare administration careers is promising.

Job Outlook and Projected Growth (2022-2032)

Paying for a Program

From federal grants and loans to state and private financial aid, there are many ways to finance your studies. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics DataLab, 10.4% of students pursuing a graduate degree borrowed money to finance their education. Of those who borrowed, the average amount was $25,600.

For those seeking need-based financial aid, the best starting point is typically the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form allows you to apply for federal grants and loans, as well as work-study opportunities. You should also look into state and private financial aid, as well as fellowships.

Online vs. On Campus

The decision between enrolling in an online or on-campus program for a doctorate in healthcare administration depends on many factors. The following lists contain pros and cons for both online and on-campus programs. Students should consider which modality best suits their individual needs and circumstances.

Online Programs

On-Campus Programs

Public vs. Private

When considering a doctorate in healthcare administration, you will need to decide whether to attend a public or private university. While it is important to note that every school is unique, the following lists contain some general features of both public and private schools that you may want to consider.

Public

Private

Applying to a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program

When applying to a doctoral program, it is important to consider cost, quality, and reputation. Cost is a major factor for many students, so be sure to compare affordability between different programs. Quality also needs to be taken into account, as different programs offer different levels of academic rigor and support. Finally, research the program or faculty reputation. Strong programs with good reputations in the industry can open professional doors for graduates.

Aside from cost, quality, and reputation, there are many other aspects to consider. Look into the admission requirements, student services, class size, and alumni services. It is also important to make sure the school is accredited to guarantee the quality of your education. Finally, consider the program length, culture, and whether there are accelerated or part-time options available. By researching all of these topics, you can make an informed decision about which program is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Administration Degrees

What is the future demand for healthcare administration?

According to the BLS, the employment of medical and health services managers is projected to increase by 28% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is much faster than average.

What is the typical entry-level education required for healthcare administration?

Most jobs in the healthcare administration field require a bachelor's degree, but higher levels of educational attainment generally mean more responsibility and higher compensation.

What is the typical salary for healthcare administrators?

According to BLS, the median annual salary for medical and health service managers was $101,340 in 2021. However, the exact salary may vary depending on job qualifications and location.

This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been edited for clarity and accuracy.


Sources

Popular with our students.

Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

woman in an office