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.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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 54,700 openings per year. These professionals earn median annual salaries that exceed $100,000, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $216,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 $110,680 per year. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 28% from 2022-2032, 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 $216,750 per year. Hospitals and government facilities pay the highest median salaries. Additionally, more experienced professionals often qualify for the highest-paying healthcare administration careers.

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.

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 2022-2032, 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.