By HAD Staff
February 2016
In this ranking, we highlight the top 50 schools for a healthcare administration degree in 2016.
As the baby boomer population ages, the demand for healthcare related services will continue to grow, meaning those students pursuing an education in healthcare administration and management will be poised to begin exciting and fruitful careers upon graduation. As a response to the growing need for healthcare administration degree programs, colleges and universities across the nation have revamped their course offerings and degree tracks to accommodate students' academic and career needs. Thus, prospective students have many options when it comes to choosing the right healthcare administration program. In an effort to help narrow down the choices, we've identified the top 50 best healthcare management schools in the nation.
Ranking Best Schools for Healthcare Administration
These schools are diverse in their course offerings and academic opportunities, but they all stand out in terms of the breadth of their programs and their commitment to excellence in the field of healthcare administration. We present these colleges and universities here according to their rankings based on the rating and ranking methodology outlined at the end of the article. In cases of a tie, the most affordable school was assigned the higher ranking. Note also that for schools with bachelor's degree programs in healthcare management, the net price is listed, whereas for those schools with graduate degree programs, we've provided the cost of out-of-state tuition.
#50 – Fisher College
Boston, Massachusetts
Fisher College offers its students a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Health Information Management. This program is online only. The HIM concentration covers topics such as healthcare statistics, performance improvement in healthcare, health data structure, and quality management. At the end of the program, seniors participate in the Supervised Professional Practice experience. This internship places students in a variety of healthcare sites either virtually or physically and allows them to gain hands-on experience with professional supervision.
Points: 3
Enrollment: 1,875
Net Price/Tuition: $26,504
#49 – LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
LeTourneau University offers a B.S. in Healthcare management (online and residential), a B.S. in Healthcare Management (online only), and an M.S. in Healthcare Administration (online only). The curricula for these programs are designed with the help of high-level healthcare management professionals. Faculty are also highly experienced in the field. LETU is affiliated with several related organizations, including the Association of University Programs of Health Administration and the Medical Group Management Association. The Healthcare Administration Student Association is also available to both online and residential students.
Points: 4
Enrollment: 2,677
Net Price/Tuition: $21,434
#48 – Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University offers an Executive MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management. This optional concentration is offered each summer between the first and second year of the MBA program. It covers topics such as major policy issues, process improvements, marketing, and healthcare economics, as well as three different perspectives in healthcare management. Each perspective has its own course, and these courses are tied together by a project at the end of the concentration. Collaboration is encouraged by the program's cohort structure, and students work in teams over the course of the concentration.
Points: 4
Enrollment: 30,848
Net Price/Tuition: $21,174
#47 – Midway University
Midway, Kentucky
Midway University's Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program is offered completely online. The degree prepares students to find careers in the field and pursue a Master of Business Administration or Master of Healthcare Administration. Students complete the program with a broad knowledge of healthcare policy and other relevant topics in healthcare administration. The program is affordable, convenient enough for working students to complete, and designed by expert faculty. It is also a member of the Association of University Programs in Health administration.
Points: 4
Enrollment: 1,140
Net Price/Tuition: $18,346
#46 – California State University – Northridge
Northridge, California
California State University—Northridge offers a Master of Public Administration with an online concentration in Health Administration. The online format is designed and taught by the same exceptional faculty members that teach on-campus classes, and it provides students with the flexibility they need to fit the program into their busy schedules. Students also go through the program as a cohort, which encourages community and networking amongst peers. CSNU's online programs are highly ranked for their community and support services.
Points: 4
Enrollment: 40,131
Net Price/Tuition: $26,028
#45 – Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
In Texas State University's long-running and CAHME-accredited Healthcare Administration Program, students benefit from a program that offers a minor, a BHA, and MHA. All graduate students must complete 43 hours in addition to field experience with coursework centered on the following areas of study: health and disease; socioeconomic forces that affect health care; financial and human resource management; planning; data generation and analysis. Progress toward a graduate degree is tailored to student experience: those with field experience follow a thesis-concentration, while those new to the field must do field experience within the program.
Points: 4
Enrollment: 36,739
Net Price/Tuition: $11,871
#44 – Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
The Department of Health Promotion and Administration at Eastern Kentucky University offers a B.S. in Health Services Administration. Within this degree, students can choose between a focus in Ancillary Health Management and a focus in Health Care Administration and Informatics. Any student who already has an associate degree in a health-related field can take advantage of the shorter Ancillary Health Management program, which only takes three to five semesters to complete. EKU's healthcare administration program emphasizes experiential learning. Students are required to complete at least three professional practice experiences at nearby healthcare organizations.
Points: 4
Enrollment: 16,305
Net Price/Tuition: $11,561
#43 – Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Part of the Cornell University College of Human Ecology and the first program to adopt a two-year academic curriculum, the Sloan Program in Health Administration has a history of innovation in the field. The program offers multiple Master of Health Administration degree programs, including two dual degree programs and an accelerated Bachelors/MHA. The rigorous coursework and hands-on training prepare students to serve in a variety of leadership positions. Outside of the required summer internship, students can interact with industry experts both at on-campus events and during field trips.
Points: 5
Enrollment: 21,679
Net Price/Tuition: $29,500
#42 – Howard University
Washington, D.C.
The Health Management Sciences Program at Howard University works to increase diversity in health administration and promote academic excellence in the field. The four-year curriculum prepares students for their careers by covering a variety of multidisciplinary topics, including accounting, information systems, and community health. All students are required to complete internships during the fall and spring. The university's location in the nation's capital gives students easy access to a large variety of healthcare settings for these internships, as well as connections to potential employers.
Points: 5
Enrollment: 10,265
Net Price/Tuition: $22,337
#41 – University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
A part of the School of Business, The University of Connecticut's Healthcare Management and Insurance Studies program offers a major and a minor. Those interested in doctoral study can choose healthcare finance as the subject. The university's HMIS program is UAUPHA certified and AACSB recognized, and the faculty have active research agendas and strong reputations. The program provides more personal attention than comparable programs, and the emphasis is on a grounding in business concepts before the required courses, some of which include: Risk Management and Insurance; Health Care Industry Analysis; Health Law and Policy.
Points: 5
Enrollment: 26,541
Net Price/Tuition: $19,049
#40 – Oklahoma State University
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State University School of Healthcare Administration is designed for people already in the healthcare industry, but it does not require previous experience in healthcare. The Master of Science in Health Care Administration program is available in both online and residential formats. The online program has been highly ranked for its course offerings, faculty accomplishment, and academic excellence. OSU also offers a program that allows medical students to earn both a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and a M.S. in Healthcare Administration by taking HCA courses for a year before medical school.
Points: 5
Enrollment: 25,962
Net Price/Tuition: $18,360
#39 – James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
The Health Services Administration program at James Madison University prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare administration through challenging, student-centered curriculum. The program is one of less than 40 fully accredited undergraduate healthcare administration programs in the nation, and students are typically successful in finding employment or gaining acceptance to graduate schools. Students and faculty have also received awards from outside organizations. The university also has many internship partners, including retirement communities, hospitals, and health systems.
Points: 5
Enrollment: 1,875
Net Price/Tuition: $14,772
#38 – Fairmont State University
Fairmont, West Virginia
Fairmont State University's School of Nursing and Allied Health Administration offers a B.S. in Allied Health Administration to individuals who already have experience in the health field. Because of this, it focuses less on the medical aspect of healthcare administration in favor of more thoroughly developing finance and management skills. FSU students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Global Emersion Experience where they travel to South Korea for a two-week emersion in culture and cross-cultural healthcare.
Points: 5
Enrollment: 4,035
Net Price/Tuition: $8,717
#37 – King's College
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
King's College offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. This degree is available both online and on-campus. The program focuses on developing integrity, professionalism, ethics, and communication skills in its students. Faculty are experts and come from a variety of disciplines such as finance and epidemiology. King's College also organizes the International Healthcare Management Conference with the Health Care Management Departments of Gümüşhane University in Turkey. Held in Turkey, the conference brings together students, policy makers, and professionals from around the world.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 2,308
Net Price/Tuition: $37,500
#36 – Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis University offers a B.S. in Health Management as well as various additional programs. These programs include honors courses, a pre-med track, and accelerated programs that allow students to obtain a Master of Health Administration (MHA) with only one extra year of study. SLU focuses on social justice and ethics in health management. Students are given many service opportunities both locally and abroad. They can also become members of the Public Health Club to enrich their education through additional experiential learning opportunities and professional networking.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 17,052
Net Price/Tuition: $33,812
#35 – University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
A department of the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions, the Health Services Research, Management & Policy department offers the MHA (full and part-time), MBA/MHA Dual Degree, PhD in Health Services Research, and MPH (Public Health Management & Policy Concentration). The program is CAHME-accredited and the university a member of AAU with 62 other major research universities in the US and Canada. Students working toward doctorates have the opportunity to be the crucial sources of information for government officials and other leaders that require health-related analysis for the public.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 49,459
Net Price/Tuition: $27,335
#34 – University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
When studying at the Arnold School of Public Health in USC, students in the Health Services and Policy Management Program have opportunities such as: International DrPH/PhD in Health Administration Program partnerships with Korea and Taiwan; study abroad; and a Healthcare Executive Student Association that aids, mentors and provides contacts for Graduate Assistantships for first-year students. Located in Columbia, a vibrant university town, USC has "very high research activity" (according to Carnegie Foundation), recently receiving over $30 million in funding from the CDC, NIH, and NSF.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 32,971
Net Price/Tuition: $25,770
#33 – University of Colorado Denver
Denver, Colorado
Affiliated with BSAHM and accredited by CAHME, CU Denver offers an MS in Health Administration. The school has faculty and resources that qualify it as a public research university. It is highly affordable and offers flexible options for study (evenings and online) and financial support. The primary coursework focuses on crucial study in marketing, financial management, data analysis, and team management, while the electives allow students to specialize in the following: International Health Policy and Management; Health Information Technology; Transformational Leadership, and others.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 22,791
Net Price/Tuition: $20,556
#32 – Loyola University – Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Part of the Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University's MBA in Healthcare Management program takes advantage of the university's expert medicine and law faculty. This multidisciplinary approach and rigorous curriculum produces successful leaders in the healthcare industry. The program is also relatively short, requiring only one day of class per week to complete the program in two years. The program is designed as a cohort, giving students the opportunity to network and interact with peers. Students looking to enrich their education can also study abroad to gain a better understanding of global health issues.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 15,902
Net Price/Tuition: $17,370
#31 – Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia State University's Institute of Health Administration offers three master's degree programs in health administration, a graduate interdisciplinary program, and an undergraduate interdisciplinary program. The Health Informatics multidisciplinary program combines the highly-ranked Computer Information Systems Department and the Institute of Health Administration to apply IT to healthcare. The on-campus Center for Health Services Research contributes greatly to student and public knowledge of health services management and administration. This is helped in part by the institute's collaboration with the Georgia Health Policy Center. After graduation, all of the institute's master's graduates quickly find employment in their field.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 32,556
Net Price/Tuition: $15,609
#30 – University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Health Services Management program at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities focuses on giving its students a well-rounded education and the skills they need to quickly find a career in healthcare administration. Courses include Health Informatics, Health Economics and Policy, and Human Resources in Healthcare Settings. Students are encouraged to customize their education by taking related electives such as Healthcare Interpreting, and psychology courses are recommended as well. Students also have the opportunity to become a licensed Long-Term Care Administrator as part of this program.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 51,147
Net Price/Tuition: $15,589
#29 – University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Center for Healthcare Management and Leadership offers a Graduate Certificate for Healthcare Quality and Safety, which leads to a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety. UAB also offers several enrichment opportunities. Conferences and seminars such as Lean Six Sigma training and the Innovation Conference are available throughout the year. UAB also hosts the National Symposium for Healthcare Executives every summer, giving students the opportunity to interact with CEOs and CFOs from around the world.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 18,698
Net Price/Tuition: $13,982
#28 – Towson University
Towson, Maryland
Towson University's Healthcare Management Program boasts small classes and a strong foundation in both healthcare and business. It is also one of only two undergraduate healthcare management programs in Maryland fully accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. The unique Healthcare Leadership Academy gives students an opportunity to develop leadership skills, attend events, and build professional networks. During their time at the university, students are expected to develop an appreciation of diversity, collaborate with other disciplines, and learn to effectively approach relevant issues in the healthcare administration field.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 22,285
Net Price/Tuition: $13,859
#27 – California State University – Long Beach
Long Beach, California
California State University—Long Beach is one of only nine universities with both a fully accredited undergraduate healthcare administration program and a fully accredited graduate healthcare administration program. Both graduate and undergraduate classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate adult students. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the rigorous Accelerated Program, which combines online and on-campus instruction to allow them to earn a master's degree in just two years. The department faculty are recognized experts and executives, providing students with valuable connections to potential employers.
Points: 6
Enrollment: 36,809
Net Price/Tuition: $7,672
#26 – Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tulane University's Health Administration Programs include MHA and PhD tracks and have Joint Degree Programs available in Law (JD/MHA), Business Administration (MBA/MHA), and Public Health (MD/MPH). Sixty credit hours and rigorous residency requirements prepare MHA graduates for the current job market. Tulane has, by necessity, become a powerful regional as well as international presence in Healthcare Administration. Its Master of Health Administration program has been CAHME-accredited since 1971.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 12,603
Net Price/Tuition: $46,326
#25 – Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas
The Department of Healthcare Administration at Trinity University offers two different programs designed to meet the needs of its students. The on-campus M.S. in Healthcare Administration program typically takes only 16 months to complete. It boasts a year-long administrative residency, accessible faculty, and small classes. The Executive Program is a distance-learning program designed for students already working full-time in a healthcare setting. It typically takes 23 months to complete this program. The Executive Program is flexible and convenient, and students in this program still have regular contact with faculty just as on-campus students do.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 2,432
Net Price/Tuition: $35,688
#24 – Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
The John M. Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis is known for its exceptional business education and its production of leaders who are competitive in their field. Olin's healthcare management program gives its students several opportunities to work with other business students in research, study abroad, and student organizations. While the university's healthcare management program is more business-focused than some healthcare administration programs, students still receive a good foundation in the scientific aspects of the industry.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 14,348
Net Price/Tuition: $33,374
#23 – University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
The University of Iowa's Master of Health Administration program provides students with a well-rounded, comprehensive education and many experiential learning and enrichment opportunities. These opportunities include on-site class trips, internships, case competitions, and graduate assistantships. Several seminars and similar professional development events are hosted at the university throughout the year such as the annual ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership. All of these opportunities give students the chance to interact with peers and high-level professionals on a regular basis.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 29,970
Net Price/Tuition: $25,134
#22 – University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
In the MHA Degree Program at the public University of Kentucky, students are prepared for the ever complex healthcare-related fields. Accredited continuously by CAHME, the Program's students can enroll in the 54-hour Masters Programs (MHA, MPH, MS in Clinical Research Design). Students qualified for doctoral research can pursue a DPH, PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatics, or PhD in Gerontology. All of these possible choices feature small class sizes, facilitate work experience in the local and regional levels, and offer an affordable tuition. Internships are also widely available. Residencies can be completed in the UK Occupational Medicine Residency Program or Preventative Medicine Residency Program.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 29,203
Net Price/Tuition: $23,451
#21 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Florida International University is well known for producing healthcare management professionals who quickly advance to high-level positions in their field. The Healthcare Management MBA program values teamwork, critical thinking, and community service. While at FIU, students will participate in residencies where they will receive instruction in Lean Six Sigma. This method trains students to increase efficiency and effectiveness in their business endeavors. Graduate students interested in gaining a more global health perspective also have the opportunity to earn the Advanced Certificate in Global Healthcare Administration as part of the university's Global Travel Program.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 49,610
Net Price/Tuition: $21,393 (NCES data); FII has provided the following tuition data: $52,000 instate and $54,000 out of state for the full program.
#20 – Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temple University's Healthcare Management program focuses on practical, hands-on experience. Students can observe and interact with professionals both on campus and in a healthcare setting. Full-time students are expected to shadow an executive and participate in the Summer Administrative Residency Program. Students are also highly encouraged to become members of professional organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Medical Group Management Association. During their time in the program, students will gain the experience, skills, and professional network needed to be successful. All Health Sector Management MBA students are employed within three months of graduation.
Points: 7
Enrollment: 37,485
Net Price/Tuition: $19,854
#19 – Rush University
Chicago, Illinois
Rush University's Health Systems Management program is focused on real-world practice and uses a practitioner-teacher model. It is the only fully accredited healthcare management graduate program that uses this model. It is also a demonstration site for the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. Students participate in internships at Rush University Medical Center and other healthcare organizations in Chicago both during the academic year and over the summer. These hands-on experiences prepare students for their careers and give them ample opportunities to interact with high-level professionals.
Points: 8
Enrollment: 2,457
Net Price/Tuition: $32,671
#18 – Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University's Health Law, Policy, and Management program addresses relevant issues in the field of healthcare administration such as epidemics, substance abuse, and health economics. Outstanding faculty, diverse perspectives, and research keep the program strong and engaging. The university's School of Public Health encourages discussion and collaboration while state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary research is facilitated by the several on-campus research centers, including the Health and Disability Working Group and the Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health. Degrees offered include a Master of Public Health (MPH), a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Services Research (PhD).
Points: 8
Enrollment: 32,112
Net Price/Tuition: $32,539
#17 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Program of Health Policy and Management Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is part of the Gillings School of Global Public Health. It offers degrees that include: BS in Public Health; MPH; MSPH; PhD; and DrPH. Among the top public programs of its kind, the School is affordable and flexible in its combination of residential as well as online study options. Students can take advantage of proximity to major research university centers in and surrounding the Chapel Hill area. UNC also has numerous aid, assistantship, award, and internship opportunities. Its research specialties include: cancer care; financial management and performance; health outcomes, among others.
Points: 8
Enrollment: 29,135
Net Price/Tuition: $25,904
#16 – Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina's Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management offers a Master of Health Administration program, a Master of Science in Health Informatics program, and a Doctor of Health Administration program. The DHA program has three different tracks designed to accommodate its students' needs. The MHA program also offers both a residential and an executive track. With multiple degrees, tracks, and formats, the university has one of the most flexible and comprehensive healthcare administration programs in the nation.
Points: 8
Enrollment: 2,898
Net Price/Tuition: $24,177
#15 – University of Missouri- Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
The University of Missouri—Columbia's Health Management and Informatics program is known for its large size, affordability, and opportunities. It offers two master's degree programs, a doctoral program, and two certificate programs. Both master's degree programs are available in both a residential and an executive format. The university has several internship partners for students to choose from, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. It also hosts a variety of seminars and required forums throughout the year. Most students complete the program in two years.
Points: 8
Enrollment: 27,642
Net Price/Tuition: $21,842
#14 – Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Xavier University offers a Master of Health Services Administration, a dual degree with MBA, and related certificate programs. The MHSA program has both full and part-time options, and it is one of only seven of these programs in the U.S. that requires a full third-year administrative residency. This paid residency is eight to twelve months long and gives students a chance to gain real-world experience in settings such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, and health maintenance organizations. Nearly all MHSA program graduates are employed in a high-level position within three months of graduation.
Points: 8
Enrollment: 6,508
Net Price/Tuition: $10,800
#13 – Columbia University
New York, New York
One of the first of its kind in the U.S., Columbia University's Health Policy and Management program is known for improving healthcare systems, meeting the needs of a diverse population, and efficiently improving access to quality healthcare. Classroom education, experiential learning, and research provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to be competitive in the industry. Programs are available for full-time, part-time, and executive students. The university also provides interesting professional development opportunities, such as the HealthSquare hospital management simulation and the Case Challenge.
Points: 9
Enrollment: 27,589
Net Price/Tuition: $41,048
#12 – Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Points: 9
Enrollment: 26,359
Net Price/Tuition: $37,244
At Philadelphia's Drexel University, students on the path to becoming healthcare professionals have a wide range of education opportunities. This university has a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Health Services Administration, all conducted in its College of Nursing and Health Professions. The B.S. program is especially unique in its flexibility in scheduling, highly experiential learning environments, and immersive career action planning with faculty that ensures students are selecting the right specialization for their talents. Drexel University is known for its top-notch clinical facilities, which are accessible to all enrolled in the school.
#11 – University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Points: 9
Enrollment: 16,674
Net Price/Tuition: $33,284
The University of Miami, a research institution in Coral Gables, Florida, has recently added an Executive MBA in Health Sector Management to its graduate degree options. In this program, students in early or mid-career have the opportunity to advance their specialties in pertinent industry matters including finance, organizational management, public policy, economics, and more. This MBA's courses are conducted over one weekend a month for 23 months making it more feasible for current professionals to earn their master's degree while working full time.
#10 – Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Points: 9
Enrollment: 26,879
Net Price/Tuition: $17,028
Central Michigan University, founded in 1892, is one of the nation's largest public universities with an average student body of nearly 20,000. For students pursuing a career in healthcare administration, CMU has recently added a master's program to its degree offerings in the field. This master's opportunity is the ideal next step for budding health professionals with a foundational BA from the school. Students have the option of earning their degrees online, or in CMU affiliate centers throughout the U.S.
#9 – Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Points: 10
Enrollment: 58,322
Net Price/Tuition: $30,104
Recently ranked the 10th Best Health Administration Programsin the Nation by U.S. News and World Report, Ohio State University's master's degree is a promising option for future industry professionals. The MHA track functions in partnership with OSU's College of Public Health, and students receive a comprehensive curriculum in management of hospitals, clinics, insurance, government agencies, and consultation. The mission of Ohio State's healthcare administration program is to prepare future leaders in the overall improvement of delivery and financing of health services.
#8 – University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Points: 10
Enrollment: 24,806
Net Price/Tuition: $22,694
Within Ivy-League University of Pennsylvania, and part of Wharton's internationally-recognized business school, the Health Care Management Department is a sponsor of these health care related programs: PhD in Health Care Management and Economics; MBA Program in Health Care Management; BS in Economics (Concentration: Health Care Management and Policy). Clearly interdependent, these paths of study are the product of long development and constant distinction since 1971.
#7 – University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Points: 11
Enrollment: 43,625
Net Price/Tuition: $40,564
Among the most highly esteemed programs of its kind in the country, the Health Management & Policy Program at the University of Michigan is delivered by internationally-recognized faculty with research agendas dedicated to advance the quality of public healthcare systems. Students can complete MHSA, Global HMP, and PhD, degrees. A balance of theoretical and applied study is stressed, and the program's rigorous coursework prepares students for meaningful summer internships. The university itself is among the top research universities, top public universities, and part of the famously vibrant university town of Ann Arbor.
#6 – University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Points: 11
Enrollment: 44,784
Net Price/Tuition: $27,255
The University of Washington, located in central Seattle, is a strong option for healthcare administration professionals pursuing an advanced degree in their field. Since 1970, UW's master's program in health administration has provided a comprehensive education in leadership development, workforce management, strategy, patient care, and finance. The college requires experiential learning opportunities in the field, and each student is required to complete a summer internship in a real-life healthcare setting. The University of Washington is committed to providing ongoing professional advisement through its mentor program, faculty guidance, and a series of networking opportunities designed to help establish a contact base in healthcare.
#5 – Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Points: 11
Enrollment: 16,263
Net Price/Tuition: $25,866
Baylor University, located in Waco Texas, offers a master's degree in healthcare administration through its school of business. This MBA program is part of the Robbins Institute for Health Policy and Leadership, which has courses to compliment all healthcare specialization studies at the school. Baylor's healthcare management program was recently ranked 17th by U.S. News and World Report among institutions with similarly designed degrees. Baylor's MBA program has a unique opportunity for candidates to partake in seven-month paid residencies with partnering health organizations.
#4 – University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Points: 11
Enrollment: 41,938
Net Price/Tuition: $19,047
The University of South Florida has expansive learning opportunities for aspiring or current career professionals in the healthcare administration sector. The university provides higher education options to managers, researchers, policy analysts, and other positions in both public and private health organizations worldwide. USF has Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), and Ph.D. degree availability in addition to two graduate certification programs in Health Management and Leadership or Public Health Policy & Programs (online only).
#3 – Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
Points: 12
Enrollment: 15,856
Net Price/Tuition: $45,760
One of the premier research institutions in the nation, Duke University continues to earn its reputation in higher education excellence. For students of healthcare administration, Duke offers an MBA in Health Sector Management (HSM), and it is the largest program among the top U.S. business schools. The HSM MBA is an interdisciplinary course track focusing on key industry topics including patient and provider relations, health service delivery, finance, and other relevant issues in the field. Duke graduates have proven to become successful leaders in health organizations worldwide.
#2 – Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Points: 12
Enrollment: 12,587
Net Price/Tuition: $39,727
Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University has one of the most well-respected healthcare administration programs in the nation. The Master of Science in Health Care Policy and Management (MSHCPM) has a curriculum designed to prepare educated, marketable leaders in a wide range of careers in the health sector. A few of the concentrations offered in this program are Healthcare IT and Analytics, Healthcare Policy, and Health Care Management. Graduates of the MSHCPM have found work in high-end organizations including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Ernst and Young, Johnson and Johnson, Partners Healthcare, and many others.
#1 – University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Points: 12
Enrollment: 37,565
Net Price/Tuition: $26,322
The health management graduate program at the University of California Berkeley is constructed to prepare students in a wide spectrum of careers in the field. This track includes a course load that encompasses financing, care delivery, biotechnology, information technology, and consulting. UC Berkeley recognizes the need for healthcare administrators to be savvy and current with the evolving demands of the industry. Students of this program also have the option of earning a dual master's degree, both in Business Administration and Public Health.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Graduate Degree Opportunities in Healthcare Administration
• Presence of Master's Degree Program – 1 point
• Presence of Doctoral Degree Program – 1 point
Awards and Recognition (Related to Healthcare Administration)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
Healthcare Administration Research Opportunities – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Healthcare Administration – 1 point
Study Abroad Opportunities in Healthcare Administration – 1 point
Healthcare Administration Internship Opportunities – 1 point
Healthcare Administration Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Affiliated Centers and Institutes on Campus – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that "wowed" us