Last Updated: February 4, 2021

A master of healthcare administration (MHA) can help healthcare industry professionals progress in their careers. This degree leads to jobs as healthcare administrators and managers, and also prepares graduates for many related roles including medical records managers, clinic or department directors, and compliance officers. Some MHA holders might go on to work in health policy or health information systems as well.

MHA programs equip students for these careers by covering healthcare systems and strategy, healthcare economics and finance, and other administrative matters. These degrees traditionally last two years, which can seem like a particularly long commitment to working professionals. Enrolling in a master's program in healthcare administration online can allow students to pursue their degrees while working. Online MHA programs offer flexibility and convenience, since distance learners can typically study from home and on their own time.

This guide lists the most affordable online master's degrees in healthcare administration. It also answers some commonly asked questions about MHA degrees and careers.

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Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Healthcare Administration

#25. Abilene Christian University – Abilene, TX

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $27,584
Accreditation: SACSCOC

The Master of Healthcare Administration from Abilene Christian University centers on five core values: Leadership, Communication and Relationship Management, Professionalism, Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment, and Business Knowledge and Skills. Students can choose to hone in on skills that fall under a specific track of study. Available tracks to choose from include Leadership, General, Analytics, Administration, and Conflict Management.

The curriculum varies slightly depending on the focus of your studies, but some of the core curriculum requirements across the board teach Healthcare Accountability, Innovation and Trends in Healthcare, Healthcare Informatics, and others. There are 49 credits required to complete the program, each individually priced. It's expected to take two to three years to complete, with fall and winter start dates available. 

 

#24. Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, NH

Master in Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: Tuition is $320 per credit x 36 credits = ~$22,000
Accreditation: NECHE

The Online Master's in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University teaches courses in finance and economics, law, policy, informatics, and strategic planning to prepare you to advance in healthcare management. As an early innovator of online master's programs in the nation, SNHU designed its MHA to highlight skills involving technology, critical thinking, leadership, the healthcare environment, and much more.

Courses offered include Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Quality and Improvement, Health Policy and Law, and others. One of the ways it makes it so accessible to earn this master's degree is by their year-round rolling admission process. Aside from being flexible and affordable, it only takes two courses a semester to complete the program in 15 months. 

 

#23. Samford University – Birmingham, AL

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $30,594
Accreditation: CAHME

The Master of Healthcare Administration from Samford University teaches communication, leadership, professionalism, business knowledge, and healthcare systems competency to students with a bachelor's in healthcare administration or business management. The program takes place completely online, offering flexibility both during studies and after completion.

Students aren't tethered to a career in hospitals but can expand to jobs in pharmaceutical and health insurance companies, management consulting, financial institutions, long-term care facilities, and state and federal agencies. After just five semesters of studies, an internship, and a capstone, students in this program will be equipped with the Healthcare Leadership Alliance's five domains and, therefore, will be ready to advance in the field. Any students without at least five years in a clinical setting are required to complete the internship. 

 

#22. Briar Cliff University– Sioux City, IA

Master of Health Administration

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Net Price: $18,442
Accreditation: HLC

Some students want to finish their studies as quickly as possible to attain a Master of Health Administration. Briar Cliff offers one of the best and most affordable online MHAs, and it can be completed in only one year. While it is consolidated, it still takes a broad approach to its curriculum, teaching Health Administration, Ethics of Healthcare, Diversity in the Workplace, among other courses.

MHA courses all tie into a broader understanding of global health care systems, financial management, and legal and regulatory issues in healthcare. The online format allows students from any state (with the exception of Massachusetts) to learn online and fast-track their way to an advanced career in healthcare administration. 

 

#21. University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne – Fort Wayne, IN

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $16,544
Accreditation: ACBSP

The University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne draws influence from healthcare and business practices to create their Master of Healthcare Administration. The full program encompasses 36 business hours. Core credits cover Ethics & Franciscan Values, US Healthcare Delivery System, Healthcare Law & Compliance, and Quality Management in Healthcare. This blended approach is ideal for students interested in becoming a business-minded healthcare leader in this dynamic environment.

The program's flexibility is matched with its ease of applying. Applicants need only a transcript, resume, and online application. No test scores or recommendation letters are required. If you received a GPA lower than 2.75 in your undergraduate education, you will be required to submit an additional essay. 

 

#20. Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $27,432
Accreditation: SACSCOC

The online Master of Healthcare Administration from Liberty University is a tailored, professionally-focused program that requires less than two years on average to complete classes that are 100% online, allowing you the flexibility to study at your own pace and not fall behind in your life and career. It's also flexible in its outcome. Liberty University offers an unmatched range of focuses to choose from that can help you prepare to meet your individual career goals.

Career tracks cover more than a dozen focuses, including Financial, Marketing, Project Management, Public Relations, and Strategic Management. Each track will have its own list of featured courses. This highly-tailored approach makes this program affordable and highly ranked among competitors for quality and accessibility. 

 

#19. City University of Seattle – Seattle, WA

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $20,567
Accreditation: NWCCU

This 45-credit Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the City University of Seattle teaches advanced skills in health administration, operational and chain management, and strategic planning. The Healthcare Administration aspect of this degree covers 33 credits of core courses. CSU's MHA courses teach the necessary skills for the management of human resources and finances, as well as healthcare informatics and technology, policy & economics, and quality assessment & improvement.

A program director can approve nine credits in elective courses which you can use to shape the degree to your needs. All students will also complete and submit a capstone project. The final result is not only a marketable Master of Science but a well-connected student of a nationally-ranked school. 

 

#18. Clarkson College – Omaha, NE

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $23,626
Accreditation: CAHIIM

The Master of Healthcare Administration program through Clarkson College helps you to develop your fundamental business and leadership skills in order to move into advanced healthcare management roles. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of technology, diversity, and professionalism. The program is completely online with a rotating schedule of classes throughout the year, which affords busy students the opportunity to not have to give up any existing commitments in their pursuit of higher education.

Some MHA courses will require service-oriented student engagement, such as Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. The end of the program is marked with a capstone in the form of a business plan or research presentation, where you'll be able to display the critical thinking you developed throughout your studies. 

 

#17. University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, IL

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $12, 248
Accreditation: CAHME

The Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago brings an in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry into focus with a stress on managerial competence. Students in careers within hospitals, ambulatory care, health supply chain or long-term care providers will find that this curriculum meets their needs. Over the course of 60 credit hours, students will fulfill degree requirements ranging from Public Health Foundations and Health Organization Leadership, to Strategic Planning and Marketing in Healthcare.

All students will complete a capstone and preceptorship to round out the end of the program. The capstone is a dual-part paper or presentation that is built into the curriculum as coursework. Similarly, the preceptorship is the student's chance to apply the knowledge they gained in the classroom into real-world experiences. This requirement is graded as pass/fail.

 

#16. Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, VA

Master of Science in Health Administration

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Net Price: $20,897
Accreditation: CAHME

The Master of Science in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University targets well-rounded clinicians, executive-level managers, and mid-career managers to take part in the program. The program is predominantly online, with the exception of six sessions that are to be completed on campus. The program saw a redesign about 20 years ago, maximizing the number of classes that can be taken online, shortening the semesters and course loads, and adding a part-time enrollment option.

The MHA's full-time schedule can be completed in 22 months while part-time students take about twice as long. The curriculum is rooted not only in the curriculum but also in interactions with a diverse group of students with different experiences. The program encourages a global perspective both on the job and in the personal lives of students. 

 

#15. – Purdue University Global

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $11,414
Accreditation: HLC

Purdue University Global offers a flexible and affordable online Master of Healthcare Administration. The Global school puts adult learning into focus by creating a curriculum centered on knowledge that can immediately be implemented into your career. With the MHA, you'll take classes in Healthcare Financial Management, Health Policy, Healthcare Marketing, and others targeted directly at the evolving healthcare landscape.

Purdue's MHA requires only 12-15 hours a week to complete 52 credit hours, with start dates four times a year. The curriculum wraps up with a final capstone project where you get to apply your knowledge to a real-life situation. With an impressive combination of experienced faculty, an understanding of what employers want, and a completely online format, this affordable program offers a track to success for any student seeking higher roles in healthcare. 

 

#14. Park University – Parkville, MO

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $15,359
Accreditation: ACBSP

Park University's Master of Healthcare Administration program gives you the chance to target your advanced education in the area that suits you best. Any of the specialization options, including Homeland Security, Finance, Disaster Emergency Management, Human Resource Management, Global Business, and Accounting, can be done online. There's also the option for the General track, where you'll be able to choose electives that blend together many of the other concentrations.

There are certain MHA core classes that all students will partake in, including Management and Health Information Systems, Healthcare Finance, and Healthcare Operations Management. The student has no obligation to visit the campus, but there are opportunities to attend in-person classes for those who are interested. 

 

#13. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $11,649
Accreditation: CAHME

U.S. News and World Report ranked the Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill third in all health care management programs. The program's aim is to create effective leaders by sculpting their decision-making skills. The two-year program takes place predominantly online, with three on-campus sessions yearly.

MHA coursework weaves through five competency domains, including knowledge in the Healthcare Environment, Communications & Relationship Management, Leadership & Professionalism, Management, and Finance & Analytics. Students are expected to reach a proficiency-level understanding of these domains to be able to apply them to their careers. Mastery, the highest level of knowledge within these domains, is expected to occur years after graduation. Students will be assessed on their level of competency throughout the curriculum.

 

#12. University of Arkansas at Fort Smith – Fort Smith, Arkansas

Master of Healthcare Administration (Online)

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Net Price: $10,732
Accreditation: HLC

The Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fort Worth equips students with knowledge of leadership, communication, ethics, healthcare systems, and business so that they may successfully manage healthcare systems in the field. You can expect classes such as Healthcare Systems, Law & Ethics, Strategic Planning, and Population Health throughout the coursework.

There are a total of 40 credit hours and, if the plan is followed, they can be completed in under two years. This top-rated program is affordable but competitive. All applicants are required to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and an intent essay. Applicants are also interviewed before acceptance. At the end of the program, students will be eligible for roles in a variety of settings, from assisted living and home care centers to pediatric offices. 

 

#11. Tennessee Technological University – Cookeville, TN

Master of Professional Study: Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $16,891
Accreditation: SACSCOC

Tennessee Technological University offers a Master of Professional Study degree that teaches Healthcare Administration with an additional certificate in Healthcare Informatics. The evolving healthcare landscape and an aging population call for advanced knowledge and understanding of healthcare management and technology. Tennessee Tech aims to develop vital skills within the industry, including knowledge of research and informatics in the healthcare delivery system so students are equipped to take on roles in a variety of settings.

You can further tailor your degree by choosing a concentration in Strategic Leadership, Human Resource Leadership, Training & Development, or Healthcare Administration. Research Methods is one of the many mandatory courses you'll enroll in. Additionally, you'll get a broad view of the industry through Globalization and the Professions, Healthcare Systems Economics, and Public Health. An internship and a final capstone project mark the completion of the degree and your readiness to bring your knowledge to the workplace. 

 

#10. Minnesota State University Moorhead – Moorhead, MN

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $16,397
Accreditation: HLC, NCACS, CAHME

Leadership, professionalism, communication, healthcare knowledge, and business skills comprise the five domains under which the Master of Healthcare Administration operates through Minnesota State University Moorhead. This graduate program lets you work toward your degree completely online so you can continue to work full time and fulfill your degree on your own schedule.

MSU roots students in a mindset of academic excellence and promotes a sense of professionalism and ethics along with collaboration, diversity, and lifelong learning. The accessibility to world-class faculty, online approach, and affordability proves successful with a majority of students; MSU boasts of a 91% job placement rate.

 

#9. Concordia University Irvine – Irvine, CA

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $28,588
Accreditation: WSCUC

Starting dates for the Master of Healthcare Administration from Concordia University Irvine occur twice a year, and the program can be completed in 24 months. The program allows students to engage in classes completely online These classes cover all of the core competencies of healthcare administration, putting particular emphasis on leadership, practical application, and professional development. Their curriculum covers Healthcare Organizational Management, Healthcare Law, Financial Management, and other key sectors as well.

MHA courses are intended to prepare a wide range of professionals to work in virtually any healthcare setting. Unlike many other programs, there are no required in-person visits. Orientation can be attended on campus or live-streamed. Students also get the option to visit campus twice a year to partake in workshops along with their peers. Ranked among the Top-Tiered Universities by U.S. News and World Report, this program offers any student who's plateaued in their career a chance to move up in the ranks. 

 

#8. Bellevue University – Bellevue, NE

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $9,635
Accreditation: HLC

Meeting the needs of your demanding schedule while providing real-world expertise are major facets that make the Master of Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University a standout online degree. The program encompasses 36 total degree requirements that keep in mind the core competencies set in place by the Healthcare Leadership Alliance.

A choice selection of courses includes Leadership and Team Development, Healthcare Finances, and Human Resource Management. Students hoping to move into roles within hospitals, medical group practices, home health, or other public health administration areas will find that this affordable program enables them to achieve their goals.

 

#7. University of Nebraska at Omaha – Omaha, NE

Master of Healthcare Administration 

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Net Price: $12,105
Accreditation: NASPAA

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers its own online Master of Healthcare Administration that prepares active healthcare students to become effective and recognizable leaders in any sector. It not only requires a capstone project but also beginning and middle core courses to keep you on track with the curriculum. The true program is known as Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. T

his program requires all students to partake in courses such as Health Care Finance, Health Care Policy, and The U.S. Healthcare System so they have a firm grasp on the practices they'll be implementing. There's also a level of personalization in the program. Electives are chosen to allow students to complete the program with courses that are based on their interests. The program is the first in the country to receive accreditation from NASPAA and is an incredibly affordable option for working students in the healthcare field. 

 

#6. Texas Woman's University – Denton, TX

Master of Healthcare Administration 

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Net Price: $9,324
Accreditation: CAHME

Although the name implies a sense of restriction, Texas Woman's University is actually one of the top-rated establishments for diversity, according to U.S. News and World Report. The Master of Healthcare Administration welcomes all students who want to further their careers in the management of healthcare systems. The entire program takes place across 45 credits. These credits are presented with a mix of both online and in-person classes and include six elective credits. The face-to-face classes can be taken on either the Houston or Dallas campus.

With small class sizes, experiential learning, and remarkable affordability, TWU offers a unique and accessible approach to advancing your career. Online students get the same attention to progress, and the same opportunity for job placement, through the Career Connections Center as residential students. You can even opt to hone into your goals further with a concentration in Global Health or Business Analytics. 

 

#5. University of Maryland-Global Campus – Largo, MD

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $13,672
Accreditation: MSCHE

A total of 42 credits make up the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program at the University of Maryland Global Campus. As the name suggests, this program makes it accessible and affordable for students around the world to get an MHA. To best succeed in this program, UMGC also recommends having up-to-date knowledge in the fields of finance, accounting, and research. If you don't, there are courses available to get you up to speed. 

The program starts with an Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMGC, and moves into core courses like Intercultural Communication and Leadership, The Business of Healthcare, and Strategic Financial Management in Healthcare. These courses differ from some other programs in that they teach a tactical approach to managing healthcare systems. 

#4. Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Shreveport, LA

Master of Health Administration

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Net Price: $12,473
Accreditation: AACSB

The Master of Health Administration from Louisiana State University-Shreveport gives you a top-rated education for a fair price on your own schedule. With options for either part-time or full-time learning, you can take the next step in your career at your own pace. The work is entirely online, ensuring that you'll be able to complete your degree without having to make any inconvenient campus visits.

There are ten foundational courses that every student partakes in, and they include Healthcare Organizational Behavior, Law & Ethics, Finance, and Strategic Management. There is an option to also choose a foundation course in Economics, ISDS, Accounting, or Finance. This foundation course functions as a way to prepare students who don't have a bachelor's degree that covered these topics. This program is great for both students within the healthcare field, and for those who want to shift their career focus but don't have the background or experience. It's flexible, affordable, and welcoming to all.

 

#3. California State University-East Bay – East Bay, CA

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $11,422
Accreditation: WASC

California State University-East Bay offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration that's considered one of the "Best in the West" by the Princeton Review. The dynamic curriculum allows you to attain your degree by studying completely online. There are seven courses and a final capstone in this program, totaling 34 credits. Examples of coursework include the Evolution of the U.S. Healthcare System, Technology and Informatics, and Financial Management.

This program also concludes with a capstone. The online format is taught by top-notch professors and there's plenty of opportunity via discussion board to participate in the material alongside fellow classmates. Admission here requires that you have at least two years of professional experience in the field. This is to ensure that you already have the groundwork to be able to fully immerse yourself in the classwork and come out on the other side an even more marketable candidate for advanced roles.

 

#2. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences – Tulsa, OK

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: In-state $5,530/Out-of-State $21,033
Accreditation: HLC

The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration through Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences teaches courses predominantly lecture-style and allows you to learn online. Much of the curriculum centers around current issues and contemporary problems within healthcare, and it equips students with the knowledge to come up with solutions. Students take classes in Healthcare Compliance, Social Structure of Healthcare Systems, and Ethics in Healthcare.

This program has a large emphasis on Global Health, leading down the path of Emerging Global Infectious Disease studies and Relief and Development in Global Health. It all ties up with the Internship in Healthcare Administration, where a student can choose how they'd like to fulfill the requirement based on their own career goals. This program is widely recognized as one of the best-value HCA programs in the nation.

 

#1. Colorado State University-Global Campus – Aurora, CO

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Net Price: $9,000
Accreditation: HLC

The most rewarding and affordable way to become a healthcare leader is through the Master of Healthcare Administration program from Colorado State University's Global Campus. This program chose to emphasize management and leadership skills in the curriculum with a global perspective and an analytic structure. There are 24 core courses that cover a wide range of information, from Research and Writing to Organizational Management and Finance. Other necessary skill-sets are taught in courses like Health Law and Ethics, Quality and Performance Improvement, and Healthcare Informatics Systems.

Not every degree will be formatted the same way, as students can hone in on their personal strengths and goals with 12 credits worth of degree specialization courses. Specializations include International Management, Organizational Leadership and Change Management, Project Management, and Population Health. Tuition on its own is one of the most affordable there is, but you can save even more with Employer Partner Discounts. As a whole, this degree meets the standards for flexibility, notability, affordability, and quality.

Applying to an Online Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration

Online MHA programs set the same fundamental admission requirements as traditional, on-campus programs. Prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree, usually with a minimum GPA ranging from 2.5-3.0.

Beyond that, the requirements vary. Some schools require applicants to have studied a health services-related field for their undergraduate degree, while other schools do not specify any area of study. Some programs may expect incoming students to hold healthcare-related work experience as well, although many programs do not.

Applicants should also look out for additional requirements, such as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores, recommendation letters, personal essays or letters of intent, and admissions interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highest paying healthcare administration jobs?

Salaries for healthcare administration jobs vary, depending on factors such as location and experience level. However, these healthcare administration jobs typically pay the highest salaries, according to PayScale data:

What is accreditation and why is it important?

Accreditation agencies evaluate higher education institutions and programs to ensure that they offer students a quality education. Employers and doctoral programs look for candidates with accredited degrees. Therefore, when prospective students research online MHA programs, they should look for degrees accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

How long does it take to earn a master's degree in healthcare administration?

A master's degree in healthcare administration traditionally takes two years to complete. However, online programs often offer more flexibility for students. Part-time learners may take longer to graduate, with some degrees lasting 3-4 years. Other distance learning programs may include accelerated options, allowing students to graduate within 1-1.5 years.

Where do MHA graduates work?

MHA graduates work in many different healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, health networks, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and government health agencies. They can also work at companies that run health programs for employees.