Online Healthcare Administration Degrees
Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings require a team of highly trained professionals to promote excellent patient outcomes. Central to this mission are healthcare administrators — professionals who coordinate facility personnel, patients, and resources. Their work lets physicians and nurses focus on patient care.
Explore the best online healthcare administration programs and start making a difference in patients’ lives.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: 2-4 years, depending on prior educational experience
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma
- Top Skills Gained: Stakeholder communication, data-based decision-making, management strategies
- Popular Concentrations: Health information management, patient safety and quality
Top Healthcare Administration Programs 2025
University of Central Florida — Most Accessible Online Program Catered to Your Learning Needs
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Dedicated Accessibility Services With Choice of Learning Modality
The University of Central Florida's online BS in health services administration lets you choose between fully online, hybrid, or in-person courses, mixing formats to best match your schedule. The program emphasizes accessibility and work-life balance, with a dedicated online coach for academic, career, and personal support. You'll develop leadership and management skills for healthcare roles in hospitals, long-term care, or outpatient settings, and be prepared for further study.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180
Out-of-State | $770
Why Students Choose UFC:
- Course Modalities: Thrive in your preferred learning format, including fully online and hybrid.
- Commitment to Accessibility: UCF Central Florida offers robust student accessibility services, even allowing online students to report accessibility barriers with a single click.
- Accelerated Courses: Speed up the time it takes to complete your degree with 3-10 week terms
Know Before You Enroll:
- You can’t switch a course’s modality once the semester begins.
- Accelerated formats are intensive compared to standard pacing.
9%
$ 6,368
92%
$22,467
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 68,844
- Institution Type
- Public
Maryville University of Saint Louis — Most Affordable Private College to Start Your Bachelor's Degree
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Cheapest Tuition Rates to Start Your Degree Among Private Colleges
Maryville's online BS in healthcare management combines private-school quality with public-school pricing. At $575 per credit hour, tuition is comparable to many public schools. The program features flexible start dates, a hands-on practicum, an optional senior living management certificate, and the chance to get a head start on graduate study.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $575
Out-of-State | $575
Why Students Choose Maryville:
- Affordable Tuition: Maryville offers the lowest tuition among the private colleges on this list, at $575 per credit hour.
Graduate Head Start: The early access program gives students a head start on earning a master’s degree. - Career Boost: You can expand your career options by completing the optional senior living management certificate.
Know Before You Enroll:
- There are no application fees or entrance exams.
- Most students finish in four years, though transfer students can use up to 60 eligible credits to shorten their timeline.
84%
$24,766
83%
$24,766
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,883
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida International University — Best Healthcare Administration Program for Hispanic/Latino/a Students
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Nation’s Largest HSI and Leading Producer of Degrees for Hispanic Students
Florida International University offers a fully online BS in health services administration. As a leading Hispanic-serving institution, FIU provides financial aid, academic advising, and cultural support designed for Hispanic and minority students. This program, one of the largest in the U.S., emphasizes diversity in healthcare leadership and prepares graduates for modern, technology-driven healthcare settings.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Why Students Choose FIU:
- Hispanic Focus: FIU is a top school for Latino/a graduates, with a 76% graduation rate amongst Hispanic students — much higher than the state average Hispanic graduation rate of 53%.
- Financial Aid: FIU offers financial aid and scholarships, including options for minority and Hispanic students.
- Personal Support: Get one-on-one guidance from success coaches throughout your studies.
Know Before You Enroll:
- FIU is not a test-optional school.
- The acceptance rate is 50% overall, though it's 33% for fall admission and 68% for summer.
66%
$ 6,168
92%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
Drexel University — Best Healthcare Administration Program for Military Members and Veterans
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Yellow Ribbon School With Max Funding and 50% Tuition Savings for Military Members
Drexel University’s online BS in health services administration is a great option for veterans and career-focused students. Eligible veterans qualify for discounted tuition through the Yellow Ribbon Program. You can gain up to 18 months of paid work experience with employers like Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Trinity Health. Accelerated programs, minors, and certificates are also available to help you customize your degree.
Cost per Quarter:
In-State | $985
Out-of-State | $985
Why Students Choose Drexel:
- Military Savings: Eligible veterans receive a 52% tuition discount, reducing the cost to $473 per credit.
- Accelerated Option: Earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.
- Co-op Program: Drexel’s signature co-op program alternates classroom study with six-month periods of full-time, paid work experience.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Participating in the co-op program requires some in-person commitments, making the program hybrid rather than fully online.
- Drexel follows a quarter system, with shorter terms and more courses per year than a traditional semester schedule.
23%
$58,293
90%
$58,293
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,597
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Minnesota Twin Cities — Most Affordable Public College to Start Your Bachelor's Degree
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Cheapest Tuition Rates to Start Your Degree Among Public Colleges
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers a competitively priced online BAS in healthcare management. Tuition is $448 per credit, whether you are in-state or out-of-state, making it a budget-friendly choice among public universities. You can choose flexible learning options, including fully online or blended courses, and take advantage of study abroad opportunities, career services, and scholarships.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $448
Out-of-State | $448
Why Students Choose UMC:
- Affordable Tuition: At $448 per credit, this program is the most affordable option at a public university on this list.
- Reputation Certification: The program is AUPHA-certified, ensuring a recognized quality standard.
- Study Abroad: Students can participate in an optional two-week cultural immersion trip to Costa Rica, where they can apply their healthcare skills internationally.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You must have at least 30 transfer credits to qualify for the blended degree-completion option.
- Admissions consider steady academic involvement and prior healthcare work experience.
36%
$14,496
91%
$34,410
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,890
- Institution Type
- Public
Arizona State University — Best Accelerated Program With Flexible Start Dates and Learning Options
- Tempe, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Six Annual Start Dates and Asynchronous, Fast-Paced Online Courses
Arizona State University offers an accelerated online BS in healthcare administration designed for accessibility and flexibility. The program includes six annual start dates, fully asynchronous courses, and accelerated formats. You can gain experience through hands-on projects, internships, research opportunities, and connections with major health organizations.
Cost per Credit
In-State | $460-$626 (full-time) – $715 (part-time)
Out-of-State | $712 (full-time) – $715 (part-time)
Why Students Choose ASU:
- Flexible Entry: ASU provides six start dates each year, giving you flexible options for enrollment.
- Accelerated Options: Take accelerated courses, with 7.5-week sessions during fall and spring and 6-week sessions in the summer.
- Accessibility and Inclusion: ASU supports accessibility and inclusion by accommodating diverse learning needs and providing robust disability services.
Know Before You Enroll:
- To apply, you’ll need a high school diploma (or equivalent with core coursework) and either a top 25% class rank, a 3.0 GPA, test scores, or another approved equivalency.
- If you don’t qualify for automatic admission, you can use ASU’s earned admission pathway by completing online ASU courses with at least a 2.75 GPA.
58%
$11,308
85%
$31,450
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 79,593
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Virginia — Best Blended Healthcare Administration Program
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Asynchronous Coursework Paired With Live, Faculty-Led Evening Sessions
The University of Virginia's online BPHM program is designed for working adults who want a mix of flexible and interactive learning. Most classes are live online in the evenings, allowing you to connect with faculty and peers while balancing work or family responsibilities. You can apply through two pathways — one for those with an associate degree and another for those without — to start or finish your bachelor’s degree.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499
Why Students Choose UVA:
- Evening Learning: Classes are primarily offered in the evening, making it easier to balance school, work, and family commitments.
- Military Discount: Active-duty military members pay a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.
- Two Pathways: Apply with either an allied health associate degree (60 transferable credits) or a high school diploma with 36 transferable credits and a 2.0 GPA minimum.
Know Before You Enroll:
- A minimum 3.5 GPA in the Virginia Community College allied health program guarantees admission.
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
22%
$18,823
97%
$55,450
- Acceptance Rate
- 17%
- Students Enrolled
- 25,924
- Institution Type
- Public
Gardner-Webb University — Best Healthcare Administration Program to Finish Your Degree
- Boiling Springs, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Top Value Degree Completion Program Offering Max Transfer Credits and Flexible Starts
Gardner-Webb's BS in healthcare management is designed for transfer and adult learners seeking a flexible, affordable path to finishing their degree. You can transfer up to 90 credits (75% of the program) and may also earn credit for prior learning. The program features eight-week courses, six annual start dates, and small class sizes that promote close interaction with faculty.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $410
Out-of-State | $410
Why Students Choose Gardner-Webb:
- Degree Completion: Transfer up to 90 credits, completing your degree more quickly and at a lower cost.
- Flexible Starts: Six start dates per year provide maximum flexibility in planning your studies.
- Tight-Knit: Small average classroom sizes of 17 students foster personalized learning and stronger connections with instructors.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Gardner-Webb integrates Christian business ethics into its program's studies.
- The university is test-optional.
64%
$32,470
69%
$32,470
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,125
- Institution Type
- Private
Winona State University — Cheapest College to Finish Your Healthcare Administration Degree
- Winona, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Cheapest Degree-Completion Program Among All Colleges
Winona State offers a fully online, asynchronous BAS in healthcare leadership and administration (HLA) at $410 per credit. Designed for students with an associate degree and healthcare experience, the program features multidisciplinary coursework with flexible pacing: a two-year accelerated plan or three-year track, plus part-time and rolling admissions.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $410
Out-of-State | $410
Why Students Choose Winona State:
- Affordable Tuition: At $410 per credit hour, Winona State offers the cheapest healthcare administration completion program available on this list.
- Graduate Pathway: Winona State offers an option to apply for an online Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership (MHL).
- Graduate Outcomes: Ninety percent of graduates report career readiness from the program.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You must already have an associate degree and healthcare experience to enroll.
- Coursework is fully online and asynchronous, with no live class times.
52%
$ 8,388
78%
$15,120
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,058
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
Degree-seekers specializing in health informatics can receive $3,000-$10,000 in scholarships through the AHIMA Foundation.
Why Choose Healthcare Administration?
The best online healthcare administration programs offer more than a high potential return on investment. This degree:
- Offers many concentration options.
- Prepares you to work in different healthcare careers.
- Trains you to lead teams of healthcare professionals.
- Appeals to lifelong learners passionate about continuing education.
Healthcare administrators also benefit by seeing their work improve people’s lives.
Career Outlook for Healthcare Administration Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for medical and health services managers to increase by 23% from 2024 to 2034. The BLS bases this strong projection on the increasing number of older Americans and retirements within the profession. Qualifying for related positions may require education and experience beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Job | Annual Median Wage, May 2024 |
---|---|
Medical and Health Services Manager | $117,960 |
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $106,880 |
Financial Manager | $161,700 |
Human Resources Manager | $140,030 |
Top Executive | $105,350 |
Healthcare Administration Licensing and Certification Requirements
Only healthcare administrators working as nursing home administrators need a state-issued license. The American College of Health Care Administrators can help you navigate licensure requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree and examination.
A professional certification, such as those offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality, can help you learn the latest skills, improve your resume, and protect your career in an economic downturn.
Ways to Save on a Healthcare Administration Degree
Beyond attending an in-state public school, you can save money on a healthcare administration degree in many ways. College financial aid advisors can help you explore these and other ways to avoid student debt.
Buy Used Textbooks: Buying used textbooks and selling them at the end of each semester can help you save on education-related expenses. Some programs and courses may also offer free digital textbooks to online degree-seekers.
Research 4+1 Programs: A five-year bachelor’s/master’s in healthcare administration or public policy can reduce the amount of time required to earn a graduate degree and save you money on your education.
Focus on Programs Awarding Institutional Aid: Many colleges and universities award institutional aid to incoming first-year and transfer students. Requirements may include a good high school GPA and standardized test scores.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Programs
Healthcare administration refers to management positions within healthcare settings. These professionals ensure that healthcare operations run smoothly, promoting positive patient outcomes. Although not required, professionals working in healthcare administration may hold experience working as a physician, nurse, or another healthcare provider.