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2023 Most Affordable Healthcare Administration Degrees Online

By the OnlineU team | Updated 9/14/2022
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Healthcare is a central pillar of our society, and the people who manage healthcare services are incredibly important. Healthcare administrators help hospitals, government agencies, and other organizations function effectively and efficiently, and if you want to be a part of that work, then an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration may be the right fit for you. This program, or similar ones — such as healthcare informatics and healthcare management — provide the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. If you’re interested in furthering your education even more, consider an online master’s in healthcare administration, too.

Explore our top picks for affordable online bachelor’s degrees below. View our methodology for more details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for more inspiration. 

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Worth It? Courses Funding
All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 Dalton State College Dalton (GA) $3,204
# 2 #2 Middle Georgia State University Macon (GA) $3,410
# 3 #3 United States University National City (CA) $4,800
# 4 #4 California Coast University Santa Ana (CA) $5,355
# 5 #5 Aspen University Denver (CO) $5,400
# 6 #6 American College of Education Chicago (IL) $5,616
# 7 #7 Midland College Midland (TX) $5,880
# 8 #8 Louisiana State University - Alexandria Alexandria (LA) $6,929
# 9 #9 Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL) $7,050
# 10 #10 Ohio University - Zanesville Campus Zanesville (OH) $7,290
#1
#1

Dalton State College

Dalton (GA)
Annual Tuition: $3,204
Annual Tuition: $3,204
Annual Tuition: $3,204

Dalton State College (Dalton State) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership - Health Care Administration, which requires 120 credit hours. Dalton State's online program prepares students to work as health administrators by providing an understanding of leadership issues specific to the healthcare industry. Core courses in this program include Communications for the Workplace, Public Human Resources Management, and Technology for Organizations. Graduates of this four-year degree may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, government agencies, or insurance companies, to name a few career options.

At Dalton State, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Also, remote students have access to all university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 87%
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#2
#2
Annual Tuition: $3,410
Annual Tuition: $3,410
Annual Tuition: $3,410

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Service Administration focusing on the relationship between theory and practice. In general, the curriculum teaches students to identify and resolve problems in the field. This program requires students to finish 120 credit hours, which is designed to take them about four years with a full-time schedule. There are four concentrations to choose from: (1) Practice/Clinical Management, (2) Long Term Care Administration, (3) Sports and Fitness Management, and (4) Public Health Management. Graduates may work as patient care advocates, practice managers, and health unit coordinators.

At MGA, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous, meaning that students can study freely at their own pace. Online students also have access to all university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 91%
  • Average SATs: 880 -1090
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,852
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 268
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#3
#3

United States University

National City (CA)
Annual Tuition: $4,800
Annual Tuition: $4,800
Annual Tuition: $4,800

The United States University (USU) is a small, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science - Health Services Administration requiring 120 credit hours. This program takes most students four to five years if they can maintain a full-time schedule. It prepares them to plan, implement, and evaluate health and human services programs. Some core courses include Healthcare Delivery in the United States, Intercultural Communication, and Gerontology. Additionally, a capstone course is required for graduation. Alumni end up working in health departments, clinics, hospitals, and other health care industries.

At USU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is 100% online. USU's remote student body also has access to all university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 0%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 94
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,097
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#4
#4
Annual Tuition: $5,355
Annual Tuition: $5,355
Annual Tuition: $5,355

California Coast University (CCU) is a medium-sized, private institution. CCU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, which requires 126 credit hours. This program aims to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical foundation and practical applications of healthcare marketing, healthcare public policy, ethical and legal considerations in healthcare, finance, and culture. Core courses in this degree program include The United States Health Care System, Essentials of Managed Health Care, and Operations Management.

CCU students use Coast Connection to access their coursework, which is all online and taught at an asynchronous pace. Online students can also access the writing lab, library services, and an online student resource center.

  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#5
#5

Aspen University

Denver (CO)
Annual Tuition: $5,400
Annual Tuition: $5,400
Annual Tuition: $5,400

Aspen University (Aspen) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Students are required to finish 120 credit hours in order to obtain the degree, and it typically takes them between three and four years with a full-time schedule. Core classes include Legal Aspects of Health Care Management, Medical Office Management, Principles of Health and Disease, and Leadership in Organizations. Overall, this program provides graduates with a solid understanding of healthcare, management, and the business of medicine.

At Aspen, online students use Brightspace to access their coursework digitally. All classes are taught online and are delivered asynchronously. Remote students can also access all other university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 0%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,413
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,356
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#6
#6
Annual Tuition: $5,616
Annual Tuition: $5,616
Annual Tuition: $5,616

The American College of Education (ACE) is a small, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration requiring 114 credit hours. This program has been created for students who already have an associate degree, but general education courses can also be taken at ACE. It can take students between two and four years to complete this degree, depending on how many credits an individual has accrued before entering the program. In general, ACE's bachelor's degree in healthcare administration explores legal and ethical issues in the field. Core classes include Human Resources for Healthcare Administrators, Quality Management for Healthcare Administrators, and Human Resources for Healthcare Administrators.

At ACE, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Additionally, online students can access all other university resources.

  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 99
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 5,958
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#7
#7

Midland College

Midland (TX)
Annual Tuition: $5,880
Annual Tuition: $5,880
Annual Tuition: $5,880

Midland College (MC) is a medium-sized, public institution. MC offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services Management - Healthcare Administration which requires 120 credit hours. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to supervise hospitals, nursing homes, hospice centers, insurance and provider networks, and government policy organizations. Some core courses in this major include Health Care Finance, Healthcare Operations Management, and Strategic Planning and Leadership in Health Care. Graduates of this program work as Clinical Managers, Health Care Trainers, and Long Term Care Managers.

At MC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is 100% online. Since faculty may deliver classes synchronously or asynchronously, it's important to check the course descriptions to ensure that a specific class fits your schedule. Additionally, online students have access to all university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 73%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 731
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#8
#8
Annual Tuition: $6,929
Annual Tuition: $6,929
Annual Tuition: $6,929

Louisiana State University - Alexandria (LSU Online) is a medium-sized, public institution. LSU Online offers both an online Bachelor of Science in Long Term Care Administration and an online Bachelor of Science in Health Professions - Health Care Administration. Each of these programs require 120 credit hours and may take full-time students between two and four years to complete, depending on how many credits they transfer to the program. Core courses include Human Behavior in Organizations, Client Care Interactions, and Personal Productivity Using IT Tools. Graduates typically work as assisted living administrators, hospital administrators, long-term care nursing directors, and nursing home admissions directors.

At LSU Online, students use Blackboard to access their coursework digitally. Online students can also access all other university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Average SATs: 940 -1050
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,035
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#9
#9

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Orange Beach (AL)
Annual Tuition: $7,050
Annual Tuition: $7,050
Annual Tuition: $7,050

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. CSU also offers students the option to add a concentration in Emergency Medical Services. This remote program requires 120 credit hours and takes full-time students about four years to finish. Core courses in this major include Critical Issues in Health Care, Budgeting in Health Care, and Health Care Quality Management. In general, CSU provides students with the skills to manage and develop professional standards, procedures, and policies for various institutional healthcare activities.

At CSU, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which is asynchronous and fully online. CSU's remote student body can also access the academic advising center, the university library, and other student resource centers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 14,364
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 5,670
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#10
#10
Annual Tuition: $7,290
Annual Tuition: $7,290
Annual Tuition: $7,290

Ohio University (OHIO) is a small, public university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Healthcare Studies. This four-year bachelor's program requires 120 credit hours, which provides students with knowledge on a variety of topics — from sports medicine and communication disorders to gerontology and clinical problem-solving. Core courses include Overview of Healthcare Advocacy, Health System Organization, Financing, and Delivery, and Foundations of Leadership in Healthcare. Program alumni may work in hospitals, research laboratories, private offices, rehabilitation facilities, or government agencies.

At OHIO, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Additionally, online students have access to all university resources.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 87%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 242
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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Is an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

Healthcare managers with a few years of experience earn a median salary of $104,280 per year, while recent graduates with less experience can get jobs as administrators or managers in settings such as nursing homes, dental practices, and clinics.

Aside from future employment considerations, you should also consider your personal circumstances and financial situation. While an online bachelor's in healthcare administration can lead to a satisfying career in a growing industry, it's still important to weigh the pros and cons.


Advantages:

  • An online bachelor's is often sufficient to begin working in a fast-paced and growing field. Jobs for medical and health services managers are projected to grow by 32% between 2020 and 2030.
  • Rather than focusing on patient care, healthcare administration programs explore the health industry’s operational, managerial, and financial aspects. The online format is an effective learning model for studying these subjects because they don't require hands-on learning. An online degree in this field may also be a cheaper alternative to a traditional degree.

Drawbacks:

  • Since it focuses on a single industry, a bachelor's in healthcare administration may not prepare you for working in a managerial capacity across other sectors. So, if you are considering this path, a bachelor's in management may be a more suitable option.
  • Only completing a bachelor's degree could limit your potential for career growth in the long run. If you hope to become a senior healthcare administrator, such as a hospital CEO, you may need a master's degree.

Common Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Courses

Individuals interested in managerial careers in the healthcare industry need more than a general education in business. Healthcare administration programs focus specifically on the unique issues, policies, and laws regarding healthcare operations. Below are some of the courses commonly found in an online bachelor's degree program in healthcare administration.

  • Contemporary Issues in Healthcare: In this course, students discover many of the important and sometimes controversial issues in healthcare today. Case studies and real-world examples of healthcare providers, suppliers, insurers, and other related organizations allow students to examine all sides of the issues. In addition, class discussions enable students to develop soft skills, such as communication, sensitivity, and ethical thinking.
  • Healthcare Information Systems: This course provides a broad overview of computer technology for managing healthcare. Students learn about the various systems used to record patient information, provide patient care, and continuously educate healthcare practitioners. Coursework also covers data management and privacy policies, and it may also include cutting-edge technologies and trends.
  • Healthcare Policy and Economics: In this class, undergraduates study how the economy influences the healthcare industry and health-related policies. Students also learn how healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and individuals can participate in the political process and influence policy on behalf of patients and communities, especially vulnerable populations.
  • Insurance and Managed Healthcare: To manage healthcare organizations and facilities effectively, students must have an in-depth knowledge of medical insurance policies and procedures. The coursework gives students hands-on experience with coding, billing, submitting claims, and appealing health insurance decisions. The course content also touches on the most common types of insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Medical Law and Ethics: Advances in medicine, technology, and medical research have raised ethical questions for many in the healthcare field. This course explores common ethical dilemmas and demonstrates how practitioners must consider their patients, patients' families, themselves, and employers when making decisions. Course content also addresses many of the laws and regulations related to medical science and treatment.

Funding an Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

Online bachelor's students in healthcare administration have many financial aid opportunities. Since students don't have to repay grants, scholarships, and work-study earnings, these offer some of the best options for funding. After exhausting these opportunities, students can apply for loans. Applicants should prioritize federal loans because they have lower interest rates.

Applicants should prioritize federal loans because they have lower interest rates.

Most financial aid applications require students to fill out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) to determine their financial need and eligibility for federal aid. Although undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid, they may qualify for state aid and in-state tuition but only in some states.


Where to Look for Additional Financial Aid

Online students may be interested in applying for scholarships intended for healthcare administration majors. Contact your college's financial aid office to find out about programs you may be eligible for. You may also consider applying for the scholarships listed below.

AAHAM Scholarship

Student members are excluded from this award, but a dues-paying member of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management can apply to earn $2,500 annually to study for a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration. Spouses, children, and grandchildren of AAHAM members can also receive $1,000 awards. The association currently funds four of the $2,500 scholarships and eight of the $1,000 awards.

AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarship

Undergraduates can receive a one-time award of $1,500 if they're current American Health Information Management Association members. Applicants must first complete at least 24 hours of college coursework while maintaining a 3.5 GPA minimum. Also, a student’s degree program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.

Medical Group Management Association Scholarships

This professional organization sponsors nine scholarships, including regional and nationwide opportunities. Each award has slightly different requirements, and the award amounts range from $2,500 to $10,000. By filling out a single application, a student’s eligibility is automatically considered for all awards.

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