[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are interested in a healthcare leadership role with high-income potential and employment growth, this guide to affordable online master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) programs can put you on the right path. This page lists the most affordable online MHA programs, explains the benefits of earning an MHA, and includes suggestions for cutting educational costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on for information about coursework you can expect, career options for MHA graduates, and post-graduate earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Most Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now is a great time to pursue an online MHA. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a strong, 10-year employment growth rate for medical and health services managers, with approximately 61,400 openings per year. These professionals earn median annual salaries that exceed $100,000, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $216,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]benefits of an MHA[/hen-ui-link] include opportunities to lead healthcare departments and organizations, improve the quality of healthcare, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. MHAs can choose career paths managing a healthcare facility, a clinical area, or a group medical practice of physicians. Other employment options include nursing and residential care facilities, government agencies, and outpatient care centers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Affordable online MHA programs offer cost savings and flexibility to continue working while earning your degree. MHA programs typically require 2-3 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Accreditation Is Important, View Our Guide Here” href=”/resources/accreditation/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to data from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/npsas/” target=”_blank”]National Postsecondary Student Aid Study[/hen-ui-link], the median annual cost of tuition and fees for online master’s degrees in any health-related field is $9,310. By comparison, the median cost of traditional, on-campus master’s in health degrees is $14,245 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, public universities offer lower tuition than private institutions, and distance learners can save money on commuting, relocation, and housing costs. Affordable online MHA programs may offer in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Additional Online Student Fees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s students should consider the total cost of earning a degree. In addition to tuition, many online programs charge a distance learning fee or technology fee. Students may also need to upgrade their laptop or internet service. Books and supplies can cost several hundred dollars per term, and some programs charge a graduation fee.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students should budget for any in-person components, such as campus visits. Learners should contact their prospective program for details about the total cost of earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]healthcare administration degree online[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Look for in an Affordable Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited online MHA programs offer the same level of high-quality academics as their on-campus counterparts. Look for schools that hold regional accreditation from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/chea-recognized-accrediting-organizations” target=”_blank”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link]-approved organizations and for programs accredited by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://cahme.org/” target=”_blank”]Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education[/hen-ui-link]. You can also check [hen-ui-link href=”https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/” target=”_blank”]institutional graduation and retention rates[/hen-ui-link] and programmatic post-graduation hiring statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Affordable online MHA programs also offer financial aid to enrollees. Students can apply for [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]federal loans and grants[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]public and private scholarships[/hen-ui-link]. Schools and departments also offer scholarship opportunities and list those specific to the institution or program on their financial aid pages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Healthcare Administration Majors Make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of online master’s in healthcare administration programs often earn above-average salaries. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]According to the BLS[/hen-ui-link], medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $110,680 per year. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 29% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning potential varies by location, job title, and work setting. The top 10% of medical and health services managers earn around $216,750 per year. Hospitals and government facilities pay the highest median salaries. Additionally, more experienced professionals often qualify for the highest-paying healthcare administration careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Courses in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in healthcare administration programs emphasize analytical and leadership skills. Students earning a master’s in healthcare administration often take courses in finance and accounting, information systems management, and human resources management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs require elective courses, such as healthcare marketing, healthcare policy, and healthcare economics. Master’s students may complete a capstone or practicum demonstrating administration skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Course availability varies by program. However, students earning their [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]healthcare administration degree[/hen-ui-link] online often take the following classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Healthcare Operations Management[/hen-ui-heading] Students examine operations principles for the U.S. healthcare system. They explore healthcare policy, operations management, and the interconnected parts of the healthcare system. Learners focusing on healthcare organizations and management prepare for advanced coursework and careers in healthcare administration.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Healthcare Financial Management[/hen-ui-heading] Learners examine financial planning, risk management, and payment systems. Coursework emphasizes healthcare organizations and covers topics such as budgeting, risk analysis, forecasting, and insurance systems. Degree-seekers build financial management skills, including budgeting and investment management. Learners prepare for decision-making roles within healthcare organizations.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Strategic Planning for Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading] Master’s students develop strategic decision-making and planning abilities. Learners prepare to make organizational assessments, develop strategic plans, and evaluate plans’ effectiveness. Learners also explore the business environment for healthcare organizations. Students prepare for leadership roles in the field.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Healthcare Administration Degree Guide” href=”/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Online Degrees in Healthcare Management” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-healthcare-management/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Healthcare Administrator[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators need at least a bachelor’s degree, but many employers prefer to hire master’s degree-holders. Graduate-level training in business, healthcare management, and health information systems can benefit healthcare administrators.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most medical and health services managers work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or nursing and residential care facilities. Other common work settings include government medical facilities and outpatient care centers. These professionals review budget proposals, analyze health services delivery data, and supervise nonclinical staff members. Healthcare administrators typically work full-time hours, and those in hospital settings may work evenings and weekends.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many graduates of master’s in healthcare administration programs pursue careers in medical and health services management. According to the BLS, these professionals earn a median salary well above the median for all occupations. The BLS projects strong growth from 2023-2033, meaning recent graduates will likely find many opportunities for healthcare administration careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s degree-holders can become community health advocates and administrative services managers. Healthcare administration programs feature management and leadership training, which can lead to a variety of career opportunities.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Healthcare Administration Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]Administrative Service Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$104,900[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm/” target=”_blank”]Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$62,860[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$110,680[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]29%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What jobs can I get with a degree in healthcare administration?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A healthcare administration degree qualifies graduates for careers as medical and health services managers. Many employers in the healthcare field prefer candidates with a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a healthcare administrator?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators need at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree can lead to advanced roles. Most students earn their master’s in healthcare administration in two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators typically manage day-to-day tasks, while healthcare managers focus on long-term strategic planning. However, these professionals’ responsibilities may overlap.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]