Healthcare administrators play important roles in the healthcare industry. They run facilities and think of ways to enhance patient safety and comfort. To ensure that these professionals have the right skill set, they must get a degree from a college or university. Aspiring healthcare administrators can save money by choosing the school with the cheapest online healthcare administration degree.
Our guide covers the best online colleges and their degree offerings, so you can weigh your options and find the most affordable online healthcare administration degree. Our list of the cheapest online schools for healthcare administration includes information beyond online tuition rates, like academic reputation, admission requirements, and resources for distance learners.
Can I Get a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a healthcare administration degree online. It’s relatively easy to find online undergraduate programs, and some schools even offer advanced degree programs. An online healthcare administration degree will have a very similar, if not identical curriculum to an in-person program.
Why Should I Get a Healthcare Administration Degree Online?
You should get a healthcare administration degree online because online programs are flexible and affordable. Online courses are taught in a variety of formats, from synchronous to asynchronous options, which means you can fit your studies into your schedule. Online tuition costs are also usually cheaper than on-campus tuition.
A degree in healthcare administration offers a wide range of career opportunities in industries like insurance, pharmaceuticals, non-profit organizations, and the government. According to the US Census Bureau, the healthcare field will need to grow in order to care for the aging baby boomer generation. This includes health service managers and healthcare administrators.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs in the US?
The most affordable online healthcare administration degree programs in the US include associate and bachelor’s degree programs in health services administration. Getting an online healthcare administration degree is rewarding as you’ll be able to help people improve their lives. As a healthcare administrator, you get to create policies that help create a better healthcare system.
Cheapest Healthcare Administration Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
- Bachelor of Health Services Administration
- Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration
How Much Does an Online Healthcare Administration Degree Cost?
An online healthcare administration degree costs between $179.19 and $917 per credit. That means annual tuition can cost between $6,368 and $53,244. There is a huge range because tuition depends on different factors, like the degree level you’re pursuing and whether you’re enrolled in a public or private university.
An associate degree might be cheaper than a bachelor’s degree because associate degree programs require fewer credit hours to complete. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete, so you have to pay tuition for more semesters. A graduate program also requires fewer credit hours, but it might be expensive because it’s an advanced degree.
Will Getting a Healthcare Administration Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, getting a healthcare administration degree online can help you save money. Many schools offer discounted online tuition rates, and you won’t have to pay for housing, meal plans, or transportation costs. You might need to buy books and supplies, but you’ll have fewer added costs than on-campus students.
Online Healthcare Administration Programs vs In-Person Healthcare Administration Programs
Online healthcare administration programs and in-person administration programs each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Students should consider what kind of lifestyle and learning experience works for them. We’ve outlined the benefits of in-person study and distance learning below.
Benefits of an Online Healthcare Administration Degree
- It offers flexibility. Online classes are more adaptable thanks to different delivery options like asynchronous formats. This offers more convenience when it comes to finishing your projects or assignments. It’s also advantageous for those who are working while studying or have other responsibilities to take care of.
- It is accessible anywhere. Attending classes is as easy as opening your laptop and having a reliable Internet connection. You can take classes where you are, rather than needing to travel to campus.
- It provides opportunities to gain new skills. There are a lot of soft skills that you can improve as you earn a degree online, like time management and self-motivation. Most of the time, you have to set the pace of your learning and follow through.
- It improves virtual collaboration and communication. Developing effective strategies to communicate and collaborate with your classmates in a virtual environment is essential in our modern world. These communication and critical thinking skills can help you in leadership roles after graduation.
- It is less costly. Since you don’t have to leave your home to attend class, you won’t have to spend extra money on accommodation, meals, or transportation. Some programs also offer a tuition discount for online students.
Benefits of In-Person Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
- It supports stronger connections with classmates and peers. While online communication is important, it’s still different to interact with people in person. You’ll get to spend time with classmates outside of class hours, which can provide great support as you survive your college years.
- It encourages more accountability between students and teachers. It’s harder to be distracted in a classroom with a teacher supervising the class. You’ll need to abide by classroom rules against phone use and web browsing, which will help you to focus. It can also be easier for teachers to monitor your attendance and motivation in person.
- It encourages better academic development. Students can receive immediate support from teachers or their academic advisors. Resources are also more readily available, like computer labs and library books. Students can also discuss questions with their peers, classmates, or study groups.
- It promotes better mental health. Taking online classes can feel isolating. Attending in-person classes can help with mental health because you’ll be able to interact with others, be out and about, and develop your social and emotional skills.
- It caters to different learning styles. An in-person class can more easily accommodate different learning styles, like those who are not visual or auditory learners. There are those who learn better from discussion groups or hands-on experience, which are often provided in classroom settings.
Online Healthcare Administration Degree Career Options
There are many job options for online students who have finished their healthcare administration degrees. Some of these jobs include health services manager, community health worker, and medical billing manager. Below is more information about the career opportunities in this field.
Healthcare Administration Job Outlook
Healthcare administration jobs are available at many experience levels, from entry-level to managerial roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 32 percent job growth for this position, which is much faster than the average.
Health services managers can work in different medical settings, such as hospitals, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes. BLS projects 51,800 new openings each year, which means that professionals in this field will continue to be in demand. This also implies job stability, so you can expect to work in health services management for years to come.
Healthcare Administration Salary
Healthcare administrators can expect to earn an annual salary between $59,663 and $92,012. Entry-level healthcare administrators earn $59,663, and those who are mid-career can earn $80,443. Those with more professional experience can earn $87,054, and late-career workers in managerial roles can earn $92,012.
Can I Enroll in an Online Healthcare Administration Program for Free?
Yes, you can enroll in an online healthcare administration program for free if you qualify for financial aid. The requirements include being enrolled in an eligible degree program and demonstrating financial need.
There are also free courses that you can find in MIT OpenCourseWare. For example, there are courses such as Healthcare Finance and Collaborative Data Science for Healthcare. These courses won’t earn you a degree but can be a meaningful addition to your education.
Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration | $179.19/credit (in state), $715.80/credit (out of state) |
| Florida International University | Bachelor of Health Services Administration | $228.81/credit (in state), $345.87/credit (out of state) |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration | $295/credit |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration | $320/credit |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration | $390/credit |
| Tennessee State University | Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies – Health Administration concentration | $391/credit (in state), $921/credit (out of state) |
| Herzing University | Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration | $441/credit |
| Colorado Christian University | Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration | $494/credit |
| Purdue University | Master of Health Administration | $750/credit (in state), $850/credit (out of state) |
| Drexel University | Master of Health Administration | $945/credit |
Healthcare Administration Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Healthcare Administration Programs
We chose the most affordable healthcare administration degree programs based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
The Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
Common Online Healthcare Administration Degree Courses
The curricula for online healthcare administration degree programs establish a strong foundation in the different aspects of healthcare, such as legal issues and ethics, principles and theories in an organization, patient care, and finance. You can learn more about these major courses below.
Healthcare Finance
This course gives an overview of the main areas of healthcare finance, such as accounting and financial management. The topics covered in this course include financial accounting principles, managerial accounting principles, healthcare financial environments, strategic management, and capital investments.
Healthcare Administration
This course introduces the field of health administration and the role administrators play in the global healthcare system. The topics discussed in this class are theoretical foundations, history, and major characteristics of healthcare development. This course also covers managerial practices and concepts in healthcare administration.
Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare
In this course, students will examine the role of healthcare law, public policy, regulations, and ethical decision-making in healthcare. Some of the concepts discussed include legal control, ethical conduct, healthcare policy, and regulations in the healthcare environment.
Healthcare Delivery Systems
This course introduces and gives an overview of US healthcare accreditation, delivery systems, regulatory services, and licensure. Some of the topics included in the course are healthcare careers, operations, financial issues, healthcare informatics, and governmental issues.
Healthcare Strategic Management
In this course, students tackle the nature of the US healthcare system, policy effects on healthcare organizations and medical practices, and the population it serves. The topics discussed in this class include population health, patient care, disparities in access to care, funding, and quality of care.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Healthcare Administration Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal aid to finance your online healthcare administration degree. The first step to accessing federal aid is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. FAFSA distributes federal aid based on need.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Healthcare Administration Degree
Education can be expensive, but luckily, there are options to help you pay for an online healthcare administration degree. We’ve included more information about funding methods below, including grants, loans, and work-study. Students who are trying to decrease tuition costs should also seek out public institutions and schools with lower online tuition rates.
Federal and State Grants
Federal and state grants are given to students who are attending vocational schools or universities. Grants, unlike loans, don’t have to be repaid. Grants can come from your state government, the federal government, the school you’ll be enrolled in, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, or another private awarding body.
The US Department of Education offers different federal grants, such as Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants. Applying for any of these grants begins with your FAFSA application.
Federal and Private Loans
A loan is borrowed money that you must pay back with interest. Loans help you get the amount of money you need to pay for college and can cover both tuition and your living expenses while studying. Some loans allow students to defer loan payments until after graduation. Loans can come from the federal government or from private sources such as banks and student loan firms.
A federal student loan has terms and conditions set by law and includes benefits like fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans. On the other hand, a private loan has terms and conditions which are set by the lender. Private loans tend to be more expensive than federal student loans.
Work-Study
Work-study jobs give students opportunities to work while studying, which can help with expenses. This program is usually available to undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs. Work studies are open to both part-time and full-time students. Work-study jobs are administered by schools that are participating in the Federal Work-Study program.
Cheapest Healthcare Administration Degree Programs Online
There are affordable online healthcare administration degrees at all levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Below are the most affordable programs for online learners, grouped by degree type, and what you need to know about them.
Most Affordable Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degrees
- Colorado Christian University | AS in Healthcare Administration. This program gives students the solid foundation they need to become healthcare leaders. The topics included in the program include delivery systems, medical terminology, and healthcare informatics.
- Herzing University | AAS in Healthcare Administration. Students in this program gain the skills they need to get entry-level jobs. The credit hours invested in the AAS can be transferred directly into a bachelor’s program, should you choose to continue your studies. Topics include patient privacy, health policy, and healthcare management.
- University of Cincinnati | AAB in Healthcare Management. This Associate in Applied Business will interest prospective students who want to pursue business careers within the healthcare industry. The curriculum includes financial accounting, healthcare finance, and healthcare compliance.
- Pima Medical Institute | AAS in Healthcare Administration. This program gives students general knowledge of business administration and organization in the healthcare field. Major courses include office management, healthcare management, and macroeconomics.
- University of Arkansas Grantham | AAS in Healthcare Administration. This program has a total of 60 credits and helps students develop skills in administrative duties, customer relations, effective communication, organization, and managerial readiness.
Most Affordable Online Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degrees
- University of Central Florida | BS in Health Services Administration This program prepares students to become healthcare leaders that make a difference in people’s lives. The program focuses on managerial concerns in the field, so graduates are ready to keep healthcare facilities running seamlessly.
- Florida International University | Online Bachelor of Health Services Administration. This program is designed to teach students how to manage healthcare organizations in an ever-changing multicultural world. Students learn about concepts related to health services, economics, public policy, and regulations.
- Southern New Hampshire University | BS in Healthcare Administration. SNHU trains students to become health policy analysts, health promotion specialists, community health managers, and health services managers. Students learn how to plan, coordinate, and direct health services through the coursework.
- Liberty University | BS in Healthcare Administration. Liberty University’s program focuses on teaching the different administrative and financial principles that are important in the health administration field. Graduates are prepared to evaluate and improve the delivery of healthcare services.
- Tennessee State University | BS in Professional Studies, Health Administration Concentration. In this program, students learn about different core areas such as administration and supervision, organizational systems, team and organization relations, statistical methods, and written communication. Students learn about both domestic and international contexts.
Most Affordable Online Healthcare Administration Master’s Degrees
- Purdue University | Master of Health Administration. This program covers not only the basic principles of healthcare but also helps students understand the regulatory framework and management complexities involved in the healthcare industry. You should enroll in this program if you want to specialize in an administrator career.
- Drexel University | Master of Health Administration. Drexel’s program is for those who want to master the latest and most recent evidence-based healthcare management theories and practical applications. The skills taught include fiscal accountability and transformational leadership.
- Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Healthcare Administration. This program is composed of 36 credits and can be completed in one or two years. The coursework includes healthcare informatics, quality of care and improvement, and health policy and law.
- University of Louisville | MS in Health Administration. This master’s program is offered by University of Louisville’s online school and is taught by healthcare leaders. The 57 credits of coursework include population health management and health economics.
- University of California Los Angeles | Master of Healthcare Administration. UCLA’s online master’s program teaches the most effective approaches for marketing healthcare products and services. Students learn about US health system financing, healthcare organization, and healthcare operations management.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Healthcare Administration Jobs With an Online Healthcare Administration Degree
| Healthcare Administration Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services Manager | Bachelor’s degree | 32% |
| Community Health Worker | Bachelor’s degree | 17% |
| Medical Billing Manager | Bachelor’s degree | 17% |
| Healthcare Administrator | Bachelor’s degree | 16% |
| Medical Records and Health Information Specialists | Postsecondary nondegree | 9% |
Best Jobs With an Online Healthcare Administration Degree Explained
After graduating with an online healthcare administration degree, you’ll qualify for leadership roles since you’ll have studied risk management, project management, ethical judgment, and health law and ethics. You can qualify for a job as a health services manager or healthcare administrator.
Is an Online Healthcare Administration Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online healthcare administration degree is worth it because you can earn an average annual salary of $48,860 to $101,340. Your earnings can increase depending on your position, education level, and professional experience. There are also ample opportunities for graduates, since healthcare occupations will grow 16 percent between 2020 and 2030.
Throughout this guide, we’ve highlighted the many different universities and colleges that offer online programs at all degree levels. With all of these options, distance learners can advance their careers in healthcare administration by pursuing the next degree level. You can reach your career goals by earning one of these cheapest online healthcare administration degrees.
Additional Reading About Healthcare Administration
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Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degrees FAQ
The best healthcare administration degree is a Master’s in Health Administration. In this advanced degree program, you’ll learn fiscal accountability, implementing and managing change, and transformational leadership. You’ll also be taught by educators who have vast experience in managed care and physician practice management.
As a healthcare administrator, your job is to develop work schedules for physicians and staff. You’ll also manage finances, including patient billing and fees. You’ll also think of ways to improve the medical facility’s efficiency and quality of care. You coordinate with nurses, doctors, and other professionals to determine their needs and fix problems.
Yes, healthcare administration can be a stressful job because healthcare is a fast-paced industry and medical issues can be upsetting. There might be times when you have irregular hours, and managing staff can be challenging. Although it’s stressful, it’s a fulfilling field because you’re able to talk to patients and make a difference in their lives.
Yes, there are opportunities for healthcare administrators to work from home, but this depends on the nature of your work and your employer. Some jobs require administrators to work on site. If you do work remotely, there may still be days where you’ll be asked to report physically and oversee operations, check on patients, and communicate with staff.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
