According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Healthcare Management is one of the fastest growing, and best paying, positions in healthcare. With a median, annual pay of $94,500 and a 17% job growth anticipation between 2014-2024, this is a premier career for those holding a Bachelor of Science degree. Best Medical Degree continually reviews top healthcare careers to search for updated online degree programs in the fastest growing professions to provide prospective students with numerous options in making their decision to attend, or return to, college. We listed this profession in our 50 Top Paying Healthcare Careers and have expanded our previous ranking of 10 Most Affordable Bachelor Degrees in Healthcare Management with an additional ten online programs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 14% of college students receive their degrees 100% online; which allows for these students to continue working, while obtaining their college degree. Still, the cost of paying for college can seem insurmountable.
Before you decided you just can't afford a college degree, consider some of the following options available and weigh that against your potential earnings once you have a degree.
Federal Financial Aid
There are federal assistance programs available in the form of grants and loans. To determine your eligibility, you must file an application available at Free Application for Federal Student Aid. to determine eligibility. Schools often require the filing of a FASA is also needed for scholarship consideration. Generally, deadlines for applying for scholarships or federal student aid is in February.
Employee Reimbursement
Employers frequently include tuition reimbursement or assistance as part of a fulltime employee's benefit package. Typically, Human Resource associates can describe that option with you.
Veterans, Active Military, Spouses and Dependents
College and universities have been increasing their opportunities to men and women who have, or are currently, serving our country. Several schools will offer significant tuition discounts for active military, spouses and dependents. The programs often extend to military veterans, so be certain you check with your admission advisor or someone in the financial office of the school you're considering to see if you qualify for tuition discounts.
Best Medical Degrees has reviewed additional schools by estimated tuition costs, length of program, Department of Education approved accreditation status and rankings or acknowledgements by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review, etc. to compile this current list.
1. Upper Iowa University
U.S. News and World Report ranks this university's online program in the top 200 of it's national Best Online Bachelor's Programs. Founded in Fayette, Iowa in 1857 has come a long way since the original $15,000 endowment and 10 acre donation for a college. Currently, UIU has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This particular online program is not available in all states and currently is offered to residents in Iowa, Kansas (restricted), Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
Offered through the university's College of Business, this BS in Health Services Administration will prepare students to enter healthcare careers with an understanding of the integration of healthcare issues with business solutions. Courses will include studies in Managed Care, Community and Public Health, Marketing, Ethics, Accounting and Management.
Program Length: Not Specified
Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,290 (per 3 credit hours)
2. Weber State University Dumke College of Health Professions
A Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration , Weber University offers an online program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, out patient facilities, etc. This Ogden, Utah university is ranked #76 in U.S. News and World Report's Regional Universities and #25 in its Top Public Schools list. Founded in 1889, the school now holds accreditation from the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
Students will complete prerequisite courses in Medical Terminology, Survey of Accounting, Integrated Anatomy and Physiology, the Health Care System, Human Biology and College Algebra. Core, degree courses will encompass studies in Health Care Marketing, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Community Health Care, Health Care Finance, Human Resource Development, etc. Students will also complete a capstone program and practicum internship.
Program Length: 70 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,525 (Resident); $34,593 (Non Resident)
3. Columbia Southern University
Established in 1993, Columbia Southern University is located in Orange Beach, Alabama and holds accredition by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission which is recognized by the Department of Education as an accrediting agency. Through its College of Business, Columbia Southern University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and prepares students for entry level positions in the business side of healthcare.
The curriculum includes typical humanities courses in math, history, English composition and social sciences. Concentration courses involve Health Care Management, Health Care Law, Community Health, Principles in Marketing and Finance, etc. According to the college, the program may be completed in five years. The program is military friendly, offering tuition discounts for active military personnel, spouses and dependents.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $26,400
4. University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences an online degree with a concentration track in Health Administration through its College of Nursing and Health Professions. The program also provides concentrations in Long-Term Care Administration. Requiring core courses (called Core 39), students seeking a BS in Health Science has a three track option: 1) the Degree Completion Option for students with an active clinical license, 2) the Generalist Option for student wishing to enter a nonclinical healthcare area and 3) a Specialist Option which includes Gerontology, Health Administration, Long Term Care Administration, Public Health, and Worksite Wellness and Health Promotion.
University of Southern Indiana was developed in 1965 in Evansville, Indiana and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has a student enrollment of 10,000 students receiving degrees in over 80 disciplines. It's been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its online graduate nursing program, business and engineering programs.
Program Length: 124 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $29,140 (Resident); $71,424 (Non Resident)
5. Oregon Institute of Technology
U.S. News and World Report gives Oregon Institute of Technology high ratings in its Best Online Bachelor's Program (top 200), #1 in Top Public Schools, #2 Best Colleges for Veterans and #3 Regional Colleges West. Operating since 1947, OIT has a student enrollment nearing 5,000 and is located in Kalmath, Oregon.
The BS in Health Care Management is available to students currently working in a healthcare field with licensure, certificate or state registry. The program offers two management tracks with a clinical option and a radiologic science option. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the program covers subject matter in general education courses in communication, humanities, math, science and social science. Major courses will concentrate on quality in healthcare, marketing/financing for healthcare, leadership, strategy and policy.
Program Length: 138 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $31,050
6. University of Alabama School of Health Professions
The University of Alabama (UAB) is ranked #86 in U.S. News and World Report's ranking for Best Online Bachelor's Program and offers an online Bachelor's in Healthcare Management degree. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, UAB was founded in 1969 and is a public institution and part of the Alabama educational system with an average enrollment of over 11,000 students. UAB is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
This program offers five different educational tracks: General Manager, Clinical Manager, Long-Term Care Administration, Pre-Professional and Health Care Management/Occupational Therapy Fast Track. Each track has specific requirements for admission and enrollment. For instance, the Clinical Manager Track is restricted to students who are licensed or credentialed in a healthcare discipline. Students are required to follow specific coursework plans as prescribed in sequence including pre-requisites and core courses. Student advising is available to determine the specifics.
Program Length: 76 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $33,834
7. University of Maryland University College
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) provides an online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management. Founded in 1947, UMUC was developed as a continuing education division of the University of Maryland's College of Education. As early as 1949, UMUC was the first university to send faculty to Europe to provide education to troops stationed there. The school's commitment to the military continues today, with eligible active, veteran, spouse and military dependents receiving tuition discounts.
Accredited by the regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, students are able to transfer up to 30 credit hours which will reduce the overall program cost. Following general education courses, the major curriculum for this program includes studies in Health Care Facilities Management, Health Care Economics, Strategic Planning and Leadership in Health Care, Health Care Marketing, Introduction to the U.S. Health Care Sector, etc.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $34,080 (Resident); $59,880 (Non Resident)
8. Granite State University
This Concord, New Hampshire university has been ranked in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Degrees. This online degree in BS in Health Care Management focuses on best administrative practices. Founded in 1972, Granite State University holds accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and focuses on adult students.
The program for healthcare administration requires general education courses in the humanities, social science, communication and English composition. Core management courses will include studies in Health Care Policy, Organizational Behavior, The Emerging U.S. Health Care System, Law and Ethics for Healthcare and Human Services and Community Culture and Health.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $36,000 (Resident); $40,200 (Non Resident)
9. University of Minnesota Crookston
This is a Bachelor of Science in Health Management online degree which, in part, concentrates on Introduction to Health Care Systems, Health Care Finance, Principles in Management, Medical Terminology, Health Care and Medical Needs, Health Care Planning and Leadership, among other subject matters. The program is specifically designed for students who want pursue careers in management careers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, health-related organizations or government agencies.
The University of Minnesota Crookston's online bachelor degrees have been ranked #63 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Bachelor Online Degrees and the university itself has been ranked #40 in its Regional Colleges Midwest ratings. Part of the Minnesota university system, Crookston was established in 1966 and holds academic accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $47,040
10. Saint Leo University
Ranked #43 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs by U.S. News and World Report, Saint Leo University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this private Florida school was founded in 1889. Saint Leo University has an estimated enrollment of 6,100 and is noted for its commitment to veterans and has been rated among the Most Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education magazines. Towards that end, the school offers a substantial military discount for active military personnel.
A Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management degree, this online program combines tradition liberal arts studies with specialized business courses focusing on healthcare management. Courses include topics such as: health care financial management, health care policy management, legal and ethical challenges facing healthcare and strategic management of health care systems. Some of the specific healthcare management courses studied are: Health Care Organization, Health Law, Health Planning and Policy Management and Quality Improvement in Health Care. The program also holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $56,400; $30,000 (Active Military)