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24 Most Affordable Master’s in Healthcare Graduate School Programs

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 15, 2024, Reading time: 41 minutes

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With the rising employment growth in the healthcare industry, prospective graduates are guaranteed to be working in a stable sector of the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that work related to healthcare is expected to increase faster than average in comparison to other occupations in the country!

It will result in about 1.9 million new career opportunities. The employment growth is primarily due to the country’s aging population, resulting in more demand for healthcare services.

Affordable Master Healthcare fact 1

One of the essential occupations in the healthcare industry is healthcare administrator and manager. These professionals oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, government organizations, non-profits, insurance companies, and clinics.

The position involves ensuring the quality of a facility’s care and the professionalism of its staff. The effectiveness and success of healthcare managers will have a concrete business philosophy with a strong foundation in policy development, marketing, and finance.

A master’s degree in healthcare management is a career-driven program. It requires candidates to apply knowledge through practical learning experiences. The time spent on emphasizing experiential learning differs. If you are a new graduate with zero to minimal professional experience, you’ll want to pursue degree programs with extensive residencies. Also, some of these residency programs are paid.

The healthcare industry is a diverse industry with numerous roles and specializations to choose from, and landing high-level positions in this field requires the best education and training from reputable graduate schools!

Quick audio summary:

Methodology

To provide you with an overview of your inexpensive healthcare degree program choices, the writers and researchers at GradSchoolCenter.com put together 24 graduate schools that offer the most affordable on-campus Master’s in Healthcare degree programs.

Inspiring academic competence in each graduate student, the graduate schools on our list share the best Master’s in Healthcare program features, such as:

Most Affordable Master’s in Healthcare Graduate School Programs

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah

Weber State University

Master of Health Administration

Weber State University has an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program that can be completed within four semesters over two academic years on a full-time level of commitment. The MHA program’s required courses are delivered in an 8-week block format with two blocks each semester.

It is designed for professional students who want to pursue executive roles in healthcare settings. The program aims to equip graduate students with critical thinking skills and the desire to continue developing their expertise and pursue lifelong learning endeavors after completing their degrees.

Prospective graduates will take required courses such as Health Systems and the Healthcare Economy, Population Health and Data Analytics, Healthcare Finance, Health Ethics and Law, and Human Resources Management in Healthcare.

Tuition Fee: $30,000 for the whole 4-semester program

Types of Aid: Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, Federal Work-Study Programs, Dream Weber Program, Scholarships, Military and Veterans’ Benefits, State and Institutional Grants, Private Scholarships, and Private/Alternative Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Weber State University has numerous financial aid opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Once they have completed their requirements for FAFSA, prospective students can qualify for scholarships, grants, loan options, and student employment programs.

Learn more about Weber State University’s Master of Health Administration Program.

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia

Georgia Southern University

Master of Health Administration

Through the Waters College of Health Professions, Georgia Southern University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program. The MHA program prepares a highly efficient and diverse group of early to mid-career professionals for management roles in the administration of healthcare facilities. Prospective graduates learn in small class sizes, consisting of 15 students or less, to have more exclusive learning.

To graduate, a total of 52 credit hours must be completed. Some of the core required courses include Fundamentals of Population Health Management, U.S. Health Care Systems, Health Politics and Policy, Quality Management Methods Healthcare, and Health Information Systems Management.

As a culminating experience, students will either choose an internship/residency in health administration or practicum experience. Also, a capstone project must be accomplished for degree completion.

Tuition Fee: $277 per credit hour (In-State) | $1,105 per credit hour (Out-Of-State)

Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Educational Perks, External Scholarships, Federal Work-Study, Grants, HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships, Loans, Scholarships, EIP Students, Study Abroad, Summer Awards, Transfer Students, and Transient Students

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Georgia Southern University has a diverse range of financial aid opportunities to help graduate students finance their studies. Through institutional and external scholarships, grants, and federal work-study programs, graduate learners can minimize the costs of their graduate education expenses. The university has a dedicated financial aid team to help prospective students answer inquiries regarding financial aid concerns.

Learn more about Georgia Southern University’s Master of Health Administration Program.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Master of Science in Health Administration

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s affordable on-campus Master of Science in Health Administration program provides graduate students with a unique academic experience through its supportive alumni network, faculty, administrative residency requirements, and cohort learning.

The MSHA program grabbed the top spot on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the country’s best healthcare management graduate programs. It is a 33-month program consisting of 21 months of full-time coursework completion on-campus and 9 to 12 months in an administrative residency program.

The MHA program is a cohort-based learning format, indicating you’ll be with the same group of classmates throughout the program on campus. Prospective graduates will work in the UAB Health System during the first semester of the program as part of the Student Workforce Initiative. The rigorous MHA program requires 71 credit hours for program completion.

Health Policy, Introduction to Health Care Systems, Health Care Financial Management, Essentials of Health and Human Disease, and Health Law are some of the program’s required courses. UAB also offers coordinated degree options under the MSHA, namely the:

Tuition Fee: $451 per credit hour (In-State) | $1,014 per credit hour (Out-Of-State)

Types of Aid: Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Federal Work-Study Options, and Military and Veterans’ Benefits

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides financial aid opportunities for graduate students to fund their graduate education. Aside from the university’s standard enrollment process, prospective students must also complete their FAFSA to qualify for financial aid.

Learn more about the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Master of Science in Health Administration Program.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Master of Health Administration

The affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte prepares graduate students for rewarding professions in health services management for a diverse range of healthcare settings.

Depending on students’ pace and preference, they can enroll in the MHA program on a full-time or part-time plan of study. They will take classes primarily during evenings at the UNC Charlotte Center City, and UNC Charlotte main campus.

The MHA program requires 51 credit hours for program completion, consisting of 45 credit hours of core courses, and 6-credit hour electives. Graduate students will take core MHA courses such as Accounting for Healthcare Management, Health Policy Development, Decision Analysis in Healthcare, Health Law and Ethics, and Marketing in Healthcare. As a culminating requirement, prospective graduates must also complete a 3-credit hour internship program.

Tuition Fee: $391 per credit hour (Resident) | $1,178 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Tuition and Health Insurance Support, Assistantships and Employment, Fellowships, Tuition Assistance Grant, Forgivable Education Loans, Loan Assistance, Private Loans, and External Financial Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition rates, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has numerous financial aid options for graduate students. They can also apply for assistantship programs at the university to earn some form of stipend. To qualify for financial aid, prospective graduates must first submit their FAFSA requirements. Similar to most schools, FAFSA accomplishment is the first step towards receiving a suitable financial aid package for students.

Learn more about the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Master of Health Administration Program.

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, California

California State University Long Beach

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

California State University Long Beach has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program designed to provide graduate students with the healthcare management skills and expertise required to meet the diverse needs of the healthcare industry.

Forty-five credit hours are required for degree completion. Prospective students will complete core required courses such as Health Care Economics, Managing Population Health, Human Resources Management in Health Care, Continuous Quality Improvement in Health Services, and Strategic Planning and Marketing in Health Care.

A thesis project serves as a culminating experience for the MSHA program. Also, CSULB offers an accelerated program for candidates who already have a minimum of five years of professional experience. The Master in Health Care Administration Accelerated Program combines online and weekend courses. Similar to the traditional MSHCA program, students must have 45 credit hours for degree completion of the MSHCA-AP.

Tuition Fee: $8,442 Per Semester (Resident) | $15,570 Per Semester (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Scholarships, CSULB Grants, Federal TEACH Grant, Federal Student Loans, California Dream Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Loan Forgiveness and Cancellation Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

California State University Long Beach offers numerous financial aid programs for graduate students to fund their graduate programs. For prospective graduates who avail of one of the loan options, they can qualify for loan forgiveness and cancellation programs. To qualify, they must first complete their requirements for FAFSA.

Learn more about California State University Long Beach’s Master of Science in Health Care Administration Program.

Texas Woman’s University

Denton, Texas

Texas Woman's University

Master of Healthcare Administration

Texas Woman’s University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Healthcare Administration program that can be completed in as little as 24 months. In the MHA program, prospective graduates have the option to earn the standard track or the MHA program with one of two specialized emphases, namely MHA Business Analytics, and MHA Global Health.

Each program is designed to provide graduate students with healthcare, business analysis, and management skills. Depending on the students’ preferences, they must have 45 to 54 credit hours for degree completion. They can skip the foundation courses through a waiver request with approval from an advisor.

Human Resources Management in Health Care Administration, Health Policy Analysis, Health Law and Ethics, Health Information Management, Health Care Finance, and Performance Measurement and Quality in Health Care Administration are some of the required courses of the MHA program. Internship programs and field experiences are available within the program; however, they aren’t required.

The decision to choose either program is made mutually by the student and the faculty advisor. Each prospective graduate must also complete a portfolio that will be reviewed periodically and submitted during the final semester of the program.

Tuition Fee: $288 Per Credit Hour (Resident) | $708 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Student Employment Opportunities, Military and Veterans Benefits, Tuition Exemptions, and Tuition Waivers

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Texas Woman’s University offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state. As a military-friendly university, TWU provides military and veterans with special tuition rates and educational benefits.

Learn more about Texas Woman’s University’s Master of Healthcare Administration Program.

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University

Master of Health Administration, Executive MHA

Texas A&M University’s affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program is a professional degree program suitable for prospective graduates pursuing administrative practice in healthcare settings. The MHA program is offered in two tracks, namely Resident Track, and Executive Track.

The 55-credit hour Resident MHA program is for prospective graduates pursuing their profession in health management or administration. Depending on the student’s level of commitment, they can either complete the Resident MHA program in 21 months or 33 months.

The program’s comprehensive curriculum has a mandatory 10-week summer practicum that enables students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a diverse range of healthcare settings.

The Executive MHA program, on the other hand, requires 48 credit hours for degree completion. The program enrolls prospective graduates yearly every August and can be completed in two years. It is suitable for mid-career working professionals with a minimum of five years in the healthcare industry or related settings.

The core required courses for the MHA program include Managerial Statistics, Principles of Environmental & Occupational Health, Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health, Fundamentals of Epidemiology, and Public Health Systems.

Tuition Fee: $8,026 Per Semester (Resident) | $18,084 Per Semester (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Federal TEACH Grant, TAGG, TPEG, ITPEG, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Loan Limits, Direct Loan Counseling, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, Alternative Loans, Short-Term Loans, Emergency Tuition, and Fees Loans, Graduate Assistantships, Graduate Fellowships, Scholarships, Student Employment, and Military and Veterans Educational Perks.

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Through several financial aid opportunities, graduate students at Texas A&M University can find a suitable type of financial aid throughout their graduate program. To become qualified, they must initially complete their requirements for FAFSA.

Learn more about Texas A&M University’s Master of Health Administration Program.

University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine

University of Southern Maine

Master of Public Health

The affordable on-campus Master of Public Health program from the University of Southern Maine is an accredited program that trains and prepares graduate students with the practical skills and expertise to address health services and complex population health needs. It is an interdisciplinary degree program that offers a broad perspective on population health and healthcare systems.

The MPH program requires students to complete at least 45 credit hours, consisting of 33 credit hours for core courses and 12 for electives. Some of the core MPH courses include Health Program Planning and Management, American Health System, Social and Behavioral Health, Health Literacy and Communication, and Applied Biostatistical Analysis. As part of the culminating requirement, prospective graduates must complete both a capstone project and a field experience.

Tuition Fee: $447 per credit hour (In-State) | $447 per credit hour (Out-Of-State)

Types of Aid: Graduate Aide Work-Study, Graduate Assistantships, Loans, and Scholarships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With less than $500 per credit hour, the University of Southern Maine remains steadfast in its commitment to providing affordable and high-quality education to its students. For graduate students, they can apply for graduate assistantships that provide them with the opportunity to earn work experience and some form of stipend.

Learn more about the University of Southern Maine’s Master of Public Health Program.

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

University of Central Florida

Master of Health Administration

The University of Central Florida has an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program offered through its College of Community Innovation and Education. The MHA program is offered in two tracks, namely MHA – Health Services Administration and MHA – Executive Health Services Administration.

The Health Services Administration is a traditional MHA program offered in a mixed-mode learning format. In contrast, the Executive Health Services Administration program is aimed at professionals with a minimum of three years of Health Management experience.

For students pursuing the HSA degree program, they must accomplish a total of 51 credit hours for degree completion. The HSA track is suitable for working professionals since all coursework is offered during the evenings. Depending on the student’s pace and schedule, they can either complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.

Prospective graduates who already possess a minimum of three years of professional experience in healthcare management can pursue the Executive Master of Health Administration instead.

Tuition Fee: $773 Per Credit Hour

Types of Aid: Fellowships, Assistantships, Tuition Remission, Health Insurance, Student Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Waivers, and Federal Work-Study Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of Central Florida has one of the most affordable tuition fees for an MHA program around Florida. UCF has garnered a reputation for being one of the country’s most affordable universities by Forbes.

Learn more about the University of Central Florida’s Master of Health Administration Program.

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

University of Washington

Master of Science in Health Services

University of Washington’s Department of Health Services offers an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Health Services program that provides graduate students with analytical and practical skills and expertise who already have professional experience in healthcare settings. The MS in Health Services program is delivered as either a general track with an emphasis on research methods or with a Clinical and Translational Research concentration.

For students pursuing the general track, they must complete a total of 63 credit hours for degree completion. They will accomplish required courses such as Epidemiologic Methods I and II, Health Economics, Introduction to Health Services and Public Health, and a 9-credit hour Thesis.

As part of the student’s culminating experience, graduate students are required to write a thesis. It demonstrates prospective graduates’ comprehensive understanding of the substantive component of the study and the research methods utilized.

Tuition Fee: $1,035 Per Credit Hour

Types of Aid: Student Loans, Work Opportunities, Research and Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships, Scholarships, and Awards

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Through several financial aid programs, the University of Washington helps graduate students fund their graduate studies. They can also apply for research and teaching assistantship programs so they’ll have the opportunity to earn some form of stipend or allowance.

Learn more about the University of Washington’s Master of Science in Health Services Program.

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida

University of North Florida

Master of Health Administration

Through the Brooks College of Health, the University of North Florida offers an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program. The MHA program is designed to prepare graduate students to serve as effective leaders, managers, and administrators in a vast range of agencies and organizations within the healthcare industry.

It provides them with opportunities to gain practical experience and transformational learning with the financing and delivery of healthcare in other nations through study abroad opportunities.

Students at the University of North Florida have the opportunity to learn and interact with some of the country’s largest healthcare facilities. St. Vincent’s Hospital, HCA Memorial, Baptist Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, and Mayo Clinic are some of the healthcare institutions around Jacksonville that’ll provide career opportunities and internship options for MHA graduates.

The 45-credit hour MHA program has core required courses such as Health Economics, Quality Management Health Care, Health Care Finance, Healthcare Human Resources, and Managerial Epidemiology.

Tuition Fee: $408 Per Credit Hour

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Waiver Packages, Grants, Loans, and Federal Work-Study Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition fees, the University of North Florida has numerous financial aid options for graduate students. To become qualified for financial aid, prospective students must first accomplish their requirements for FAFSA. UNF’s financial aid team is readily available to help students with inquiries related to financial aid opportunities.

Learn more about the University of North Florida’s Master of Health Administration Program.

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa

Master of Health Administration

The University of Iowa has an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program offered through the College of Public Health. The program offers graduate students comprehensive expertise in patient-centered healthcare as well as the skills required to become efficient in managing complex healthcare systems.

Prospective graduates must have a minimum of 60 credit hours to complete the MHA program. Depending on their level of commitment, they can generally complete their MHA program within 21 months of full-time study.

During the first year of study, students are familiarized with the financial, economic, political, and social aspects of healthcare facilities. For the second year, they pursue in-depth applications of management concepts and develop expertise in areas associated with early career aspirations and special interests.

Some of the core MHA courses include Essentials of Public Health, Health Information Systems, Healthcare Quality Management, Managerial Epidemiology, and Healthcare Financial Management.

Tuition Fee: $36,931 per academic year including miscellaneous fees (Resident) | $54,897 per academic year including miscellaneous fees (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, Grants, and Awards

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With grants, scholarships, and special awards, the University of Iowa remains true to its advocacy in providing affordable and attainable education to both undergraduates and graduates. For graduate learners, they can apply for assistantships so they’ll have the opportunity to earn while completing their graduate studies.

Learn more about the University of Iowa’s Master of Health Administration Program.

University of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina

University of South Carolina

Master of Public Health in Health Services Policy and Management, Master of Health of Health Administration, MPH and MHA Dual Degrees

Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina provides affordable on-campus graduate degree programs in Health Services Policy & Management. The HSPM programs will provide graduate students with cutting-edge practical learning for the foundation of their professions. Prospective graduate students can choose from the many graduate programs under Health Services Policy & Management.

The graduate healthcare-related programs include Master of Public Health in Health Services Policy and Management, and dual degree programs like Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Health in Health Services Policy and Management (MPA/MPH) and Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health in Health Services Policy and Management (MSW/MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), MHA Professional Format, and Juris Doctorate/Master of Health Administration dual degree.

Tuition Fee: $6,867 per semester (Resident) | $14,880 per semester (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Veterans and Military Benefits, Grants, Loans, Scholarships, Student Employment, Exchange Programs, Fellowships, Graduate Assistantships, and Summer Financial Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of South Carolina has affordable tuition rates for its graduate program offerings. As one of the military-friendly universities in South Carolina, the university offers tuition discounts and tuition assistance for active-duty military, veterans, and their spouses. For graduate learners, they can apply for assistantships and fellowships to fund their graduate education.

Learn more about the University of South Carolina’s Graduate Degrees in Health Services Policy & Management Programs.

University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University of North Carolina

Master of Healthcare Administration

The Gillings School of Global Public Health – the University of North Carolina has an affordable on-campus Master of Healthcare Administration program. The MHA program is a professional degree program for prospective graduates desiring to pursue management or leadership positions within the healthcare settings.

The MHA program is offered in two tracks, namely the Residential MHA program and the online Executive MHA program. The Residential MHA program focuses on a balance between systematic learning about public health issues and health services.

For students pursuing the Residential MHA program, they must complete 60 credit hours of core courses and electives. As a culminating experience, they should accomplish a 12-week internship program. Aside from coursework completion and an internship program, the Residential MHA program requires the completion of a master’s paper and a comprehensive exam.

Tuition Fee: $3,070 per three-credit hour (Resident) | $5,992 per three-credit hour (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Loans, Departmental Funding, Outside Scholarships, Work-Study Programs, and Summer Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of North Carolina has several financial aid opportunities for graduate students to finance their education. To become qualified for receiving financial aid, prospective students must also complete their requirements for FAFSA, aside from UNC’s standard admission process. The accomplishment of FAFSA is the initial step to receiving suitable financial aid packages for each student.

Learn more about the University of North Carolina’s Master of Healthcare Administration Program.

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

University of Florida

Master of Health Administration

The University of Florida has an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program that can be completed once students have a minimum of 57 credit hours for full-time study. The MHA program is offered in a Full-Time MHA degree and a Part-Time MHA degree.

For a full-time plan of study, graduate students can complete their degrees within 24 months. A summer internship between the first and second year of the MHA program is mandatory for all students.

A capstone and an internship experience sum up the culminating experience for MHA graduates. The U.S. Health Care System, Fundamentals of Health Care Finance, Health Economics, Introduction to Management of Health Services Organizations, and U.S. Health Insurance System are just some of the MHA program’s required courses.

Tuition Fee: $431 per credit hour

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Fellowships, Grants, Awards, and Loan Options

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of Florida helps graduate students finance their graduate studies through grants, awards, fellowships, and assistantships. Through several assistantships, graduate learners will have the opportunity to gain professional experience while earning stipends. They can also apply for loans at UFL to finance their graduate studies until they complete them.

Learn more about the University of Florida’s Master of Health Administration Program.

Xavier University

Cincinnati, Ohio

Xavier University

Master of Health Services Administration, Executive MHSA

Xavier University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Health Services Administration program with two options of study, namely the Full-time MHSA and the Executive MHSA. For graduate students pursuing the on-campus MHSA, they must have 64 credit hours for degree completion.

The MHSA program consists of four semesters of classroom learning, followed by an 8-month to 12-month administrative residency program in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a preceptor.

The MHSA program is dedicated to preparing graduate students for their career aspirations by integrating classroom discussions with real-world professional experience. That said, the program has adapted a scholar-practitioner model for its curriculum.

Prospective graduates will complete required courses such as Health Care Services in the United States, Professional Development, Financial Management of Health Care Organizations, Applied Epidemiology, and Information Systems for Health Services.

Tuition Fee: $687 per credit hour

Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, and Assistantships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Xavier University helps graduate students finance their graduate programs through unique paid administrative residency programs. Through the paid residency, graduate students will receive stipends that can be used to pay for tuition expenses. They can also qualify for grants and assistantship programs at Xavier.

Learn more about Xavier University’s Master of Health Services Administration Program.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University

Master of Health Administration

The affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program from Virginia Commonwealth University consists of 59 credit hours, of which 48 credit hours are dedicated to the core coursework.

Prospective graduates must complete the core MHA courses such as Health Care Managerial Accounting, Health Economics, Information Systems for Health Care Management, Strategic Management in Health Care Organizations, and Health System Organization, Financing, and Performance. As a culminating requirement, graduate students must complete practicum coursework as part of the 10-month paid administrative residency.

Tuition Fee: $6,507 per semester

Types of Aid: Graduate Fellowships, Graduate Assistantships, Department Awards, Travel Grant Program, AERA Funding, VCCS Chancellor’s Teaching Fellows Program, and Military and Veterans Educational Benefits

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Virginia Commonwealth University offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state of Virginia. The university remains true to its commitment to providing affordable and attainable education to its student community. For graduate students, a paid administrative residency is one of the ways to finance graduate studies throughout the MHA program.

Learn more about Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master of Health Administration Program.

San Diego State University

San Diego, California

San Diego State University

Master of Public Health with Five Specializations

San Diego State University’s School of Public Health offers an affordable on-campus Master of Public Health program in five specializations, namely Biometry, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Management & Policy, and Health Promotion & Behavioral Science. The university also offers dual degrees in the form of MPH – Master of Social Work, and MPH – M.A. Latin American Studies programs.

For graduate students pursuing Health Management & Policy, they must have a minimum of 59 credit hours for degree completion. They will complete core courses such as Environmental Determinants of Human Health, Behavioral and Social Science in Public Health, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology.

As a culminating experience, prospective graduates can customize their degree program. They can either select a thesis project or a management project/Comprehensive Examination that comprises 4-credit hours.

Tuition Fee: $9,724 per academic year

Types of Aid: Grants, Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, Alternative/Private Loans, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Scholarships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

San Diego State University helps graduate learners lessen the expenses acquired while pursuing graduate degrees through scholarships, grants, and student employment opportunities. Many loan options exclusively for graduate students are also available for financing their educational expenses.

Learn more about San Diego State University’s Master of Public Health Programs.

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

Governors State University

Master of Health Administration

Governors State University has an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program that helps graduate students manage public relations, policy-making, technology, human resources, legal issues, financial concerns, and regulatory procedures in healthcare settings.

The MHA program is a comprehensive program that covers a wealth of information to ensure that prospective graduates will join the workforce with strong foundational expertise and skills in different aspects of healthcare administration.

Depending on the students’ timeframe and preference, the MHA degree can be completed within 2 to 2.5 years. A total of 54 credit hours is required for degree completion. Some of the core required courses include Economics of Health Administration, Introduction to Health Care Organization, Health Care Human Resource Management, Strategic Planning and Marketing for Health Administration, and Health Care Informatics.

Tuition Fee: $353 per credit hour (Resident) | $706 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Military & Veterans Benefits, Tuition Waivers & Assistantships, Federal Loans, Private Loans, and Federal Work-Study

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Governors State University’s numerous financial aid options can help graduate students reduce the expenses they’ll accumulate while completing graduate degrees. Through tuition waivers, grants, scholarships, and student employment opportunities, students can have numerous ways to graduate from a program without a hefty amount of debt.

Learn more about Governors State University’s Master of Health Administration Program.

Clayton State University

Morrow, Georgia

Clayton State University

Master of Health Administration

Clayton State University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program designed to prepare and train professionals from both non-health and health-related components to manage healthcare organizations.

The 45-credit hour MHA program has core required courses such as Health Systems Administration, Organizational Behavior in Healthcare, Healthcare Regulatory Compliance, Healthcare Ethics, and International Healthcare Issues.

For program completion, all prospective graduates will be required to complete the Foundation, Advanced, and Elective courses. As part of the culminating requirement, they must also accomplish 225 hours of internship experience. The MHA program prepares for professions in healthcare settings in an evolving healthcare delivery system.

Tuition Fee: $230 per credit hour (In-State) | $915 per credit hour (Out-Of-State)

Types of Aid: Military & Veterans Benefits, Scholarships, Work-Study Programs, Private Loans, HOPE Programs, Summer Financial Aid, Study Abroad, and Transient Study

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With just over $200 per credit hour tuition, Clayton State University offers one of the cheapest tuition fees for an MHA program in the country. Aside from that, the school has a wide range of financial aid programs to fund students’ education. For active-duty military and veterans, they can take advantage of the educational benefits, including tuition discounts. The accomplishment of FAFSA will identify a suitable financial aid package for each student.

Learn more about Clayton State University’s Master of Health Administration Program.

Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, New York

Mercy College

Master of Science in Health Services Management

Mercy College’s affordable on-campus Master of Science in Health Services Management program is a 36-credit hour program that can be completed within 18 months. Prospective graduates must take two courses each quarter and accomplish 24 credits per year.

The MSHSM program is an accelerated program of learning designed to strengthen and consolidate the abilities and knowledge of the experienced healthcare manager.

The program consists of 9-credit hour core courses, 15-credit hour advanced core courses, 9-credit hour specialization courses, and 3-credit hour culminating experience. Management Information Systems, Health Care Financing, Ethic Issues/Health Care Manager, Health Care in the U.S., and Health Care Financing are some of the program’s core required courses.

For the culminating experience, graduate students will choose either a capstone project in Health Services Management or an internship experience.

Tuition Fee: $1,005 per credit hour

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Federal and Private Loans, Work-Study Programs, Graduate Assistantships, Graduate PLUS Loans, and Military and Veterans Benefits

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Through a diverse range of financial aid opportunities, graduate students at Mercy College can reduce the expenses acquired in completing graduate programs. Once they have completed their requirements for FAFSA, prospective graduates can qualify for scholarships, grants, and student employment opportunities. They can also apply for several assistantship programs that can become sources of stipends.

Learn more about Mercy College’s Master of Science in Health Services Management Program.

University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

University of Scranton

Master of Health Administration

The affordable on-campus Master of Health Administration program from the University of Scranton is designed to prepare graduate students to enter healthcare leadership and management roles. The MHA program is developed to assist them in learning how to use and apply numerous healthcare management strategies, methods, theories, techniques, principles, and tools.

To graduate, the MHA program requires students to have a minimum of 44 credit hours plus field experience from the program. The MHA program has core required courses such as Health Care Law, Health Care Economics and Policy, Healthcare Organization and Administration, Leadership in Health Care Organizations, and Hospital Administration.

Tuition Fee: $920 per credit hour

Types of Aid: Tuition Discount Programs, Graduate Tuition Guarantee Program, Student Employment, Military, and Veterans Benefits, Tuition Exchange Programs, Merit-Based Scholarships, Need-Based Grants, University Endowed & Special Awards, Pell, TEACH Grants, State Grants, ROTC, Private External Awards, and Tuition Reduction

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of Scranton offers many different ways of financing graduate studies. Through tuition reduction programs, tuition discounts, and grants, graduate students are guaranteed to pay lower tuition fees. One of the unique financial aid options includes the Graduate Tuition Guarantee program that ensures graduates pay similar tuition throughout the completion of their graduate studies.

Learn more about the University of Scranton’s Master of Health Administration Program.

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia State University

Master of Science in Health Administration

Georgia State University has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Health Administration program that is delivered through cohort-based learning. The MSHA program’s curriculum offers graduate students the depth and breadth to become leaders throughout the healthcare industry.

As part of the practical experience, students have the opportunity to participate in experiential projects such as national case competitions, site visits to Grady Health System and WellStar Health System, and community projects with MedShare and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Students will take required courses such as Health Economics and Financing, Strategic Management in Health Care, Health Policy and Ethics, Healthcare Planning and Financial Management, and Predictive Analytics in Health Care.

Tuition Fee: $4,776 per semester (Resident) | $15,108 per semester (Non-Resident)

Types of Aid: Graduate Research Assistantships, Scholarships, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Student Aid, and Private Education Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Georgia State University offers financial assistance to graduate students through some scholarships and assistantship programs. To become qualified, prospective graduates must first accomplish their FAFSA requirements. The completion of this requirement is the first step to determining the type of financial aid to be received by students.

Learn more about Georgia State University’s Master of Science in Health Administration Program.

Framingham State University

Framingham, Massachusetts

Framingham State University

Master of Healthcare Administration

Framingham State University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Healthcare Administration program with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. The MHA program offers graduate students with the technical expertise and essential skills required for a profession as a mid-level healthcare administrator.

It provides a pragmatic approach that balances the theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare administration. The MHA program comprises 11 courses, including nine core courses, one elective course, and one capstone course.

Students need to complete core concentration courses such as Healthcare Marketing, Health Law, Regulations and Law, Managing Operations, Healthcare Delivery System, Policy and Reform, and Quantitative Analysis for Administrators. As a culminating experience, students will participate in the Seminar in Healthcare Administration as a capstone requirement. Through this, they can develop and present an original project in healthcare.

Tuition Fee: $1,360 per course

Types of Aid: Corporate Discount, Tuition Waivers, Third-Party Payment Plans, Veterans and Active Military Educational Benefits, Grants, Student Loans, Work-Study, Scholarships, Alternative Loans, and PLUS Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

Through several financial aid options, Framingham State University makes it easier and more affordable to complete graduate programs. For working professionals, they can verify with their company or employer if they’re eligible for the university’s corporate discounts. They can also qualify for scholarships, loans, grants, and tuition waivers once they have completed their requirements for FAFSA.

Learn more about Framingham State University’s Master of Healthcare Administration Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of Master’s degree programs in the Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management field?

Many individuals who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare management and administration are sometimes overwhelmed with which options are best for them. It is crucial to know the differences between these degree programs so that prospective graduates can decide which is a suitable degree program for them to pursue.

What are the common requirements for a Master’s in Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management degree?

Affordable Master Healthcare fact 2

The majority of colleges and universities generally require a baccalaureate degree in healthcare for applicants to their master’s in healthcare programs. Some schools also accept undergraduate degrees in a related study. Prospective graduates must have a bachelor’s degree in an accredited school and must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the majority of schools will require a minimum GRE or GMAT score for their applicants.

Also, colleges and universities require additional documentation to evaluate the applicant’s aptitude and expertise in the field. A personal statement, essays, resume or CV, and letters of recommendation are some of the additional requirements needed for admission. International applicants generally submit proof of English proficiency requirements, such as the TOEFL.

In terms of graduation requirements, they vary per college and university. Some schools require the completion of a thesis project, while some grant a non-thesis option for their MHA degree programs. Also, other schools will require students to pass a comprehensive exam or submit a capstone project. Before enrollment, students must already assess which type of track they are going to pursue within the MHA program.

Is there any type of accreditation for a Master’s in Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management degree?

The Master’s in Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management programs aren’t created equal. As prospective graduates, you should find a suitable MHA program with a unique benchmark. The most crucial standard is the accreditation status. It is considered an official recognition granted to institutions that only have the highest standards and excellence of education. Accreditation is one of the indicators that you are getting a degree program from a reputable school and academic excellence.

To garner accreditation status, a college or university must voluntarily comply with an official accrediting agency and adhere to vetting procedures and requirements. In the U.S., the official accrediting organizations embody the approval of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.

For program-specific accreditations, The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, or CAHME, for example, is responsible for providing accreditation status to different school’s graduate programs in healthcare administration or healthcare management.

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How will earning a Master of Healthcare Management degree help me in career advancement?

Earning a Master of Healthcare Management degree can help you in many ways when it comes to career advancement. The degree provides you with a deeper understanding of the complexities of healthcare management, including topics such as healthcare reform, health policy, and health economics.

You will also gain advanced skills in finance, strategic planning, and operations management that can help you manage a successful healthcare organization.

Finally, the degree can give you the necessary qualifications to pursue higher-level positions in the field, such as executive director, chief operating officer, or chief financial officer.

Additional Resources:

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