Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2025

An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration can open doors to high-demand careers. Explore your next program with this data-rich student resource.
James M. Tobin
By
Edited by
Updated October 24, 2025
chevron-up
Why Trust BestColleges
  • graphs icon

    3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

  • phone icon

    6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

  • school icon

    300+ College and university partners

  • arrow on target icon

    40+ Expert reviewers

BestColleges Top-Ranked-2025 Badge2025

Labor market demand for healthcare administrators is projected to grow rapidly as the U.S. population ages. By combining the right education with relevant experience, you can grow into high-ranking healthcare management roles that help you make a difference in patients’ lives.

An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program is an excellent starting point for any student interested in the field. Flexible online formats also serve the needs of career changers and working professionals looking to upskill.

We chose programs that combine affordability, positive student outcomes, and school reputation to help you find an online degree that meets your needs.

Best Online Healthcare Administration Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
chevron-down

How We Rank Schools

#1

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

Florida International University’s online bachelor of health services administration program is one of the largest in the country. Taught by top faculty, this program will prepare you to work in a variety of healthcare settings. 

You’ll need to complete a total of 120 credits hours: 60 credits of lower division and 60 credits of lower division courses. Courses include leadership and management for health professionals, cultural competency in health sciences, communication theory and practice for health professions, and legal aspects of healthcare. 

Highlights

  • Only $236 per credit hour for in-state students
  • One of the largest undergraduate health services programs in the country

Know Before You Apply

  • 120 credits required
  • Out-of-state students pay $649 per credit hour

67%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$18,566

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
54,085
Institution Type
Public
#2

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

The University of Central Florida offers a bachelor of science in health services administration that costs only $179 per credit hour if you’re an in-state student. Out-of-state students pay around four times as much as in-state students.

In this 120-hour course, you’ll take classes like healthcare economics, epidemiology, and U.S. healthcare systems, all the while learning how to manage healthcare organizations. By the time you graduate, you’ll know how to lead teams and effectively optimize healthcare organizations. Career opportunities include health information manager, nursing home administrator, and training and development manager. 

Highlights

  • Only $179 per credit hour for in-state students
  • Alumni in various health management careers
  • Multiple application deadlines

Know Before You Apply

  • Out-of-state tuition costs $715
  • Requires 120 credit hours

9%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$22,467

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
43%
Students Enrolled
68,842
Institution Type
Public
#3

University of Virginia-Main Campus

  • Charlottesville, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

The University of Virginia offers a bachelor of professional studies in health sciences management. The curriculum includes 120 credits of required and elective courses. You’ll take classes like American healthcare, economics and finances of healthcare, and health information systems and applications. The program also includes two capstone courses in health sciences management. 

You’ll study with instructors who understand the multiple demands online adult learners contend with. Classes meet synchronously in the evenings, allowing you to directly engage with your classmates and instructors. 

Highlights

  • Scholarships available
  • Can transfer up to 60 credits from another institution

Know Before You Apply

  • Costs $499 per credit hour plus additional fees 
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA required
  • Synchronous instruction

10%

Online Enrollment

$18,059

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

97%

Retention Rate

$53,325

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
26,082
Institution Type
Public
#4

University of Mississippi

  • University, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

The University of Mississippi’s health systems administration program is an online program that offers career advancement in the healthcare field. Although fully online — designed to meet the needs of busy adult learners — the program offers one-on-one support with an advisor.

Designed for part-time, non-traditional students, the program lets you manage your busy life while you gain a solid foundation in leadership principles and health education. You’ll learn about the role of healthcare in modern society, taking courses that will strengthen your critical thinking, research, communication, and research skills. 

Highlights

  • Experience in an academic medical center
  • One-on-one support
  • Leadership development

Know Before You Apply

  • Additional fees and related costs of over $2,300
  • In-state tuition costs $428, while out-of-state tuition costs $578

59%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,072

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$26,292

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
24,043
Institution Type
Public
#5

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

Drexel University’s online bachelor’s degree in health services administration program takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. You’ll gain critical skills in healthcare administration, economics, finance, policy, ethics, and marketing and information systems. 

The program hosts well-known faculty who have relationships with local organizations in healthcare administration, which allows you to meet one-on-one with healthcare leaders. You’ll gain the necessary skills for entry-level positions in healthcare administration. If you have healthcare experience, you can apply those skills to more advanced roles to grow your career. 

Highlights

  • Well-known faculty
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Access to a professional network 

Know Before You Apply

  • Part-time only
  • Costs $473 per credit 

42%

Online Enrollment

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
21,573
Institution Type
Private
#6

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

  • Winona, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s accelerated bachelor in healthcare administration program is designed for healthcare professionals and those who want to transition into a new field. 

This 100% online program requires 33 credits, which only takes one year to complete. With multiple start dates, you’ll have the flexibility to take your time and tailor your application to the school. 

The program offers a general transfer-credit policy, allowing you to transfer up to 90 credits or 75% of your bachelor’s degree. You’ll take courses in advanced health policy and ethics, current issues in health, and cultural competency for health professionals. 

Highlights

  • Prepares you for growing healthcare careers
  • Takes just one year to complete

Know Before You Apply

  • Costs $430 per credit
  • Requires 33 credits of coursework

70%

Online Enrollment

$40,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$40,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
4,133
Institution Type
Private
#7

Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

At Maryville University, you’ll prepare to lead in healthcare settings by completing a dynamic curriculum. Your curriculum will begin with general education and then move into healthcare management and business courses.

You’ll take financial management in healthcare and patient partnerships in population health management, and other courses that let you either advance your healthcare career or step into a new industry. The school offers an optional senior living management certificate program for online students who want to improve patient care for older adults. 

Highlights

  • Optional senior living management certificate
  • Regionally accredited

Know Before You Apply

  • Costs $540 per credit
  • Requires 128 credits 

83%

Online Enrollment

$24,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$24,766

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
9,883
Institution Type
Private
#8

Thomas Jefferson University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

Thomas Jefferson University hosts an accelerated BS in health services management program that will prepare you for entry-level management positions in a variety of healthcare settings. 

One benefit of this program is that it allows you to transfer up to 90 credits, reducing your time in the program and saving you money. You’ll have the convenience of a fully-online, asynchronous program. 

Highlights

  • Asynchronous courses
  • Accelerated eight-week courses
  • Scholar-practitioner faculty

Know Before You Apply

  • Costs $650 per credit
  • General fee of $11 per credit
  • Requires 120 credits

53%

Online Enrollment

$43,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$43,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
8,315
Institution Type
Private
#9

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, you can pursue a healthcare management bachelor’s degree 100% online. 

Designed for future healthcare leaders, the program offers three concentrations: pre-professional, general manager, and clinical manager. No matter your concentration, you’ll gain relevant knowledge on where business and healthcare merge.

Through dynamic coursework, employer panels, and tours through healthcare facilities, you’ll learn about modern healthcare policy and experiential learning opportunities. Support often comes in the form of tailored advising via telephone or Zoom and a personalized capstone internship experience. 

Highlights

  • Offers internship experience
  • Program-led site visits to healthcare facilities
  • Scholarships available

Know Before You Apply

  • Offers three tracks
  • Out-of-state students over double in-state students

68%

Online Enrollment

$11,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$26,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
21,639
Institution Type
Public
#10

University of St Francis

  • Joliet, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why We Chose This School

The University of St. Francis designed their online healthcare management bachelor’s program to fit into your busy life. You can continue to work while studying to become a healthcare leader in an accelerated format with seven- or eight-week courses. 

Although fully online, this program is interactive in design. You can complete your coursework from anywhere at any time. You can transfer no more than 90 credits into this program, but you must take at least 30 credits at the University of St. Francis. 

Highlights

  • Designed for busy adults
  • Can transfer up to 90 credits
  • Accelerated degree completion program

Know Before You Apply

  • Costs $425 per credit
  • You must complete at least 30 credits at the school

78%

Online Enrollment

$36,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$36,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
3,297
Institution Type
Private

Why You Should Get a Degree in Healthcare Administration

  • Career Growth and Transition: A bachelor’s in healthcare administration can lead to roles with advancement potential or help you transition from patient-facing duties into a behind-the-scenes managerial career.
  • Leadership Opportunities: With additional education and experience, healthcare administration career pathways can lead to managerial and executive roles.
  • Higher Salary: Healthcare administration roles carry the potential for higher pay since they allow for growth from entry-level to managerial positions.

Benefits of Getting a Healthcare Administration Online

  • BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates who were surveyed say they would recommend online education.
  • Almost all (94%) of these respondents say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
  • Most (75%) say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.

How to Choose the Best Healthcare Administration Program for You

Beyond considering the career paths the curriculum supports, you should analyze costs, financial aid, and program lengths. Explore each of these factors in detail when comparing study opportunities.

How Much Does a Healthcare Administration Program Cost?

Health Fields Bachelor’s, 2020

Online

Avg. Tuition & Fees: $9,561

Avg. Net Price: $6,305

On-Campus

Avg. Tuition & Fees: $16,896

Avg. Net Price: $9,497

Source: NCES PowerStats

A comprehensive 2020 study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) specifically looked at the average costs of online bachelor’s programs in healthcare fields. It found that online programs are about 33% cheaper after factoring in financial aid, averaging just over a total of $25,200 for the four-year degree.

In 2025, average total tuition and fees at online schools started at $36,000 for in-state students and ranged as high as $68,000. That works out to an annual range of $9,000-$17,000 for a four-year degree.

Specific costs vary by school, but you can generally expect to pay more if you study on campus. Average on-campus tuition rates are typically higher than online programs.

And, if you are a commuter student, you will also incur more costs related to transportation, parking, and other incidental student expenses.

Financial aid is essential to anyone looking to minimize costs. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for aid. The resources below can also connect you with scholarships, grants, and other aid options.

Find Financial Aid for Your Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

How Long Does It Take to Get a Healthcare Administration Degree?

Typical # of Credits

120 Credits

Typical Program Length

4 Years

If you begin your program as a first-time, first-year student, you can expect your online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program to require four years of full-time effort.

By studying during the summer, you could reduce that timeline by up to a year.

You can also seek out accelerated programs, but these often require previous education and/or in-field work experience. Transfer credits represent another helpful way to cut costs and reduce time requirements, with some programs allowing you to transfer up to 90 credit hours into your program.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?

The future looks bright for healthcare administration professionals.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects above-average to very high job growth for multiple in-field professions listed in the table below. The outlook is especially strong for medical and health services managers at a projected job growth of 23% from 2024-2034.

Note that some roles — such as nursing home administrators — require state licensure. You can review licensure requirements through the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards.

Popular Healthcare Administration Jobs
JobMedian/Average Annual SalaryDescription
Medical and Health Services Managers$117,960Oversee operations and manage resources in hospitals and healthcare facilities, Ensure quality of care and regulatory compliance
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$67,310Track and manage patient data and healthcare recordsAssess organizational technology needs
Medical Records Specialists$50,250Create and maintain accurate medical records for individual patients, Implement and follow best practices for institutional data security
Healthcare Administrators$77,540 (average)Allocate resources to and oversee healthcare systemsSet and manage operating budgets
Nursing Home Administrators$105,690 (average)Manage everyday operations in long-term residential care facilities, Ensure the safety and well-being of staff and residents
Source: BLS/Payscale

Is a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Worth It?

The 2025 edition of BestColleges’ Online Education Trends Report yielded some positive data points regarding online student outcomes:

  • 98% of surveyed students would recommend online education to others.
  • 90% of online program graduates say their programs have had or will have a positive return on investment.
  • 69% of online program graduates say their education provided strong preparation for their first postgraduation job.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that graduates of bachelor’s programs in healthcare administration from the class of 2023 had an average starting salary of $54,511 and a 73.7% employment rate. These trends indicate a clear path to earning strong returns on your educational investment after only a few years in the workforce.

Online programs offer a level of built-in flexibility that makes it more convenient and affordable to upgrade your education. They can be ideal for adults and working students, career changers, and other nontraditional learners.

Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

With advanced education in healthcare administration, you can open pathways to higher-level managerial and executive roles. Some degrees you could pursue beyond a bachelor’s include:

  • Master of healthcare administration (MHA)
  • Master of business administration (MBA) with a healthcare concentration
  • Master of public health (MPH) with a health policy and management concentration

All three pathways are highly relevant, but MHA programs often offer the strongest focus on concepts specific to the field. You can explore the year’s leading MHA programs here:

Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

It depends on your educational and professional background. Generally, you should expect to spend 3-4 years earning your degree if you begin as a first-time, first-year student. However, if you have prior transfer credits, you may be able to graduate faster.

Explore More College Resources

Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs

Best Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Programs

An online master’s in healthcare administration prepares you for a career in healthcare management. Discover our picks for top MHA programs.

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

by Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

Updated April 25, 2025

Scholarships for Healthcare Students

Scholarships for Healthcare Students

Are you studying healthcare? Discover dozens of scholarships for healthcare students to help offset the cost of tuition.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated October 17, 2025

What Courses Do You Take in a Healthcare Administration Program?

What Courses Do You Take in a Healthcare Administration Program?

What exactly do you learn in a healthcare administration program? Explore some of the classes you can expect to take.

Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

by Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

Updated March 19, 2024