Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Programs of 2026
An online bachelor’s in healthcare administration can open doors to high-demand careers. Explore your next program with this data-rich student resource.
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2026Labor 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
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren’t part of our ranking methodology.
How We Rank Schools
Drexel University — Most Student-Friendly Experience
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Drexel offers robust student support services, generous funding for military members, and relatively low tuition and fees.
Drexel University's online BS in health services administration program offers the most supportive learning environment for online learners on our list. You'll have access to academic advising, around-the-clock tech support, and Drexel's W.W. Hagerty Library. The program also includes an optional co-op track that lets eligible students gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time professional experience. You can further build connections through the Drexel Association of Health Administrators, which provides mentorship and networking opportunities.
Tuition is set at $488 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year — the lowest out-of-state rate among the programs we reviewed — and the university offers maximum Yellow Ribbon funding for military learners. You can also transfer up to 75 approved credits, which may help you lower costs and decrease the number of courses you'll need to complete for graduation.
What We Like About Drexel
- The program is accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, ensuring nationally recognized academic standards.
- You can complete the degree in two years or take up to four, depending on your preferred pace.
- Accelerated dual-degree pathways enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's in health administration or public health in five years.
What We Don't Like
- Tuition rates are subject to annual increases, which can affect your total cost depending on how long you take to graduate.
- Co-op eligibility for fully online students is unclear and may depend on your location.
99%
97%
71%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 23%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $58,293
- Retention Rate
- 90%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $58,293
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,028
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida International University —Best All-Around Education
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: One of the nation's largest programs of its kind, FIU's BHSA offers one-on-one student support from reputable faculty.
FIU's online bachelor of health services administration is one of the largest BHSA programs in the country, enrolling 836 students annually. Its size translates into broad faculty expertise and access to university-wide resources, including instructors actively researching community health, chronic disease management, and healthcare education.
The 120-credit curriculum blends leadership, finance, and technology courses with a capstone seminar that connects classroom learning to practical applications. You'll also benefit from strong online learning support — including one-on-one guidance from success coaches and timely feedback from faculty — to help you stay engaged and on track throughout the program.
What We Like About FIU
- This program charges the second-lowest in-state tuition rate on our list at $236 per credit.
- With three start dates, you can enroll in the fall, spring, or summer term.
- FIU's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution reflects its commitment to supporting an inclusive student community.
What We Don't Like
- Out-of-state tuition is nearly three times the in-state rate, at $649 per credit.
- The website could present curriculum and transfer credit information more clearly for prospective online students.
100%
100%
67%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 66%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 6,168
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,817
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Central Florida— Lowest In-State Tuition
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: In addition to charging the lowest tuition on this list, UCF offers generous benefits to military members.
For Florida residents, UCF's online bachelor of health services administration program delivers some of the best value on our list, at $179 per credit. Out-of-state tuition is higher — $769 per credit — but eligible military students can access up to $12,000 of Yellow Ribbon funding, and fully online learners may qualify for reduced campus-based fees.
The 120-credit program offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. You'll complete a capstone seminar and a two-semester internship, gaining hands-on experience in healthcare management. Elective pathways can also be applied toward minors or certificates in areas like public administration, business, and health informatics.
What We Like About UCF
- You can access academic and financial planning support from success coaches through the UCF Online Connect Center.
- You'll be paired with a faculty advisor who will help you explore career options and professional development opportunities.
- Internship placements are available nationwide, offering flexibility even if you don't live near UCF's main campus.
What We Don't Like
- At $769 per credit for out-of-state students, UCF is the most expensive option on our list for non-Florida residents.
- Not all prerequisite and elective courses are offered online, which may affect scheduling flexibility.
- The required internship may involve in-person attendance and additional fees.
100%
100%
83%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 9%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 6,368
- Retention Rate
- 92%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $22,467
- Acceptance Rate
- 45%
- Students Enrolled
- 69,338
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Mississippi — Most Educational Options
- University, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: The university offers three distinct tracks for students to choose from as part of this degree pathway.
The University of Mississippi's online bachelor of health systems administration stands out on our list for its range of academic pathways designed for different professional starting points. The healthcare practitioner track helps licensed or credentialed professionals move into management roles within their discipline, while the healthcare operations track prepares learners for leadership and administrative positions across health systems. The healthcare generalist track supports learners entering the field without prior clinical experience, providing foundational knowledge.
All coursework is delivered asynchronously, making this program a strong option for part-time and nontraditional students. You’ll get personalized guidance and work with faculty and advisors to design a customized study plan. The curriculum is housed within an academic medical center, giving you access to faculty connected to current medical practices and healthcare systems.
What We Like About UM
- You can transfer up to 60 credits, potentially reducing both the time and money it takes to earn your degree.
- All online students pay the in-state tuition rate of $441 per credit, regardless of their residency status.
- Practitioner-track students may earn up to 30 credits through prior learning assessment.
What We Don't Like
- A $150 distance-learning fee raises the non-resident cost to $591 per credit hour.
- Track placement is determined by an admissions review, which may limit your preferred pathway.
- Students must maintain continuous enrollment every semester after admission.
61%
$ 9,612
87%
$28,440
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,449
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Virginia — Best for Working Healthcare Professionals
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: UVA offers its program both synchronously and asynchronously, and it is designed with working healthcare professionals in mind.
If you're a working healthcare professional looking to move into management or leadership roles, UVA's online bachelor of professional studies in health sciences management could be a good fit. The 120-credit program is designed for working adults and serves learners from diverse allied health backgrounds, including emergency medical services, radiography, respiratory therapy, and sonography. Courses combine asynchronous work with synchronous online evening sessions that encourage discussion and connection with peers and faculty.
You can transfer credits from accredited institutions and complete your degree in three years, or take up to seven years at a slower pace. Adult-learner support includes individualized advising, a dedicated writing center, tech assistance, and virtual mental health services.
What We Like About UVA
- All students pay the same $499-per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency.
- You can take half-credit business micro-courses through UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce to build entrepreneurship and business skills.
- You may qualify for institutional scholarships and partial Yellow Ribbon funding.
What We Don't Like
- The program has temporarily paused accepting applications as of November 2025 and has not indicated when admissions will reopen.
- Required evening synchronous sessions may be difficult if you need a fully flexible schedule.
- The program offers only two annual start dates, which may limit enrollment flexibility compared to other schools on our list.
22%
$20,101
98%
$59,127
- Acceptance Rate
- 17%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,470
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like cost, available student resources, and the program’s educational quality. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
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.
| Job | Median/Average Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $117,960 | Oversee operations and manage resources in hospitals and healthcare facilities, Ensure quality of care and regulatory compliance |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $67,310 | Track and manage patient data and healthcare recordsAssess organizational technology needs |
| Medical Records Specialists | $50,250 | Create 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 |
Learn More About Healthcare Administration Jobs
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.
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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.
by Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.
Updated March 19, 2024
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