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.
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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
How We Rank Schools
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%
$ 6,168
92%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
 - 59%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 54,085
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
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%
$ 6,368
92%
$22,467
- Acceptance Rate
 - 43%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 68,842
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
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%
$18,059
97%
$53,325
- Acceptance Rate
 - 19%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 26,082
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
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%
$ 9,072
88%
$26,292
- Acceptance Rate
 - 98%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 24,043
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
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%
$56,595
90%
$56,595
- Acceptance Rate
 - 78%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 21,573
 
- Institution Type
 - Private
 
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%
$40,520
78%
$40,520
- Acceptance Rate
 - 97%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 4,133
 
- Institution Type
 - Private
 
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%
$24,766
83%
$24,766
- Acceptance Rate
 - 94%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 9,883
 
- Institution Type
 - Private
 
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%
$43,100
82%
$43,100
- Acceptance Rate
 - 86%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 8,315
 
- Institution Type
 - Private
 
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%
$11,040
82%
$26,520
- Acceptance Rate
 - 87%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 21,639
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
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%
$36,000
71%
$36,000
- 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.
| 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.
Explore More College Resources

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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