Best HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Programs
Learn which HBCU MHA program or bachelor’s in healthcare administration program may be right for you, as well as what you can do with your degree.
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Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a long-standing history of educating health professionals. For example, an estimated 70% of Black doctors in the U.S. attended an HBCU. However, healthcare leadership does not represent our diverse society.
According to data from the American Hospital Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives, 89% of hospital CEOs in 2019 were white, whereas 60% of the U.S. population was white (non-Hispanic or Latino/a) at the time.
The country is getting more diverse, but upper-level hospital management lags behind. The U.S. may have to lean on HBCUs to bridge this gap and award more healthcare administration degrees to Black students.
So what are the best HBCUs for master of health administration (MHA) programs or bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs? On this page, you can discover the top 10 HBCUs shaping the next generations of healthcare leaders.
10 Best HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Programs
How We Rank Schools
Texas Southern University
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Texas Southern University is recognized as one of the most affordable colleges in the Lone Star State. It holds the distinction of being the first and only college in Houston to offer an M.S. in Healthcare Administration degree.
Their bachelor's in healthcare administration program is a 121-credit program that equips students for the field through courses in business, professional communication, accounting, health policy, human resource management, and marketing for healthcare organizations. To graduate from the program, students must complete an approved internship during their senior year, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience before entering the workforce.
72%
$ 6,941
51%
$19,707
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,015
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
FAMU, established in 1887, offers students the opportunity to pursue both a bachelor's and a master's degree in healthcare management. The undergraduate program, which consists of 120 credits and includes a 12-credit administrative internship, prepares students for entry-level management roles in the healthcare field.
Although the bachelor's program falls under the category of "Healthcare Management," it holds accreditation from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. The curriculum encompasses various subjects such as managerial accounting, medical terminology, healthcare management theory and practice, strategy and marketing, and healthcare research.
98%
$ 3,152
85%
$14,524
- Acceptance Rate
- 33%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,184
- Institution Type
- Public
Oakwood University
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Oakwood University, a Seventh-Day Adventist private institution established in 1896 in Huntsville, Alabama, offers a Christian-centered bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in healthcare administration. This program provides an extensive education in business and management principles while integrating the teachings of Jesus.
Within the Healthcare Administration concentration, students can take courses specifically tailored to this field, including medical terminology, management information systems, business communications, finance, marketing, and insurance and risk management. These courses provide a strong foundation for students aspiring to excel in healthcare administration roles and positively impact the industry. Students apply their knowledge through a senior-year practicum, gaining hands-on experience and practical skills to succeed in healthcare administration.
In 2018, Oakwood University was recognized by the United States Senate as the fifth leading producer of African American applicants to medical schools.
81%
$18,974
74%
$18,974
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,374
- Institution Type
- Private
Langston University
- Langston, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Langston University, established in 1897, is Oklahoma's only HBCU. It offers a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, focusing on diversity, engagement, and competence.
The program provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that covers key subjects such as accounting principles, case management, marketing, human behavior in organizations, and issues in minority healthcare. Additionally, students must complete an internship at a community health organization, allowing them to gain real-world experience in the field.
30%
$ 4,342
55%
$11,722
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 2,038
- Institution Type
- Public
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Fayetteville State, founded in 1851, in North Carolina, offers a thorough 120-credit healthcare administration degree under The Division of Business and Economics. The program at FSU entails the completion of 38-40 core credits, covering essential topics such as healthcare organization and systems, policy and law, and quality management.
Seniors can gain practical experience through a healthcare administration internship, and students can broaden their horizons by participating in a study abroad program in London. To gain admission into the program, you need to pass the "entering freshman and rising junior assessment." First-year students need to submit their ACT or SAT scores, while transfer applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.0.
91%
$ 2,982
66%
$14,590
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,726
- Institution Type
- Public
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Howard University, a prestigious private institution founded in 1867 in Washington D.C., offers a bachelor's degree in health management. This program is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and prepares students for leadership roles in the healthcare industry, such as executive practice manager, clinical director, or health service manager.
At Howard, students can choose from 20 program concentrations, including cultural competence and diversity, health policy, leadership, and healthcare marketing. These concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. To apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, students must complete a 120-hour internship in the program.
33%
$26,464
90%
$26,464
- Acceptance Rate
- 39%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,859
- Institution Type
- Private
Wilberforce University
- Wilberforce, OH
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Established in 1856, Wilberforce University in Ohio offers a healthcare administration program as part of its 20 undergraduate programs. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful healthcare management career or further field studies.
Students engage in a core curriculum covering medical terminology, legal aspects, environmental health, long-term care management, and health planning methods. They learn to apply best practices and business theories to effectively manage healthcare organizations. Wilberforce University is a test-optional school, and first-year applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.0.
N/A
$12,020
35%
$12,020
- Acceptance Rate
- 62%
- Students Enrolled
- 453
- Institution Type
- Private
Winston-Salem State University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
WSSU, founded in 1892, is part of the University of North Carolina system. It offers an exceptional healthcare administration program that cultivates your communication and problem-solving skills, preparing you to make informed business decisions.
The curriculum integrates fundamental business and healthcare management principles, covering areas like medical terminology, health law and ethics, marketing, and healthcare policy. Students can also pursue minors in public health and applied data science. A healthcare administration internship is a mandatory component of the program. WSSU's dedicated academic success counselors guide course selection, and tutoring services are readily available.
95%
$ 3,401
77%
$13,648
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,169
- Institution Type
- Public
Jackson State University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Established in 1877 in Mississippi, JSU offers a comprehensive healthcare administration program of 121 credits. This program prepares students for various management roles by providing supervised internships and a well-rounded curriculum.
The courses cover various topics, including financial accounting, human resource management, marketing, law and ethics, financial management, and professional writing.
82%
$8,270
74%
$8,270
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,921
- Institution Type
- Public
Tennessee State University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
By pursuing TSU's bachelor's in healthcare administration, you'll acquire essential management and decision-making skills while learning effective health planning techniques. To graduate, you must complete 120 credits and a 12-week field placement during the summer semesters. TSU offers two campuses: North Nashville and downtown Nashville.
As a sophomore applicant, you can apply to this program with a minimum GPA of 2.5. TSU's rolling admissions policy allows you to apply anytime, providing flexibility and convenience.
52%
$ 7,854
64%
$20,574
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 7,615
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Attend an HBCU for Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare leadership is a competitive field, and that competition is amplified for Black professionals. A 2015 study found that Black administrators (38%) were more likely to take a “less than desirable position” due to a lack of opportunity than white respondents (24%). HBCUs are known for their ability to uplift Black students into leadership positions.
“For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America’s leadership at home and abroad,” Vice President Kamala Harris, an HBCU graduate, said in May 2024. “Today, graduates from our nation’s more than 100 HBCUs are in every room where important decisions are made.”
More Black graduates from HBCU MHA programs could also improve patient outcomes. Research from NEJM Catalyst showed that diversifying senior and executive healthcare leadership teams can help promote higher performance and increase patient equity.
How to Choose the Right HBCU for Your Healthcare Administration Degree
Once you’ve settled on wanting to pursue a healthcare administration degree from an HBCU, you’ll have to narrow down your search. Examining factors like cost, location, program specifics, and student testimonials can help you determine which is the best HBCU for you.
Cost
Choosing an affordable HBCU that fits your budget is an important factor to consider.
HBCUs, especially public HBCUs, generally have lower tuition and fees than other colleges and universities. Still, it may behoove you to apply to multiple HBCUs to see what financial aid packages each institution offers.
Location
You should take location into consideration when deciding what program is right for you. A school’s location may impact the availability of internship opportunities near you. Attending a program near a major hospital system may offer more chances to network and complete any residency requirements.
Whether a school is located within your home state can also impact tuition. Some schools charge higher tuition rates if you’re out of state.
Size
The size of a healthcare administration program may be important, depending on what you prioritize.
Larger schools may offer more unique class offerings and varied research opportunities. Smaller institutions, however, may offer a more individualized program for you with ample one-on-one time with professors, instructors, and counselors.
Research Program Specifics
Healthcare administration programs’ outcome measures and student success rates will vary from institution to institution, so it’s important to get granular in your research of each program.
The College Scorecard may be a useful resource here. This database allows you to compare programs from different colleges and universities and also provides insight into graduation rates, median student loan debt, and historical earnings of graduates from the particular program.
Talk With Faculty, Current Students
Current and former faculty and students can provide valuable insights into choosing an HBCU that you won’t find on the official school website.
One way to connect with students is to visit the campus before enrolling. You may also try chatting with students online through social media groups or forums like Reddit to gain a non-sanitized look at a program.
How Much Do Healthcare Administration Programs Cost at HBCUs?
The average total net cost of attendance for on-campus students at an HBCU ranged between $26,791-$30,624 for the 2022-23 academic year. Tuition and fees vary depending on whether you attend an in-state or out-of-state institution.
Costs will also vary depending on whether you attend a public or private university. The median average net price at a public HBCU was $11,722 for in-state students in 2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Meanwhile, the median average net price at a private HBCU was $15,896.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Programs
Earning a healthcare administration degree equips you to manage operations in a medical setting. You learn what it takes to make a medical organization run smoothly — from healthcare finance to risk management and informatics.
This degree prepares you for various healthcare administration careers, such as:
- Outpatient clinic director
- Healthcare administrator
- Hospital administrator
- Nursing home administrator
- Clinical program manager
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 24, 2024.
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by Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.
Updated March 19, 2024
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