Cheapest Online MHA Programs of 2025

Learn which master’s in healthcare administration program can level up your career at an affordable price.
Matthew Arrojas
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Updated May 27, 2025
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A master of healthcare administration (MHA) could catapult you into leadership positions at healthcare facilities across the U.S.

An online MHA degree program allows you to study from the comfort of your own home. After you graduate, your degree can qualify you to work at high-level positions running administrative tasks within a health system. Common job responsibilities include ensuring system quality, handling the system’s finances, navigating staffing difficulties, and adapting to new laws and regulations.

The cheapest online MHA programs allow you to earn this popular credential without having to break the bank.

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Cheapest MHA Programs Online

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.
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How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.

#1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,844

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

19%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

UNC at Chapel Hill's Executive MHA program is designed to foster community and prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. As a UNC student, you will experience your degree program in a cohort model, allowing you to really get to know your peers.

The program follows UNC's competency model, which ensures you graduate with a complete understanding of the 24 healthcare competencies, including health equity improvement, human resources management, and healthcare system structure and financing. You will receive individual feedback on your competency development throughout the two-year program.

Each term, you will take a journaling course designed to help you reflect on your learning. In your first year, you will take courses on the business of healthcare like healthcare accounting and economics. In your second year, you complete higher-level classes on law and data analysis. You finish your degree program with a capstone project. 

Highlights

  • UNC has one of the lowest per-credit costs of MHA programs
  • 100% retention rate in 2022
  • 94% graduation rate in 2023

Know Before You Apply

  • Must have at least three years of full-time experience working in healthcare 
  • Must maintain employment in healthcare during the program
  • Some required in-person sessions
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,020

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,360

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

32,496

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,552

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,844

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,020

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,360

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

32,496

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

UNC at Chapel Hill's Executive MHA program is designed to foster community and prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. As a UNC student, you will experience your degree program in a cohort model, allowing you to really get to know your peers.

The program follows UNC's competency model, which ensures you graduate with a complete understanding of the 24 healthcare competencies, including health equity improvement, human resources management, and healthcare system structure and financing. You will receive individual feedback on your competency development throughout the two-year program.

Each term, you will take a journaling course designed to help you reflect on your learning. In your first year, you will take courses on the business of healthcare like healthcare accounting and economics. In your second year, you complete higher-level classes on law and data analysis. You finish your degree program with a capstone project. 

Highlights

  • UNC has one of the lowest per-credit costs of MHA programs
  • 100% retention rate in 2022
  • 94% graduation rate in 2023

Know Before You Apply

  • Must have at least three years of full-time experience working in healthcare 
  • Must maintain employment in healthcare during the program
  • Some required in-person sessions
#2

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,695

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

You can complete an accelerated MHA at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and earn your degree in as little as 15 months. The program is 100% online and you can enroll starting in the fall, spring, or summer semester. This 30-credit degree is taught by the same faculty who teach the traditional in-person courses. 

As an FAU online student, you have access to student support services, workshops and seminars, and coaching and professional services.

All students begin with a leadership bootcamp course which focuses on leadership skills needed for healthcare in the 21st century. Other notable courses include global health issues, public health in pandemics, and healthcare operations.

Highlights

  • Many corporations may be willing to nominate and sponsor you for FAU's MHA program
  • You can complete your degree in 15 months

Know Before You Apply

  • Tuition is $900 per credit hour, regardless of state residency
  • GRE/GMAT required unless you pass a credential evaluation
  • No summer breaks
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,665

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,665

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

You can complete an accelerated MHA at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and earn your degree in as little as 15 months. The program is 100% online and you can enroll starting in the fall, spring, or summer semester. This 30-credit degree is taught by the same faculty who teach the traditional in-person courses. 

As an FAU online student, you have access to student support services, workshops and seminars, and coaching and professional services.

All students begin with a leadership bootcamp course which focuses on leadership skills needed for healthcare in the 21st century. Other notable courses include global health issues, public health in pandemics, and healthcare operations.

Highlights

  • Many corporations may be willing to nominate and sponsor you for FAU's MHA program
  • You can complete your degree in 15 months

Know Before You Apply

  • Tuition is $900 per credit hour, regardless of state residency
  • GRE/GMAT required unless you pass a credential evaluation
  • No summer breaks
#3

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$7,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,550

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

At Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), you can take advantage of small class sizes. AUM’s MHA program boasts a 7-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. With rolling admissions, you can apply throughout the academic year and get started with your degree right away. You can even finish in as little as three semesters.

The program requires 12 courses, 36 credits, and is fully online. Courses include planning and marketing in healthcare, quality improvement and patient safety, and policy in healthcare. 

As an online student, you will still have access to student resources, including career and academic support services.

Highlights

  • Transfer up to 12 credit hours
  • Finish in as little as three semesters or up to two years
  • In-state tuition is $465 per credit 

Know Before You Apply

  • Less elective opportunities
  • Out-of-state tuition is $511 per credit
  • Limited online degree options
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,224

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

5,190

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,550

Montgomery, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,550

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,224

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

5,190

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

At Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), you can take advantage of small class sizes. AUM’s MHA program boasts a 7-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. With rolling admissions, you can apply throughout the academic year and get started with your degree right away. You can even finish in as little as three semesters.

The program requires 12 courses, 36 credits, and is fully online. Courses include planning and marketing in healthcare, quality improvement and patient safety, and policy in healthcare. 

As an online student, you will still have access to student resources, including career and academic support services.

Highlights

  • Transfer up to 12 credit hours
  • Finish in as little as three semesters or up to two years
  • In-state tuition is $465 per credit 

Know Before You Apply

  • Less elective opportunities
  • Out-of-state tuition is $511 per credit
  • Limited online degree options
#4

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$8,651

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,637

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The MHA program at University of Wisconsin La Crosse is a 13-course degree that is offered entirely online. This 37-credit program includes 11 healthcare administration courses along with a capstone prep course and a culminating capstone project.

Although there are no elective courses, you can also earn an additional certificate in senior living and services leadership by adding on four courses to your MHA degree.

The program at UW-La Crosse is extremely flexible. You can take 1-2 courses a semester. You can choose to take classes during the summer session, but it is not required. Most students graduate in 2-3 years.

Highlights

  • GMAT/GRE test scores are not required
  • Can begin during the fall, spring, or summer semesters
  • No extra course fees or technology fees

Know Before You Apply

  • No elective courses
  • $725 per credit, regardless of state residency
  • Prerequisite courses include public speaking, medical terminology, and statistics
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,773

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,813

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

10,307

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,651

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,637

La Crosse, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,651

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,637

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,773

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,813

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

10,307

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

The MHA program at University of Wisconsin La Crosse is a 13-course degree that is offered entirely online. This 37-credit program includes 11 healthcare administration courses along with a capstone prep course and a culminating capstone project.

Although there are no elective courses, you can also earn an additional certificate in senior living and services leadership by adding on four courses to your MHA degree.

The program at UW-La Crosse is extremely flexible. You can take 1-2 courses a semester. You can choose to take classes during the summer session, but it is not required. Most students graduate in 2-3 years.

Highlights

  • GMAT/GRE test scores are not required
  • Can begin during the fall, spring, or summer semesters
  • No extra course fees or technology fees

Know Before You Apply

  • No elective courses
  • $725 per credit, regardless of state residency
  • Prerequisite courses include public speaking, medical terminology, and statistics
#5

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,839

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,849

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

As a full-time student, you can complete Appalachian State University's MHA degree in two years. The program is 100% online, with mostly asynchronous learning requirements. Some courses have a few synchronous components. The program has an option for part-time students, which you can finish in three years. You can choose a concentration in either health care leadership or health informatics.

ASU hosts an annual fall MHA student community event and online students are encouraged to come to campus and network with professionals in the field and connect with classmates.

Highlights

  • Offers concentrations in healthcare leadership and health informatics
  • No required admissions exams 
  • $494 per credit tuition for North Carolina residents

Know Before You Apply

  • Blended delivery model with synchronous requirements
  • Non-residents have higher tuition rate
  • 46 credits required
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,242

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,238

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

21,253

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,839

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,849

Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,839

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,849

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,242

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,238

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

21,253

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

As a full-time student, you can complete Appalachian State University's MHA degree in two years. The program is 100% online, with mostly asynchronous learning requirements. Some courses have a few synchronous components. The program has an option for part-time students, which you can finish in three years. You can choose a concentration in either health care leadership or health informatics.

ASU hosts an annual fall MHA student community event and online students are encouraged to come to campus and network with professionals in the field and connect with classmates.

Highlights

  • Offers concentrations in healthcare leadership and health informatics
  • No required admissions exams 
  • $494 per credit tuition for North Carolina residents

Know Before You Apply

  • Blended delivery model with synchronous requirements
  • Non-residents have higher tuition rate
  • 46 credits required
#6

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online

$12,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

97%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a fully online MHA program for working students with at least two years of career experience in healthcare. The degree entails 42 credits. Courses include Strategic Management and Marketing of Health Services, Biostatistics for Public Healthcare, and Rural Health.

If you haven’t yet completed an undergraduate degree, you could apply to WKU’s joint undergraduate master’s program, which allows you to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in healthcare administration in an accelerated format.

The MHA course of study ends with your choice of an approved internship or a thesis research paper. 

Highlights

  • Many elective options
  • Tuition rate is the same for part-time and full-time students
  • Some courses are offered on-demand

Know Before You Apply

  • Must have two years of experience working in healthcare
  • $707 per credit tuition
  • 56% graduation rate
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,436

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,000

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

16,759

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,340

Bowling Green, KY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,340

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,436

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,000

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

16,759

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a fully online MHA program for working students with at least two years of career experience in healthcare. The degree entails 42 credits. Courses include Strategic Management and Marketing of Health Services, Biostatistics for Public Healthcare, and Rural Health.

If you haven’t yet completed an undergraduate degree, you could apply to WKU’s joint undergraduate master’s program, which allows you to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in healthcare administration in an accelerated format.

The MHA course of study ends with your choice of an approved internship or a thesis research paper. 

Highlights

  • Many elective options
  • Tuition rate is the same for part-time and full-time students
  • Some courses are offered on-demand

Know Before You Apply

  • Must have two years of experience working in healthcare
  • $707 per credit tuition
  • 56% graduation rate
#7

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$8,066

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,282

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s MHA program can be completed entirely online. This 13-course program includes 11 classes in healthcare administration and ends with a capstone prep course and a culminating capstone project. There are no elective courses in this 37-credit degree. By adding four extra courses to your MHA degree, you can earn an additional certificate in senior living and services leadership.

As an online student with UW-Stevens Point, you still have access to all the same student support services that campus students receive. Resources include mental health help and academic and career guidance.

Highlights

  • 90% retention rate
  • Three yearly enrollment dates
  • Access to student support services like academic support, mental health support, and career services

Know Before You Apply

  • 56% graduation rate
  • Small online enrollment
  • Less graduate-level course offerings
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,698

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,402

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

8,018

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,066

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,282

Stevens Point, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,066

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,282

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,698

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,402

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

8,018

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s MHA program can be completed entirely online. This 13-course program includes 11 classes in healthcare administration and ends with a capstone prep course and a culminating capstone project. There are no elective courses in this 37-credit degree. By adding four extra courses to your MHA degree, you can earn an additional certificate in senior living and services leadership.

As an online student with UW-Stevens Point, you still have access to all the same student support services that campus students receive. Resources include mental health help and academic and career guidance.

Highlights

  • 90% retention rate
  • Three yearly enrollment dates
  • Access to student support services like academic support, mental health support, and career services

Know Before You Apply

  • 56% graduation rate
  • Small online enrollment
  • Less graduate-level course offerings
#8

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,191

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Offered entirely online and with three start dates, the MHA program at University of Wisconsin Platteville is flexible and makes it easy to start your degree faster. You can complete this 37-credit degree in as little as two years. The program’s design allows you to enroll part-time and gives you the option to take summer courses.

You will follow a 13-course plan with classes such as population health and epidemiology, health law and policy, and healthcare financial management. You will finish the degree with a capstone project.

Highlights

  • Can earn credit for professional experience
  • Accepts up to 12 transfer credits
  • Additional certificate options available

Know Before You Apply

  • Small online enrollment numbers
  • $725 per credit tuition cost
  • No elective courses
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,356

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,191

Platteville, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,191

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,356

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Offered entirely online and with three start dates, the MHA program at University of Wisconsin Platteville is flexible and makes it easy to start your degree faster. You can complete this 37-credit degree in as little as two years. The program’s design allows you to enroll part-time and gives you the option to take summer courses.

You will follow a 13-course plan with classes such as population health and epidemiology, health law and policy, and healthcare financial management. You will finish the degree with a capstone project.

Highlights

  • Can earn credit for professional experience
  • Accepts up to 12 transfer credits
  • Additional certificate options available

Know Before You Apply

  • Small online enrollment numbers
  • $725 per credit tuition cost
  • No elective courses
#9

University of North Texas

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,694

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, University of North Texas's (UNT) MHA program maintains high academic standards and emphasizes integrity in healthcare leadership.

In order to graduate, you will take 13 classes, or 39 credits. Courses include theories and measures of hand wellness, healthcare law and ethics, and financial issues in healthcare administration. You will also complete a capstone project.

If you are interested in an accelerated program, UNT offers a separate, accelerated master’s in business administration health service management degree. Both degree options are 100% online.

Highlights

  • High online enrollment numbers
  • Holistic admissions process
  • Access to online student support and extras like virtual events

Know Before You Apply

  • Higher out-of-state tuition rate
  • No option for a specialized area of study
  • Student-faculty ratio of 25-to-1
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,404

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,004

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

47,507

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,404

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,004

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

47,507

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, University of North Texas's (UNT) MHA program maintains high academic standards and emphasizes integrity in healthcare leadership.

In order to graduate, you will take 13 classes, or 39 credits. Courses include theories and measures of hand wellness, healthcare law and ethics, and financial issues in healthcare administration. You will also complete a capstone project.

If you are interested in an accelerated program, UNT offers a separate, accelerated master’s in business administration health service management degree. Both degree options are 100% online.

Highlights

  • High online enrollment numbers
  • Holistic admissions process
  • Access to online student support and extras like virtual events

Know Before You Apply

  • Higher out-of-state tuition rate
  • No option for a specialized area of study
  • Student-faculty ratio of 25-to-1
#10

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,290

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

With six start dates to choose from, starting the MHA program at the University of Arizona (UA) is easy. It’s also designed to be completed in as little as 12 months. The student-to-teacher ratio at UA is 17-to-1, and 90% of students would recommend UA online.

The degree is made up of 30 credits: seven core classes and nine electives in an area you want to study. You can pick between a concentration in healthcare leadership, healthcare innovation, or healthcare informatics. Focused courses include data mining for business intelligence, healthcare entrepreneurship, and health analytics. Each course runs for 7.5 weeks. In your last session, you will complete a capstone project. 

Highlights

  • Can be completed in 12 months
  • Nine elective options
  • No GRE/GMAT scores required for admissions

Know Before You Apply

  • Tuition is $1,000 per credit
  • 66% graduation rate
  • Average graduation time is 1.6 years
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,628

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

53,187

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

60%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,628

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

53,187

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

With six start dates to choose from, starting the MHA program at the University of Arizona (UA) is easy. It’s also designed to be completed in as little as 12 months. The student-to-teacher ratio at UA is 17-to-1, and 90% of students would recommend UA online.

The degree is made up of 30 credits: seven core classes and nine electives in an area you want to study. You can pick between a concentration in healthcare leadership, healthcare innovation, or healthcare informatics. Focused courses include data mining for business intelligence, healthcare entrepreneurship, and health analytics. Each course runs for 7.5 weeks. In your last session, you will complete a capstone project. 

Highlights

  • Can be completed in 12 months
  • Nine elective options
  • No GRE/GMAT scores required for admissions

Know Before You Apply

  • Tuition is $1,000 per credit
  • 66% graduation rate
  • Average graduation time is 1.6 years

What to Expect in an Online MHA Program

A typical MHA program takes two years to complete.

During this time, you’ll learn skills like finance, management, health policy and law, and business strategy. Many affordable online MHA programs also let you pursue a concentration within the field.

Sample MHA Courses

  • Healthcare administration essentials
  • Public policy and health
  • Human resources systems
  • Health economics
  • Healthcare quality improvement

Sample MHA Concentrations

  • Business administration
  • Population health
  • Healthcare informatics
  • Healthcare innovation
  • Health policy analysis

Lastly, many online MHA programs require you to complete a capstone course or thesis. You’ll likely work with faculty to undertake a research project based on your career interests. Some programs may also require an internship course; however, these programs likely include some in-person requirements.

How Much Do Online MHA Programs Cost?

Online Health Master’s Degrees

Avg. Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)

$11,229

Avg. Net Price (2019-2020)

$9,621

An online master’s degree is often more affordable than in-person or hybrid programs.

A BestColleges analysis of tuition data found that the average total cost of a fully online master’s program is about $24,300 a year. Median prices for fully online programs are more than 30% cheaper than the median cost of an in-person or hybrid program.

For online master’s degrees in health professions and related fields, the National Center for Education Statistics reports an average net price of just under $10,000 per year.

How to Save Money on Your Online MHA

The easiest way to afford an online MHA program is to apply for financial aid.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school. The FAFSA helps determine your eligibility for federal loans and grants based on financial need and other factors.

You should also search online for scholarships. Many scholarships are merit-based, meaning you’ll need a particular GPA and/or test scores to qualify.

Finally, consider an accelerated master’s degree. Some online MHA programs offer faster timelines, allowing you to earn your degree in as little as 12 months. This can help you cut down the total cost of your graduate education.

How to Choose the Best Affordable Online MHA Program for You

Not all affordable online MHA programs are high quality, the same way that not all high-quality programs are affordable.

Here are three tips to ensure the MHA online program you choose is both.

Check Accreditation

Although programmatic accreditation isn’t required to work in healthcare administration, you may find it easier to qualify for certain jobs by attending an accredited MHA program. Some scholarships and other forms of financial aid are tied to your program’s accreditation as well.

The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education(CAHME) is the sole accrediting body for MHA (and master’s in healthcare management) programs.

Check CAHME’s database to ensure the MHA program you’re interested in is accredited.

Compare Programs

It’s important to compare online programs to determine which MHA program will best fit your needs, especially when it comes to affordability.

One key point: The cost of your online MHA degree can vary a lot depending on whether you attend a public or private school. In general, public universities cost less, so you might want to prioritize online MHA programs offered by public schools in your state.

Research Student Outcomes

Looking for student outcome data, such as median salaries after graduation, for online MHA programs can help you determine the return on investment, or ROI, of potential schools.

The Department of Education’s College Scorecard estimates how much money you can expect to make after graduating from certain colleges.

You can also check school and program websites.

Career Path and Salaries for MHA Graduates

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for medical and health services managers will grow 29% between 2023 and 2033. That’s significantly faster than the average growth rate for all jobs in the U.S. (4%) and for all management jobs (6%).

Medical and health services managers earned a median salary of nearly $118,000 in 2024, according to the BLS.

Those with an MHA degree can work in a variety of settings. While hospitals tend to be the biggest employers of healthcare managers and administrators, you could also work for a government agency or at a doctor’s office, nursing home, or outpatient care facility.

Popular Jobs for MHA Graduates
JobDescriptionAvg. Annual Salary
Clinical DirectorOversees and coordinates within and across clinical departments$86,670 (Nov. 2024)
Clinical Trial ManagerOversees processes related to developing new treatments and medicines$108,720 (Oct. 2024)
Director of NursingSupervises nursing staff and advocates on behalf of nurses in a healthcare setting$100,190 (Oct. 2024)
Health Information ManagerMaintains a health facility’s digital records and information systems$65,010 (Oct. 2024)
Hospital ManagerOversees day-to-day operations at a hospital and manages staff$49,560 (Sept. 2024)
Source: Payscale

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest MHA Programs Online

While similar, healthcare management and healthcare administration have some distinct differences. Healthcare management focuses on big-picture problems, whereas healthcare administration relates to the day-to-day operations of a facility. However, some institutions use these terms interchangeably.

Depending on the work setting, there may be some overlap between the two fields. A hospital’s chief operating officer, for example, will likely influence both healthcare management and administration systems.

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