Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Management Programs 2024

It’s a good time to become a healthcare manager. Overall, management occupations are projected to grow faster than average between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Healthcare manager positions, specifically, are projected to grow by 28%.

Earning your master’s in healthcare management online can prepare you for in-demand careers in this high-paying field. Our ranking can help you identify the healthcare management programs that best fit your schedule and career goals.

When it comes to choosing a grad school, your decision will influence your education and career options. That’s why it’s important to know how to research online programs. Here are some factors you can consider when comparing healthcare management master’s programs.

The cost of grad school is an important factor when researching universities, and an online format makes it easier to compare programs by affordability.

You can make a master’s degree more affordable by applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. In-state, public universities tend to charge the lowest tuition rates.

You should always choose an accredited institution for your master’s degree. For one, you can only obtain federal financial aid if you attend an accredited school.

Additionally, accreditation speaks to the quality of the education you receive, and it ensures your degree will be recognized by employers. This is especially important in the field of healthcare.

Look for programs accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

At the graduate level, you can earn a master’s in healthcare management, a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA), or an MBA in healthcare management. While these programs overlap, they also differ in key ways.

Make sure you’re choosing the right program type for your career goals. Review the curriculum, graduation requirements, and graduate placements to see which program type is the best fit.

Even when you’re choosing an online program, location matters. If you’re attending an out-of-state program, you might have to pay a higher tuition rate, for example.

some programs require in-person attendance at orientations, residency sessions, or other on-campus requirements. If you’d prefer a hybrid format or want to connect with the on-campus community, a local program could be the best fit.

When you invest in a graduate degree, it’s good to consider your return on investment (ROI). Reputable programs provide information on program outcomes, including recent job placements, employment rates, and salary outcomes.

Some programs may partner with healthcare facilities to offer career placement opportunities. Research program outcomes to find a good fit.

The cost of a master’s degree depends on the school, the program, and factors unique to you, such as your state residency and financial aid. For example, MBA programs may cost more than master’s in healthcare management programs.

According to NCES data, online health graduate programs cost around $9,300 per year in tuition and fees, while business and management programs cost around $8,000. You can also research the most affordable master’s in healthcare management programs to find an option that fits your budget.

Earning an online management master’s degree costs around $8,000 per year, according to NCES data, while healthcare managers report a median annual salary of $110,680 per year, according to May 2023 BLS data.

Plus, healthcare managers are in high demand, and some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree. That means a master’s in healthcare management can pay off. However, you need to weigh several factors, including the total cost of your degree and the job market in your area.

If you already hold a bachelor’s in healthcare management and you want to move into a management role, some employers may pay for your master’s in healthcare management.

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 22, 2024.