Hospitals, health systems, and clinics don’t run themselves. If you want to be part of this growing industry, one of the best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration is a good place to begin.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare is a multi-trillion dollar industry in the US that’s subject to government regulations, community standards, clinical excellence, and financial stability. Healthcare Administrators wear many hats and are at the center of any successful healthcare organization. These executives oversee development of organizational goals and objectives, work with clinical staff in maintaining quality standards, coordinate human resources, manage budgets, and assure state and federal regulatory compliance. That’s the overview. In reality, what a Healthcare Administrator does can best be described as being “all things to all people.”
One of the key responsibilities of a Healthcare Administrator is working with anyone who comes into contact with a healthcare facility. From physicians nurses, patients, vendors, insurance companies, community leaders, and the media, administrators are called on to coordinate the health facility’s mission and vision with the demands of this complex business.
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How Much Can You Earn with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
The career outlook for Healthcare Administrators, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is overwhelmingly positive, with an estimated 10-year job growth of 18%, which is significantly faster than average. Salary estimates for this career are positive as well, with the median salary recorded at $99,730. If price and maximizing return on investment is your top priority, consider the most affordable healthcare administration degrees.
Depending on where you live and where you work, salaries range from $84,260-$110,460 for the Healthcare Administrator. These figures don’t include additional compensation in the form of health benefits, retirement plans, paid leave, etc.
What Is Required for a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?
You should look for an undergraduate Healthcare Administration program that has a solid foundation in healthcare law, ethics, finance and accounting, human resources, marketing, current healthcare issues, etc. Some programs will also include an internship experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to complete a background check for admission.
Colleges and universities frequently will offer a Bachelor of Science (BSHA) or Bachelor of Arts (BAHA) in Healthcare Administration through their business or health profession schools. Many programs are available online, with some offering academic credit for previous healthcare work experience known as Competency Based Education.
What Are the Best Online Healthcare Administration Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Loma Linda University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,720(in state) / $30,720(out of state)
- 96 credit hours needed for admission
- Member of Seventh Day Adventist higher education system
- No tuition residency requirement
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreYou need to transfer credits from either an Associate Degree or a partial undergraduate degree to be eligible for this program. A total of 192 credit hours are needed for graduation.This program is specifically designed for adult learners looking to advance in healthcare administrative areas.
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The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,000(in state) / $17,000(out of state)
- Program completed in 96 weeks
- An Associate Degree is required for admission
- Career Services available
School Wide
Program Level
95%OSR ScoreThis program concentrates on personnel leadership, project and change management studies. You need 60 credit hours for graduation, with 35 hours in specialty and 15 hours in general education courses. Financial Aid is available for qualifying students.
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Pacific College
20-Year ROI$907,795
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScoreIn addition to general education courses, you’ll take core classes in economics, ethics, patient care and education, marketing, etc. This bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours for graduation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Pacific College a “Best Value School.”
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Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
20-Year ROI$563,585
Quick Facts
- 100% online
- Requires at least 64 previous postsecondary credits
- Complete in 15 months
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScoreThis is a Bachelor of Science degree designed for health professionals wanting to move into administrative roles. Among the courses you’ll study are ethical trends, health care system core business theory, and specific healthcare pillars. When you graduate, Career Services will work with you to find a job.
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Platt College-Los Angeles
20-Year ROI$660,745
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,794(in state) / $13,794(out of state)
- Earn a bachelor within 15 months with previous associate degree
- Externship required
- Private, for profit school
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScorePlatt College offers a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, through its School of Medical Sciences, for those with an associate’s degree. The program is suitable for students with or without a healthcare background. This is an online degree.
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Western Governors University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,780(in state) / $5,780(out of state)
- 40 courses required
- 100% Online
- Start dates begin on the first of each month
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreThis is a BS in Business with a Healthcare Administration concentration. Each term is six months in length with a set tuition cost. You’ll need to submit a resume demonstrating a minimum of three years work experience in industry, non-profit, or business leadership.
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Baptist Health System School of Health Professions
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,460(in state) / $10,460(out of state)
- Baccalaureate completion program
- 60 credit hours required for admission
- Completely online
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreIf you have the general education requirements, you can complete this BS degree in only three semesters. You must have an associate degree in allied health or a field related to business for admission. Among the courses included are marketing, finance, human resources, and a capstone project.
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Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
20-Year ROI$1,073,575
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $27,084(in state) / $27,084(out of state)
- 120 Credit hours
- SAT or ACT scores required
- Applications accepted year round
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreThis is an online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. You need a high school diploma or GED for admission. The program covers courses in data analysis, principles of healthcare administration, legal issues, organizational development, and a capstone project.
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Rasmussen College-Florida
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,935(in state) / $10,935(out of state)
- Completely online
- Graduate in 18 months (depending on transfer credits)
- Competency based education
School Wide
Program Level
90%OSR ScoreYou’ll complete 23 courses for this bachelor’s program with a healthcare management focus. Courses include studies in healthcare law and ethics, operations management, planning and policy, etc. You’ll need to have an Associate Degree for admission.
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Mercy College of Ohio
20-Year ROI$1,019,940
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,360(in state) / $12,360(out of state)
- 100% online
- Complete in as few as 5 semesters
- 75 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreThis BS degree in Healthcare Administration requires either an associate degree or undergraduate coursework (or 60 transferable hours). The program covers courses in healthcare marketing, healthcare finance, management, quality improvement, etc. You’ll also complete an internship.
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Rasmussen College-Illinois
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,935(in state) / $10,935(out of state)
- Associate’s degree or 40-60 transfers hours required for admission
- Fully online
- 180 credit hours required
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreAmong the courses you’ll study are Foundations of Managed Care, Risk Management, Regulation and Compliance in Healthcare, Intro to Healthcare Administration, an internship, and capstone project. Financial Aid is available for qualified students. You’ll be eligible to sit for certification.
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Herzing University-Birmingham
20-Year ROI$743,838
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,200(in state) / $14,200(out of state)
- 120 Credit hours
- Complete online in 3 years
- 2 concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreThis BS offers two concentrations in either Leadership or Managed Care. Following core coursework, you’ll study classes in Health Policy, US Healthcare Systems, Human Resource Management, internship, and a capstone project. The admissions process begins with a virtual meeting with an admissions advisor.
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Southern New Hampshire University
20-Year ROI$882,666
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,756(in state) / $30,756(out of state)
- 120 Credit hours (up to 90 transfer hours accepted)
- Ranked “#1 Most Innovative Schools” by U.S. News and World Report
- Largest online nonprofit education provider in US
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreYou can choose from either a Health Information Management or Patient Safety and Quality concentration with this BSHA. Courses meet competencies in: communication, critical thinking, computational skills, and cultural and societal context. The program is aligned with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
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Herzing University-Kenosha
20-Year ROI$742,379 Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,200(in state) / $14,200(out of state)
- Complete in 3 years
- Completely online
- 2 concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreAs with its sister school in Birmingham, this BS has concentrations in Leadership and Managed Care. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion and transfer credits are accepted. You can earn dual credits for an MBA while pursuing your bachelor’s degree.
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South University-Savannah Online
20-Year ROI$655,870
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,260(in state) / $13,260(out of state)
- 180 Credit hours required
- Curriculum follows Association of University Programs in Health Administration recommendations
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreA private institution, South University has offered online programs since 2004. This is a BS in Healthcare Management degree that includes courses in Healthcare Delivery Systems, Economics, Finance, Communication, Managed Care, etc. SAT or ACT scores are required for admission.
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Brookline College-Phoenix
20-Year ROI$415,751
Quick Facts
- 120 Credit hours
- 88% of Brookline College students receive some form of Financial Aid
- Offers Career Services for graduates
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThis online BSHA is designed to be completed in 120 weeks. You need to be a US citizen and have a high school diploma or GED for admission. You’ll study Medical Terminology, Healthcare Marketing and Customer Service, and Healthcare Organizations.
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Concorde Career College-Kansas City
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,600(in state) / $30,600(out of state)
- 66% Graduation rate
- For-profit institution
- Graduate in as few as 24 months
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThe curriculum for this BSHA covers healthcare law, policy, problem solving, management principles, etc. Along with federal Financial Aid, Concorde Career College offers scholarships for qualified students. An Associate Degree is required for admission.
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Oregon Institute of Technology
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,422(in state) / $26,807(out of state)
- Choose from 3 options
- 182-205 credit hours required
- No difference for out-of-state tuition
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThere are three options for this BS Health Care Management degree: clinical, radiologic science, and administrative. If you’re a first time student or have no healthcare experience, the fully online administrative option is for you. You can choose from Health Data Analytics or Psychology tracks.
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Rasmussen College-Wisconsin
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,935(in state) / $10,935(out of state)
- Completely online
- Associate Degree required for admission
- 90 credit hours for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreThis BSHA will provide you skills in leadership, financial management, healthcare law and ethics, and healthcare planning and policy management. The program can be completed in as few as 18 months. FlexChoice is available for this degree.
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Mercy College of Health Sciences
20-Year ROI$934,222
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,600(in state) / $17,600(out of state)
- 122 credit hours
- 62% graduation rate
- Faculty have real-world experience in healthcare administration
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreMercy College’s BSHA includes healthcare specific studies in communication, principles, ethics, marketing, etc. You’ll complete a practicum prior to graduation. You should verify your state of residence is approved for this Iowa program.
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Bryan University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,025(in state) / $11,025(out of state)
- Tuition locked in at enrollment
- 120 credit hours
- 100% online
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThis BS in Healthcare Administration and Analytics program requires 36 general education credits. Your major courses will include studies in biomedical informatics, healthcare law, terminologies and classifications, etc. U.S. News and World Report names Bryan University a “Best Value School.”
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Herzing University-Minneapolis
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,200(in state) / $14,200(out of state)
- 67% graduation rate
- 120 credit hours
- Leadership or Managed Care concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreIf you’re looking for business and management skills in healthcare, Herzing University-Minneapolis may be for you. Studies involve finance, law and ethics, organizational development, etc. You’ll need to complete an internship or capstone project for this degree.
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Ashford University
20-Year ROI$818,512
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,848(in state) / $10,848(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- Military friendly
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThis is a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration that will cover studies in business, accounting, sociology, and healthcare administration. Courses are five weeks in length and you’ll only take one class at a time. The admission process begins by speaking with an advisor.
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Herzing University-Winter Park
20-Year ROI$746,955 Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,200(in state) / $14,200(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- 100% online
- Certification preparation
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreYou can choose between Leadership or Managed Care options with this program. Some of the topics studied include conflict resolution, human resource management, current healthcare issues, healthcare information systems, etc. You’ll work with an admission and educational funding advisor prior to enrollment.
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University of Mary
20-Year ROI$958,195
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,470(in state) / $16,470(out of state)
- 124 semester credits
- 60% graduation rate
- Rolling admission
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreLocated in North Dakota, University of Mary’s BSHA can be completed in 2.3 years depending on transfer credits. Completely online, you’ll study financial management, business law, human resources, etc. You’ll also complete an internship.
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Rasmussen College-Kansas
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,935(in state) / $10,935(out of state)
- Associate Degree required for admission
- 90 credit hours
- Military tuition reduction
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreRasmussen College is a private, for-profit school, and all locations offer FlexChoice, which allows you to receive credit for what you already know. A field experience is part of this program. You can complete this bachelors in as few as 18 months.
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Weber State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,773(in state) / $14,321(out of state)
- 120 Credit hours
- Named in U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs”
- No minor required
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreLocated in Utah, Weber State University has an online BS in Health Services Administration. The program covers studies in health informatics, quality improvement, communication, finance, etc. You’ll also complete an internship and capstone project prior to graduation.
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George Washington University
20-Year ROI$1,376,291
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $51,274(in state) / $51,274(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- 82% graduation rate
- Rated #20 “Best Online Bachelor’s Program” by U.S. News and World Report
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreYou need to have 60 credit hours of prerequisites to be admitted to this Bachelor of Science in Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management. The curriculum includes case studies, quality improvement, healthcare law, practicum, etc. One-on-one tutoring is available should you need it.
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National University
20-Year ROI$1,183,483
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,032(in state) / $13,032(out of state)
- 180 quarter hours
- Year round enrollment
- Over 170,000 alumni worldwide
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThis California school has a 100% online BSHA. The degree covers topics in health informatics, budgeting and finance, US and global health systems, internship (California residents only) and/or capstone project. National University is a Yellow Ribbon school for veterans.
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Ottawa University-Online
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,976(in state) / $11,976(out of state)
- 124 credit hours
- 2 concentrations
- 62% graduation rate
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreOttawa University is a private university offering two undergraduate tracks in Clinical (for students with a license or registry) and Non-Clinical Healthcare Management. Subjects covered are healthcare delivery, finance, reimbursement systems, etc. The school accepts CBE and military credit toward a degree.
