2025 Most Affordable Online Degrees in Healthcare Management
An online bachelor's in healthcare management combines healthcare knowledge with business skills for leadership roles. Covering policy, administration, finance, and ethics, it prepares you for the complexities of modern healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
- Georgia Military College hosts the #1 most affordable Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management, with yearly tuition at $5,070.
- Oregon Institute of Technology secures the top position for median earnings, with graduates of its online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management earning $72,748, placing it in the top 4% nationally.
- Charter Oak State College achieves a perfect graduation rate of 100%.
By manually verifying tuition rates, we ensure accuracy in identifying the most affordable online healthcare management bachelor's programs. All schools are accredited with completely online degrees, and disclose tuition upfront. Visit our methodology page for details.
2025 Most Affordable Online Degrees in Healthcare Management
Online Healthcare Management Bachelor’s Degrees
Healthcare management is a dynamic and evolving field, offering a range of opportunities for those interested in the intersection of healthcare, business, and management. Online healthcare management bachelor's degrees blend the study of healthcare systems with the principles of management. These programs are designed to teach you how to efficiently manage resources, staff, and processes to improve patient care and organizational performance in various types of healthcare facilities.
Projects and assignments in healthcare management programs often involve case studies, where you'll analyze real-world healthcare scenarios, propose solutions, and develop implementation plans. Group projects are common, fostering teamwork and collaborative skills. You may also be asked to engage in simulations, role-playing exercises, and internships to gain practical experience in healthcare management settings.
As you complete your program courses, you can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of healthcare laws and regulations, medical terminology, and healthcare information systems. You'll also develop soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which are crucial for effectively managing teams and making strategic decisions.
Common Courses
An online healthcare management bachelor's degree typically requires the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Most students need four or five years of full-time study to fulfill all of the requirements, while part-time students may need even longer.
Below are some of the courses commonly included in this type of program:
Healthcare Systems and Policy
This course provides an overview of the healthcare system, including its structure, function, and the policy environment. Students learn about the impact of policies on healthcare delivery and the challenges faced by healthcare organizations.
Healthcare Finance and Economics
Students gain insights into the financial aspects of healthcare, including budgeting, accounting, and economic principles relevant to healthcare organizations. The course emphasizes cost control, financial analysis, and strategic financial planning.
Health Informatics
This course explores the role of information technology in healthcare, including electronic health records, data management, and the use of technology for improving patient care. Students learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare informatics.
Leadership in Healthcare
Focusing on leadership theories and practices, this course prepares students to lead healthcare teams and organizations. Topics include leadership styles, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making in healthcare settings.
As an alternative to studying healthcare management, you may be interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration.
Funding an Online Healthcare Management Degree
arning a bachelor's degree in healthcare management is a substantial investment that deserves careful planning. You will probably need some combination of savings, income, loans, grants, and scholarships to fund your college degree.
As you develop your budget for attending college, consider how you might save money in college, such as employing these ideas:
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Online degree programs can save you money in several ways. Many colleges — including the most affordable healthcare management degrees listed above — charge slightly lower tuition fees for online learners or at least charge in-state tuition fees for all online students. Also, as an online student, you won't have to pay for on-campus room and board or transportation to and from school.
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The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) collected tuition data from the 2022-23 school year and found that the were $9,750 for in-state students attending public schools and $35,248 for students attending private schools. Sticking with the lower-priced public schools or the options listed above could save you thousands of dollars.
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In the first two years of most bachelor's programs, you'll take primarily lower division courses in general subjects like history, math, and science. By taking these early courses at an online community college, which are generally far less expensive, you can complete some of your degree requirements at a lower price. Later, you can transfer your credits to a four-year university, where you can take the upper division courses needed to finish your bachelor's degree.
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No matter what type of program you choose, you'll still need to pay for housing, food, and transportation. However, you can reduce these living expenses while you're in college by opting for an online program and relocating to the most affordable place you can find to live.
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Although working part time while going to school can be challenging, your income provides an ongoing source to help pay for college and other expenses. You might need to take fewer courses each semester to maintain a healthy work-school balance, but allowing for an extra year or so in order to graduate with less debt may be worth the effort.
Financial Aid
Depending on your financial situation, you may be able to fund at least part of your degree with financial aid. Funding from the federal government, state government, and colleges is often awarded to students based on financial need. However, there are also many school-sponsored and private scholarships that are awarded based on other criteria, such as your chosen subject of study, prior academic performance, or family heritage.
The most useful types of aid are grants and scholarships because they don't have to be repaid. However, if you don't qualify for enough grant or scholarship money to cover all of the expenses related to your college degree, you may need to take out a student loan.
Even if a federal loan or private student loan is your best — or possibly only — option, keep in mind that loan interest can dramatically inflate the cost of earning a degree. Before accepting an offer for a student loan, use our student loan repayment calculator to determine the total cost of the loan.
As long as you're enrolled in an accredited school, you can apply for financial aid by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your application is reviewed, you'll receive an aid letter from either the school you're currently attending or each school you've applied to. This will spell out how much aid you can receive. However, private scholarships are not covered by the FAFSA, so you'll need to submit separate applications for each one.
If you are most concerned with cost, try exploring similar lists, like our list for the most affordable online healthcare administration degrees.
What Can You Do With an Online Healthcare Management Degree?
An online bachelor's degree in healthcare management opens doors to various roles within the healthcare industry. Graduates can pursue careers in hospital administration, health services management, and healthcare consulting, among others. These roles involve overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earn a median annual salary of $110,680. The highest paying positions are found in hospitals ($128,740) and government agencies (125,590), but there are lucrative jobs in private practice and outpatient facilities as well that pay over six figures. Demand for medical and health services managers is projected to grow rapidly by 28% through 2032.
The technical skills you acquire while earning a healthcare management degree may prepare you for similar jobs in other fields. For example, earn a median annual salary of $104,900, earn a median wage of $156,100, and earn a median annual salary of $77,030.
Further educational opportunities, such as a master's degree in healthcare management or an MBA in healthcare management, can lead to more advanced positions and potentially higher salaries. Advanced degrees provide deeper knowledge and specialized skills, enhancing leadership capabilities and opening up opportunities in upper management and executive roles.
Depending on where you go with your career, you may need a license to practice. For example, all states require nursing home administrators to hold a state-issued license, and some states may require licensure for other healthcare management positions. If you're heavily involved in healthcare informatics, you may also want to consider pursuing an optional certification from the .
Thinking about earning an online master's degree in healthcare management? Explore our lists of the best online healthcare management master's degrees and the most affordable online healthcare management master's programs.
FAQs About Online Healthcare Management Degrees
How Do I Choose a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management?
When you're exploring your options for an online healthcare management bachelor's degree, you'll want to consider several key factors. Cost is usually one of the most significant factors, but you'll find there are plenty of affordable healthcare management degree options. You may also want to look at noteworthy faculty, online format, student services, and financial aid availability, as some of these may also be important to you.
Another factor to look for is institutional accreditation, which means that a school's programs, faculty, facilities, and services have been thoroughly reviewed and met high standards. Enrollment in an accredited program is required if you want to apply for financial aid, and it will likely be needed if you want to transfer credits to another university or to be accepted into a graduate program. All of the schools listed on our website are accredited.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Healthcare Management Degrees?
Most schools that offer online bachelor's in healthcare management programs have fairly similar admission requirements. You'll need a high school diploma or GED, and you may need to show that you earned a GPA of 2.5 or higher for the more competitive schools.
When submitting your application, you'll probably be asked for your high school transcripts, a personal essay, and one or more letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors, or coaches. You may also be required to submit your scores on college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT.
Can I Earn a Healthcare Management Degree Online?
Yes, you can earn a healthcare management degree online. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to balance your studies with other personal and professional responsibilities. These programs often provide the same curriculum and faculty expertise as their on-campus counterparts.
Are Healthcare Management Degrees Worth The Cost?
When considering a healthcare management degree, it's important to evaluate the potential return on investment. Our 2024 list of the most affordable online bachelor's degrees in healthcare management demonstrates that you can gain a valuable education without incurring significant debt. Programs prepare graduates for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and health services organizations. With tuition rates as low as $5,480 at Indiana University - Kokomo and up to $11,250 at Lynn University, the financial commitment is manageable, particularly with available financial aid.
In the context of job prospects and earning potential, healthcare management degrees can indeed be worth the cost. The BLS reports that medical and health services managers earn well over six figures, with an unprecedented job growth rate of 28%. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. To put this into context, the average job growth rate in the U.S. is currently at 3%. This robust demand for skilled managers in the healthcare sector, combined with the affordable tuition rates of the programs on our list, suggests that pursuing a healthcare management degree can lead to lucrative and stable career opportunities. By choosing a program that fits your budget, the investment in a healthcare management degree can yield significant long-term benefits.
Student Reviews of Online Healthcare Management Programs
When it comes to course materials some modules contained materials that did not match the topic. Some instructors did not offer real world experiences, or instructions on the coursework. Additional articles or reading material to enhance learning. Not all articles in some modules were accessible for download. I felt that because I pursued a degree in an industry I was already in it boost my understanding of topics, and courses. Instructors took too long to respond to questions, would tell you what... Read More
Review Date: 4/1/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Hello everyone, My overall experience at CTU has been great. I started my journey at CTU in 2018 when I lost my spouse. I was going through a series of loneliness and depression and at that point colleagues of mine mentioned joining school through the services provided by my work. I was skeptical but at the same time, I always wanted to go back to school to further my education. Due to my family circumstances and financial situation, I did not get the opportunity to go back to school. To get out... Read More
Review Date: 5/22/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love this school I was able to earn my associates and now I am earning my bachelors since re enrolling I feel that I will be more prepared for my career. I am working with career services to get me into my field. I love everything about the school I love the tutoring services that they have I go two to three times a week and my instructors get back with me right away.
Review Date: 1/26/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently enrolled at Stevens-Henagar college, they have been amazing through helping me get set up all the way to making sure I understand every aspect of the college. They help you through financial aid and understanding your rights as a student. You receive a laptop and tablet through the school that you get to keep after graduation.
Review Date: 7/26/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I did enjoyed attending CTUOnline however being that the teachers use their own grading rubric its frustrating when one teacher does it one way and another teacher does it another way. I feel as though I was singled out by certain teachers which ultimately negatively impacted my overall grade. I was on the presidents list 6 consecutive times in a row and was failed by teachers however, when taking the same class with a different professor I excelled. If every teacher was held to the same grading... Read More
Review Date: 11/12/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
CTU was amazing with their learning tools. The Instructors answered every question, the learning experience was great. After CTU my motto is Learning is the Key Knowledge is power. AT any age you can still learn so try CTU you will get blown away to a better future.
Review Date: 10/8/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I haven't had the best experience so far. I don't feel like I'm learning anything because I'm constantly having to read through lengthy chapters for critical thinking assignments which are to write huge essays EVERY WEEK. It is also required to post lengthy discussion board posts and respond to at least 2 classmates post in great length just like the other reviewer mentioned. Each class has 16 weeks of work crammed into 8 weeks. In addition to all of the weekly essays and discussion post, the final... Read More
Review Date: 6/14/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The courses seemed to overlap in certain materials, the tuition rates are extremely high, but the instructors and counselors were very helpful. Overall the school was great, I just wished so knew there were cheaper options. But I had two other coworkers attend and speak very highly of it. Admissions were very easy to apply, get help and get started. The instructors thrived on student interaction and feedback which made it fun to submit assignments. Some of the coursework was tedious but I was able... Read More
Review Date: 12/10/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Going to CHCP was a great experience for me. I received my medical assistant certification, associates in science, and now my bachelor's degree at CHCP. Their online programs made it all possible being a single mother and having to work a full-time job I was able to pursue my dreams through their online services. I wish they offered a masters program online I would be the first to sign up. I have recommended 2 friends to CHCP and they love it.
Review Date: 11/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I just completed my first term at Saint Leo, and so far it has been a GREAT experience. Financial aid was pretty easy, and they were available anytime I had questions. My student advisor is the best. He help me register for class, being that this was my first time attending school online, he walked me through the process and checked on me throughout the term to see how I was doing. My instructors were great! I am looking forward to finishing my degree with Saint Leo. Attending school online is not... Read More
Review Date: 12/14/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Before going through WGU consider: #1. WGU is NOT an accredited institution, only their programs are accredited. That's good, but it is FAR MORE important that an institution be accredited. If it is not, then the majority of your work (your degree) will NOT be recognized by other colleges. #2. WGU boasts about the percentage and employment of WGU grads, but does not report how many of those people were ALREADY employed in their chosen career prior to attending WGU. In summation, my opinion is that... Read More
Review Date: 6/23/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have truly valued the education I have received throughout my degree program at Capella University. I transferred into Capella from an alternative online school and the difference between the education, faculty, and University had a significant impact on my success. This program is truly designed to help students reach their academic goals while working with their busy schedules. I am a single mother of two toddlers, working 60 hour weeks at the office, and working towards finishing my degree.... Read More
Review Date: 2/21/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school and classes are fine. It is the people who work in the financial services that are not doing their job. I did not get my loans or grants in the summer of 2015 ,because those people did not process my financial aid. I have considered on dropping out and finding another school
Review Date: 9/19/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have to agree with most reviews here. They win your business with lollipops and rainbows but then they let you down. I have been attending online since October 2014. I have recently been diagnosed with some health issues. I have inquired about changing my degree to shorten the time I am in school. I felt like it was frowned upon. I am getting no help from my advisor as to how to work something out. I have to keep suggesting ideas and asking questions just to be given short and quick answers. I... Read More
Review Date: 3/28/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
With twenty year's experience in the healthcare field I already knew a lot about healthcare. Cappella was instrumental in helping earn my bachelor's degree in six months. I was able to quickly prove what I already knew and focus my time on what I needed to know.
Review Date: 8/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Never had any problems with any of the courses. Very prompt response and study materials were shipped on time. Great study materials by Pearson. Worth the money. Good customer service, very helpful. I am working in the healthcare field. All the study materials helps understand all aspects of healthcare.
Review Date: 4/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended a reputable brick and mortar school for my Associate's Degree, Walden for my Bachelor's and am exploring which of the two I will choose to pursue my Master in Healthcare Administration as both universities offer the program totally online. The more I research this topic, the more disappointed I become with the impression most people have of Walden. I know for a fact that their curriculum is comparable to the online offerings of a major, local university. Furthermore, online work is about... Read More
Review Date: 8/6/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have had a great experience at Walen University. I just graduated cum laude and had a great time at graduation. UUÖ±²¥ education is not for everyone. It takes hard work and dedication. Everyone I encountered was very helpful, from academic advising, financial aid and enrollment advisers. Im currently enrolled for my master program. I would recommend walden to anyone that is discipline enough to do the work and put in the time and effort. I love Walden!
Review Date: 8/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The degree has not helped me at all in gaining employment. It took 6 months to get a job and it was not even in Healthcare Management, it was a receptionist. I've applied at hospitals, Dr's offices and anything health care related and only a few interviews in 3 years. I stand a better chance in getting a job not listing my degree at Walden. So disappointed with them and the fact they don't help students gain employment.
Review Date: 11/26/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The online program made attending class possible. I work full time and have two young children, so this was pretty much the only option available for me. The online class sizes were small and that was really nice because it was easier to focus on what was being posted.
Review Date: 8/10/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes