
The cheapest online master’s in human resources programs offer a flexible, affordable path to building strategic skills in talent management and organizational development. They prepare graduates for leadership roles in HR while staying under $8,000 in yearly tuition.
Key Takeaways:
- California Coast University ranks #1 for affordability, offering its HR master’s degree for just $4,875, the lowest tuition among all schools on the list.
- The University of Alabama ranks #9 for cost but leads in outcomes, with a 73% graduation rate and 96% recommendation rate based on our student surveys.
- Waldorf University earns the highest overall student rating with a 4.47 out of 5, reflecting strong satisfaction with its online HR master’s program.
Our rankings reflect only accredited schools with fully online offerings and transparent pricing. Our team manually collects and verifies all tuition rates. View our full methodology for greater detail on data collection and ranking criteria.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Human Resources
Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
---|---|---|---|
California Coast University | Santa Ana (CA) | $4,875 | |
Fort Hays State University | Hays (KS) | $5,079 | |
Wichita State University | Wichita (KS) | $5,083 | |
Amberton University | Garland (TX) | $5,400 | |
Athens State University | Athens (AL) | $5,535 | |
Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville (KY) | $5,550 | |
Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach (AL) | $6,282 | |
Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti (MI) | $6,349 | |
University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa (AL) | $6,600 | |
Waldorf University | Forest City (IA) | $6,624 | |
American Public University System | Charles Town (WV) | $6,825 | |
Troy University | Troy (AL) | $7,125 | |
Briar Cliff University | Sioux City (IA) | $7,194 | |
Wayne State College | Wayne (NE) | $7,200 | |
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis (IN) | $7,587 |
Overview of Online Human Resources Master's Degrees
Online master's in human resources (HR) programs are designed to provide students with the critical knowledge and skills necessary to manage, develop, and lead employees within an organization effectively. Once you've earned your degree, you'll be qualified to take on the leadership of an entire organization or to specialize in a high-level HR function, such as training and development.
As part of the program, you'll engage in practical projects that may include creating comprehensive HR strategic plans, analyzing case studies on workplace issues, or proposing solutions to existing HR challenges. Assignments may involve conducting surveys, developing training modules, or drafting HR policy documents.
Through these learning activities, you'll develop a range of technical skills, such as compensation and benefits analysis, HR analytics, employment law compliance, and recruitment strategies. You'll also hone vital soft skills like conflict resolution, negotiation, organizational development, and leadership.
Online master's in human resources programs require the completion of 30-39 credit hours. If you're studying full time, you may be able to finish in about two years, but you may need an additional year if you're a part-time student. Many programs include a paid or unpaid internship and end with a capstone research project or final comprehensive exam.
Looking for more online graduate degree options? Review our lists of the best online master's programs in human resources and the best MBA programs in human resources.
Common Courses
Each course in an online human resources degree program explores some aspect of HR in depth, giving you numerous opportunities to apply what you're learning to real-world situations. Some of the coursework often found in a master's in human resources program include:
Strategic Human Resources Management
In this course, students learn how to align HR practices with organizational goals. Assignments focus on strategic planning and decision-making processes in HR functions.
Employment Law and Compliance
This course informs students about federal and state employment laws. This knowledge will help them ensure organizational adherence to HR regulations and mitigate potential legal risks.
Organizational Behavior and Development
Students delve into the psychology of the workplace, studying factors that influence individual and group behavior. They also learn effective strategies for enhancing performance and satisfaction.
Talent Acquisition and Recruitment
In this course, students learn how to source, attract, and hire the best candidates for organizations. Role-playing activities also help students learn to conduct interviews.
Compensation and Benefits Management
This course covers the design, implementation, and evaluation of compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive and equitable.
HR Analytics and Decision Making
Leveraging data-driven insights, students understand how to make strategic HR decisions, predict trends, and measure the return on investment of HR initiatives.
Funding an Online Human Resources Degree
If you're like most online students, you're probably wondering how you can pay for an online human resources master's degree. As daunting as it may seem, you actually have several funding sources available to you. These include income, savings, gifts, and various forms of financial aid.
It can be challenging to figure out how much money you'll need before enrolling, but information from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) can help. Data for the 2022-23 school year show that the for graduate programs was $28,017 at private institutions but only $12,596 at public universities. If you multiply these amounts by the number of years you expect to be enrolled, you can determine the approximate cost.
Clearly, choosing a public school over a private university may save you thousands of dollars in tuition, but there are other ways to save money on your degree, too. For example, you could select an online program like one of the most affordable human resources degrees listed above. All of these schools are institutionally accredited, so you're assured of a high-quality education at a lower price.
Financial Aid
As an online master's student, you may also qualify for financial aid. To determine your eligibility, you'll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Later, you'll be informed if you qualify for aid, and if you do, you'll receive a financial aid offer from your school.
Depending on your circumstances, your financial aid package may include grants, fellowships, or scholarships from the federal and state government and from your school. These types of aid don't have to be repaid.
However, your financial aid offer may also contain a federal student loan or private student loan. These do have to be repaid with interest, so keep in mind that federal loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms.
Fellowships and grants may also be available from private organizations. These scholarships may be awarded based on financial need, academic performance, or career goals. You'll need to research these opportunities and apply for them separately because they are not covered by the FAFSA form.
If you haven't yet earned an undergraduate degree, consider enrolling in one of the most affordable online bachelor's programs in human resources.
What Can You Do With an Online Human Resources Degree?
An online human resources master's degree paves the way for numerous HR careers in both the private and public sectors. With an advanced understanding of HR principles and practices, you may be a more attractive job candidate for strategic roles within human resources departments than other applicants who have only a bachelor's degree.
You can also choose to become a generalist or a specialist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a human resources manager oversees an entire HR department, handling staffing issues, mediating disputes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These generalists earn a median annual salary of .
One specialty area within HR is a compensation and benefits manager. They develop, implement, and oversee programs that compensate employees appropriately. They also negotiate health insurance and manage other employee benefits. Specialists in this role earn a median annual salary of $136,380, only slightly more.
Additional education, like a doctoral degree in HR or a related field, can further elevate your career, opening avenues for academic roles, higher managerial positions, or specialized consultancy roles. An advanced degree signifies expertise, which could translate into higher salaries.
FAQs About Online Human Resources Degrees
How Do I Choose a Master's in Human Resources?
When you're choosing a master's in human resources program, you'll want to take several factors into consideration. Program curriculum, faculty, financial aid availability, student services, and the flexibility of the program are all important, and some may be more significant to you than others.
One factor that's critical, however, is institutional accreditation. Accreditation ensures you're getting a quality education. You may also want to look for HR master's programs that follow the learning outcomes prescribed by the (SHRM) so that you can meet industry expectations on the job.
Why Get a Master's in Human Resources?
A master's in HR is designed to give you an advanced understanding of human resource practices and strategies. Because you'll be well equipped to contribute strategically to your organization's success, you'll be qualified for high-level managerial roles, which can boost your earning potential.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Human Resources Degrees?
Admission requirements for a human resources master's program vary somewhat by school. However, most graduate schools will require you to have a bachelor's degree in human resources, management, or business administration. Also, a few schools only accept applicants who have some work experience in the HR field.
Along with your undergraduate transcripts, which should document that you maintained a GPA of at least 2.8, you may be asked to submit a statement of purpose, one or more letters of recommendation, and a resume. Some schools also ask for GRE scores.
Is a Master's Degree in Human Resources Worth It?
Determining whether a master’s degree in HR is worth the cost depends on several factors, including career goals, salary potential, and the affordability of the program. A master’s degree can open doors to higher-level positions in HR, such as HR manager, director, or VP, and often leads to higher salaries. According to the BLS, HR managers with a master’s degree can earn significantly more than those with only a bachelor’s. Additionally, master’s programs provide in-depth knowledge in areas like labor relations, organizational development, and strategic HR management, along with networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and industry professionals.
A master’s in HR can be a valuable investment if it aligns with your career goals and you choose an affordable program. The listed programs above offer competitive tuition rates, making them excellent options to consider for balancing cost and benefit. When evaluating the worth of a master’s in HR, you should also consider the potential return on investment (ROI), which involves weighing the potential increase in salary and career opportunities against the cost of the program. Employer sponsorship can also significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, as some employers offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs. Additionally, online programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to work while you study, which can help manage costs.
Student Reviews of Online Human Resources Programs
Stay away from APU. These people play games with your financial aid package and take their time to refund money due to you at the last minute when they feel like it. The education is good but you can get it elsewhere with less of a headache. Stay away. They will ruin your financial aid and refunds. These people aren't lying about their bad experiences with this school. If you have the Montgomery GI Bill, use it elsewhere.
Review Date: 4/19/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The school, the process, and the faculty are great, and I love that I have been able to earn all my degrees here and will most likely return for my doctoral degree. I can tell you that back in 2018, I called three schools. Purdue Global made a difference by wanting me to attend and being supportive during that uneducated decision about what to expect coming to college after being out of high school for over 30 years. If you are considering a school, call Purdue; it would be worth the effort! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️... Read More
Review Date: 9/7/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience at CSU-Global has been nothing short of AMAZING!! I graduated with my Bachelor's in Human Resources Management some years back and now enrolled again with them for my Master's degree in Human Resources Management. I have been in the HR field for 15 years and everything that was and has been taught to me coincides with the real life workforce, so you can definitely take the knowledge taught in each course and apply it in the real business world. The professors are so helpful and always... Read More
Review Date: 10/17/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Earned both my my undergrad Jan 2021 and wrapping up my graduate degree in October of 2022 at Waldorf. It’s been a challenge working full time within a Fortune 500 at a director level but it’s definitely been worth it. Classes are tough …. professors are great and the knowledge earned is invaluable. I highly recommend Waldorf. In January I begin a PhD at Liberty University. I don’t know who posted that one ⭐️, but that person is way off base. My experiences have been phenomenal!
Review Date: 4/10/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I must say that the professors here are amazing! On the other hand I will say that many of the support team members (Student coaches) have no idea what they are doing. In my 15 months I was assigned to approximately 5-6 student coaches. With that said, the only time that I ever heard from a student coach was when it was time to sign up for more classes. Outside of registering for more courses, it was like pulling teeth to get a coach on the line. They will not return calls, but will send random e-mails... Read More
Review Date: 1/27/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I heard about AIU from my friend who was currently enrolled in the college. Initially, I was hesitant to join an online program. But somehow my friend convinced me to join the same after showing the course curriculum, assignment pattern, and the course support. I was amazed to notice how simple it was to enroll and achieve your dream qualifications without any pressure on the academic front. I am soon to get an MBA in Human resource Management. I can't wait for my graduation day!!
Review Date: 8/23/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I completed my BA in Communication with SNHU in 2019 and was accepted into Johns Hopkins University for a Masters in Communication. Johns Hopkins! After two terms I began to realize that I missed the connection I felt with SNHU. My advisor always called to check-in, the financial aid department was phenomenal, admin was easy to get ahold of, the bookstore responded to emails quickly, I LOVED all my professors, I LOVED the online platform (Brightspace), and I thoroughly had a pleasant experience.... Read More
Review Date: 7/9/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
After having attended 2 online colleges in hopes to finish my masters, I came across Capella University. My previous experiences were not great so I was hoping for a better experience. I definitely got what I hoped for! Everybody I've encountered has been truly wonderful. They're knowledgeable and quick to help. They walked me through the entire process and explain everything when I have questions. I'm halfway through my program in Human Resource Management and I couldn't be happier.
Review Date: 10/30/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
IWU is a great school that offers the flexibility of earning a degree while you work full time. Do not mistake flexibility with easy. The workload was difficult at times and stretched me personally, academically, and spiritually. It is an online program and it takes grit to do this program. As with any school there are a few faculty who can be difficult but for the most part the faculty bare accommodating and gracious. Loved my time at IWU!
Review Date: 3/31/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love my coursework and I love the formatting of my program. Honestly, love how Trident runs their program and the professors and team at Trident are exceptional with customer service and assisting me. I even get video feedback on all my assignments that I turn in!
Review Date: 8/7/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went to DeVry for bachelors and am now attending Keller for my Masters and I couldn’t be happier! As soon as I finished school I was able to get a management position at Target which you needed a Bachelors degree to join! Since then, I have worked for Amazon and again couldn’t do it without DeVry! Anyone who says this school isn’t good is crazy! These classes are super hard and I’m learning a lot about the HR field! Thank you DeVry and Keller!
Review Date: 6/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University promotes the MBA as a research-driven, writing-based intensive academic program, but the weekly writing prompts are nothing more than a copy-and-paste question from the end of the reading chapter for the week. These questions are randomly chosen and therefore self-limited in terms of gauging student learning and application. Most of the time, these prompts require students to apply some of the equations that are part of the reading, to a particular case. The problem? Once you've done... Read More
Review Date: 2/25/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The program was built to revolve around the working. I really liked how the professors seemed to be understanding and always try and work with students when life happened. I learned a lot from the project based courses that gave me the skills I needed to get a job quickly and move up with a series of promotions. Would recommend this program if you want career advancement at a reasonable price .
Review Date: 11/26/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Webster University has truly set itself apart from other online learning centers. I am currently pursuing my dual graduate degree in Leadership and Management/Human Resource Management. Though I am not attending a brick and mortar courses, the advisors at Webster University has treated me no different. The ease of admission, guidance on a degree plan tailored towards my career goals and acceptance into the school was a seamless process. As with any life changing decisions, the Webster University... Read More
Review Date: 12/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
After getting a bachelors degree and law degree in person, I was looking for a prestigious online program that would allow me to work and attend classes. USC has been phenomenal in every dimension. The professors are HR leaders that have worked for very large corporations. My classmates have also been friendly, helpful, and easy to work with. While the degree is expensive, getting a great education from a top-tier school is worth the costs. Fight On!!!
Review Date: 4/17/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I completed my MHRM in two years and I enjoyed the coursework. It is heavy research and you have to be disciplined to complete per the schedule. Many reviews stated instructors and advisors weren’t reachable, I did not find this the case. I always received a response within 24-48 hours. I did have a couple different advisors, however, each one that left emailed stating they were leaving due to moving to another area of the school and introduced me to the replacement. I honestly feel the communication... Read More
Review Date: 11/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This review is for the Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science as well as a Master's degree in Human Resource Strategic Management. B.S. in Behavioral Science: I would rate it 8 out of 10 The classes were challenging however, as with most online colleges, you are left to do a lot of reading to learn. The professor provided video discussions which was greatly appreciated and respectable (A+ for that). The discussion boards made me question their effectiveness, as it can be quite difficult to approach... Read More
Review Date: 9/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Attending the University of Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have ever made. After completing my undergraduate program, I felt the need to pursue my MBA. Obtaining my MBA in HR Management will help me to stay competitive, teachable, and open doors, which will lead to great opportunities. School has always and will be a major part of my life. Completing my Master's Degree will give me a sense of accomplishment and will help me to provide better for my family. Earning your degree is not always... Read More
Review Date: 2/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It took some time to decide that I wanted to go back to school, but I don't regret the decision to attend Villanova. Our professors are amazing and our classes are interesting and relevant. As an online curriculum, I love having the opportunity to work with peers from across the country and being able to draw from their knowledge and experience. Amazing program that works well with any schedule with incredible professors are are there to help you succeed and get you to graduation.
Review Date: 9/28/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My college is outstanding. The courses are challenging but they prepare you for your career. The professors are knowledgeable and responsive. They eliminated textbooks to alleviate the extra cost to students. All of the class materials are online and the convenience of that is unmatched.
Review Date: 6/17/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No