Most Affordable Online Master's In Human Resources Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in human resources degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated October 27, 2023

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Perhaps the most incentivizing reason to become an HR manager is that you will have the option of working anywhere, for anyone, and in any possible setting.

In fact, HR is one of the most flexible professional fields for graduates, as you can easily move from non-profit to big business work without additional education or experience. Further, the human resources department is the cornerstone of any company, organization, or agency as you are directly implicated in the health and economy of that company.

Thinking about other online graduate school options? We've ranked the most affordable master's degree programs overall as well.

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With responsibilities that include recruitment, hiring, training, policy development, compensation and budget management, and worker satisfaction, it is not hyperbole to say that HR representatives create the social and economic fabric of a company. And there is no one kind of HR manager: all kinds of people with a range of backgrounds and experience can succeed in the role.

Currently the HR field is growing by 5 percent, so those jobs—in an array of areas—will continue to be increasingly available to graduates. And those who go on to earn a Master of Science in Human Resources should anticipate an average annual salary increase of over 100 percent! The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that those with bachelor degrees in HR earn approximately $58,350 and those with masters earn $117,080.

What are the most affordable online master's degrees in human resources?

Even if you are not currently working in HR but are interested in the field, many of the programs on our list do not require that you already have a bachelor degree in HR. Meaning, you can jump right in!

We’ve also provided programs that can be taken fully online at the cheapest, most affordable per credit hour rate. Our information comes from the university and colleges websites as well as from U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Human Resources Degrees

National University

  • La Jolla, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At National University, degree-seekers can choose from a variety of online graduate programs. Learners with a bachelor's in human resources may find the master of arts in human resource management of particular interest. The program blends academic rigor and with a flexible and affordable online course delivery.

A 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio facilitates faculty mentorship opportunities and collaboration. Learners gain the advanced training employers want in potential hires knowledgeable about human resources best practices. The program prepares graduates with the academic training necessary to succeed in a competitive workforce or a doctoral program.

Tuition costs about $15,480 per year. Qualifying learners can lower their expenses with grants and scholarships. The comprehensive suite of financial aid options also include students loans, which about 30% of the school’s enrollees use to fund some or all of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
16,670
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Human Resources Degrees

Johnson & Wales University-Online

  • Providence, RI
  • 4 years
  • Online

A private college situated in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University-Online features a comprehensive catalog of degrees. The institution is a leader in online graduate education with eight master's degrees available remotely. One option includes a master of science in human resource management.

Graduate students can use online education such as this program to accomplish a goal that may otherwise seem unachievable because of logistical issues. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. Learners receive the rigorous academic preparation they expect without sacrificing quality.

Applicants receive acceptance letters at a rate of 41% each year, with variations expected across programs. Master's degree-seekers usually need a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field in order to receive consideration. The program department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to provide the materials.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,365
Out-of-state
$13,365
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,734
Out-of-state
$13,734
Retention Rate
25%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
1,752
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Human Resources Degrees

Concordia University-Saint Paul

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Concordia University-Saint Paul offers many quality online graduate programs. The master's in human resource management is an excellent choice for bachelor's degree-holders who want to advance their careers in this field. The program blends academic rigor and online course delivery that is flexible and affordable.

Enrollees benefit from the school's 18-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Learners complete a strong curriculum in human resources delivered by faculty with industry expertise. This higher-level academic preparation is a prerequisite for career advancement or a doctoral program in this field and related ones.

Tuition costs $8,550 per year. Many learners at the institution qualify for grants and scholarships to help reduce the price of tuition. About 58% of the school’s degree-seekers take out a student loan, another way to fund their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,800
Out-of-state
$22,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,550
Out-of-state
$8,550
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
5,137
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Human Resources Degrees

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

At Colorado State University-Global Campus, degree-seekers can choose from a variety of online graduate programs. The master of human resources management may appeal to graduates with a bachelor’s in human resources. The program provides advanced training in a format friendly to those who work or must manage other obligations.

Learners benefit from a 24-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The curriculum immerses learners in advanced knowledge and training in human resources. This academic preparation is a prerequisite for higher-level careers in business and industry or a doctoral program in some cases.

Tuition costs $9,000 per year. The scholarships and grants available to many degree-seekers help them reduce the price of tuition. Another popular way to finance their education is to take out a student loan, funding used by about 42% of the school's learners.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
12,670
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Human Resources Degrees

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective graduate students searching for flexibility should consider Bellevue University for a degree. From the Bellevue, Nebraska, campus, the school delivers 24 online master's degrees that include a master of science in human resource strategic management. Degree-seekers can pursue this degree from anywhere, which adds to the curriculum’s appeal.

Unless otherwise stated, a bachelor’s degree in the major or the equivalent is usually required for admission. The program offers advanced training for human resources careers and other opportunities a bachelor’s alone could not provide. Another benefit of this degree is preparation for a doctoral program or another terminal credential.

The school charges an annual tuition of $10,530. Learners can help pay for their degree using grants and scholarships. Loans may also be available to help students pay for all or part of the program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,530
Out-of-state
$10,530
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,637
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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