Most Affordable Online Master's In Health Services Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in health services degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Inspire individual and community betterment with an online affordable Master’s in Health Services degree.

Are you passionate about providing accessible and compassionate healthcare? Do you want to create better health systems and plans that will have tangible effects in people’s lives? Can you envision yourself leading teams of equally passionate healthcare providers?

Then an online graduate degree in health services may be the next best step for you!

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What kind of online Master’s in Health Services degree should you get?

Though all 25 of these programs will provide a foundation in health services fundamentals, each program varies in its emphasis and focus.

For example, while some programs will ensure you graduate with a thorough understanding of administrative practices, others focus on hands-on, direct client care. To find the best fit for you, think long-term about your career aspirations. What do you require from your graduate degree to help you meet your vocational goals?

Though these 25 programs are all a little bit different, each one is offered online and at an affordable price. Distance education is a great way to flexibly and affordably advance your career. So be sure to check out College Choice’s Most Affordable Online Colleges and Universities for a Master's Degree.

How much money do people make with an online master’s in health services degree?

An advanced degree in health services can be applied to a dramatic range of career fields, industries, and settings (more on that below!). For that reason, it can tricky to determine average salaries. However, rest assured that a graduate degree in health services will pay off, quite literally.

For example, medical and health services managers make around $98,000 a year. But this degree can move you far beyond the manager’s desk. In fact, you could find yourself the CEO of a hospital. In which case, you’ll make on average $163,000 a year. Though, as PayScale shows, the potential earnings exceed a staggering $600,000 annually!

What can you do with an online Master’s in Health Services degree?

These 25 programs open up many doors to the healthcare world. Whether you want to run a small clinic or a sprawling university hospital, an online Master’s in Health Services degree will help you get there.

In fact, graduates from the 25 programs below reflect the diversity of job opportunities available to you after you receive that diploma. They have all gone on to secure rewarding careers as:

What are the requirements for an online master’s in health services degree?

These master’s degrees require between one and two years to complete, though most will have you taking classes for closer to two years.

You can expect your first year of classes to cover the bases. This means coursework on human resources, administrative practices, the US healthcare system, and the laws, ethics, and regulations related to health services.

Then, in your second year, you will have the opportunity to explore the further reaches of health service. You may decide to formally specialize in an area of interest, or you may take on a number of electives that reflect your career aspirations.

Some of these programs require internships, capstone projects, or theses in order to graduate. Here at College Choice we’ve been sure to detail which schools require what so that no surprises lay in store for you.

What are the most affordable online master’s in health services degrees?

Most Affordable Online Master's in Health Services Degrees Badge

To find the most affordable master’s in health services programs we first looked at every school across the country that offers a health services program online. This ranking is based on average net tuition reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

After exhaustive research and number crunching we arrived at the 25 programs that will give you the most bang for your buck. And these 25 programs are not just the most affordable but are some of the best ranked too!

Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Ranking

See our rankings methodology page.

  1. Louisiana State University-Shreveport
    Location

    Shreveport, LA

    Tuition

    $8274

    Overview

    The Shreveport member within the wider Louisiana State University System is home to approximately 6,000 students. Though modest in size, LSU Shreveport began as just a two-year college. And today it is comprised of two dozen professional and academic programs.

    Features

    When you earn your Master’s in Health Administration from LSU Shreveport you never need to leave your home office. This degree is 100 percent online and organized into 10 distance classes. You’ll graduate fully prepared for middle and upper management positions within the healthcare industry. Classes you’ll take at LSU Shreveport include:

    • Healthcare Organizational Behavior
    • Healthcare Human Resource Management
    • Healthcare Law and Ethics
    • Healthcare Marketing

    Notables

    LSU Shreveport has designed a health services program that can be earned whether or not you have an academic or professional background in healthcare. There are four optional core classes you can take in order to brush up before diving into your degree. This makes for both an affordable and accommodating entry point into healthcare.

  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Location

    Chapel Hill, NC

    Tuition

    $10077

    Overview

    UNC Chapel Hill is a research-based university known for its relationship with Duke and North Carolina State University. It is a flagship school with shining accolades for its liberal arts-based programs. Nearly 30,000 students attend UNC Chapel Hill.

    Features

    Why not earn an affordable online degree from a nationally ranked university? UNC Chapel Hill’s online Master of Health Care Administration program provides a comprehensive overview of health services. It covers everything from management methods to finance, public health, and more. Core courses cover:

    • Health Care Reimbursement
    • Leadership and Management of Health Care Organizations
    • Health Care in the United States
    • Health Law

    Notables

    UNC Chapel Hill is explicitly committed to giving students a global perspective on health care. Students can therefore earn a Global Health Certificate in tandem with their degree. Or they can pursue global health-related internships and independent studies.

  3. California State University-East Bay
    Location

    Hayward, CA

    Tuition

    $10758

    Overview

    Cal State East Bay is a public school located in Hayward, CA. It offers nearly 200 academic programs to its 15,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students. Cal State East Bay’s strongest and most popular degree programs are in business, economics, education, and health.

    Features

    The MS in Healthcare Administration degree from Cal State East Bay was created with working professionals in mind. This flexible program helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary for effective health care management. You will not only learn how to plan and direct medical services but how to supervise and inspire teams. Classes you’ll take include:

    • US Health Care System
    • Introduction to Health Informatics
    • Information Technology in Health Care
    • Project and Change Management in Health Informatics

    Notables

    This program was designed by Cal State East Bay to reflect the standards and values of the Health Care Leadership Alliance. This includes a commitment to communication, leadership, professionalism, industry knowledge, and business insight. Graduates have gone on to work in hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies.

  4. University of Illinois at Chicago
    Location

    Chicago, IL

    Tuition

    $11571

    Overview

    The University of Illinois System is a renowned group of highly ranked universities, the Chicago campus is no different. Perched just outside of the Chicago Loop, UIC is the city’s largest university. More than 30,000 students attend the university and are enrolled in one of its 15 colleges and schools.

    Features

    When you earn a Master of Healthcare in Administration degree from UIC’s School of Public Health you will exhaustively explore everything from population health and informatics to marketing and finance. You can study either full or part-time. Both tracks ensure you graduate ready to manage health services within hospitals and care centers. Courses cover:

    • Human resources in health care
    • Health of communities
    • Long-term care
    • Economics and accounting

    Notables

    UIC’s School of Public Health is home to several dozen renowned research facilities and projects. For example, the Center for Healthy Work, the MidAmerica Public Health Training Center, and the Institute for Health Research and Policy are all housed on UIC’s campus. Online students can connect from afar!

  5. University of Maryland-University College
    Location

    Adelphi, MD

    Tuition

    $12483

    Overview

    The University of Maryland University College is based in Prince George’s County in Maryland, though there are also UMUC campuses throughout the region and online. With nearly 70,000 students and a sprawling distance education program, UMUC is a leader in innovative education.

    Features

    The Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree from UMUC fully covers the current trends in the healthcare marketplace while also predicting future trends. While attending UMUC you will develop a case study plan and budget for bettering healthcare services. And you will become a pro in US healthcare costs and systems. Classes at UMUC include:

    • Financial Decision Making for Managers
    • Information Technology for Health Care Administration
    • Intercultural Communication and Leadership
    • The Business of Healthcare

    Notables

    Just because you’re studying online doesn’t mean you can’t get connected! UMUC’s Upsilon Phi Delta is an honor society open to online graduate students. It is the national academic honor society of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, and a fine note to add to your resume and transcripts.

  6. University of Wyoming
    Location

    Laramie, WY

    Tuition

    $13155

    Overview

    Located primarily in Laramie, the University of Wyoming is a large, research institution. UW is known for its programs and research in the areas of agriculture, health sciences, and applied sciences. Around 12,000 students attend UW.

    Features

    The MS in Health Services Administration degree from the University of Wyoming is primarily online with some residency required. However, this two-year degree can be completed with part-time study. This degree for those who are most interested in pharmaceutical careers as the five speciality concentrations show:

    • Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance
    • Health Economics and Outcomes
    • Health Institution Leadership
    • Health Quality and Improvement
    • Advanced Pharmacy Practice Administration

    Notables

    The School of Pharmacy at UW, through which this program is offered, is ranked fifty-third in the nation among all schools of its kind, according to U.S. News & World Report. In fact, many of UW’s health and medical schools are top-ranked and well-recognized.

  7. Oklahoma State University
    Location

    Stillwater, OK

    Tuition

    $13951

    Overview

    Oklahoma State University is a land and sun-grant research university. It is located in Stillwater and is a flagship campus. More than 23,000 students attend OSU and are enrolled in one of the University’s half dozen colleges.

    Features

    No prior healthcare experience is required when you enroll at OSU. This Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree allows you to specialize in either administration proper or entrepreneurship. And in addition to taking classes on leadership styles, research methods, and legal issues in healthcare, you will also explore a range of topics. Electives cover:

    • Entrepreneurship and the Health Sciences
    • Introduction to Global Health
    • Financial Structures in Health Care Organizations
    • Ethics in Health Care

    Notables

    OSU is known for its medical centers, research facilities, and teaching hospitals. Likewise, its academic and professional health programs are highly regarded. Additionally, distance students benefit from this reputation as well, since OSU’s online programs are also well ranked.

  8. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Tuition

    $15533

    Overview

    Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida is a public state school. It boasts the largest enrollment of any college in the U.S. with its nearly 70,000 students. UCF offers more than 200 academic programs through its many colleges and schools.

    Features

    UCF’s Executive Master of Health Administration degree introduces students to the structures of health care organizations. Additionally, students gain insights into the varying, complex factors that impact the industry and its customers. Graduates from UCF’s program have gone on to become:

    • Chief Nursing Officers
    • Business Development Directors
    • Patient Survey Directors

    Notables

    U.S. News & World Report has designated UCF one of America’s “Most Innovative Universities.” Its Health Science Campus is part of UCF’s greater reputation for progressive research. It houses the Burnham Institute for Medical Research, a children’s hospital, a cancer research institute, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and more.

  9. Mercy College
    Location

    Dobbs Ferry, NY

    Tuition

    $16060

    Overview

    Mercy College is a private university located in and around New York City. It has campuses in Manhattan, Bronx, Yorktown Heights, plus a highly regarded virtual campus. Mercy College is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

    Features

    Mercy’s Master’s in Health Services Management program is a multidisciplinary introduction to leadership formation and US healthcare. In addition to the core classes, a selection of which are listed below, you will also be required to complete either a capstone project or an internship.

    • Managerial Communication and Leadership
    • Ethical Issues in Healthcare Management
    • Legal Environment of Health Care Management
    • Law, Government, and Political Process

    Notables

    For those who seek a program steeped in the mentorship model, Mercy’s program may be the best fit for you. Faculty, who are working professionals in the healthcare industry.

  10. University of Missouri-Columbia
    Location

    Columbia, MO

    Tuition

    $16317

    Overview

    Located in Columbia, MO, the University of Missouri (also known as Mizzou) has more than 30,000 students and more than 300 academic programs. Mizzou is a flagship university and one of the nation’s most active research institutions. It is one of only a few public schools to be a member of the elite Association of American Universities.

    Features

    Mizzou’s School of Medicine offers a Master of Health Administration degree that is mostly online with some required campus visits. With a curriculum that covers the fundamentals of health informatics, HR, and healthcare law, graduates from Mizzou have become CEOs and directors, CFOs and managers. Classes include:

    • Introduction to the US Health Care System
    • Administration of Health Care Organizations
    • Methods of Health Services Research
    • Health Economics

    Notables

    Mizzou is a known military friendly university. This is evidenced by the Mizzou Online Military Tuition Award, among other factors. The award is only for veteran, active duty, national guard, or reserve members. It makes online education even more affordable and approachable.

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