Online healthcare administration degrees help students develop the business, management, financial, and leadership skills needed to work in hospitals, clinics, insurance organizations, and other healthcare settings.
Programs range from bachelor’s degrees for students starting their education to master’s degrees for professionals seeking advanced management roles. Some programs are fully online, while others require live virtual classes, internships, or in-person experiences.
Below are 10 options from 10 different universities, with degree details, delivery formats, and published tuition information where available.
1. Oregon State University — B.S. in Healthcare Administration
Best for: Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with a healthcare and business focus.
Oregon State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration combines healthcare knowledge with business, analytical, and leadership skills. The curriculum prepares students to understand healthcare organizations and the challenges involved in delivering efficient services.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Credits: Check the current degree requirements
- Format: Online through Oregon State Ecampus
- Published tuition: $409 per credit, excluding course materials and other expenses
- Career direction: Healthcare operations, administration, and management support
Official program: https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/online-degrees/undergraduate/healthcare-administration/
2. Franklin University — B.S. in Healthcare Administration
Best for: Working adults and students transferring college credits.
Franklin University’s online bachelor’s degree covers healthcare administration alongside business and organizational management. The program is designed for students who want to develop administrative skills while balancing work and other commitments.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- Published tuition: $398 per credit for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Transfer credits: Up to 75% of the degree requirements may be accepted, subject to university policies
At the standard published rate, 120 credits would cost $47,760 before fees and transfer-credit adjustments.
Official program: https://www.franklin.edu/degrees/bachelors/healthcare-administration
3. University of Central Florida — B.S. in Health Services Administration
Best for: Students preparing for entry-level healthcare administration roles.
The University of Central Florida offers an online bachelor’s degree focused on the management of healthcare organizations. Students study healthcare systems, economics, finance, law and ethics, and related administrative subjects.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
- Credits: 120
- Format: Online option available
- Published online tuition: $179.19 per credit for eligible Florida residents
- Practical requirement: An internship is required
Students should confirm internship arrangements and the applicable tuition rate before enrolling.
Official program: https://www.ucf.edu/online/degree/health-services-administration-b-s/
4. Western Governors University — B.S. in Healthcare Administration
Best for: Students who want a competency-based learning model.
Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online bachelor’s degree focused on healthcare operations, leadership, quality improvement, and management. Its competency-based model allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of the required material.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Format: Online, competency-based
- Published tuition: $3,850 per six-month term
- Completion time: Depends on the student’s pace, transfer credits, and previous knowledge
- Career direction: Healthcare administration, operations, and management support
Because WGU charges by term rather than by individual credit, students who complete more coursework within a term may reduce their overall tuition cost.
Official program: https://www.wgu.edu/online-business-degrees/healthcare-administration-bachelors-program.html
5. Louisiana State University at Alexandria — B.S. in Health Professions, Healthcare Administration Concentration
Best for: Students seeking an online bachelor’s degree through a public university system.
Louisiana State University at Alexandria offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Professions with a concentration in Healthcare Administration through LSU Online. The program combines healthcare-related study with administrative and management subjects.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Professions
- Concentration: Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 120
- Format: Online
- Published tuition: $353 per credit
- Career direction: Medical office management, healthcare administration, and related operational roles
At the listed rate, 120 credits would equal $42,360 before fees and any transfer-credit adjustments.
Official program: https://online.lsu.edu/online-degree-programs/undergraduate/bachelor-science-health-professions-health-care-administration/
6. University of Illinois Chicago — Online Master of Healthcare Administration
Best for: Healthcare professionals preparing for leadership positions.
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a fully online Master of Healthcare Administration designed for professionals with at least three years of experience in a healthcare setting. The curriculum combines business principles with healthcare management and leadership.
- Degree: Master of Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 40
- Format: Fully online
- Published tuition: $980 per credit
- Estimated base tuition: $39,200 before additional fees
- Accreditation: The program reports accreditation from CAHME and CEPH
UIC’s online program is designed for working professionals who want to develop skills in healthcare operations, finance, organizational management, and strategic decision-making.
Official program: https://healthcareadministration.uic.edu/online-programs/master-of-healthcare-administration/
7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Online Master of Health Administration
Best for: Students seeking graduate healthcare management education through a public research university.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an online Master of Health Administration. The program is designed to develop knowledge of healthcare organizations, leadership, finance, and operational decision-making.
- Degree: Master of Health Administration
- Credits: 48
- Format: Fully online
- Published tuition: $575 per credit for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Estimated total cost: Approximately $27,792, including listed online fees
Students should review the current course plan, admission requirements, and any additional costs before applying.
Official program: https://publish.illinois.edu/mha-online/
8. George Mason University — Online Master of Health Administration
Best for: Professionals interested in healthcare systems management.
George Mason University offers a fully online Master of Health Administration in Health Systems Management. The curriculum covers strategic management, healthcare finance, human resources, analytics, and organizational decision-making.
- Degree: Master of Health Administration
- Credits: 39
- Format: Fully online
- Published tuition: $895 per credit for 2025–2026, plus a $35-per-credit distance-learning fee
- Estimated base tuition and distance fee: $36,270, excluding other applicable charges
- Accreditation: The university reports CAHME accreditation for this program
The university lists a typical completion period of approximately 30 months.
Official program: https://masononline.gmu.edu/programs/health-systems-administration-online/
9. University of North Carolina Wilmington — Online Master of Healthcare Administration
Best for: Students seeking an online graduate program with a focus on healthcare leadership.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online Master of Healthcare Administration designed to develop skills in healthcare policy, finance, operations, and leadership.
- Degree: Master of Healthcare Administration
- Format: Online
- Typical duration: Approximately two years
- Published estimated tuition and fees for 2026–2027: $17,033 for in-state residents and $63,865 for out-of-state residents
- Accreditation: The program reports CAHME accreditation
The substantial difference between the listed resident and nonresident costs makes it important to verify your tuition classification before applying.
Official program: https://onlinedegree.uncw.edu/programs/healthcare/mha/
10. Indiana University — Online Master of Health Administration
Best for: Healthcare professionals pursuing broader management responsibilities.
Indiana University’s online Master of Health Administration develops business and management skills for healthcare organizations. The curriculum prepares students to address operational, financial, and leadership challenges in healthcare delivery.
- Degree: Master of Health Administration
- Credits: 42
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: The university reports CAHME accreditation
- Tuition: Confirm the current tuition rate with the university
The program is designed for students seeking greater responsibility in healthcare management. Prospective applicants should review the current admissions criteria, tuition schedule, and degree requirements.
Official program: https://online.iu.edu/degrees/health-administration-mha.html
Online Healthcare Administration Degrees Compared
| University | Degree level | Format | Published tuition reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | Bachelor’s | Online | $409 per credit |
| Franklin University | Bachelor’s | Online | $398 per credit |
| University of Central Florida | Bachelor’s | Online | $179.19 per credit for eligible Florida residents |
| Western Governors University | Bachelor’s | Online, competency-based | $3,850 per six-month term |
| Louisiana State University at Alexandria | Bachelor’s | Online | $353 per credit |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Master’s | Online | $980 per credit |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Master’s | Online | $575 per credit |
| George Mason University | Master’s | Online | $895 per credit, plus distance fee |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | Master’s | Online | Estimated total varies by residency |
| Indiana University | Master’s | Online | Confirm current rate |
Tuition figures are published reference rates and may change. Total costs can differ due to residency, transfer credits, fees, course materials, and individual enrollment plans. Confirm current figures directly with each university.
What Do Healthcare Administration Programs Teach?
Although curricula vary, healthcare administration degrees commonly cover the following subjects.
Healthcare finance: Budgeting, financial reporting, reimbursement, and financial decision-making.
Healthcare operations: How hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations manage resources and coordinate services.
Leadership and human resources: Team management, organizational behavior, communication, and strategic leadership.
Healthcare law and ethics: Regulations, patient rights, compliance, and ethical decision-making.
Quality improvement: Methods for evaluating services, improving processes, and supporting patient safety.
Healthcare information and analytics: The use of data and information systems to support planning and operational decisions.
Bachelor’s programs generally provide broader undergraduate education, while master’s programs focus more heavily on advanced management and leadership.
How to Choose the Right Online Degree
Compare degree levels
A bachelor’s degree is suitable for students building their educational foundation. A master’s degree is intended for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced healthcare management education.
Check the delivery format
Confirm that the program is genuinely online and identify any internships, in-person requirements, or scheduled live sessions. Online coursework does not necessarily mean every degree requirement can be completed remotely.
Calculate the total cost
Compare the full expected cost, not only the per-credit rate. Consider fees, books, transfer credits, and the length of time you expect to remain enrolled.
Verify accreditation
Check institutional accreditation and, where relevant, specialized program accreditation. CAHME accreditation applies to specific healthcare management programs rather than every degree offered by a university.
You can verify graduate healthcare management programs through the official CAHME directory: https://advance.cahme.org/
Review admission requirements
Bachelor’s programs generally require high school completion or eligible transfer qualifications. Master’s programs usually require a bachelor’s degree, and some also require professional experience, recommendations, or a minimum GPA.
Career Opportunities
Depending on education and experience, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Healthcare operations coordinator
- Medical practice manager
- Health services manager
- Quality improvement coordinator
- Healthcare department manager
- Hospital administrator
- Healthcare consultant
A degree does not guarantee employment or a management position. Senior roles often require relevant experience and progressive responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn a healthcare administration degree entirely online?
Yes. All ten programs listed above advertise online study options. However, check whether the specific degree requires an internship, scheduled online attendance, or other activities that must be completed in a particular location.
How long does a healthcare administration degree take?
A bachelor’s degree commonly requires about four years of full-time study, though transfer credits and competency-based programs may change the timeline. Master’s programs vary, with some designed for completion in approximately 16 months to two years or longer.
Is an MHA better than a bachelor’s degree?
Neither is universally better. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational education, while an MHA is a graduate qualification for advanced healthcare management study. The right choice depends on your existing education and career goals.
Does CAHME accreditation matter?
CAHME accreditation can help students evaluate graduate healthcare management programs. Confirm the exact program’s current accreditation status through CAHME rather than assuming that accreditation applies to every degree at the university.
Can international students enroll?
Some online programs accept students who live outside the United States, while others have location-specific restrictions. Confirm international enrollment eligibility, payment arrangements, and any practical requirements with the university.
Conclusion
Online healthcare administration degrees are available from public universities, private universities, and competency-based institutions. The ten programs above provide different options for students pursuing bachelor’s-level education or advanced healthcare management training.
Compare total tuition, delivery format, degree requirements, and accreditation before applying. Verify current details on each university’s official website so you can choose a program that fits your educational background, budget, and career plans.