Healthcare administration is one of the fastest growing career fields, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics1 projects a remarkable 23% job growth for medical and health services managers between 2024 and 2034. This growth rate far exceeds the average for all occupations, creating approximately 62,100 new job openings annually with a median salary of $117,960 as at May 2024.
Online healthcare administration programs allows working professionals and career changers to earn their degrees without sacrificing their current employment. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or advancing with master’s degree, selecting the right program is crucial for your success.
Best Online Healthcare Administration Programs
We selected the following online & distance learning programs on healthcare administration by prioritizing accreditation, program flexibility, and affordability.
1. Western Governors University (WGU)
Western Governors University2 stands out as the largest online Healthcare Administration program in the United States. WGU’s innovative competency-based education model allows students to progress through coursework as quickly as they can demonstrate mastery, making it ideal for experienced healthcare professionals.
Features:
- CAHME-accredited program ensuring highest quality standards
- Flat-rate tuition model of $4,030 ($3,830 per 6-month term, and $200 for E-books and resources fee)
- Program consists of 34 courses
- Competency-based learning allows faster completion
- 24/7 access to course materials and faculty support
- GRE/GMAT not required for admission
Best For: Self-motivated professionals with healthcare experience who want to accelerate their degree completion while working full-time.
2. George Washington University
George Washington University’s3 online MHA program combines academic rigor with practical application through its highly regarded immersion experiences. The program maintains CAHME accreditation and benefits from GWU’s strong reputation in healthcare policy and administration.
Features:
- CAHME-accredited with strong Washington, D.C. healthcare connections
- Can be completed in 24 months
- Focus on evidence-based management and leadership development
- Strong alumni network in government and private healthcare sectors
- Approximately $1,945 per credit hour
- GRE/GMAT not required for admission
Best For: Professionals seeking a prestigious degree with strong policy focus and networking opportunities in the nation’s capital.
3. American Public University System (APUS)
American Public University System4 recently achieved CAHME accreditation in 2025, validating its commitment to quality healthcare administration education. With over 18,000 veterans served, APUS excels at supporting military-connected students while maintaining affordability and academic excellence.
Features:
- CAHME-accredited program
- Military-friendly with comprehensive veterans support
- 40 credit curriculum aligned with ACHE Leadership Alliance domains
- Highly affordable tuition ($450 per credit hour)
- 8 -16 weeks course format with multiple start dates annually
- No application fee
- GRE/GMAT not required for admission
Best For: Military personnel, veterans, and cost-conscious students seeking CAHME accreditation at an exceptional value.
4. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University has built a reputation as one of the most flexible and supportive online universities in the nation. With generous transfer credit policies and multiple concentration options, SNHU caters exceptionally well to adult learners and working professionals.
Features:
- Accepts transfer credits for faster completion
- Multiple concentration options including Long-Term Care and Public Health
- 10 weeks course format
- 24/7 access to online learning platform and technical support
- Approximately $659 per credit hour
Best For: Transfer students and working professionals who need maximum flexibility with robust student support services.
5. University of Central Florida (UCF)
The University of Central Florida delivers a comprehensive online bachelor’s program that prepares students to navigate the complex managerial challenges facing modern healthcare organizations. UCF’s program emphasizes technology integration and data-driven decision-making.
Features:
- CAHME-accredited Florida’s only fully online health administration program
- Focus on healthcare technology and information systems
- Strong partnerships with Florida healthcare organizations
- 44 credit hours
- Curriculum aligned with current industry demands
- 16 weeks course format
- $772.69 per credit hour
Best For: Students interested in healthcare informatics and technology-driven healthcare management roles.
6. Boston College
Boston College’s MHA program features a cutting-edge healthcare management education. The program’s strong emphasis on ethical leadership and community health creates graduates who are both competent administrators and compassionate leaders.
Features:
- 43-45 required credits
- Cost per credit hour $1,510
- $25/semester fall/spring, $45/summer for online resources and support
- 7 weeks course format
- Program consists of 12 courses
- Extensive alumni network in healthcare leadership
- Career preparation with executive coaching
Best For: Students seeking a values-based education from a prestigious institution with strong New England healthcare connections.
7. NYU Wagner
NYU Wagner’s CAHME-accredited Executive MHA program targets experienced healthcare professionals ready to transition into senior leadership. The program includes an intensive New York City immersion experience and focuses on evidence-based management practices.
Features:
- CAHME-accredited executive program for experienced professionals
- NYC immersion experience with urban healthcare focus
- Networking events and workshops
- $85 application fee is required
- 28 months to complete
- 24/7 Access to the NYU Wagner Virtual Library and technical support
- GRE/GMAT not required for admission
Best For: Mid-career healthcare professionals with 5+ years experience seeking executive-level preparation in urban healthcare settings.
8. Liberty University
Liberty University’s healthcare administration education prepares students for servant leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The program balances faith-based values with professional competencies required for modern healthcare management.
Features:
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
- 42 credit hours
- Servant leadership development focus
- Affordable private university tuition (approximately $580 per credit), offers tuition discounts for graduates and veterans
- 8 weeks course format for consistent progress
Best For: Students seeking faith-based education with practical healthcare administration training at an affordable private university price point.
How to Choose Which School is Best for You
Selecting the right healthcare administration program requires careful evaluation of multiple factors. Consider these critical elements when making your decision:
1. Accreditation
For master’s programs, prioritize CAHME accreditation. This specialized accreditation correlates directly with higher starting salaries and better job placement rates. For bachelor’s programs, ensure regional accreditation from recognized bodies.
2. Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition varies significantly across programs, ranging from $500 to $1,800 per credit hour. Calculate the total program cost including any mandatory fees. Explore available scholarships from organizations and individual institutions as many employers offer tuition assistance for healthcare administration programs.
3. Program Format and Flexibility
Consider whether asynchronous or synchronous learning better fits your schedule. Evaluate term lengths, start dates, and time-to-completion expectations.
Conclusion
The healthcare administration field offers exceptional career prospects for qualified professionals. Each of the programs highlighted in this guide offers unique advantages, from CAHME accreditation and prestigious university credentials to exceptional affordability and flexible learning formats.
Whether you’re just beginning your healthcare administration journey with a bachelor’s degree or seeking advanced leadership certifications through a master’s program, take your time to research each program thoroughly, verify accreditation status, and connect with admissions counselors to find the perfect fit for your unique situation.
Article sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Medical and Health Services Managers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm” Last accessed December 28, 2025. ↩︎
- Western Governors University. “Online Healthcare Administration Degree, https://www.wgu.edu/online-business-degrees/healthcare-administration-bachelors-program.html” Last accessed December 28, 2025. ↩︎
- George Washington University. “The George Washington University MHA, https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/mha/” Last accessed December 28, 2025. ↩︎
- American Public University System. “Online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, https://www.apu.apus.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-healthcare-administration/” Last accessed December 28, 2025. ↩︎