One of the best career paths to pursue is health care. However, not everyone has the stomach and financial resources to pursue medical degrees and positions. The alternative? Healthcare Administration. Even better alternative? Healthcare administration programs with generous financial aid.
The future looks promising for those with a degree in Healthcare Administration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a remarkable 29% growth in this field from 2022 to 2032, creating around 61,400 new jobs annually. Plus, the average annual salary of medical and health services managers is $110,680, a lot higher than that of many managerial positions.
However, to land such positions, you need to earn a master’s degree. And we all know that these advanced degrees can cost a fortune. A Master’s in Healthcare Administration tuition costs an average of:
Featured Programs
- $12,596 at public colleges
- $28,017 at private colleges
These do not include other associated costs like textbooks and living expenses.
The growing cost of educational and living expenses is alarming, showing the importance of the FAFSA. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a crucial tool for all students. Completing the FAFSA opens several financial aid opportunities, allowing you to offset several expenses.
Beyond relying on the FAFSA for reduced out-of-pocket costs, you should also consider pursuing an Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration with generous financial aid programs. Online programs are known to be more affordable, eliminating costs like transportation and overhead costs. We will list down ten of the top online colleges with financial aid for aspiring MHA students.
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- FAFSA and Financial Aid for Online College
- Healthcare Administration Degree: What is it? What can I do with it?
- 30 Most Affordable PhD in Healthcare Administration
- Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online: Top 30 Values
Methodology
To ensure a cost-effective Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree, we’ve only considered online degrees with proper accreditation. Accredited online MHA programs not only provide top-notch curriculum and training for Healthcare Administration positions, but they also offer students various financial aid opportunities—both from the FAFSA and the institution itself.
While this list emphasizes online MHA programs, they may still require some on-campus appearance. The mix of online courses and on-campus requirements provides a balanced educational experience. Yet, some online programs allow 100% online learning with local practicum or internship options.
Other factors we’ve considered in listing ten online schools that accept financial aid include faculty expertise and student support services.
The MHA programs listed below ensure a high-quality learning experience. While the course titles may differ, each program covers the key topics essential for Healthcare Administration, giving you in-depth knowledge of the field. Topics include:
- Data-Driven Healthcare
- Change Management and People Leadership in Healthcare
- Financial Management in Healthcare Organizations
- Healthcare Operations Management
- Health Policy
Healthcare Administration is about more than just managing healthcare services. It’s about strategic planning, budgeting, policy development, and enhancing operational efficiency. As a healthcare administrator, you’ll lead initiatives aimed at improving patient care systems and ensuring that healthcare facilities operate smoothly.
The following online colleges that accept financial aid should help you gain all the necessary skills and knowledge for the field without breaking the bank.
Reviewing the Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration with Generous Financial Aid
#1 University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Online Executive Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $772.69 per credit hour
The University of Central Florida has long been recognized as one of the best online schools that offer financial aid for students attending undergraduate and graduate degrees. Beyond offering vast financial aid for online degrees, UC F also offers low tuition and fees to ensure students graduate with little to no debt.
Its Executive Online Master of Healthcare Administration degree program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. Students in the program benefit from various free professional and academic development resources, including:
- IHI Open School – Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety
- 1 Year of ACHE Student membership
- MGMA student membership
- Funding for professional development
- Networking and event opportunities
Featured courses of UCF’s online master’s in Healthcare Administration include:
- Leadership for Health Care Executives
- Health Care Quality and Risk Management
- Financial Accounting for Health Care Managers
UCF Online students can access financial aid just like on-campus students. Available financial aid includes:
- FAFSA aid
- Scholarship
- Grants
- Work-study
- Loan
#2 Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Online Master of Science in Health Care Administration
Tuition: $372.62 per credit hour (resident); $488.48 (non-resident)
Oklahoma State offers a 32-credit-hour fully online program designed for aspiring healthcare management and administration professionals. Online students can enjoy its low tuition, vast financial aid options from the FAFSA and the school, and flexible class schedules. Classes are available in 8- and 16-week formats and are taught asynchronously.
The Health Care Administration program also offers three certificates that can be pursued independently:
- Health Care Administration
- Health Care Administration: Finance
- Health Care Administration: Global Health
Some of the courses include:
- General Survey of the Healthcare Industry
- Leadership Methods and Styles in Healthcare
- Legal Issues and Compliance
OSU offers a variety of assistantships and scholarships for graduate students in health administration. Students may also ask for cash scholarships to help with their living expenses and other school fees.
#3 Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Online Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $25,000
TWU’s online MHA degree program is one of the fastest to earn, allowing students to graduate in 18 months. You don’t need to be buried in student loans as well, with tuition and fees averaging $25,000 for the whole program and its vast financial aid opportunities for the FAFSA, the school, and partner organizations.
The program is fully accredited and offers valuable resources, including:
- Access to industry conferences
- Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals
- Student support services, including academic advising
Program courses include:
- Health Systems Organization
- Management and Leadership
- Quantitative Methods
- Finance, Accounting, and Economics
#4 Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Hybrid Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $385 per credit hour
Georgia Southern University is one of the best schools for traditional and online students seeking financial aid programs for their degrees. GSU offers various financial aid options to help students with college expenses. These include need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, work-study programs, and additional support for eligible students.
The online Master of Health Administration at GSU is a top option for students pursuing a hybrid program. Accredited by the CAHME, you’ll learn practical skills for managing healthcare systems and services with supportive faculty focused on your success. Plus, with hands-on coursework and an internship, you’ll gain the following valuable skills:
- Leadership
- Health Policy
- Quality Improvement,
- Financial Decision-Making
- People Management
#5 Montana State University-Billings
Billings, Montana
Online Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $3,220 per semester up to 4 credits
MSUB Online Master of Health Administration program includes a two-day seminar each semester—either in-person or online. All students must also complete a capstone project. You’ll also do an internship if you don’t have a medical administration background. Most students finish the program in just 20 to 24 months.
Some of the courses you can expect from the program include:
- Healthcare Leadership
- Health Operations Methods
- Health Quality Techniques
You can apply for MSUB’s loans, graduate assistantships, partial waivers, and scholarship programs as an online student. Exceptional graduate students can receive $1,150 for the academic year as part of the Waterman, Wilson, and McRae Scholarship program.
#6 Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Online Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $344.22 per credit hour
Online students receive the same financial aid opportunities from the FAFSA and the institution as their on-campus peers. About 93% of LSU students receive some form of financial aid. This means that most students are likely getting a good value for their education.
LSU Shreveport offers a top-notch, 100% online Master of Health Administration (MHA) program. Ranked #2 in the nation and accredited by AACSB, this program is perfect for those aiming for middle and upper-management roles in healthcare. You’ll gain skills to manage resources effectively and engage in budgeting, market analysis, and strategic planning.
MHA courses include:
- Healthcare Organizational Behavior
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Finance
- Healthcare Systems
- Healthcare Policy
- Healthcare Economics
#7 Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
Online Master of Health Administration
Tuition: $676 per credit hour
MSUM is recognized as one of the top online schools for Healthcare Administration in 2024, with only 8% of colleges making the list. The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program focuses on 26 competencies in five areas:
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Knowledge of Healthcare
- Business Skills
The Masters in Healthcare Administration is fully accredited, and the faculty is supportive and experienced. Strong partnerships with other programs enhance learning, and international students can study online from anywhere.
MSUM also offers several financial aid opportunities for students dealing with financial struggles. It offers graduate scholarships available for both current and new students. You can apply for these scholarships using the online application from October 1 to February 1. Plus, the Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid shares a list of external scholarship opportunities that you can check out, too!
#8 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Online Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Tuition: $442 per credit hour
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program accredited by AUPHA, ensuring high quality through peer review. This program is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers.
Students will build key leadership skills, learn ethical practices, and improve communication skills. Graduates will understand healthcare systems, apply business principles, and showcase professionalism, becoming strong leaders in the U.S. healthcare field. Healthcare Administration degree online courses include:
- Healthcare Policy and Governance
- Research in Healthcare Administration
- Strategic Planning in Healthcare
- Information Systems Management in Healthcare
Did you know that last year, 96% of UASF students received a total of $54 million in financial aid from federal, state, and institutional sources? That’s a lot of support to help make education more affordable. Online students at UASF have access to the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students.
#9 California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
Online Master’s of Science Health Care Administration
Tuition: $8,429 per year
The Masters of Science in Health Care Administration at Cal State East Bay is among the best and most generous healthcare admin programs online. It will provide you with analytical skills and knowledge to tackle healthcare delivery issues and design effective organizational structures. It’s perfect for working professionals, as it offers the same quality of education as on-campus courses.
The online Healthcare Administration degree is fully online. It includes seven four-unit courses and one six-unit course. This format is ideal for healthcare professionals with at least two years of experience and those aiming for leadership and management positions in the field. Featured topics include:
- Evolution of the U.S. Health Care System, Health Disparities and Policy
- Health Care Management, Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Health Care Technology and Informatics
- Health Care Legal, Diversity, and Ethical Issues
Cal State East Bay is dedicated to helping future students through financial aid programs. Over 72% of its students receive some type of financial aid. As an online MSHE student, you can qualify for specialized scholarship programs.
Furthermore, Cal State East Bay is also noted for producing one of the most competitive online masters in Healthcare Administration. More than 80% of its students land managerial roles within six months of graduation.
#10 Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
Online Master of Health Services Administration
Tuition: $3,849 per year
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at MSU Texas is a fully online, 33-hour degree program that does not require the GRE. For those who want to expand their expertise without committing to a full degree, there is an 18-hour graduate certificate in Health Services Administration. This online certificate suits working professionals and complements a Master’s in Business Administration or other degrees.
Along with flexible hours, the online Masters of Healthcare Administration at MSU Texas provides several scholarships to help students have a more manageable college experience. Most scholarships are open to all MSU students, no matter their residency or immigration status.
How to Get Financial Aid
Although an online masters degree in Healthcare Administration is noted to cost less than traditional programs, they still require a significant amount of investment. To reduce out-of-pocket costs, apply for the FAFSA as early as possible and without errors. The FAFSA form can open doors to several financial aid, including:
- Grants: Free money that you often don’t have to pay back. They usually depend on how much financial help you need and can come from the government or your school.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are like rewards for your hard work or talents; you don’t have to pay them back either.
- Work-study: This is a program where you can get a part-time job that helps cover your college costs and gives you valuable experience.
- Loans: Loans are money you borrow for school that you’ll have to pay back later, usually with interest.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for the FAFSA to cover some costs of masters in Healthcare Administration programs:
- Prepare to file as early as possible. The FAFSA will be available at the end of December, and processing will start in late January. Deadlines vary by state, so check those.
- Set up a Federal Student Aid ID for both the student and at least one parent in advance. This is necessary for online submission and IRS data transfer.
- Collect the previous year’s tax returns, W-2s, and recent financial statements. Understand who needs to provide information based on dependency status.
- Choose the correct year, complete each section with the appropriate FSA IDs, and ensure all contributors understand their parts.
- Include up to 20 colleges of interest on your FAFSA, even if you haven’t applied yet. List in-state schools first for state aid considerations.
- Carefully read each question to prevent errors. Common mistakes include misreporting 529 accounts and retirement savings.
- Double-check all information for accuracy before signing and submitting. Corrections post-submission can delay processing.
- After submission, review your confirmation page and, later, the official Submission Summary for your Student Aid Index (SAI) and eligibility estimates.
- If selected for verification, promptly provide any additional documentation requested by your college’s financial aid office.
If you would like to estimate your aid but aren’t ready to apply for federal student aid, use FAFSA4caster. This early eligibility estimator can assist you in making financial plans for college.
On-campus or not, masters in Healthcare Administration programs cost money. The FAFSA saves you from hefty student loans from private banks and credit unions by helping you access federal financial aid options. The FAFSA will also help you access more need-based scholarships and assistantships for Healthcare Administration students, which can greatly lower costs.