Find your perfect college degree
On the hunt for an affordable online healthcare management MBA? It’s not an oxymoron – this kind of degree really does exist. However, it can be tough to find the program that best meets your needs.
An online healthcare management MBA can open up the door to countless career opportunities, from working as a healthcare consultant, in pharmaceuticals, or even in healthcare tech. We’re here to help you find the program to best meet your goals in our list of the best programs.
Affordable Online Healthcare Management MBA Degrees
When it comes to ranking the most lucrative degrees you can pursue, a healthcare management MBA has to be right at the top of the list. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of medical and health services managers should grow 28% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the national average.
So there’s no time to waste: here’s a list of the best and most affordable degrees you can pursue. You’ll be filling out job applications in no time.
Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University offers an online MBA in healthcare administration. This 45-credit program is designed for working students and is leadership-focused. It includes 12 hours of concentration courses and 33 credits of typical business classes.
Program Highlights:
- Focus on practical and theoretical healthcare management principles.
- A standout tuition rate for an institution committed to accessibility.
Unique Features:
- A comprehensive 45-credit program that values professional development.
- Accreditation from a recognized governing body and ample opportunities for professional networking.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University’s online MBA in Healthcare Management offers an unbeatable value with an eye on the future of the healthcare industry. With graduate tuition and fees (for the entire program) coming in at less than $20,000, you can’t beat the affordability of this degree.
SNHU is known for offering high-quality, accessible programs at a fraction of what they’d cost on campus, and this MBA is no exception.
Program Highlights:
- A comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum at an exceptionally affordable tuition.
- A focus on advanced, relevant skills applicable to the evolving healthcare sector.
Unique Features:
- A No-GRE policy streamlines the application process for non-traditional learners.
- A blend of core business competencies and specialized healthcare courses.
University of Louisiana – Lafayette
The 39-credit online MBA in healthcare administration at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette is another one that’s designed with busy professionals in mind. It takes less than two years to complete at a full-time pace, though students are welcome to complete their classes as quickly or as slowly as they’d like.
The program is offered by the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Highlights:
- The courses offer a blend of traditional MBA coursework with healthcare-specific topics, such as international business, healthcare economics, and healthcare law.
- Classes can be completed in a synchronous or asynchronous format.
Unique Features:
- Professors actively involved in academia and industry, providing hands-on knowledge.
- A balanced approach to management education, covering every facet of the healthcare service landscape.
Liberty University
Liberty University stands tall with an online MBA in healthcare management that combines academic rigor with the convenience of remote learning while keeping costs at a minimum. This school has long been considered a leader in online education and offers an MBA in healthcare management that’s tailored to working healthcare professionals.
Core classes include studies in legal and ethical issues for healthcare professionals and operations management.
Program Highlights:
- Curriculum designed to meet the needs of the modern healthcare industry.
- A supportive and engaging online learning environment.
Unique Features:
- Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).
- College holds a leadership legacy with a mission to prepare ethical, knowledgeable professionals for service in every field of business.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University stands out with its robust online MBA program. This school, despite having one of the country’s largest student bodies, emphasizes the importance of attention and provides students with the most hands-on education possible. The full-time degree has a healthcare management concentration that can be completed in just two years.
Program Highlights:
- Extensive selection of electives specializing in healthcare staff management.
- Robust curriculum that includes courses like Health Care Supply Chain Issues, Managing Health Care Organizations, and Health Care Informatics and Artificial Intelligence.
Unique Features:
- Focus on team-based learning and leadership development.
- Exclusive access to the Emerging Leaders Program for high-achieving students, which shaves off the standard work experience requirement.
Kent State University
Kent State University is a large public research university with more than 41,000 students. Its executive MBA for healthcare professionals is an accelerated degree that makes it possible for aspiring managers to earn their degrees in less than two years of full-time study.
It offers affordable tuition and ample financial aid opportunities.
Program Highlights:
- Impactful curriculum fostering strategic and analytical skills.
- An innovative blend of on-campus and international experiences.
Unique Features:
- Monthly weekend classes with an international business trip component to enhance global perspectives.
- Options for customization via electives.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is one of the most well-known colleges in the online learning sphere. Offering dozens of programs catering exclusively to online learners, this school also has an innovative, affordable online healthcare MBA that includes 11 total courses. Applicants must have three years of experience in healthcare or business.
Program Highlights:
- Rigorous yet flexible coursework designed to hone practical leadership skills.
- Streamlined curriculum that can be completed in an impressive 1-year timeframe.
Unique Features:
- Competency-based learning model, prioritizing the realistic application of knowledge.
- Exemption opportunities for experienced healthcare managers to bypass some required courses and customize the program to individual career trajectories.
Fitchburg State University
Our next program is offered by Fitchburg State University, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. This school’s program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Because of this, the coursework is frequently updated to reflect industry best practices. Sample courses include accounting practices for managers and organizational behavior and development.
Program Highlights:
- Challenging curriculum that reflects industry standards.
- Competitive tuition and opportunities for networking and industry practice.
Unique Features:
- Taught by the same faculty who teach on campus and who have impressive industry experience.
- Strong regional ranking and near 100-year legacy in education, fostering a supportive network and reliable credentials.
Key Factors Influencing Your Decision
As you start your search for your dream program, here are some key features to be on the lookout for:
- Specialization: Healthcare is a broad field, from management to operations, informatics to public health. Choose a program that not only offers a broad scope of healthcare management but allows you to focus on the area that interests you the most.
- Flexibility: A flexible program can be a lifesaver if you’re working or have a particularly busy lifestyle (we’re looking at you, parents!). Look for features like part-time schedules, asynchronous learning, or accelerated options – they can make your life a lot easier.
- Reputation: The value of your degree isn’t just in the knowledge you gain – it’s also in the network you build. A program with a strong reputation often provides better networking opportunities and connections to prestigious organizations.
- Networking: Speaking of networking, be sure to discuss and evaluate alumni experiences, faculty credentials, and industry partnerships to gauge the reputation of the program.
- Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid: The cost of your education shouldn’t lead to insurmountable debt. Look for programs that offer scholarships, grants, or low-interest loans to offset the expenses. Balance the cost of tuition against the program’s offerings and reputation.
- Accreditation: This speaks to the quality and rigor of the program. Make sure the MBA program you’re eyeing is accredited by a recognized authority, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An MBA in Healthcare Management Worth It?
The healthcare sector is one of the most stable and rapidly growing in the nation. An MBA in Healthcare Management can open doors to rewarding and high-paying jobs in a critical field.
How Can I Make My MBA Affordable?
Look for programs that offer scholarships, grants, or assistantships. Consider employer tuition reimbursement programs, especially if you’re working in the healthcare field.
What is the Average Cost of an Online MBA?
Online MBA costs vary significantly based on the institution, program length, and any additional requirements. However, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 to $80,000 for an online MBA, with many falling in the $20,000 to $40,000 range.
Conclusion
Pursuing an affordable online MBA in healthcare management is a smart choice. Your future in healthcare management awaits – so choose wisely, choose affordably, and most importantly, choose the program that aligns with your aspirations and learning style.
