Finding the best affordable colleges for healthcare management degrees is pretty easy, considering how big the United States healthcare system is. With over 500 million residents in the States alone, it can be a mammoth task to find qualified individuals who understand the complexities and rewards of being in the field. But with tuition costs soaring across the country, is it possible for students to find a quality, affordable program?
The answer is a resounding yes. There are several schools across the country that understand the importance of having a degree that focuses completely on this career alone. The even better news is that many schools have made affordable healthcare management degrees a priority, giving students the opportunity to earn on the degree without burying themselves in debt.
Methodology
This ranking showcases the most affordable colleges for healthcare management degrees in the country for the 2019-2020 academic school year, and a lot of research went into ensuring that the information provided was accurate and up-to-date. The first step was to make a list of all schools that fit the criteria by going to the National Center for Education Statistics website and searching its College Navigator database for bachelor’s degrees in healthcare management.
The two most important factors for this ranking were the tuition rates and student: faculty ratios that are listed on the NCES. Only schools that offered an annual tuition rate, based on 15 hours per semester, of less than $15,000 a year were considered for this ranking to ensure that the schools were available for all students, regardless of financial situation. Student: faculty ratio was also considered because there is a direct correlation between class sizes and retention rates, not to mention graduation rates. As a points-based ranking, here is how these factors were assigned points:
Tuition for one year – based on 15 hours per semester:
Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
The final 15 schools that made this list were chosen based on the total amount of points awarded. They are listed below in descending order.
Ranking 15 Best Affordable Healthcare Management Degrees Programs (Bachelor’s) 2019
15. Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Western Illinois University is one of the most affordable colleges for healthcare management degrees. It offers the BS in Health Services Management degree. It’s designed to help graduates find entry-level positions with room for growth. Along with small class sizes and low tuition, this 120-credit hour economical healthcare management degree taught by experienced professionals. It’s a great choice for students interested in learning from those who have practiced, or are practicing, in the field. The coursework is also supported by internship opportunities both in the United States and abroad. Students will find this program to be a perfect choice for them, especially if they are ready to take on a comprehensive program.
Tuition
In-State: $12,951
Out-of-State: $12,951
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1
14. Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable degree in healthcare management offered by Park University is a great choice for students who are ready to take on this very important role. The BS in Management/Healthcare includes a broad liberal arts educational background and a strong core curriculum in the field. This degree is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs. Students may also complete this top-value degree program as an inexpensive online healthcare management degree or as a distance education degree at several military bases both at home and abroad. Students will spend more than half of their time in the degree focusing on management and healthcare issues, leading them to be in a strong position when it comes to search for a job after graduation. Small class sizes and low tuition also make this a great choice for students interested in more individualized attention.
Tuition
In-State: $11,572
Out-of-State: $11,572
Student: Faculty Ratio: 15:1
13. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Indiana Wesleyan University provides students with the chance to complete an affordable online healthcare management degree, which is a great step forward to becoming a healthcare management professional. This economical BSH is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This best-value degree program is taught from a Biblical perspective. Students can complete this 120-credit hour program in around four years. Courses for the Bachelor’s of Healthcare Administration have a strong focus on the technologies that are necessary to advance in their field, preparing them to hit the ground running after graduation. With small class sizes and a solid faculty and staff, students are in good hands at this university.
Tuition
In-State: $9,816
Out-of-State: $9,816
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1
12. Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, Ohio
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Shawnee State University is one of the most affordable colleges for a healthcare management degree. The school offers the BS in Business Administration with a major in health care administration. The program focuses on providing students with the skills needed to become managers or administrators. There are two tracks available with this degree:
- acute care track
- long-term care and community based service track
The latter is accredited by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards, the only program in the state of Ohio to hold such recognition. This is one of the few programs in the country that offer specializations at the undergraduate level. It’s a great choice for students who already know what specialization they would like to pursue. This is a 120-credit hour course of study with a variety of options for the major and concentration core. It’s a flexible program that, coupled with low tuition and small class sizes, is a particularly unique offering in this ranking.
Tuition
In-State: $8,556
Out-of-State: $14,714
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
11. Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Granite State College offers a low-cost online healthcare management degree that’s perfect for students who need flexibility in their undergraduate degree program. This affordable Bachelor’s of Healthcare Management degree was designed to help students who have already begun their education transfer seamlessly into the program with few to no issues. The school is also top-ranked by U.S. News and World Report for its excellent offerings of affordable online undergraduate degrees, the healthcare management option among them. Students will also benefit from having a well-respected staff who are experts in their subjects. They provide real-world experience in a classroom setting. This inexpensive 120-credit hour degree is perfect for students interested in joining the workforce after graduation or continuing into graduate study.
Tuition
In-State: $7,761
Out-of-State: $8,745
Student: Faculty Ratio: 11:1
10. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Southeast Missouri State University offers the affordable BS in Business Administration with a major in healthcare administration. The degree is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is a 120-credit hour curriculum. A practicum and internship opportunities are part of the program. Graduates can move straight into an accelerated master’s degree program. This inexpensive program has a strong focus on the major core, with very few general education requirements. This provides students with an education focused solely on the courses they need to be professionals in the field. Students also benefit from affordable tuition and faculty are professionals who are working in the field or who have years of experience in the subjects teach.
Tuition
In-State: $7,418
Out-of-State: $13,155
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1
9. Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers an affordable BS in Healthcare Administration that’s perfect for students interested in working in a wide variety of healthcare facilities across the nation. The economical 122-credit hour program is a comprehensive degree that has a strong management and healthcare administration core. Students are prepared to take on managerial roles after graduation. This high-value healthcare management degree is also a great preparation for graduate study. With courses ranging from organizational behavior to healthcare quality measures, students will learn everything they need to know to make a difference in the field.
Tuition
In-State: $7,335
Out-of-State: $14,235
Student: Faculty Ratio: 21:1
8. Harris-Stowe State University
St. Louis, Missouri
Total Points: 4
Program Website
The BS in Health Care Management program at Harris-Stowe State University melds both business administration and health care management. This affordable includes business courses, which are necessary to learn how to run a health care facility well. It also includes specific courses that focus on the technologies, processes and concepts used in the field. It’s a 120-credit hour program. Courses are in-depth and taught by practicing professionals. There are also experiential learning opportunities, such as an internship and a capstone course. Students will be prepared to take on entry-level positions with this degree or move into graduate study if they so choose.
Tuition
In-State: $5,388
Out-of-State: $10,020
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1
7. Brigham Young University at Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Brigham Young University at Idaho offers students the chance to complete an affordable BS in Healthcare Administration. The program is designed to help pre-service professionals enter the workforce immediately after graduation. This healthcare management degree program may also serve to help students pursue graduate study. It provides them with the necessary foundation they need to continue on more advanced courses. This 120-credit hour program focuses on a business module as well as a healthcare administration core. It enables students to learn both aspects of the profession while understanding how one affects the other. With affordable tuition in hand and small class sizes, students will be able to earn a quality education that won’t see them breaking the bank.
Tuition
In-State: $4,118
Out-of-State: $4,118
Student: Faculty Ratio: 25:1
6. Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, Florida
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Indian River State College offers the affordable BS in Healthcare Management degree. The program known for its quality courses taught by experienced professors. It also has distance education options. It has a selective admission program. The program that is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). This affordable online healthcare management degree program is also flexible. Students can complete the requirements on a full-time or part-time basis, something that is not available widely at the undergraduate level. Students will love this school for its inexpensive tuition, co-curricular activities, and its dedication to ensuring that all graduates are prepared for career.
Tuition
In-State: $2,764
Out-of-State: $10,201
Student-: Faculty Ratio: 27:1
5. Wilberforce University
Wilberforce, Ohio
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Wilberforce University offers the affordable BS in Health Services Administration. This 120-credit hour program is designed to help prepare students to take on a variety of managerial roles in a healthcare facility. It provides courses in business and health care administration. This economical healthcare management degree program is not focused solely on management. However, this is a benefit as it allows students to see the bigger picture as to how these facilities are run. Class sizes are small and taught by practicing professors. There is one tuition rate for all students. This school is an excellent choice to earn an undergraduate degree in healthcare management.
Tuition
In-State: $13,250
Out-of-State: $13,250
Student: Faculty Ratio: 9:1
4. Baptist College of Health Sciences
Memphis, Tennessee
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Students interested in healthcare administration or management should take a look at Baptist College of Health Sciences. This low-cost college provides students with the chance to complete a top-value Bachelor of Health Administration as a traditional or completion degree. Students who have the right number of transfer credits can complete the program in about 19 months. The degree can also be completed online. The healthcare management degree program requires 122 credit hours of coursework as well as a 120-hour supervised internship. The program is designed to prepare students for the management and administration responsibilities in the healthcare field. It even has minors in Health Care Analytics and Health Informatics. Class sizes are small. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate. Most faculty are practicing in their profession or have at least five years of experience in the field.
Tuition
In-State: $11,900
Out-of-State: $11,900
Student-: Faculty Ratio: 10:1
3. Delta State University
Delta, Mississippi
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Delta State University offers an affordable Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. Students can find entry-level positions straight after graduation. The degree will also serve as a foundation for graduate study. This affordable healthcare management degree program covers all of the aspects of healthcare administration, such as:
- law
- regulations
- economics
- finance,
- health care informatics
Students can take courses in their area of interest. They can complete their program with a good idea of their specialty at the graduate level. There is one tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Faculty are respected faculty and very supportive of students.
Tuition
In-State: $7,246
Out-of-State: $7,246
Student: Faculty Ratio: 13:1
2. Bluefield State College
Bluefield, West Virginia
Total Points: 5
Bluefield State College, one of the most affordable colleges for healthcare management degrees, offers a best-value BS in Health Services Management that will be a great fit for all students interested in healthcare management. This is a career-oriented program that will help students obtain work after graduation or jump straight into graduate work. This low cost 120-credit hour program was designed to be completed in four years. A summer internship helps them apply experience to their knowledge. With a curriculum focused on management and healthcare, this program will help students meet their goal of becoming professionals in the field.
Tuition
In-State: $7,056
Out-of-State: $13,536
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1
1. Bellevue College
Bellevue, Washington
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Bellevue College is ranked as the best affordable college for a healthcare management degree. The unique inexpensive Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree program comes with two concentrations:
- general healthcare management
- radiation and imaging management
The latter concentration does require 180 credit hours of coursework and internship experiences. Students will want to take that into account as well as the fact that they must also be a licensed radiology technician to enter the program. Students at this affordable college will find that this program, while offering individualized attention, is also very rigorous and will require commitment. Once completed, however, students will be well on their way to the next step in their career path.
Tuition
In-State: $3,778
Out-of-State: $9,144
Student: Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options with an Affordable Healthcare Management Degree?
There are many careers available for a low-cost healthcare management degree. In fact, the healthcare industry is such a popular field that management jobs are in high-demand. Listed below are some of the popular healthcare management career choices those with healthcare management degrees:
- Health and Social Service Manager
- Hospital Administrator
- Government Lobbyist
- Healthcare Consultant
- Clinical Director
- Hospital Marketing Staff
- Insurance Specialist
- Chief Executive Officer of a Hospital
- Dental Office Administrator
- Health Care Staffing Agency Manager
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Medical Office Business Manager
- Human Relations Personnel
- Facility Operations Specialist
- Insurance Contract Negotiator
How Much Can You Earn with a Low-Cost Healthcare Management Degree?
The current average salary for a professional with a top-value healthcare management degree is $55,000, according to Payscale. However, the salary range can be anywhere between $30,000 to over $150,000, depending on the position. It should be kept in mind, however, that there are several factors that lead to differences in salaries, even for the same position.
First, healthcare management professionals can work anywhere in the country, but cities with higher cost-of-living averages will most likely pay more than areas with lower cost-of-living expenses. Metropolitan areas and cities on the coasts are more competitive, can lead to higher positions and pay more but are extremely competitive. Alternatively, rural areas desperately need professionals in the field and while these positions may not pay more, they do offer incredible benefits and can lead to professionals leading more comfortable lives.
Another thing to consider when looking at salaries is the size of the office, agency or hospital that is hiring. The larger the organization, the more room they have to pay their staff more. This also comes with more responsibilities, longer hours, and a rigorous schedule. Smaller firms may not pay as much but tend to be more relaxed and have more opportunities for growth.
Salaries should not be the only determining factor that a professional considers when taking on a position. You should consider the lifestyle of the area and the career path you would like to pursue. While salaries are good to keep in mind, please note that a high salary does not mean a better quality of life, especially if you’re is unhappy in the position.
Is it Possible to Specialize in Healthcare Management?
Yes, it is possible to specialize in healthcare management at the undergraduate level, although it is more common at the graduate level. Students will find that most schools will offer a general healthcare management degree. However, some, including a few schools on this list, do offer specializations in long-term care, acute care, or rural care. These specializations are based on the growing needs of different populations all over the country. The demand is growing so much that some schools offer specializations at the undergraduate level to prepare students to enter careers in underserved areas and in underserved sectors of the healthcare field.
However, most specialization options are found at the graduate level. This is by design. Students are expected to have a firm understanding of the healthcare management field before moving into advanced education and training on specific population needs. Additionally, the internship and professional requirements for the master’s degree often require participation at a healthcare facility that is in direct relation to the specialization being offered. It is important to have a solid undergraduate degree in healthcare management to advance in your educational career.
Healthcare management is extremely important today. Facilities cater to different populations with vastly different needs. Finding professionals who understand how to keep the facility running is crucial for employers. Finding someone who has done their research, has a good education and is willing to help will make the entire healthcare system better.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Healthcare Management Degree (Bachelor’s).
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