Best HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an HBCU for healthcare administration?

You can expect a curriculum built around a core mission: health equity. This isn't just a single class; it's a perspective woven into your business, policy, and ethics courses that prepares you to serve diverse communities. This focus is a real, marketable skill in today's healthcare industry.

The environment itself is also unique. With smaller class sizes, you'll get dedicated mentorship from professors who are invested in your success. There is a tangible "family" atmosphere on campus. Don't mistake "supportive" for "easy," though. That community is there to help you meet high academic standards, not lower them.

With 102 HBCUs across 19 states, this powerful educational experience is more accessible than you might think. It’s a distinct choice, different from a purely online program or a simple certificate, that offers both a world-class education and a place to belong.

Where can I work with an HBCU for healthcare administration?

A degree in healthcare administration from an HBCU prepares you for foundational roles across the business side of healthcare. Your first job is a crucial apprenticeship, providing the operational experience you need to grow into a leadership position. The largest employers for medical and health services managers include:

• Hospitals: This is the largest sector, employing 30% of all healthcare managers in state, local, and private facilities.
• Physician's Offices: These settings employ 12% of managers and offer a direct view of clinical practice management.
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: A vital and growing sector that employs 9% of the workforce, focused on long-term care.
• Government: Federal, state, and local agencies employ 7% of managers in public health and policy administration roles.
• Outpatient Care Centers: This fast-growing area also employs 7% of managers and can offer quicker paths to promotion.

How much can I make with an HBCU for healthcare administration?

While entry-level salaries are the starting point, the potential for growth is significant as you gain experience and take on more responsibility. Your specific earnings will depend on factors like your role, the type of facility you work in, and your geographic location.

As of 2024, the earning potential for these roles is excellent, with a national median pay and even higher wages in top-employing sectors:

• Medical and Health Services Managers (Overall): $56.71 per hour; $117,960 per year
• Managers in Government: $132,620 per year
• Managers in Hospitals: $130,690 per year
• Managers in Outpatient Care Centers: $106,990 per year
• Managers in Physician's Offices: $100,780 per year

List of the Best HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Programs for 2025

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been recognized for their role in advancing educational access and equity. For students considering healthcare leadership, these schools provide not only academic rigor but also a strong community focus. Many applicants who may not meet traditional admissions criteria also look at options such as online colleges for low GPA students, but HBCUs stand out for combining accessibility with cultural and professional support in healthcare administration programs.

1. Albany State University – BS Health Administration

Albany State University offers a project-based curriculum that emphasizes the practical application of organizational theory in managing health service organizations. The program provides a global perspective on healthcare, challenging students to develop solutions for a variety of real-world issues through case studies and practical scenarios.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 123
• Cost per Credit: $169.33 (in-state); $616.07 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

2. Fayetteville State University – Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Through a curriculum that unites business, economics, and healthcare, students gain the skills to thrive in a competitive field. Fayetteville State University highlights leadership, communication, and ethical conduct as key competencies for driving organizational success.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $170.20 (in-state); $203.53 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Texas Southern University – Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

Effective administration in complex health delivery systems is at the heart of this program, which develops graduates who are ready to meet market demands. At Texas Southern University, a final-year internship provides the hands-on experience needed to respond to shifting healthcare trends.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 121
• Cost per Credit: $251.32 (in-state); $352.98 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

4. Fort Valley State University – Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

Preparing students for management positions in a variety of healthcare environments, the program develops expertise in planning, organization, and leadership. Fort Valley State University ensures graduates are equipped to navigate both domestic and international systems.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 123
• Cost per Credit: $174.00 (in-state); $647.00 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. North Carolina Central University – Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (Online)

North Carolina Central University offers a flexible online program with a distinct focus on health equity, making it the only one of its kind at an HBCU in the UNC System. The curriculum includes an experiential capstone project that is tailored to each student's unique work experience and career goals.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $361.00 (in-state); $433.00 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

6. Florida Memorial University – Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

With its interprofessional curriculum, the program builds strengths in management, leadership, and research while giving students two ways to advance. Florida Memorial University provides a General Track for all learners and a Clinical Track for licensed allied health professionals holding an associate’s degree.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks: General ; and Clinical
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $519.20 (in-state); $1,038.40 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

7. Philander Smith University – Business Administration, Healthcare Administration Concentration

Philander Smith University prepares students for administrative careers through its business-focused curriculum with a concentration in healthcare. The program builds a strong foundation in economics and management before layering on specialized knowledge in healthcare finance, organizational theory, and law.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 124
• Cost per Credit: $495.00
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Jackson State University – Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

A mix of classroom learning and field experience prepares students for entry-level management positions in healthcare. At Jackson State University, the program also emphasizes long-term career growth, opening doors to hospitals, managed care organizations, and government agencies.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 122
• Cost per Credit: $353.00 (in-state); $706.00 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. Tennessee State University – Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and Planning

By combining health management with training in decision-making and strategic planning, the program equips graduates to step into leadership positions. Tennessee State University offers multiple pathways, including a four-year degree or an 18-month online/hybrid option for students advancing with prior credits.

• Program Length: 4 years (18 months for accelerated option)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $285.60 (in-state); $742.80 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

10. Florida A&M University – Master of Health Administration

Florida A&M University offers a graduate-level program designed to meet the needs of both traditional and working students through evening and online/hybrid classes. The curriculum develops advanced problem-solving skills through courses in finance and research methods, culminating in an administrative residency.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 47
• Cost per Credit: $155.36 (in-state); $391.40 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)

How long does it take to complete an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

A bachelor's degree from one of the best HBCUs for healthcare administration is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. This timeline gives you a comprehensive foundation in both the business and clinical sides of the healthcare system.

However, if you're looking to get a head start on your career, many universities now offer accelerated "4+1" programs. These pathways allow you to earn both your bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years, which is a major advantage if you're exploring the shortest healthcare management master's programs. For students with existing college credits, it's also worth noting that credit transfers can sometimes shorten your time to graduation.

A Career with Staying Power

It's helpful to see this four-year degree in the context of a long and rewarding career. This isn't a field where you're expected to be a senior leader in your 20s; it's a profession you grow into by building experience.

The data confirms this. The average age for a medical and health services manager is 45.9 years old. That tells you that this is a career built on wisdom and expertise gained over time. Your four-year degree is the critical first step that opens that door, giving you the foundation you need to start building that experience.

What is the average cost of an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

The cost of HBCUs for healthcare administration can vary widely depending on the institution and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. It's important to look at these numbers as the starting point, not the final price you should expect to pay.

On average, the total tuition for a four-year program is about $34,470 for in-state students and around $65,410 for out-of-state students. However, the range is significant. Some programs have total tuition costs as low as $7,300 for in-state students, while others can be higher.

When comparing schools, it’s useful to weigh affordability against long-term earning potential, much like prospective students do when researching options such as salary for biomedical engineer, which shows how education investment relates directly to career outcomes.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

Because of the incredible amount of financial aid available, an HBCU is often one of the most affordable, high-value paths to a degree. Recent investments have created a huge pool of resources, including over $1.3 billion from the federal government and hundreds of millions in private donations.

The key is to look beyond the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While that's the essential first step, it's just the beginning of what's available to you.

Federal and State Aid

Filing your FAFSA is the gateway to the most common types of aid. This is how you access federal Pell Grants, which you don't have to pay back, as well as federal student loans. Many states also have their own grant and scholarship programs that use your FAFSA information to determine eligibility.

HBCU-Specific Scholarships

This is where the real advantage lies. There are major national organizations dedicated to funding students at HBCUs. Groups like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF award millions of dollars in scholarships every year. Your university's financial aid office will also have a list of scholarships specifically for its own students, so be sure to check with them directly.

Programs with strong aid options often parallel support offered in other professional fields, such as business law concentrations, where financial assistance can ease the path toward specialized careers.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

Getting into one of the best HBCUs for healthcare administration is a straightforward process. While every school has its own specific criteria, most admissions offices will ask for the same core set of materials.

• A completed application form
• Your official high school transcript or GED
• A minimum GPA, often between a 2.5 and 3.0
• SAT or ACT scores, though many schools are now test-optional
• One or two letters of recommendation
• A personal essay or statement of purpose

A Holistic Approach: More Than Just Numbers

Admissions committees at HBCUs often look beyond the numbers on your transcript. They want to see your potential as a whole person. Strong community service, a compelling personal essay, and great letters of recommendation can make a huge difference. This holistic view helps them understand why you've chosen a full degree path, which is a different commitment than weighing a medical coding degree vs certificate.

For international applicants, there are two extra steps that are absolutely critical. You will almost always need to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). You will also need to have your foreign transcripts officially evaluated by a credentialing service like World Education Services (WES) to ensure they meet U.S. standards.

What courses are typically in an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

In a healthcare administration program, your coursework is designed to give you a strong foundation in two critical areas: business management and the unique challenges of the healthcare system. You'll get a practical education that prepares you for the day-to-day work of running a medical facility.

• Business Fundamentals: Courses in accounting, finance, and marketing will teach you how to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Healthcare Operations: You’ll study healthcare policy, medical ethics, and law. You will also learn about the systems that keep facilities running, such as patient records and the revenue cycle; for instance, this includes understanding foundational skills like those covered in medical billing and coding from home training.
• Modern Skills: Programs now emphasize modern skills like health informatics, which is all about using data to improve patient care and efficiency.

The HBCU Advantage in Healthcare Training

What truly sets an HBCU education apart isn't just one class—it's the perspective woven through all of them. You'll learn everything through the lens of health equity and cultural competence. This prepares you to lead diverse teams and serve communities that have often been overlooked.

HBCUs have a long and proud history of training healthcare professionals to do just that. The commitment to building a diverse healthcare workforce, as shown by the number of nursing graduates in the chart below, is a core part of the institutional mission that you will be a part of.

What types of specializations are available in an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

Beyond the core curriculum, many programs offer specializations that allow you to build deep expertise in a specific area of healthcare. Think of this as choosing your major within your major. It’s a strategic decision that can shape your first job and your long-term career path.

Specializing in Long-Term Care

With the aging of the U.S. population, managing nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies is one of the most stable and in-demand fields. A specialization in long-term care prepares you for leadership roles serving this vital community.

Specializing in Health Informatics

Health informatics is the future of healthcare management. This specialization focuses on using data, analytics, and technology to improve patient care and make facilities more efficient. For those interested in this high-tech path, there are even fast-track online HIM degree programs that can further accelerate your career.

Specializing in a High-Demand Field

No matter which path you choose, you are entering a field with incredible demand. The healthcare system needs qualified leaders across the board. With a projected 61,400 job openings for medical and health services managers every year, there is plenty of opportunity for specialists to thrive, as the data below shows.

How to Choose the Best HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Program

You have the information, and now you’re ready to make a decision. Choosing the right program is a personal choice, but there are a few key quality signals you should always look for. This isn't about finding the easiest path; it's about finding the one that will give you the strongest start to your career.

Here is a simple, three-step guide to help you evaluate your options:

1. Verify Program Accreditation. This is the most important first step. Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized agency, which ensures it meets national standards for academic quality.
2. Evaluate the Mission and Curriculum. Look for a program that truly integrates health equity into its courses. This is the core of the HBCU advantage, and you want a school that lives that mission.
3. Assess Hospital Partnerships. Strong relationships with local hospitals and healthcare systems are critical. These partnerships lead to the best internship opportunities, which are often a direct pipeline to your first job after graduation.

The Growing Prestige of an HBCU Education

As you make your choice, you can be confident that you are choosing a path that is gaining national recognition and respect. The value of an HBCU education is no longer a secret.

Top HBCUs are seeing a massive surge in applications from students who recognize the unique combination of academic excellence, supportive community, and career advantage they offer. This surge mirrors demand trends in other sectors of higher education, such as alternative colleges for students with unique needs, which also prioritize access and inclusivity while maintaining academic standards.

What career paths are available for graduates of an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

The career path in healthcare administration is a ladder. It's a field where you earn leadership positions by first mastering the fundamentals. Your degree gets you on that ladder, but the first step is an entry-level role where you learn the system from the inside out. These foundational jobs are available in every corner of the industry, from large hospitals to private physician's offices.

Entry-Level Roles (The 'Grind')

This is your essential apprenticeship. In roles like Patient Services Representative or Administrative Coordinator, you're on the front lines. You’ll learn how patient scheduling, billing, and medical records actually work. This hands-on experience is the bedrock of your entire career.

Mid-Level & Senior Roles (The 'Glory')

After a few years of dedicated work, you can leverage that foundational experience to move into management. This is where you'll step into roles like Clinic Supervisor, Office Manager, or even Director of Operations for a department. In these positions, you're the one solving problems and leading teams, drawing on the practical knowledge you gained on the front lines.

The Long-Term Strategy: From Apprentice to Leader

The transition from an entry-level role to a management position typically takes three to five years. For those with ambitions for senior leadership, pursuing one of the shortest online MBA in healthcare management can be a powerful next step to accelerate that journey and open doors to executive-level opportunities.

What is the job market for graduates of an HBCU for healthcare administration program?

The job market for graduates of an HBCU for healthcare administration program is excellent, plain and simple. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for medical and health services managers will grow by an incredible 29% by 2033. That is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

What's more, the demand is highest for candidates who combine strong business skills with a deep understanding of cultural competence—the exact profile you will have as a graduate. This unique advantage positions you as a premium candidate in one of the most secure and rapidly growing sectors of the economy.

A Field with Exceptional Growth

The numbers tell a powerful story about your future. While the median salary is strong, top earners in the field make over $216,000, showing the high ceiling for growth. Your earning potential can also be higher depending on where you work, with states like New York, Delaware, and New Jersey offering the highest average salaries.

It's also important to be aware of the realities of the market. While the field is majority female, a gender pay gap still exists. However, the high demand for diverse leaders from HBCUs can provide you with powerful leverage in salary negotiations. This all points to one clear fact: you are preparing to enter a career with exceptional and sustained demand, as the projection below highlights.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Program

Other Things You Should Know About HBCUs for Healthcare Administration Programs

What is accreditation and why is it important for a healthcare administration program?

Accreditation ensures that a healthcare administration program meets high national standards for academic quality. Graduating from an accredited program is often required for certain jobs, professional certifications, and admission to graduate school. It is the best way to guarantee that your degree will be recognized and respected by employers across the healthcare industry.

Are internships required for a healthcare administration degree?

Most healthcare administration programs require students to complete an internship or a similar hands-on practicum. This experience is a critical part of your education, allowing you to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting like a hospital, clinic, or public health agency. Internships also provide essential networking opportunities that frequently lead to job offers after graduation.

Is an online healthcare administration degree from an HBCU as good as an on-campus one?

An online healthcare administration degree from an accredited HBCU holds the same value as a degree earned on campus. Online programs deliver the same rigorous curriculum and are taught by the same expert faculty. They offer a flexible and accessible path for students who need to balance their studies with work or family responsibilities, while still providing the unique mission-driven perspective of an HBCU education.

Do I need a master's degree to be a healthcare manager?

You do not need a master's degree to begin your career in healthcare administration. A bachelor's degree is the standard requirement for most entry-level and mid-level management positions. However, a master's degree, such as a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), is often necessary for advancing to senior executive-level roles within large hospitals and complex healthcare systems.