10 Easiest Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

What can I expect from a healthcare administration degree?

You can expect a curriculum that blends business fundamentals with healthcare-specific knowledge. Think of it as one part business degree and one part healthcare leadership training. You’ll take courses in finance and management right alongside specialized classes in healthcare policy, medical ethics, and health law.

This degree is designed to build your leadership skills, not your clinical ones. Even in the easiest healthcare administration degree programs, the focus is on preparing you for management. It's a foundational credential that provides a much deeper level of expertise than shorter-term certifications.

Many universities have strong partnerships and create direct internship pipelines with local hospitals and clinics. A successful internship is your chance to apply what you've learned, build a professional network, and prove your value. It’s very common for a great internship to lead directly to a full-time job offer.

Where can I work with a healthcare administration degree?

Your work environment can range from large hospitals to specialized clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers held about 562,700 jobs in 2023. The largest employers in the field include:

• Hospitals: Employing 30% of all managers, this is the most common setting, with roles in department management, patient services, and hospital operations.
• Physician's Offices: Making up 12% of the field, these roles involve managing the business side of private practices and large medical groups.
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: This sector accounts for 9% of jobs and is focused on leading the administration of long-term care and assisted living centers.
• Outpatient Care Centers: At 7%, this is a high-growth area that includes surgery centers, rehabilitation clinics, and other specialized treatment facilities.
• Government: Also at 7%, these roles are found in public health departments, federal agencies like the VA, and military healthcare facilities.

How much can I make with a healthcare administration degree?

A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration is the first step on a career path with significant earning potential. Your starting salary will grow substantially as you gain experience and take on leadership responsibilities, with the highest salaries reserved for experienced managers.

The following roles show the typical salary progression you can expect:

• Healthcare Coordinator (Entry-Level): An average starting salary of $50,728 per year.
• Medical and Health Services Manager (Experienced): A median salary of $56.71 per hour, or $117,960 per year.

List of the Best Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025

Healthcare administration remains a rapidly growing field with opportunities in hospitals, private practices, and public health systems. Students interested in leadership, finance, and policy often pursue this track as a springboard to senior healthcare management roles. For some, these programs also serve as preparation for graduate-level credentials such as top CAHME-accredited mha programs, which are highly regarded for advancing into executive positions.

1. National University - Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Focused on real-world challenges, the graduate program at National University is taught by current industry experts who bring practical insight into the classroom. Students put their learning into action through an immersive eight-week capstone project, gaining a competitive edge for non-clinical leadership roles.

• Program Length: Approximately 4 years
• Required Quarter Units to Graduate: 180
• Cost per Quarter Unit: $374.44
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Platt College - Healthcare Administration Bachelors Hybrid Program

Platt College provides a degree completion program for applicants who already hold a related academic associate degree. The curriculum is designed to broaden existing healthcare skill sets with a solid foundation in business fundamentals and management techniques.

• Program Length: Approximately 15 months
• Required Quarter Credit Hours to Graduate: 200
• Cost per Credit: $415.00
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

3. Radford University - Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

A hybrid format defines the MHA at Radford University, where all major classes are available online and taught by instructors with practical experience from Carilion Clinic. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to work seamlessly across clinical and nonclinical specialties.

• Program Length: Approximately 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $539 (in-state); $1,114 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. University of Houston–Clear Lake - Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

The University of Houston-Clear Lake leverages its proximity to the Texas Medical Center to provide students with premier internship and employment opportunities. Its award-winning program prepares graduates for management roles through a curriculum focused on real-world application.

• Program Length: Approximately 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $225.95 (in-state); $364.95 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

5. ECPI University - Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

ECPI University offers an accelerated, year-round schedule that allows students to earn their degree in as few as 2.5 years. The program provides specialized tracks and emphasizes applying financial management and critical analysis skills in diverse healthcare settings.

• Program Length: As few as 2.5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Specializations: Acute Care; and Long-Term Care
• Cost per Credit: $523.20
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

6. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Healthcare Management Bachelor's Degree

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides a partially online program certified by AUPHA, featuring a diverse student population. Students learn from industry leaders and gain hands-on training to develop equitable leadership and business planning skills.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $620.50 (in-state); $1,500.70 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)

7. Weber State University - Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

With more than 40 years of experience shaping healthcare leaders, Weber State University offers a fully online program designed for flexibility. Coursework develops core competencies in financial management, health informatics, and quality improvement, giving graduates a strong foundation for leadership roles.

• Program Length: Approximately 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $146.24 (in-state); $237.80 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)

8. University of Toledo - Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

The University of Toledo offers a program, available 100% online, that includes a minor in business to ensure a well-rounded management education. The curriculum is taught by faculty with direct industry experience, and 90% of students complete an internship.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $335.49
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. North Carolina Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

North Carolina Wesleyan University builds its curriculum on a strong business foundation to prepare managers for a variety of healthcare settings. The program educates future leaders in key areas like healthcare policy, data management, and strategic planning.

• Program Length: 1.5 - 3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $445.00
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

10. CUNY Lehman College - Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration

Affordability and flexibility define the program at CUNY Lehman College, which is offered in both online and hybrid formats. Every student completes a senior-year internship with a local provider, applying classroom learning to real-world healthcare delivery while building essential management skills.

• Program Length: Approximately 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 58
• Cost per Credit: $305 (in-state); $620 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How long does it take to complete a healthcare administration degree program?

A standard bachelor's degree in healthcare administration typically takes four years to complete if you're a full-time student starting from scratch. This timeline is based on completing around 120 credit hours, which is the norm for most undergraduate programs in the U.S.

However, that four-year timeframe isn't set in stone for everyone. There are options that can make it faster.

Flexible Pathways for Career Switchers

If you already have some college credits, you likely won't need to start over. Most universities have generous transfer credit policies, and many offer "degree completion" programs specifically designed for students with prior college or work experience. For a career switcher, this can often shorten the path to a degree to just one or two years.

This initial time investment pays off over a long career. As the data below shows, the average age for managers in this field is over 45, highlighting that this is a profession with decades of growth potential. Many students also consider related fields like health information management CAHIIM programs, which align closely with healthcare administration and can sometimes provide quicker entry points into leadership.

What is the average cost of a healthcare administration degree program?

The cost of your degree will vary more than anything else between schools. The biggest factor is whether you choose an in-state public university or a private or out-of-state school.

On average, you can expect in-state tuition to be around $50,000 for the full four years. For private and out-of-state options, that average can climb to over $72,000. It's important to remember that these "sticker prices" are just the starting point for your budget.

Budgeting for the Total Cost of Attendance

To get a truly realistic number, you need to look at the "total cost of attendance." This is the figure that reputable universities will provide, and it's the one you should use for planning.

Budgeting with this figure in mind helps prevent financial surprises. Students who already work in healthcare often weigh this investment against professional outcomes—for instance, whether earning an advanced role justifies the cost, in the same way prospective clinicians might evaluate the path to becoming the easiest doctor to become in terms of return on investment and time commitment.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a healthcare administration degree program?

You have several options to help fund your education, and the essential first step for accessing most of them is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines your eligibility for federal, state, and even some institutional aid.

Grants and Scholarships

Think of this as "free money" because it doesn't need to be repaid. Grants, like the federal Pell Grant, are typically need-based. Scholarships can be based on academic merit, financial need, or even your specific field of study. Many healthcare organizations offer targeted scholarships to attract talent.

Federal and Private Loans

Loans are borrowed money that you must repay with interest. It's always wise to start with federal student loans, as they offer fixed interest rates and more flexible repayment options than most private loans.

The ROI of Your Degree

Viewing your degree as an investment helps clarify these choices. The average starting salary for healthcare administration graduates often exceeds $50,000, which can comfortably cover loan repayment. For some students, pairing the degree with add-on programs—such as a dual teaching credential and master's program—may enhance flexibility and long-term career opportunities, making financial aid even more impactful.

This solid starting income can comfortably cover student loan payments, especially if you choose an affordable in-state program. It makes the degree a smart and safe financial decision that pays for itself, starting from your very first job.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a healthcare administration degree program?

Getting into even the best and easiest healthcare administration degree programs is a very straightforward process. Unlike clinical degrees, you will not find a heavy load of science and math prerequisites designed to weed students out. The requirements are accessible and focus on your overall academic record.

Typically, you will need:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• A minimum high school GPA, usually around a 2.5 or higher.
• Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, although many universities are now test-optional.

A Note for All Applicants

Admissions committees today often use a "holistic" approach, which means they look at your entire story. For career switchers, this means you can highlight your work history in your application essay to show maturity and dedication.

For international applicants, you will likely need to provide scores from an English language proficiency test, like the TOEFL, and have your academic transcripts evaluated for U.S. equivalency.

The focus is always on your potential as a future leader, not on your clinical aptitude. While questions about whether, "Can medical assistants work in hospitals?" are important for clinical support paths, the prerequisites for this administrative track are centered on your readiness for business-focused study.

What courses are typically in a healthcare administration degree program?

Your coursework will be a practical mix of business, healthcare, and leadership studies. The curriculum is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare organizations operate from a management perspective, ensuring you have the specific skills employers are looking for.

You can expect your classes to fall into these core categories:

• Business Foundation Courses: These include accounting, finance, and human resources. This is where you learn the core mechanics of running any business, including the financial side of things, similar to how you might ask, "Can you go to school online for medical billing and coding?"
• Healthcare-Specific Courses: This is where the degree becomes specialized, with classes in healthcare policy, medical ethics, health law, and compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
• Management and Leadership Courses: These courses focus on the practical skills of running a team, with topics like operations management and strategic leadership.

The Workforce You'll Be Joining

The best programs are constantly updating their courses to match the needs of the modern healthcare industry. A key area of growth is Health Informatics, which involves managing and analyzing the massive amount of data in healthcare today. A program with a strong informatics track will give you a significant competitive advantage.

These courses prepare you to lead in a diverse and dynamic professional environment. As the data on the workforce shows, you will be joining a field made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and your education will equip you to manage and lead effectively.

What types of specializations are available in a healthcare administration degree program?

Many undergraduate programs are generalist, which provides a fantastic, flexible foundation for your career. However, some accredited schools by CAHME offer the chance to develop deeper expertise through a specialization. Think of it as choosing a specific area of interest to explore, not as being locked into one path forever.

Common Specialization Areas

• Long-Term Care Administration: This specialization prepares you to manage nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home health agencies.
• Health Informatics: This is a modern, tech-focused track about managing health data, electronic health records, and using analytics to improve patient care.
• Hospital Administration: This focuses on the unique operational challenges of managing departments within a complex hospital setting.

Aligning Your Specialty with Market Demand

Choosing a specialization is a strategic way to position yourself in a massive job market. With an average of over 61,000 management jobs projected to open each year, a focus area can help you stand out.

For example, given the certainty of an aging population, a specialization in Long-Term Care is an incredibly smart move. It aligns your personal interests with a powerful demographic trend, setting you up for decades of career stability and opportunity.

How to Choose the Best Healthcare Administration Degree Program

Choosing the right program isn't about finding the most famous school; it's about finding the one that offers the highest quality and the best fit for you. Focusing on a few key factors will help you find one of the easiest healthcare administration degree programs that also delivers real value.

Use this checklist to guide your search:

1. Verify Accreditation. This is the most important step. Make sure the university has regional accreditation. This is the gold standard of quality assurance and ensures your degree will be respected by employers and other universities.
2. Investigate the Internship Program. A great program will have strong, established partnerships with local healthcare facilities. Ask admissions counselors about where students get placed for internships and what kind of support the school provides.
3. Review the Curriculum. Look for a program with modern, relevant courses. Does the curriculum include topics like health informatics and data analytics that are in high demand?
4. Consider Program Format. Decide what works best for your life. High-quality programs are available in on-campus, fully online, and hybrid formats.

Degree vs. Other Credentials: Making the Right Choice

Part of choosing the best path is understanding your options. For instance, the discussion around a BS medical billing and coding vs certificate highlights a key difference. A certificate is a tactical credential for a specific job, while a bachelor's degree is a strategic credential that prepares you for long-term career growth and leadership.

What career paths are available for graduates of a healthcare administration degree program?

Your degree opens the door to a career with a clear and well-defined ladder for advancement. You'll start in a foundational role and build your way up to a senior leadership position through experience and proven performance.

Entry-Level Roles

Your first job will likely be in a role like a Healthcare Coordinator or a Medical Office Manager. These are the essential, "dues-paying" positions where you learn the fundamentals of healthcare operations, patient scheduling, billing, and staff support. Excelling here is the key to your first promotion.

Mid-Career Advancement

After a few years of solid performance, you can move into roles like a Department Manager or a Practice Administrator. At this stage, you'll have responsibility for a specific service line, a larger team, and a significant budget.

Senior Leadership Roles

The top of the ladder includes positions like a Health Services Manager or a Director-level leader. These senior roles involve strategic planning for an entire facility or a large healthcare system.

Climbing the Career Ladder: Beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Advancement to the highest levels of leadership often requires a graduate degree. Many professionals find that a specialized master's degree is the key to unlocking top-tier positions. For example, some may even pursue a fast track online masters degree in clinical mental health counseling to lead in that specific niche. This combination of a bachelor's degree and real-world experience, followed by a master's, is the proven path to the top.

What is the job market for graduates of a healthcare administration degree program?

The job market for this field is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 29% by 2033. This is defined as "much faster than average" for all occupations and points to incredible, long-term demand.

This strong market means that graduates from even the easiest healthcare administration degree programs are highly sought after. Of course, you still need to be a competitive candidate with a good GPA and a strong internship experience to land the best jobs.

Where Administrative Leaders Fit in the Healthcare Ecosystem

This massive demand isn't a short-term trend; it's a demographic certainty driven by the needs of an aging population. As the baby boomer generation requires more medical services, the need for skilled administrators to manage those services will continue to explode.

While much of the public focus is on the clinical side of healthcare, understanding the difference between medical assistant and physician assistant for example, the business and operational side is where this massive job growth is concentrated. This makes healthcare administration one of the most secure career choices available for the coming decades, with top-paying roles often found in states like New York and in hospital or government settings.

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

Other Things You Should Know About Healthcare Administration Degree Programs

Is a master's degree required for a job in healthcare administration?

A master's degree is not required to get a job in healthcare administration. A bachelor's degree is the standard credential for most entry-level and mid-level management positions. However, a master's degree is often necessary for advancement to senior leadership roles, and many professionals earn one after gaining several years of work experience.

What is the difference between healthcare administration and healthcare management?

The terms healthcare administration and healthcare management are often used interchangeably, and the degree programs cover very similar material. Generally, administration can refer more to the daily operational duties within a specific department, while management often refers to the broader strategic planning and direction for an entire organization.

What are the most important skills for a healthcare administrator?

Beyond your coursework, the most important skills for success are strong communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Administrators must communicate effectively with clinical staff, executives, and patients. Strong problem-solving and organizational skills are also essential for managing the complex daily challenges of a healthcare environment.

Can I earn professional certifications with this degree?

You can pursue professional certifications after earning your degree and gaining work experience. These certifications can improve your resume and lead to more specialized roles. Common options include becoming a Certified Medical Manager (CMM) or a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) after several years of leadership experience.