The Best Healthcare Administration Programs in California for 2026
The best healthcare administration programs in California are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 11 healthcare programs in California on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in healthcare administration actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 11 ranked programs in California runs from $6,084 to $48,550 a year, a $42,466 spread for the same credential.
California State University-Long Beach tops the list with a 95 Hakia Score on a 69% graduation rate, at $6,084 a year in-state. Across all 11 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 51%, ranging from 11% to 69%. The national median pay in the field is $123,860 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in California
- California State University-Long Beach ranks first among California's healthcare programs with a 95 Hakia Score and a 69% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 11 ranked California programs spans $6,084 to $48,550 a year, a $42,466 gap for the same bachelor's in healthcare administration.
- The 11 ranked California programs graduate 51% of students on average, from 11% to 69%.
- 2 of the 11 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for California residents.
- 7 of the 11 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $123,860 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked California program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 11 accredited programs in California reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 11 Best Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in California, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University-Long BeachLong Beach, CA | Public | $6,084 | 69% | 46% | 95.0 |
| 2 | Concordia University-IrvineIrvine, CA · online option | Nonprofit | $42,500 | 58% | 66% | 80.1 |
| 3 | California Baptist UniversityRiverside, CA · online option | Nonprofit | $39,078 | 62% | 85% | 79.5 |
| 4 | California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge, CA | Public | $6,084 | 57% | 93% | 78.3 |
| 5 | Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno, CA · online option | Nonprofit | $35,990 | 50% | 64% | 78.1 |
| 6 | University of La VerneLa Verne, CA | Nonprofit | $48,550 | 63% | 71% | 77.9 |
| 7 | National UniversitySan Diego, CA · online option | Nonprofit | $13,284 | 43% | NR | 76.5 |
| 8 | Ashford UniversitySan Diego, CA · online option | For-profit | $11,040 | 11% | NR | 70.2 |
| 9 | La Sierra UniversityRiverside, CA | Nonprofit | $36,720 | 60% | 91% | 69.7 |
| 10 | San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia, CA · online option | For-profit | NR | 36% | NR | 67.8 |
| 11 | Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, CA · online option | Nonprofit | $25,500 | NR | NR | 67.5 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
The Top Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in California at a Glance
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
Inside the Top Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in California
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 46%
- In-state
- $6,084
- Out-of-state
- $18,684
At $6,084 a year in-state, California State University-Long Beach is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 95.0 Hakia Score on a 69% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 95.0, #1 of 11
- 69% graduation rate
- $6,084 in-state vs $18,684 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
California State University-Long Beach is a public institution in Long Beach, CA. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #1 of the 11 analyzed here with a 95.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 76.4 group average. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. California State University-Long Beach admits 46% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, California State University-Long Beach charges $6,084 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $18,684 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $24,336 in tuition for residents, against $74,736 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CA residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 66%
- In-state
- $42,500
- Out-of-state
- $42,500
Concordia University-Irvine graduates 58% of its students, above the 51% average across this ranking, on an 80.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.1, #2 of 11
- 58% graduation rate
- $42,500 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University-Irvine is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #2 of the 11 ranked here, earning an 80.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the top third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. Concordia University-Irvine admits 66% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 46% rate at California State University-Long Beach, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, Concordia University-Irvine charges $42,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $170,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $39,078
- Out-of-state
- $39,078
California Baptist University graduates 62% of its students, above the 51% average across this ranking, on a 79.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 79.5, #3 of 11
- 62% graduation rate
- $39,078 tuition
- Online option available
California Baptist University is a private, nonprofit institution in Riverside, CA. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #3 of the 11 analyzed here with a 79.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the top third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. California Baptist University admits 85% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 46% rate at California State University-Long Beach, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, California Baptist University charges $39,078 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $156,312 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $6,084
- Out-of-state
- $18,684
At $6,084 a year in-state, California State University-Northridge is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 78.3 Hakia Score on a 57% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 78.3, #4 of 11
- 57% graduation rate
- $6,084 in-state vs $18,684 out-of-state
- Admits just 93% of applicants
Based in Northridge, CA, California State University-Northridge is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #4 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 78.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. California State University-Northridge admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 46% rate at California State University-Long Beach, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, California State University-Northridge charges $6,084 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $18,684 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $24,336 in tuition for residents, against $74,736 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $35,990
- Out-of-state
- $35,990
Fresno Pacific University ranks #5 of the 11 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 78.1 Hakia Score and a 50% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 78.1, #5 of 11
- 50% graduation rate
- $35,990 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #5 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 78.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Fresno Pacific University admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 46% rate at California State University-Long Beach, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, Fresno Pacific University charges $35,990 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $143,960 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $48,550
- Out-of-state
- $48,550
University of La Verne graduates 63% of its students, above the 51% average across this ranking, on a 77.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 77.9, #6 of 11
- 63% graduation rate
- $48,550 tuition
- Admits just 71% of applicants
Based in La Verne, CA, University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #6 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 77.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 63% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. University of La Verne admits 71% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 46% rate at California State University-Long Beach, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, University of La Verne charges $48,550 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $194,200 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
National University
San Diego, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $13,284
- Out-of-state
- $13,284
At $13,284 a year in-state, National University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 76.5 Hakia Score on a 43% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 76.5, #7 of 11
- 43% graduation rate
- $13,284 tuition
- Online option available
Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #7 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 76.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 43% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 22,115 students.
On cost, National University charges $13,284 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $53,136 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 9x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Ashford University
San Diego, CA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 11%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $11,040
- Out-of-state
- $11,040
At $11,040 a year in-state, Ashford University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 70.2 Hakia Score on an 11% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 70.2, #8 of 11
- 11% graduation rate
- $11,040 tuition
- Online option available
Ashford University is a private, for-profit institution in San Diego, CA. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #8 of the 11 analyzed here with a 70.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 11% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 28,004 students.
On cost, Ashford University charges $11,040 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $44,160 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 11x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- In-state
- $36,720
- Out-of-state
- $36,720
La Sierra University graduates 60% of its students, above the 51% average across this ranking, on a 69.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 69.7, #9 of 11
- 60% graduation rate
- $36,720 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
La Sierra University is a private, nonprofit institution in Riverside, CA. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #9 of the 11 analyzed here with a 69.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. La Sierra University admits 91% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 46% rate at California State University-Long Beach, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%.
On cost, La Sierra University charges $36,720 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $146,880 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
Visalia, CA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 36%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- NR
- Out-of-state
- NR
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia ranks #10 of the 11 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 67.8 Hakia Score and a 36% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.8, #10 of 11
- 36% graduation rate
- Online option available
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia is a private, for-profit institution in Visalia, CA. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #10 of the 11 analyzed here with a 67.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 36% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 11% to 69%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,318 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- NR
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $25,500
- Out-of-state
- $25,500
Loma Linda University ranks #11 of the 11 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 67.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 67.5, #11 of 11
- $25,500 tuition
- Online option available
Loma Linda University is a private, nonprofit institution in Loma Linda, CA. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #11 of the 11 analyzed here with a 67.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The university enrolls 4,210 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Loma Linda University charges $25,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $102,000 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,084 at California State University-Long Beach to $48,550 at University of La Verne. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 5x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
What a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Costs in California
In-state tuition among the 11 ranked programs in California runs from $6,084 to $48,550 a year. California State University-Long Beach anchors the low end at $6,084, while University of La Verne sits at the top at $48,550. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $24,336 in tuition at the low end against roughly $194,200 at the high end for the same bachelor's in healthcare administration. Against the national median of $123,860 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes a healthcare administration degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Healthcare Administration Options in California
7 of the 11 ranked California programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online healthcare administration degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Healthcare Administration Careers and Pay After a California Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $123,860 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $6,084 or $48,550 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked California program compete in that same national pay structure.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in California: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best healthcare administration bachelor's degree in California?
By Hakia Score, California State University-Long Beach ranks first among the 11 healthcare administration programs in California we analyzed, with a 95 score and a 69% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does a healthcare administration bachelor's degree cost in California?
In-state tuition among the ranked California programs runs from $6,084 to $48,550 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online healthcare administration bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $123,860 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an California-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How the Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in California Are Scored
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.