The Best Healthcare Administration Programs in North Carolina for 2026
The best healthcare administration programs in North Carolina are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 16 healthcare programs in North Carolina on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in healthcare administration actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 16 ranked programs in North Carolina runs from $1,000 to $40,500 a year, a $39,500 spread for the same credential.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tops the list with a 98.2 Hakia Score on a 91% graduation rate, at $7,019 a year in-state. Across all 16 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 52%, ranging from 5% to 91%. 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 North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks first among North Carolina's healthcare programs with a 98.2 Hakia Score and a 91% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 16 ranked North Carolina programs spans $1,000 to $40,500 a year, a $39,500 gap for the same bachelor's in healthcare administration.
- The 16 ranked North Carolina programs graduate 52% of students on average, from 5% to 91%.
- 7 of the 16 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for North Carolina residents.
- 10 of the 16 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $123,860 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked North Carolina program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 16 accredited programs in North Carolina 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 16 Best Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 91% | 15% | 98.2 |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC · online option | Public | $3,812 | 69% | 80% | 88.6 |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 57% | 50% | 85.4 |
| 4 | Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC · online option | Public | $4,242 | 75% | 90% | 85.0 |
| 5 | East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC · online option | Public | $4,452 | 63% | 89% | 80.9 |
| 6 | Campbell UniversityBuies Creek, NC | Nonprofit | $38,880 | 61% | 87% | 76.8 |
| 7 | University of Mount OliveMount Olive, NC · online option | Nonprofit | $26,216 | 52% | 76% | 76.3 |
| 8 | Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem, NC · online option | Public | $3,401 | 47% | 78% | 73.8 |
| 9 | Gardner-Webb UniversityBoiling Springs, NC | Nonprofit | $33,770 | 55% | 77% | 73.6 |
| 10 | Methodist UniversityFayetteville, NC · online option | Nonprofit | $40,500 | 44% | 75% | 72.2 |
| 11 | Belmont Abbey CollegeBelmont, NC · online option | Nonprofit | $19,500 | 47% | 75% | 70.0 |
| 12 | North Carolina Wesleyan UniversityRocky Mount, NC · online option | Nonprofit | $34,936 | 42% | 80% | 69.7 |
| 13 | Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, NC | Public | $1,000 | 38% | 82% | 69.5 |
| 14 | Barton CollegeWilson, NC | Nonprofit | $37,000 | 46% | 94% | 63.8 |
| 15 | Pfeiffer UniversityMisenheimer, NC · online option | Nonprofit | $33,720 | 35% | 96% | 57.6 |
| 16 | Miller-Motte College-WilmingtonWilmington, NC · online option | For-profit | NR | 5% | NR | 54.3 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
- Grad rate
- 91%
- Admit rate
- 15%
- In-state
- $7,019
- Out-of-state
- $39,228
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates 91% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 98.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 98.2, #1 of 16
- 91% graduation rate
- $7,019 in-state vs $39,228 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #1 of the 16 ranked here, earning a 98.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 74.7 group average. The program graduates 91% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits 15% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill charges $7,019 a year in-state, roughly 6x the $39,228 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $28,076 in tuition for residents, against $156,912 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for NC 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 above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $3,812
- Out-of-state
- $19,065
At $3,812 a year in-state, University of North Carolina at Charlotte is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 88.6 Hakia Score on a 69% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 88.6, #2 of 16
- 69% graduation rate
- $3,812 in-state vs $19,065 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Charlotte, NC, University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #2 of the 16 ranked here, earning an 88.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. University of North Carolina at Charlotte admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, University of North Carolina at Charlotte charges $3,812 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $19,065 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $15,248 in tuition for residents, against $76,260 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC · Public
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 50%
- In-state
- $3,540
- Out-of-state
- $17,400
At $3,540 a year in-state, North Carolina A & T State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 85.4 Hakia Score on a 57% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 85.4, #3 of 16
- 57% graduation rate
- $3,540 in-state vs $17,400 out-of-state
- Admits just 50% of applicants
Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A & T State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #3 of the 16 ranked here, earning an 85.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. North Carolina A & T State University admits 50% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, North Carolina A & T State University charges $3,540 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $17,400 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $14,160 in tuition for residents, against $69,600 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $4,242
- Out-of-state
- $21,875
At $4,242 a year in-state, Appalachian State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 85.0 Hakia Score on a 75% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 85.0, #4 of 16
- 75% graduation rate
- $4,242 in-state vs $21,875 out-of-state
- Online option available
Appalachian State University is a public institution in Boone, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #4 of the 16 analyzed here with an 85.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Appalachian State University admits 90% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Appalachian State University charges $4,242 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $21,875 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $16,968 in tuition for residents, against $87,500 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 89%
- In-state
- $4,452
- Out-of-state
- $20,729
At $4,452 a year in-state, East Carolina University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 80.9 Hakia Score on a 63% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 80.9, #5 of 16
- 63% graduation rate
- $4,452 in-state vs $20,729 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #5 of the 16 ranked here, earning an 80.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 63% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. East Carolina University admits 89% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, East Carolina University charges $4,452 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $20,729 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $17,808 in tuition for residents, against $82,916 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $38,880
- Out-of-state
- $38,880
Campbell University graduates 61% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 76.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 76.8, #6 of 16
- 61% graduation rate
- $38,880 tuition
- Admits just 87% of applicants
Based in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #6 of the 16 ranked here, earning a 76.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the middle third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Campbell University admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Campbell University charges $38,880 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $155,520 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $26,216
- Out-of-state
- $26,216
University of Mount Olive graduates 52% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 76.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 76.3, #7 of 16
- 52% graduation rate
- $26,216 tuition
- Online option available
University of Mount Olive is a private, nonprofit institution in Mount Olive, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #7 of the 16 analyzed here with a 76.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the middle third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 52% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. University of Mount Olive admits 76% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, University of Mount Olive charges $26,216 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $104,864 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $3,401
- Out-of-state
- $14,057
At $3,401 a year in-state, Winston-Salem State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 73.8 Hakia Score on a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 73.8, #8 of 16
- 47% graduation rate
- $3,401 in-state vs $14,057 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Winston-Salem State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #8 of the 16 ranked here, earning a 73.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the middle third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Winston-Salem State University admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Winston-Salem State University charges $3,401 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $14,057 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $13,604 in tuition for residents, against $56,228 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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 an online option.
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $33,770
- Out-of-state
- $33,770
Gardner-Webb University graduates 55% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 73.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 73.6, #9 of 16
- 55% graduation rate
- $33,770 tuition
- Admits just 77% of applicants
Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner-Webb University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #9 of the 16 ranked here, earning a 73.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the middle third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Gardner-Webb University admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Gardner-Webb University charges $33,770 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $135,080 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 44%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $40,500
- Out-of-state
- $40,500
Methodist University ranks #10 of the 16 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 72.2 Hakia Score and a 44% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.2, #10 of 16
- 44% graduation rate
- $40,500 tuition
- Online option available
Methodist University is a private, nonprofit institution in Fayetteville, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #10 of the 16 analyzed here with a 72.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the middle third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 44% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Methodist University admits 75% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Methodist University charges $40,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $162,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $19,500
- Out-of-state
- $19,500
Belmont Abbey College ranks #11 of the 16 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 70.0 Hakia Score and a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 70.0, #11 of 16
- 47% graduation rate
- $19,500 tuition
- Online option available
Belmont Abbey College is a private, nonprofit institution in Belmont, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #11 of the 16 analyzed here with a 70.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the lower third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Belmont Abbey College admits 75% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Belmont Abbey College charges $19,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $78,000 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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.
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Rocky Mount, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $34,936
- Out-of-state
- $34,936
North Carolina Wesleyan University ranks #12 of the 16 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 69.7 Hakia Score and a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.7, #12 of 16
- 42% graduation rate
- $34,936 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Rocky Mount, NC, North Carolina Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #12 of the 16 ranked here, earning a 69.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the lower third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. North Carolina Wesleyan University admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, North Carolina Wesleyan University charges $34,936 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $139,744 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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 an online option.
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC · Public
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $1,000
- Out-of-state
- $5,000
At $1,000 a year in-state, Fayetteville State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 69.5 Hakia Score on a 38% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.5, #13 of 16
- 38% graduation rate
- $1,000 in-state vs $5,000 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Fayetteville State University is a public institution in Fayetteville, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #13 of the 16 analyzed here with a 69.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the lower third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Fayetteville State University admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Fayetteville State University charges $1,000 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $5,000 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $4,000 in tuition for residents, against $20,000 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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 low in-state cost.
Barton College
Wilson, NC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 46%
- Admit rate
- 94%
- In-state
- $37,000
- Out-of-state
- $37,000
Barton College ranks #14 of the 16 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 63.8 Hakia Score and a 46% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 63.8, #14 of 16
- 46% graduation rate
- $37,000 tuition
- Admits just 94% of applicants
Barton College is a private, nonprofit institution in Wilson, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #14 of the 16 analyzed here with a 63.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the lower third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 46% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Barton College admits 94% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Barton College charges $37,000 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $148,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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. It earns its place in the top 16 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Pfeiffer University
Misenheimer, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 35%
- Admit rate
- 96%
- In-state
- $33,720
- Out-of-state
- $33,720
Pfeiffer University ranks #15 of the 16 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 57.6 Hakia Score and a 35% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 57.6, #15 of 16
- 35% graduation rate
- $33,720 tuition
- Online option available
Pfeiffer University is a private, nonprofit institution in Misenheimer, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #15 of the 16 analyzed here with a 57.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the lower third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 35% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Pfeiffer University admits 96% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 15% rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%.
On cost, Pfeiffer University charges $33,720 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $134,880 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $1,000 at Fayetteville State University to $40,500 at Methodist University. 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 an online option.
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 5%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- NR
- Out-of-state
- NR
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington ranks #16 of the 16 bachelor's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 54.3 Hakia Score and a 5% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 54.3, #16 of 16
- 5% graduation rate
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington is a private, for-profit institution in Wilmington, NC. Its Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #16 of the 16 analyzed here with a 54.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the lower third of the 16 ranked programs. The program graduates 5% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 5% to 91%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 46 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.
What a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Costs in North Carolina
In-state tuition among the 16 ranked programs in North Carolina runs from $1,000 to $40,500 a year. Fayetteville State University anchors the low end at $1,000, while Methodist University sits at the top at $40,500. 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 $4,000 in tuition at the low end against roughly $162,000 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 North Carolina
10 of the 16 ranked North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 $1,000 or $40,500 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 North Carolina program compete in that same national pay structure.
Common Questions About Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
What is the best healthcare administration bachelor's degree in North Carolina?
By Hakia Score, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks first among the 16 healthcare administration programs in North Carolina we analyzed, with a 98.2 score and a 91% 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 North Carolina?
In-state tuition among the ranked North Carolina programs runs from $1,000 to $40,500 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 North Carolina-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.
Our Methodology for Ranking Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
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.