The Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs of 2026
The cheapest online healthcare administration degree programs clear two bars at once: a confirmed online option, and a published tuition low enough to change the math. Of the 205 healthcare administration programs we analyzed nationwide, 111 carry a confirmed distance-education option, about 54% of the field. This ranking orders the 25 of those with the lowest in-state tuition that still clear an accreditation and completion floor.
Winston-Salem State University is the lowest at $3,401 a year in-state, graduating 47% of its students. In-state tuition across the ranked online programs runs $3,401 to $10,200 a year. Field median pay is $123,860 per BLS, the same benchmark whether the degree was earned online or on campus.
One thing to check before comparing: many online programs bill every student a flat per-credit rate regardless of where they live. That can beat an out-of-state price while losing to a local public's resident rate, so the order below is a starting point rather than your personal price. The cost section works through it.
Key Takeaways on the Best Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
- Winston-Salem State University is the lowest-priced accredited online option here at $3,401/year in-state.
- In-state tuition across the ranked online programs spans $3,401 to $10,200 per year.
- 111 of the 205 healthcare administration programs analyzed offer a confirmed online option, about 54% of the field.
- Even at the low end of price, the ranked online programs graduate 54% of students on average.
- Online here means a confirmed distance-education option in the federal data, not a marketing claim.
- Field median pay is $123,860 (BLS), identical across accredited programs regardless of tuition or delivery format.
We analyzed 205 accredited healthcare administration programs reported to IPEDS, then ranked the 25 online options with the lowest in-state tuition among programs that clear an accreditation and completion floor. No school pays for inclusion.
The 25 Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem, NC · online option | Public | $3,401 | 47% | 78% | 69.9 |
| 2 | University of West FloridaPensacola, FL · online option | Public | $3,735 | 59% | 58% | 82.9 |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC · online option | Public | $3,812 | 69% | 80% | 84.1 |
| 4 | Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC · online option | Public | $4,242 | 75% | 90% | 79.2 |
| 5 | University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington, NC · online option | Public | $4,443 | 71% | 64% | 90.0 |
| 6 | Florida International UniversityMiami, FL · online option | Public | $4,721 | 74% | 55% | 89.7 |
| 7 | University of Arkansas-Fort SmithFort Smith, AR · online option | Public | $4,752 | 38% | 80% | 69.9 |
| 8 | Montana State University BillingsBillings, MT · online option | Public | $4,997 | 30% | NR | 63.6 |
| 9 | University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA · online option | Public | $5,407 | 53% | 87% | 75.0 |
| 10 | Louisiana State University-ShreveportShreveport, LA · online option | Public | $5,656 | 38% | 51% | 77.1 |
| 11 | California State University-East BayHayward, CA · online option | Public | $6,084 | 48% | 97% | 68.9 |
| 12 | College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island, NY · online option | Public | $6,930 | 34% | 92% | 63.5 |
| 13 | State University of New York at OswegoOswego, NY · online option | Public | $7,070 | 60% | 81% | 77.4 |
| 14 | Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs, NY · online option | Public | $7,070 | 41% | NR | 71.0 |
| 15 | University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle Rock, AR · online option | Public | $7,362 | NR | NR | 74.7 |
| 16 | University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies OnlineManchester, NH · online option | Public | $7,536 | 30% | NR | 59.7 |
| 17 | Athens State UniversityAthens, AL · online option | Public | $7,680 | NR | NR | 75.6 |
| 18 | Charter Oak State CollegeNew Britain, CT · online option | Public | $7,896 | 67% | NR | 79.6 |
| 19 | Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO · online option | Public | $8,559 | 58% | 74% | 78.3 |
| 20 | Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead, MN · online option | Public | $8,838 | 57% | 59% | 81.4 |
| 21 | University of Southern IndianaEvansville, IN · online option | Public | $9,036 | 48% | 96% | 68.4 |
| 22 | University of MississippiUniversity, MS · online option | Public | $9,612 | 72% | 97% | 72.7 |
| 23 | Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale, IL · online option | Public | $9,638 | 62% | 87% | 73.2 |
| 24 | University of ToledoToledo, OH · online option | Public | $10,102 | 57% | 92% | 72.0 |
| 25 | University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL · online option | Public | $10,200 | 55% | 87% | 70.3 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
The Lowest-Cost Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs, Compared
In-state tuition for the 10 most affordable programs. Shorter bars cost less; the resident rate is what state schools charge in-state students.
The Top Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs, School by School
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 master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 69.9 Hakia Score on a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.9, #1 of 25
- 47% graduation rate
- $3,401 in-state vs $14,057 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Winston-Salem State University is a public institution. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #1 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 69.9 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 47% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Winston-Salem State University admits 78% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%.
On cost, Winston-Salem State University charges $3,401 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $14,057 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $6,802 in tuition for residents, against $28,114 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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 genuine selectivity.
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 59%
- Admit rate
- 58%
- In-state
- $3,735
- Out-of-state
- $16,004
At $3,735 a year in-state, University of West Florida is among the more affordable master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 82.9 Hakia Score on a 59% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 82.9, #2 of 25
- 59% graduation rate
- $3,735 in-state vs $16,004 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of West Florida is a public institution in Pensacola, FL. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #2 of the 25 analyzed here with an 82.9 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 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 59% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of West Florida admits 58% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%.
On cost, University of West Florida charges $3,735 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,004 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $7,470 in tuition for residents, against $32,008 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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.
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 master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 84.1 Hakia Score on a 69% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 84.1, #3 of 25
- 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 Master's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #3 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 84.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of North Carolina at Charlotte admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, 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 two years that is about $7,624 in tuition for residents, against $38,130 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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 master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 79.2 Hakia Score on a 75% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 79.2, #4 of 25
- 75% graduation rate
- $4,242 in-state vs $21,875 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
Appalachian State University is a public institution in Boone, NC. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #4 of the 25 analyzed here with a 79.2 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 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Appalachian State University admits 90% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%.
On cost, Appalachian State University charges $4,242 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $21,875 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $8,484 in tuition for residents, against $43,750 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $4,443
- Out-of-state
- $21,318
At $4,443 a year in-state, University of North Carolina Wilmington is among the more affordable master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 90.0 Hakia Score on a 71% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 90.0, #5 of 25
- 71% graduation rate
- $4,443 in-state vs $21,318 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public institution in Wilmington, NC. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #5 of the 25 analyzed here with a 90.0 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 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of North Carolina Wilmington admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, University of North Carolina Wilmington charges $4,443 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $21,318 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $8,886 in tuition for residents, against $42,636 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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.
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 55%
- In-state
- $4,721
- Out-of-state
- $16,529
At $4,721 a year in-state, Florida International University is among the more affordable master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding an 89.7 Hakia Score on a 74% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 89.7, #6 of 25
- 74% graduation rate
- $4,721 in-state vs $16,529 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Florida International University is a public institution in Miami, FL. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #6 of the 25 analyzed here with an 89.7 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 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 74% of its students, above the 54% average across the ranked schools. Florida International University admits 55% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%.
On cost, Florida International University charges $4,721 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,529 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $9,442 in tuition for residents, against $33,058 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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.
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $4,752
- Out-of-state
- $9,600
At $4,752 a year in-state, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is among the more affordable master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 69.9 Hakia Score on a 38% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.9, #7 of 25
- 38% graduation rate
- $4,752 in-state vs $9,600 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Fort Smith, AR, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a public institution. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #7 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 69.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%.
On cost, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith charges $4,752 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $9,600 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $9,504 in tuition for residents, against $19,200 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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.
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 30%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $4,997
- Out-of-state
- $20,468
At $4,997 a year in-state, Montana State University Billings is among the more affordable master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 63.6 Hakia Score on a 30% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 63.6, #8 of 25
- 30% graduation rate
- $4,997 in-state vs $20,468 out-of-state
- Online option available
Montana State University Billings is a public institution in Billings, MT. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #8 of the 25 analyzed here with a 63.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 74.7 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs, 6.3 points behind top-ranked Winston-Salem State University. The program graduates 30% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%.
On cost, Montana State University Billings charges $4,997 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $20,468 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $9,994 in tuition for residents, against $40,936 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MT 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 an online option.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $5,407
- Out-of-state
- $19,135
At $5,407 a year in-state, University of Louisiana at Lafayette is among the more affordable master's in healthcare administration programs ranked here, holding a 75.0 Hakia Score on a 53% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 75.0, #9 of 25
- 53% graduation rate
- $5,407 in-state vs $19,135 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Lafayette, LA, University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public institution. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program lands at #9 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 75.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 74.7 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. University of Louisiana at Lafayette admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 51% rate at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, University of Louisiana at Lafayette charges $5,407 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $19,135 out-of-state rate. Over two years that is about $10,814 in tuition for residents, against $38,270 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. 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.
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Shreveport, LA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- 51%
- In-state
- $5,656
- Out-of-state
- $5,656
Louisiana State University-Shreveport ranks #10 of the 25 master's in healthcare administration programs in this analysis, with a 77.1 Hakia Score and a 38% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 77.1, #10 of 25
- 38% graduation rate
- $5,656 tuition
- Most selective program here
Louisiana State University-Shreveport is a public institution in Shreveport, LA. Its Master's in Healthcare Administration program ranks #10 of the 25 analyzed here with a 77.1 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 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 54% average across the ranked schools. Louisiana State University-Shreveport admits 51% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 30% to 75%. The university enrolls 10,749 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Louisiana State University-Shreveport charges $5,656 a year in-state. Over two years that totals about $11,312 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,401 at Winston-Salem State University to $10,200 at University of North Alabama. Graduates step into a field with a $123,860 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 22x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
What the Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs Really Cost
In-state tuition across the ranked online programs runs $3,401 to $10,200 a year. That range is the in-state rate, which is what residents pay at a public school. Online students are often billed differently, on a flat per-credit tuition that applies wherever they live. Where that happens the resident discount disappears, and the cheapest program on this list may not be the cheapest one for you. Add fees and the number of credits required, then compare totals rather than headline rates.
Low Price, Real Accreditation
Price is the sort order on this page, not the entry requirement. Every program ranked is accredited and reports completion data to IPEDS, and anything below a real graduation floor is filtered out before price is considered. That filter earns its keep at the low end of the market, where unaccredited providers compete on tuition alone and leave graduates holding a credential employers and licensing boards do not recognize.
Cheapest Online vs. Best Online
This page sorts on price. To see the strongest online options instead, ranked on graduation rate, selectivity, and outcomes, our best online healthcare administration programs list uses the same pool ordered by Hakia Score. The most affordable healthcare administration programs ranking drops the online filter and includes campus programs, which is where the very lowest in-state prices tend to sit.
Best Master's in Healthcare Administration Programs by State
Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank Healthcare Administration Programs in 2 states, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.
Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest online healthcare administration degree?
Winston-Salem State University has the lowest in-state tuition among accredited online options at $3,401 a year, followed by University of West Florida and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Confirm whether the school charges online students that resident rate or a flat per-credit rate.
Are cheap online healthcare administration degree programs accredited?
The ones ranked here are. Accreditation and a real completion rate are applied as filters before price, so an unaccredited program cannot reach this list by being inexpensive.
Does an online healthcare administration degree cost less than on campus?
Sometimes. A flat per-credit online rate usually beats out-of-state tuition and often loses to a local public's in-state rate. Online study also removes relocation costs and lets many students keep working, which moves the real cost of the degree more than the tuition line does.
Do online healthcare administration degree programs charge the in-state rate?
Not always. Some public schools extend the resident rate to every online student; others charge by residency exactly as they do on campus. Confirm it with the school before comparing two programs on this page.
How We Rank Cheapest Online Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
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.