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By Kelley Jacobs
In this article, we take a data-based approach to highlighting the 50 most affordable selective colleges for a healthcare management degree in 2015.
Healthcare Management encompasses a wide variety of positions and settings within the healthcare field. Positions exist within hospitals, insurance companies, long term care facilities, rehabilitation clinics, consultant firms, and a multitude of others for all levels of management. Earning a degree in healthcare management opens doors for management and supervisory positions within these settings. Those choosing to pursue an advanced degree can become a CEO, CFO, or other executive and help shape the future vision of that healthcare establishment. The earning potential for these types of positions can exceed six figure salaries. To obtain a healthcare management position at this level, it is important to choose the right affordable master’s degree program. We created this list of the most selective, affordable institutions for those looking to enter or advance in the area of health care management.
Methodology
To develop our list, we started out by looking at four year institutions accepting less than 60% of applicants. Masters level programs are often more competitive. This list contained institutions of higher education offering bachelors and/or master’s degrees in the health care management field. From there, we narrowed the list down to those with the lowest net tuition rate. We developed a points system used to rank the schools. Schools received points based on their student/faculty ratio, net tuition, and retention rate (based upon percentage of full time freshman students who returned for their sophomore year). Retention rate is indicative of overall student satisfaction with the school as a whole. Data used for ranking comes from College Navigator. Where there are ties, the school with the lower net tuition rate will receive a better ranking.
Ranking criteria is as follows:
- Student/Faculty ratio:
- 15:1 or less- 3 points
- 15:1 to 19:1- 2 points
- 20:1 and above- 1 point
- Tuition rate:
- Less than $13,000- 3 points
- $13,000 to $20,000- 2 points
- Greater than $20,000- 1 point
- Retention rate:
- Greater than 75%- 3 points
- 50% to 75%- 2 points
- Less than 50%- 1 point
#50 -Tiffin University-Tiffin, Ohio
Website
Tuition: $25,077
Admission Rate: 39%
Points: 5
Tiffin University is an independent, modern university with over 400 faculty-most of which are highly connected to their peers in the field. Tiffin University offers a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. The program is designed for working professionals both in and outside of healthcare. Tiffin provides personalized support to each student to help them be successful in earning their degree. The curriculum is dynamic and undergoes regular improvement to best meet the needs of the students and the field.
Tiffin University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
Courses:
Strategic Management; Healthcare Policy, Law, and Ethics; Global and Transnational Management; Healthcare Process Management; Legal and Ethical Issues
#49 -Baylor University-Waco, Texas
Website
Tuition: $33,720
Admission Rate: 57%
Points: 6
Baylor University is a diverse, Christian institution with students from all 50 states and 89 different countries. Baylor University offers the Robbins MBA Healthcare Program. The program has received national recognition from US News & World Report being ranked 17th in the nation for healthcare management programs. The MBA Healthcare Program is accredited by CAHME. The program is highly focused on instilling knowledge relevant to both business and healthcare management. A residency is required to supplement coursework and provide opportunity to develop leadership skills and work alongside seasoned executives.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Management of Information Systems; Organizational Behavior; Strategy; Marketing
#48 -Pennsylvania State University-University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Tuition: $23,161
Admission Rate: 54%
Points: 6
Pennsylvania State University is the only land-grant university in the state. Founded in 1855 as a college of agricultural science, Penn State has grown into one of the top research, teaching, and public service institutions in the country. Penn State offers a Master of Health Administration degree in both a residential and online format. The residential program is accredited by CAHME and is ranked #27 in the country by US News & World Report. The online program allows for student interaction through cohorts who move through the program together. Students complete a 10 week residency to further their professional development. A capstone project is required during the last semester to gain practical experience in the field.
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Management of Health Services Organizations; Financial Management in Health Services Organizations; Quality Improvement in Healthcare; Health Law
#47 -Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences-Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Website
Tuition: $23,048
Admission Rate: 52%
Points: 6
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private, accredited institution with a focus on developing health care professionals. PCHS provides professional development opportunities for students and graduates throughout the duration of their career. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences offers both a bachelors and master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. The Master of Healthcare Administration is an online program that can be completed in two years. Two weekend sessions on campus compliment online learning with the opportunity to connect with peers and network.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Courses:
Health Systems Organization and Management; Organization Behavior and Process Improvement in Health Care; Quantitative Business Analysis; Strategic Planning
#46 -Jefferson College of Health Sciences-Roanoke, Virginia
Website
Tuition: $22,022
Admission Rate: 41%
Points: 6
Jefferson College of Health is a professional college offering a variety of degrees in health care professions. Sciences The Master of Healthcare Administration and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management have both been ranked as top 20 programs according to the Healthcare Management Degree Guide. Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers a Master of Healthcare Administration program to help develop future healthcare leaders. Courses are offered online and may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The program is open to those with and without healthcare experience, although those without experience are required to complete a practicum prior to graduation.
Jefferson College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Operations & Performance Management; Quality Assessments and Improvement; Strategic Leadership and Marketing; Ethical and Legal Practice in Healthcare
#45 -Dallas Baptist University-Dallas, Texas
Website
Tuition: $21,724
Admission Rate: 42%
Points: 6
Dallas Baptist College is a small, private institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. DBU offers an MBA with a Health Care Management Concentration as well as a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management. Students engage in the health care industry using state of the art technology and systems. To complete the MBA Heath Care Management degree, students need to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students complete a capstone project which helps facilitate practical learning and gain experience.
Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Strategic Health Care Planning, Marketing, and Policy; Managed Health Care; Long-Term Care Administration; Health Services Management
#44 -Gardner-Webb University-Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Website
Tuition: $21,661
Admission Rate: 48%
Points: 6
Garner-Webb University’s MBA program is ranked #1 in the nation by Us News & World Report for student services and technology. BusinessMBA.org ranked the MBA program 9th in the World. An MBA with a Healthcare Management Emphasis from Gardner-Webb University provides students with a solid foundation for those beginning or planning to advance in a career in health care management. Courses are offered online during the evening and the program can be completed in two years. Coursework provides students the opportunity to engage in a variety of areas including accounting, human relations, production, and law. Garner-Webb also offers a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management.
Gardner-Webb University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Health Care Administration; Health Care Organization; Health Care Economics; Health Care Marketing; Health Care Law and Ethics
#43 -Barry University-Miami, Florida
Website
Tuition: $21,004
Admission Rate: 47%
Points: 6
Barry University is a private, Catholic institution located near the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades. Barry University offers a Master of Science in Health Services Administration program (MS/HSA). The program is tailored to professionals in leadership roles within healthcare organizations. Students can benefit from active and involved faculty who are engaged with their professional development. Students are encouraged to be involved in community, professional and religious activities both on and off campus.
Barry University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Principles of Health Services Administration; Managerial Epidemiology; Health Care Policy; Health Care Economics; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
#42 -Concordia University-St. Paul, Minnesota
Website
Tuition: $19,072
Admission Rate: 52%
Points: 6
Concordia University at St. Paul is a private, Lutheran institution founded in 1893. Concordia takes great pride in their faculty, who are educators and professionals in their chosen fields. Concordia offers a Master of Business Administration with a Health Care Management concentration. The program can be completed in 42 credit hours, which includes the innovative Mentor and Managerial Application Portfolio program. The program can be completed online or on campus depending on the needs of the student. Courses are seven weeks in duration.
Concordia University at St. Paul is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
Courses offered:
Organizational Leadership and Development; Integrated Marketing Communication; Managerial Research Methods & Design; Global Economics; Strategic HR Management
#41 -The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Website
Tuition: $19,042
Admission Rate: 57%
Points: 6
The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa is the flagship campus for the University of Alabama system. The University of Alabama offers a Master of Science in Health Administration. The program is ranked second in the nation according to US News & World Report and is accredited by CAHME. UA offers both a residential and Executive MSHA degree program. The residential program offers two additional degree options including the MSHA/MS in Health Informatics and the MSHA/MBA. Students move through the residential programs in cohorts. Summer internships are available.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Health Policy; Health Law; Seminar in Health Care Administration; Health Administration Capstone; Revenue Cycle Management
#40 -Concordia University Chicago-River Forest, Illinois
Website
Tuition: $18,326
Admission Rate: 54%
Points: 6
Concordia University-Chicago is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Concordia University at Chicago offers an MBA with a concentration of health care management. The program is offered online or on-campus and can be completed in two years. The program prepares health care business professionals to work as administrators, directors and CEOs.
Concordia University-Chicago is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.
Courses:
Financial Accounting and Analysis; Marketing Design and Strategy; Managerial Economics; Ethical Strategic Leadership; Macroeconomic Analysis
#39 -Mercy College-Dobbs Ferry, New York
Website
Tuition: $15,622
Admission Rate: 57%
Points: 6
Mercy College is a private college founded in 1950 with four campuses in New York State. Mercy College offers a Master of Science in Health Services Management either on-campus or online. The degree can be completed by taking 36 hours of coursework and can be completed in as little as 18 months. Faculty are available to work with students as mentors. Students enrolled in the HSM program can benefit from coursework which is relevant to the current climate of the health care administration field.
Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Health Care in the U.S.; Health Care Management; Health Care Financing; HRM for the Health Care Organization; Ethic Issues/Health Care Manager
#38 -University of Central Florida-Orlando, Florida
Website
Tuition: $15,033
Admission Rate: 49%
Points: 6
The University of Central Florida is the second largest university in the United States. UCF offers a Master of Science in Health Sciences-Health Services Administration Track and an online executive program. Programs are CAHME accredited. Courses are offered both face-to-face and in a mixed mode format. The program is ideal for all levels of professionals including new graduates, those interested in a career change, and seasoned professionals.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Health Economics and Policy; Health Care Human Resources Management; Health Care Quality Management; Issues and Trends in Health Professions; Scientific Inquiry in the Health Professions
#37 -Florida Atlantic University-Boca Raton, Florida
Website
Tuition: $13,614
Admission Rate: 48%
Points: 6
Florida Atlantic University is a public institution with a network of seven different campuses. FAU offers the Master of Health Administration. Students can complete the program in approximately two years and most participate in an internship opportunity. The program is also offered as an Executive MHA. The Executive MHA can be completed in just 15 months. The program follows a cohort model and courses are offered two evenings per week.
Florida Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Health Policy; Healthcare Research Methods; Health Care Planning/Marketing; Health Law; Health Care Finance
#36 -University of Louisiana at Lafayette-Lafayette, Louisiana
Website
Tuition: $7,920
Admission Rate: 59%
Points: 6
The University of Louisiana's B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration offers an MBA with a Health Care Administration Concentration. The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration is rated by the Princeton Review as "Best in 296 Business Schools 2014". The MBA Health Care Administration program is offered during the evening and students can attend full or part-time. The program offers this type of flexibility to accommodate a diverse student group which includes those seeking a career change, new graduates, seasoned professionals, and those looking to advance. Two short internships are required for this concentration.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Health Care Information Systems; Organizational Behavior in Health Service Organizations; Quality Management in Health Care; Strategic Management in Health Care; Internship in Health Care Administration
#35 -The George Washington University-Washington, District of Columbia
Website
Tuition: $32,018
Admission Rate: 33%
Points: 7
The George Washington University is a private research institution located in Washington DC. The George Washington University offers a Master of Health Administration (MHA) as well as an Executive Master of Health Administration degree. The Executive program is offered in a hybrid/online format and is available to seasoned professionals in the field. Students are able to select an area of focus which may include Acute and Ambulatory Care Management, Post-acute Care Management, Information Systems and Financial Management, Operations Management or Strategic Management and Policy. Residency or internship experiences may be required depending on the area of focus selected. Alumni surveys from those who graduated in 2014 show that 100% of graduates were employed within 6 months.
The George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Health Services Marketing & Planning; Human Resources Management & Organizational Behavior; Health Services Management & Leadership; Transitional Leadership/Health Service Delivery; Management-Acute Care Hospital
#34 -Tulane University of Louisiana-New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Tuition: $31,886
Admission Rate: 26%
Points: 7
Tulane University is a private institution offering a Master of Health Administration. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health have the opportunity to begin graduate study toward their MHA during their senior year, saving them one semester when they work toward the Combined Degree. The MHA degree is accredited by CAHME and is available to those from a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds. Graduates have gone on to become executives in health care settings such as hospitals, insurance companies and long-term care facilities.
Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Quality Management in Health Care; Ethical Concerns for Health Care Managers; Health Economics; Managerial Accounting for Health Care Managers; Dynamics of Payment Systems—Policy & Function
#33 -Boston University, Boston Massachusetts
Website
Tuition: $31,798
Admission Rate: 46%
Points: 7
Boston University is a private research institution historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church. BU offers a joint MBA/MPH degree in Health Care Management. The program is rigorous and is conducted in an accelerated format. Students can earn both their MBA and MPH degree in two years, a savings of one year if they were earned separately. BU also offers a MPH degree with a concentration in Health Policy and Management. Students have the opportunity to engage in professional development and research opportunities which allow them to gain real work experience.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Courses:
Business Analytics: Data Analysis and Risk; Financial Reporting and Analysis; Competition, Innovation, and Strategy; Strategies for a Networked Economy; Organizations, Markets, and Society
#32 -Simmons College-Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition: $29,907
Admission Rate: 49%
Points: 7
Simmons College is named by the Princeton Review as one of the nation’s top institutions. Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons offers students the chance to gain practical experience in several top rated medical facilities. Simmons offers a Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) to Health Care MBA. The MBA program is specifically designed for women. The program is accelerated and only eight additional courses are required beyond the MHA to earn the MBA degree. Unlike other MBA programs where only 20% of the courses are tailored to health care, 67% of courses leading to the degree are in the major focus area.
Simmons College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Courses:
Health Care Information Technology; Health Care Marketing; Health Care Financial Strategy; The Health System
For more info: Simmons College
#31 -University of Southern California-Los Angeles, California
Website
Tuition: $29,889
Admission Rate: 20%
Points: 7
The University of Southern California is one of the leading research institutions in the country. Founded in 1880, the institution has grown to 41,000 students. USC offers a Master of Health Administration through the Sol Price School of Public Policy. The program has been graduating students for 35 years and is known for its expert faculty. A 1,000 hour administrative residency is required for graduation. The program is CAHME accredited.
The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
Courses:
Problems and Issues in the Health Field; Financial Management of Health Services; Health Information Systems; Legal Issues in Health Care Delivery; Economic Concepts Applied to Health
#30 -Georgetown University-Washington, District of Columbia
Website
Tuition: $25,858
Admission Rate: 17%
Points: 7
Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States. Georgetown is located in the busy metropolitan area of Washington DC. Georgetown offers a Masters in Health Systems Administration. The program is CAHME accredited and focused on quality coursework and experiences for students. Georgetown is known for having accessible faculty and an Executive Mentorship Program. The program can be completed in two years (including a summer session and a residency in the last semester).
Georgetown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Health Care in America: The Fractured System; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Health Care Systems Economics; The Health Care Delivery System; Epidemiological Principles, Patterns, and Practices for Health Care Management Policy
#29 -Cornell University-Ithaca, New York
Website
Tuition: $25,652
Admission Rate: 16%
Points: 7
Cornell is a private, land-grant, research institution. According to the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), Cornell is the 11th best university in the world. Cornell is home to the Sloan Program in Health Administration. The program is accredited by CAHME and awards the Master of Health Administration (MHA), a dual MHA/MBA degree, a dual MHA/MPA degree and an accelerated Bachelors/MHA degree.
Cornell University is is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Population Health for Health Managers; Health Care Marketing; Strategic Management and Organizational Design of Health Care Systems; Healthcare IT and Quality; Health Law
#28 -University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Tuition: $21,994
Admission Rate: 12%
Points: 7
The University of Pennsylvania is home to the Wharton School, the world's first collegiate business school and one of the most published. The University of Pennsylvania offers an MBA in Health Care Management. Students are accepted from all different areas of healthcare adding to a diverse classroom experience. Students can apply to the program at any time during the year. When accepted, they move through the program as a cohort.
The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
E-Health, Health Care Entrepreneurship, Private Sector Development in Global Health Development, and Health Care Marketing
#27 -LeTourneau University-Longview, Texas
Tuition: $21,474
Admission Rate: 41%
Points: 7
LeTourneau University is a nondenominational Christian university offering a wide array of degree options. Over 70% of the faculty members hold a doctorate degree or equivalent in their field. LeTourneau University offers a Master of Science in Health Care Administration. This accelerated program is offered entirely online and provides the opportunity for students to interact with health care leaders across Eastern Texas. Courses are taken one at a time and last from three to seven weeks each.
LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Courses:
Health Care Policy; Health Policy and Research; Revenue Cycle Management; Physician Group Practice Management; Service Marketing Management
#26 -John Hopkins University-Baltimore, Maryland
Website
Tuition: $21,308
Admission Rate: 18%
Points: 7
John Hopkins University is a private research university which is currently ranked #17 in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). John Hopkins University offers a Master of Health Administration program which prepares health care professionals for a career in the dynamic field of management. The program is accredited by CAHME and is a full graduate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). Students take courses on campus during the first year. During the second year, students work full-time in a related organization while taking three courses online.
John Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Leading Health Care Organizations; Evaluating Health Care Innovations; Emerging Frontiers in Health Care; Strategy and Technology; Applied and Behavioral Economics in Health Care
#25 -Columbia University-New York, New York
Website
Tuition: $20,740
Admission Rate: 7%
Points: 7
Columbia University is an Ivy League institution and one of the oldest universities in the nation. The Department of Health Policy and Management (HPM) offers a Master of Health Administration degree that can be completed on a full-time, part-time, or executive format. The program is cohort based and can be completed in two years if taken full-time. The part-time program is offered in the evenings and takes approximately 28 months to complete. The Executive MHA is available to those with more than 7 years of professional experience. Columbia University has one of the top five schools of public health according to US News & World Report.
Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses:
Analytic Methods for Health Services Management; Healthcare Finance; Public Health Concepts; Strategic Management; Healthcare Marketing
#24 -Southern Adventist Univ
