March 19, 2024

Top 20 Graduate Programs in Health Care Management in the West

HCMTop Graduate Graduate Programs

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical and health services managers is expected to rise by 20% through 2026, a much faster rate than average. With a median pay of $99,730/year healthcare administration is a well paid field and there are plenty of excellent programs in the west that can give you the skills and knowledge needed for success.

Healthcare administration programs in the west typically include a variety of business courses tailored to meet the specific challenges and complexities of the healthcare industry. Students can expect to learn about economics, finance, project management, HR, ethics, and planning. Programs come in all forms from online to on-campus and full-time to executive formats. Most students can complete their degree in two or three years, though some programs offer shorter or longer tracks depending on their format and requirements. When choosing a program, it is important to make sure the school is regionally accredited. All schools included in our ranking hold regional accreditation and some have earned industry accreditation as well.

Ranking Methodology

We understand that finding a budget friendly master’s program is a key factor for healthcare management students. We reviewed each school’s average graduate tuition rates from College Navigator, a website provided by the National Center for Education Statistics that provides information on institutions of higher education around the country. While we looked specifically at tuition rates for graduate school. We recognize that tuition rates can vary depending on program incentives, online program rates, and financial aid award packages. As always, you should consult the university to find out specifics related to their healthcare management program and if they offer any incentives or scholarships to reduce your overall cost.

Average Graduate Tuition

  • Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
  • $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
  • $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
  • $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
  • Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

We also looked at a school’s student/faculty ratio and awarded more points to schools with a lower ratio. We believe a lower student to faculty ratio allows students to receive individualized attention and support throughout the program.

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • 15:1 or less= 5 Points
  • 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
  • Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

Our final ranking criteria was based on whether or not the school has been awarded CAHME accreditation for their program. The CAHME sets criteria for excellence in healthcare management education and awards accreditation for programs that meet or exceed that criteria. Each program with CAHME accreditation was awarded an additional five points.

Ranking the Top 20 Graduate Programs in Health Care Management in the West

#20 – West Coast University – Los Angeles, California

MHA – Master of Healthcare Administration Online

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $28,000/year
Acceptance Rate: N/A
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 4
The top online MHA in the west at West Coast University can be completed in just 12 months. This 100% online program includes student support services and internship opportunities. Courses cover areas like:

  • finance
  • marketing
  • hospital administration
  • project management

Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings including:

  • clinics
  • hospitals
  • public health departments
  • health insurance organizations.

#19 – Pacific University – Forest Grove, Oregon

Master of Healthcare Administration MHA

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $31,297/year
Acceptance Rate: 85%
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 6
Pacific University created a top hybrid MHA program for working professionals. Students complete course work online and in-class during the weekend and evening. Working professionals can apply their experience in the classroom and take what they have learned back to the workplace. Small class size encourages plenty of interaction between students and faculty. Students who participate in the cohort model can complete the program in two years.

#18 – Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, Utah

MBA Healthcare Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 41:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,500/year
Acceptance Rate: Open Admission Policy
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 6
The MBA in Healthcare Management at Western Governors University is a flexible online program that prepares students for mid to upper-level management positions in healthcare. This ACBSP accredited program takes just 11-24 months to complete. The program consists of 11 courses covering areas in:

  • accounting
  • leadership
  • finance
  • strategy
  • economics
  • healthcare management

Designed for working adults, this top healthcare management program utilizes Competency Based Education, measuring student success by actual learning rather than time spent in the classroom.

#17 – University of Nevada Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Master of Health Care Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,252/year in-state and $19,724/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 82%
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 6
The master of health care administration at UNLV is the only program of its kind in the Nevada Public University System. This 48 credit hour program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Students can choose from a thesis track, a capstone track, or a professional paper track. Courses cover areas like:

  • health care accounting and finance
  • health care economics
  • HR management
  • strategic management

Students are engaged in research and service in the field that will prepare them for leadership roles in a variety of health care organizations.

#16 – Oregon Health and Science University – Portland, Oregon

Master of Science in Healthcare Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,412/year
Acceptance Rate: N/A
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 7
The Division of Management at Oregon Health and Science University features one of the top MHA programs in the west. Using a flexible hybrid format, 80% of classroom interaction is done through the Sakai online learning platform. Students come to campus two Fridays and Saturdays each term for face-to-face classes. Terms are 11 weeks long and students can complete the program in just 21 months by taking two courses each term. Courses cover areas like:

  • ethics
  • project management
  • regulation and legislation
  • business planning.

#15 – Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon

Master of Public Health – Health Policy and Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,555/year in-state and $23,787/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 81%
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 7
The College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University features a top health management and policy program through its MPH program. This cohort program matches each student with a faculty advisor to collaborate on outreach and research projects throughout the program. All students complete a 200 clock hour internship experience where they apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world setting.

#14 – City University of Seattle – Seattle, Washington

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,450/year
Acceptance Rate: Open admission policy
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 8
The top MHA offered by the City University of Seattle is a flexible program designed for students who want to become leaders in healthcare administration. Students can complete coursework online for added flexibility. Courses cover areas like:

  • the US healthcare delivery system
  • healthcare leadership
  • healthcare informatics and technology
  • healthcare financial management

All students complete an externship that may consist of an individual or group project, or an externship. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles including:

  • hospital administrator
  • healthcare consultant
  • clinic manager.

#13 – University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,001/year in-state and $16,883/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 70%
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 8
The University of New Mexico School of Public Administration has designed a top Master of Health Administration program that focuses on the specific cost, quality, and access needs of the healthcare industry. Students can expect to learn about:

  • health analytics
  • health care finance
  • quality improvement, management
  • leadership

Courses are offered in both a traditional and synchronous-online format. Full-time students can complete the program in just two years of study while part-time students usually finish in three years.

#12 – The University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona

Master of Healthcare Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,716/year in-state and $32,065/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 84%
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 9
The Master of Healthcare Management program offered by the Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona recognizes the complexity and challenge of the business of healthcare. This fully online program takes just 12 months to complete for full-time students. There are no on-campus residency requirements, although students are welcome to attend professional talks and networking events on campus. Core courses cover areas like:

  • healthcare economics
  • healthcare organizations and management
  • healthcare information technology
  • market-based management

Course content is available 24/7, making this a great choice for working professionals.

#11 – Idaho State University – Pocatello, Idaho

Master of Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,601/year in-state and $23,121/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: Open Admission Policy
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 10
The College of Business at Idaho State University features an MHA, the first program in the state of Idaho. Although the program has not received CAHME accreditation, the curriculum has been designed to meet accreditation standards so students can feel confident they are receiving the most distinguished level of healthcare administration education. Courses cover areas like:

  • healthcare finance
  • healthcare economics and policy
  • healthcare leadership and governance
  • healthcare informatics

Students can complete the program at their own pace, taking courses in the evening, with a third of classes taking place online.

#10 – Montana State University Billings – Billings, Montana

Master of Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,598/year in-state and $18,611/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: Open Admission Policy
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 10
Montana State University at Billings features a top MHA in the west with a focus on rural-frontier healthcare delivery. Students will complete concentrated online courses, a two-day on-campus professional seminar, a capstone project, and an internship experience. The internship experience is only required for students without a strong background in the field. Most students can complete the program in 20 to 24 months of study. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of setting including:

  • clinics
  • hospitals
  • long-term care facilities.

#9 – University of Wyoming – Laramie, Wyoming

M.S. in Health Services Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,698/year in-state and $14,040/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 96%
CAHME Accredited? No
Points: 10
The MS in Health Services Administration at the University of Wyoming is a 30 credit hour, non-thesis professional graduate degree program. Students can complete the program in just two years of part-time study. The curriculum is delivered primarily online and there are minimal residency requirements. Specialized program tracks are available in:

  • biopharmaceutical regulatory compliance
  • health economics and outcomes
  • health institution leadership
  • health quality and improvement

Students have access to a virtual job fair to collect information about job opportunities in the field.

#8 – University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California

Master of Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $44,712/year
Acceptance Rate: 13%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 11
The Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC features a top Master of Health Administration with specializations available in:

  • management
  • operations and leadership
  • policy analysis
  • health finance
  • health IT
  • quality of care

Faculty are renowned experts in their field with strong ties to the health care community. Students have access to numerous employment opportunities after graduation, thanks in part to a 1,000 clock hour administrative residency.

#7 – University of Washington Seattle – Seattle, Washington

Master of Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,510/year in-state and $27,801/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 49%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 11
Do you want to become a healthcare leader? The University of Washington offers a top MHA that prepares students to be the healthcare leaders of the future. This full-time, two-year program is considered one of the top programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Students will gain real-world experience through a full-time summer internship in Seattle or in another part of the country. Faculty are healthcare innovators, investigating and promoting best practices in health care administration. Students can work closely with a mentor, network with health care execs, or take advantage of numerous other professional development opportunities.

#6 – Weber State University – Ogden, Utah

Master of Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,293/year in-state and $16,293/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: Open admission policy
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 11
The Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University features a top Master of Health Administration accredited by the CAHME. The program is designed for working healthcare professionals who want to advance to leadership positions. Both evening and online options are available and students can complete their degree in just four semesters with no summer classes. Online students participating in the eMHA program have no residency requirements beyond a one-day orientation at the start of the program. Online tuition rates are the same, regardless of where the student is located.

#5 – San Diego State University – San Diego, California

MPH – Health Management & Policy

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 35%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 11
The School of Public Health and the Division of Health Management and Policy at San Diego State University feature a unique CAHME accredited MPH with a focus on Health Management and Policy. The Division is also an AUPHA member. The program is affiliated with the Health Education Network of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Required courses cover areas like:

  • health policy
  • health insurance and financing systems
  • quantitative methods and health data analysis
  • quality improvement and program evaluation

All students complete a required community field practice and an advanced field practice in health management and policy.

#4 – California State University Northridge – Northridge, California

Master of Science in Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 51%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 11
CSUN College of Health and Human Development Department of Health Sciences offers a top CAHME accredited MHA program with a diverse student body. Students can complete the program in three years by taking three courses each term. Core courses cover areas like:

  • managing change in health care organizations
  • third party payer impact on health delivery
  • information management for decision making and control
  • managerial ethics and healthcare law

All students complete a supervised field training.

#3 – California State University at Long Beach – Long Beach, California

Master of Health Care Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 31%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 11
California State University Long Beach features a top CAHME accredited MHA program offered by the Department of Health Care Administration, the top business graduate school for physician executives according to Modern Healthcare Magazine. Faculty include both academic scholars and industry executives, providing students with a relevant education experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in the student health professional association (HCASF) as well as the academic honor society, Upsilon Phi Delta. The traditional program begins in the fall with courses offered during the evenings. An accelerated option is available. Both a traditional and accelerated format are available to working professionals with at least five years experience in the field.

#2 – Portland State University – Portland, Oregon

Master of Public Administration: Health Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,178/year in-state and $17,010/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 90%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 12
The MPA with a focus on health administration at Portland State University is a 60 credit hour program for students interested in public service and health care management across a variety of organizations. Faculty have experience in health services and provide students with a breadth of knowledge that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. Unique community partnerships allow students to gain hands on experience in healthcare organizations around the country.

#1 – University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah

Master of Healthcare Administration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,988/year in-state and $24,665/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 67%
CAHME Accredited? Yes
Points: 13
Our top MHA program in the west is offered by the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. Students are within a 10 minute walk of Utah’s top hospital and top 10 academic medical center, the University of Utah Hospital. Professional development opportunities are an important part of the student experience and include both integrative experiences and internships. The full-time MHA program is a two year program with day and evening classes. The professional MHA program is a 43.5 credit hour program with courses offered in the evening to accommodate students already working in healthcare. Several dual degree options are also available including an MHA/MBA, MHA, MPA, and MHA/MPH.

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