March 19, 2024

Top 20 Midwest Master’s in Health Care Management Degree Programs

HCMTop Graduate Graduate Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for medical and health services managers to increase by 32% through 2029. This level of growth is fueled by an aging population and the demand for health care services. Healthcare administrators are needed to develop, direct, and coordinate the business activities of health care providers including hospitals and nursing homes. There are different advanced degree options for these positions, including a highly specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Health Care Administration or Management. These graduate degree options use a curriculum designed to help people become effective and efficient health care managers and leaders. To showcase some of the best programs in the Midwest, we created this ranking.

Ranking Methodology

To create our top master’s in healthcare administration for schools in the Midwest, we looked to College Navigator, a website provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. It provides information on institutions of higher education around the country. We defined “Midwest” using the federal government’s list of midwestern states. We then further narrowed our scope to only schools with CAHME, AACSB, or ACBSP accreditation. We used these accreditations as indicators of a quality healthcare administration program. Our ranking methodology awarded points based on average graduate tuition rates and student/faculty ratio. 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. They may 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

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

#20 – University of Chicago- Chicago, Illinois

MBA/Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy (GPHAP)

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $60,300 /year
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Points: 6

Chicago Booth at The University of Chicago offers a top Midwest MBA with a graduate certificate in Health Administration and Policy. Students complete the MBA coursework with two required courses and two electives related to health administration and policy. A supervised practicum requirement can be fulfilled in a variety of ways including a field placement, research assistantship, or professional experience. Course offerings include:

  • Healthcare Operations
  • Health Data Analytics
  • Managing Service Operations

To be admitted to the program, students must first apply and be accepted to Chicago Booth and then apply to the GPHAP. Students are selected based on their professional experience, academic background, and career interests.

#19 – University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit, Michigan

MBA/MHSA Dual Degree Program

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $29,268/year
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Points: 6

The University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Business Administration offers an affordable Midwest dual MBA/MHSA program that prepares graduates to manage a patient focused organization. The program is open to current health care professionals and those who are up and coming. Class size is kept small to provide students with personal attention. The program places emphasis on service-learning and social responsibility. Courses include:

  • Strategic Management
  • Quality Improvement in Health Care Organizations
  • Health Care Delivery and Policy Issues

Graduates are working in top positions at organizations like St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Detroit Receiving Hospital, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

#18 – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,580/year in-state and $27,204/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Points: 6

The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota offers a top-ranked Midwest Master of Health Administration, one of the first in the nation. The University of Minnesota reports 100% of their MHA graduates report having a job or an administrative fellowship by July of the year they graduated. Students can choose from a residential MHA or an executive MHA, depending on their level of experience in the field. The executive MHA is for working health care professionals and offers most courses in an online format. The residential program is for those with minimal health care management experience. It’s offered on-campus over 21 months. Both programs are accredited by the CAHME and follow the Minnesota Model of learning. This innovative approach incorporates the research knowledge of tenure and tenure-track faculty with the industry experience of practitioner faculty. This gives students a comprehensive understanding of healthcare management.

#17 – University of Saint Thomas – Saint Paul, Minnesota

Health Care MBA

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $24,766/year
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Points: 7

The health care MBA offered by the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas is an AACSB accredited program. It’s designed for working health care professionals. The program focuses on best practices that affect health care throughout the country. Students complete an experiential learning practicum to gain experience with real-world health care challenges. The curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format. Students participate in on-campus sessions nine times throughout the program and complete online coursework in between sessions. The cohort learning model emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, which 95% of students report as a key benefit of the program.

#16 – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan

Master Of Health Services Administration Program

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $23,890/year in-state and $48,204/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Points: 7

The School of Public Health at the University of Michigan features a top Master of Health Services Administration degree that takes two years to complete. This 60-credit hour program includes a 10 to 12-week internship in a setting that aligns with the students’ career goals. Healthcare management courses include:

  • Healthcare Quality, Performance Measurement, and Improvement
  • Organization and Management of Healthcare Systems
  • Corporate Finance for Health Care Administrators

Graduates are successful finding employment. In a survey of 2019 graduates, 97% were either employed or pursuing an advanced degree. Graduates are working for companies like

  • Spectrum Health
  • Mathematica Policy Research
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield.

#15 – University of Illinois – Chicago, Illinois

Master of Healthcare Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,276/year in-state and $23,850/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Points: 7

The School of Public Health at UIC offers a top Midwest Master of Healthcare Administration accredited by the CAHME. UIC offers both a residential full and part-time program as well as an executive track for mid to senior level professionals. A unique feature of the program is a 12-month preceptorship that pairs students with senior level healthcare management at a healthcare organization in the Chicago area. At the end of the preceptorship, students complete a capstone project to analyze and provide recommendations for a major initiative within that organization. This 53-semester hour program includes courses in:

  • Quality Management in Health Services
  • Health Care Finance
  • Healthcare Human Resources

The rigorous curriculum is taught by faculty with experience in key healthcare areas. Almost 94% of MHA graduates find employment within 90 days of completing their degree.

#14 – Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Master of Health Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,880/year
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Points: 7

Saint Louis University is a top Midwest university offering a reputable Master of Health Administration. The MHA program at SLU developed a nationally recognized competency model used by programs around the world. The practice-integrated education allows students to transfer classroom training to a range of healthcare careers. The Executive MHA is a great choice for working professionals who need the flexibility of a hybrid program. The Residential MHA provides students with a more traditional campus-based experience. Both programs offer students extensive support throughout the program. Faculty work closely with students to secure fellowships and career advancement opportunities. Graduates are employed by top organizations like

  • Loyola Medicine
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Accumen.

#13 – Dominican University – River Forest, Illinois

MBA with Concentration in Healthcare Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,400/year
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Points: 7

The MBA in healthcare administration from Dominican University is a leading Midwest program offered on-campus or through a convenient hybrid format. Both full and part-time program options are available. Students complete a Business Gateway Practicum working on real business problems with a client alongside classmates. Health Care Administration courses include:

  • Cross-Cultural Negotiation
  • Health Care Law
  • Health Care Management

Students can also choose to complete an international practicum experience or a business internship. For students without an educational background in business, Dominican offers six foundational courses at no cost through a self-paced, online format.

#12 – Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio

Master of Health Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,560/year in-state and $35,144/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Points: 7

The College of Public Health at The Ohio State University offers a Master of Health Administration guided by a student-centered mission. This top Midwest MHA program was created in 1969 and graduates are found in healthcare leadership positions around the globe. This unique program features a course that assigns students to a clinical care team at the Wexner Medical Center. It gives them a strong understanding of patient care processes. Courses fall under four competency areas including:

  • Management Function and Skills
  • Health Systems and Community
  • Leadership and Professionalism
  • Analytic Skills

All students complete an administrative residency between their first and second year to gain practical field experience.

#11 – The University of Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa

Master of Health Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,079/year in-state and $29,026/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Points: 7

The University of Iowa features one of the top Master of Health Administration programs in the Midwest. This comprehensive program gives students the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex administrative and management systems used in healthcare. This 60-credit hour program can be completed in about 21 months of full-time study. Core courses include:

  • Healthcare Quality Management
  • Healthcare Ethics
  • Legal Aspects of Healthcare

All students complete an MHA internship between their first and second year and an integrative capstone course at the end of the program. Some students pursue administrative fellowships after graduation to refine their skills and gain additional exposure to issues in an organizational setting. In 2019, 95.8% of MHA graduates were employed within three months of graduation.

#10 – Rockhurst University – Kansas City, Missouri

MBA-Health Care Management

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,876/year
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Points: 8

Rockhurst University offers the Helzberg MBA with a concentration in health care management. This top Midwest healthcare administration program includes courses in:

  • Healthcare Systems
  • Health Policy
  • Health Care Information Technology

Courses are offered in eight-week terms and full-time students take two courses each term. Courses meet one day a week during the evenings. All students complete an MBA capstone in their last semester of the program. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through:

  • case studies
  • team projects
  • a leadership credo event

New students are admitted five times a year.

#9 – The University of Kansas Medical Center – Lawrence, Kansas

Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA)

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,989/year in-state and $23,951/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Points: 8

The University of Kansas Medical Center offers a top Midwest Master of Health Services Administration that prepares students to work in diverse professional settings. Both full and part-time students are welcome to apply. Full-time students can complete their degree in two years of study. Courses are offered during the late afternoons and evenings to accommodate working professionals. This CAHME accredited program includes courses in:

  • Human Resources and Workforce Development
  • Healthcare Management
  • Healthcare Economics

All students complete a graduate internship in health services administration and a capstone seminar. The unique internship experience allows students to work closely with a mentor in a health care setting during their first and second year of study.

#8 – University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,264/year in-state and $25,363/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Points: 8

Mizzou Online at the University of Missouri features a CAHME accredited Midwest health administration master’s degree through their School of Medicine. Most of the program is available online with some campus visits required. Applicants should have at least three to five years of clinical or administrative work experience as the program will prepare them for executive leadership roles. Coursework covers areas like:

  • financial management
  • health informatics
  • strategic planning

Most students can complete their degree in two years.

#7 – University of Colorado at Denver – Denver, Colorado

Executive MBA in Health Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,786/year in-state and $22,590/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Points: 8

The CU Denver Business School hosts the oldest CAHME accredited health administration MBA program in the Rocky Mountain Region. This 48-credit hour program, which takes just 24 months to complete is offered in a flexible hybrid format. CU Denver is part of the Business School Alliance for Health Management, alongside top universities like Harvard and Northwestern. The 100% health-focused curriculum can be applied immediately to the health care industry. Students are mentored through the health administration alumni association to further develop their professional network. Graduates are successful in roles like:

  • healthcare administrator
  • program director
  • director of operations.

#6 – Webster University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,500/year
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Points: 9

The top Midwest health administration master’s at Webster University is an ACBSP accredited program. The dynamic curriculum gives students an in-depth study of health care issues. Dedicated and knowledgeable faculty are specialists in their respective fields with many working in senior executive roles in the industry. Course offerings include:

  • Health Informatics
  • Market Analysis and Business Planning
  • Health Administration Law

Small class size allows for lively discussions and professional networking. Customized program options like the MBA/MHA dual degree and an MBA with an MHA emphasis are also available.

#5 – Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio

Master’s of Health Service Administration Program

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,060/year
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Points: 9

Xavier University features a health services administration master’s degree accredited by the CAHME. It’s one of the only programs in the country to require a third-year administrative residency for full-time students. Courses cover areas like:

  • Health Policy and Policy Analysis
  • Health Care Legal Aspects
  • Ethical Issues in Health Care

The unique third-year residency is an eight to 12-month program within a health care setting. An executive MHSA option is also available for working professionals who need the flexibility of an online program.

#4 – Concordia University – Mequon, Wisconsin

MBA in Healthcare Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio:12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,052/year
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Points: 9

Concordia University Wisconsin features a flexible MBA in healthcare administration offered online or on-campus. This 36-credit hour program is taught by experienced faculty. Courses cover areas like:

  • budgeting
  • HR
  • public policy issues

Courses include:

  • Economics and Public Policy of Health Care
  • Intro to Insurance and Risk Management
  • Public Personnel Administration

Students complete a professional portfolio to showcase their knowledge and skills to future employers. An optional internship can enhance a resume and help student gain additional field experience.

#3 – Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis – Indianapolis, Indiana

Master of Health Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,826/year in-state and $24,144/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Points: 10

The Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI offers the only CAHME accredited program in Indiana. This top Midwest Master of Health Administration is taught by outstanding full-time and adjunct faculty who bring their unique perspectives to the classroom. Required courses include:

  • Healthcare Applications of Strategic Management
  • Management Science for Health Services Administration
  • Operations Management for Healthcare Organizations

All students complete an internship in health services management to gain practical experience. An optional study abroad program allows students to explore healthcare administration practices around the world.

#2 – Governors State University – University Park, Illinois

Master of Health Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,354/year in-state and $12,708/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Points: 10

Governors State University is a top Midwest university offering a Master of Health Administration for students who want to begin or advance their career in healthcare administration. This CAHME accredited program is offered on-campus or in a flexible hybrid format. Full and part-time program options are available. Courses include:

  • Health Care Human Resource Management
  • Strategic Planning and Marketing for Health Administration
  • Health Care Financial Management

Full-time students can complete their degree in about two years. All courses are offered during the evening to accommodate working professionals.

#1 – University of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)-Health Services Administration

website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,062/year in-state and $11,656/year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Points: 10

Our top Midwest health care administration master’s program is offered by the University of South Dakota. They offer an MBA with a health services administration specialization. It has a balanced curriculum that covers:

  • general
  • management
  • health services education

Courses include:

  • International Health Services Resources
  • Leadership Development
  • Managing Health Services Resources

Students can choose to complete an internship to gain additional professional experience in the field. An online program is also available for students living outside the area or those needing additional flexibility.

Related Resources: