March 19, 2024

Top 25 Graduate Healthcare Management Degrees

best mha programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 20% through 2026. The healthcare industry is experiencing dramatic growth and healthcare organizations need leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate through the changes.

One critical role is the Healthcare administrator. The MHA is a master’s level program, offering students the knowledge and skills to lead in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, health care organizations, or public health agencies. Program competency areas may include:

  • Communication and relationship management
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Knowledge of healthcare environment
  • Business skills

We created this ranking of the top online master’s in healthcare management or administration programs in the country. We came up with our initial list of programs from College Navigator. To narrow our list, we considered programs offering an on-campus program accredited by CAHME. From that list, we applied our ranking criteria to determine the top 25 online master’s in healthcare administration programs from accredited universities in the United States.

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • 10:1 or less= 5 Points
  • 11:1 to 15:1= 3 Points
  • Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition

  • Less than $10,000 per year= 4 Points
  • $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 3 Points
  • $15,000 to $20,000 per year= 2 Points
  • More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point

Featured Programs

Ranking the Top 25 Master’s in Healthcare Management

#25 – Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Pennsylvania

Master of Health Administration Program

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Average Graduate Tuition: $21,540/year in-state and $36,974/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 2
The master’s in health administration program at Penn State University is a 36 credit hour program designed for part-time students working in health administration careers. Courses are available during the evening to accommodate working professionals. Required courses cover areas like health systems organization, health administrative policy formulation, health financial management, and organization behavior. All students complete a supervised research project on an individual or group basis.

#24 – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $17,064/year in-state and $26,412/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 3
The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota features a top master’s in healthcare administration ranked 2nd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The innovative curriculum integrates business principles with an understanding of the complexity of health care. Students in this CAHME accredited program benefit from a supportive alumni association committed to student success. Worried about fining a job after graduation? 100% of graduating students secure either a fellowship or employment by July following graduation.

#23 -University of Washington – Seattle, Washington

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $15,510/year in-state and $27,801/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 3
Do you want to become a health care leader? The top master’s in health administration offered by the University of Washington was designed to train future healthcare leaders. Considered one of the best programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report, the program is a national leader in healthcare management education. This CAHME accredited top master’s in healthcare administration is offered in a full-time, two-year format. A full-time summer internship provides students with valuable hands on training. Students will learn from healthcare innovators that include top researchers and health care executives.

#22 – University of Denver – Denver, Colorado

MS in Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $49,392/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 4
The University of Denver Business School is home to the oldest CAHME accredited healthcare administration program in the region. The University of Denver is part of the Business School Alliance for Health Management, sitting alongside universities like Harvard and Northwestern. Courses are offered during the evening to accommodate working professionals. Students can complete the program in as little as two years of full-time study. Courses cover areas like health care marketing, strategy, law and ethics, and economics. All students complete a field study to gain practical experience.

#21 – Columbia University – New York, New York

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $46,216/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Points: 4
The top master’s in health administration from Columbia University is a unique program offered through the Department of Health Policy and Management. The cohort format is offered to both full-time and part-time students. The CAHME accredited program fosters professional networking with alumni, peers, faculty, and top healthcare organizations. Courses cover areas like finance, strategy, leadership, and analytics. Graduates have earned success in several different sectors including community health organizations, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and hospitals.

#20 – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan

Master’s of Health Services Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $23,128/year in-state and $46,678/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 4
The top master’s of health services administration offered by the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan is a 60 credit hour program that includes an internship during the summer between the first and second year of study. Courses cover areas like biostatistics, health policy, healthcare accounting, and health services systems. Students can tailor the program to meet their needs by taking additional elective courses in their area of interest.

#19 – University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Master’s in Health Administration (MHA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $22,846/year in-state and $38,736/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 4
The top CAHME accredited master’s in health administration from the University of Pittsburg features a competency based curriculum that prepares graduates for success in a variety of health care systems. Courses cover areas like health policy and management, public health foundations, organizational studies and management. All students complete an on-site management residency in a healthcare organization. This CAHME accredited program reports 87% of students are employed within three months of graduation.

#18 – Seton Hall University – South Orange, New Jersey

Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $22,662/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 4
The School of Health and Medical Services at Seton Hall University features the only CAHME accredited MHA program in New Jersey. This 42 credit hour top on-campus MHA program teaches students new skills and knowledge in health policy, data analytics, and population health management. Experienced faculty work closely with students to help them complete the program and reach their professional goals.

#17 – University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina

Master’s in Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $13,650/year in-state and $29,196/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 4
The Master of Health Administration offered through the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina is a CAHME accredited program. The curriculum includes courses in health economics, managerial epidemiology, leadership, and health care decision making. During the spring semester of the second year, students complete a managerial residency, planning and executing a supervised project in health care.

Featured Programs

#16 -The University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Master’s in Healthcare Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $13,612/year in-state and $23,299/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
The University of Illinois at Chicago features a top master’s in healthcare administration offered through the School of Public Health with support from the College of Business Administration. This two-year program features courses in accounting, economics, finance, HR, and management. All students complete either a thesis, project, or additional elective coursework for their capstone experience. Graduates are successful working in hospitals, community-based ambulatory care centers, managed-care plans, or long-term care.

#15 – Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $12,217/year in-state and $25,032/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 4
The master of health administration offered by Virginia Commonwealth University is a unique industry specific MBA program with a required third year administrative residency. VCU offers one of the oldest CAHME accredited MHA programs in the country. It features a cutting edge curriculum that is frequently updated to keep up with industry trends and changes. The one-year paid residency provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience from healthcare executives who are committed to their success. Faculty are world-renowned educators who have been nationally recognized for their research expertise.

#14 – Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $11,560/year in-state and $34,064/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
The College of Public Health at The Ohio State University has provided over 45 years of excellence in both research and health care education. The rigorous, competency based curriculum provides students with a strong foundation. The program covers four areas including management function and skills, health systems and community, leadership and professionalism, and analytic skills. All students complete a summer administrative residency to apply what they have learned in the classroom. Professional development and career services prepare students for successful careers in health service management and policy.

#13 – University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $10,770/year in-state and $27,335/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
The top master’s in health administration from the University of Florida provides a high quality educational experience for students seeking management positions in healthcare. The curriculum covers areas like healthcare data analytics, health economics, information management, and HR management. Students complete a three month internship in a health-related organization to gain professional experience. The rigorous program boasts virtually 100% of graduates have jobs after graduation.

#12 – University of Alabama – Birmingham, Alabama

Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $8,100/year in-state and $18,540/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 5
The University of Alabama School of Health Professions features the top master’s in health administration according to U.S. News and World Report. This CAHME accredited program values teamwork, integrity, diversity, and innovation. The residential program follows a cohort model that includes real-world learning. Courses cover areas like health policy, health economics, quantitative methods, and operations management. Students complete an internship during the first summer of the program and an administrative residency after completing classes.

#11 – Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $53,740/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Points: 6
The top health administration master’s program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins is a full graduate member of the AUPHA and accredited by the CAHME. Courses cover areas like statistical reasoning in public health, managed care and insurance, quantitative tools for managers, and organizational leadership. During the second year of the program, students complete an 11-month full-time residency position that usually includes a salary and benefits. All second year students receive a 75% master’s scholarship.

#10 – Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana

MHA – Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $52,856/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 6
The top master’s in health administration from Tulane University is a 60 credit hour program designed to develop management skills for health care professionals. Courses cover areas like organizational behavior, health care economics, financial management, marketing, and communications. All students complete a one year residency in a health care setting to apply their skills and knowledge. This CAHME accredited top healthcare management master’s program includes an oral comprehensive exam that consists of a case study and competency-specific questions that assess the graduate’s knowledge in healthcare administration.

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

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $44,712/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 6
The Sol Price School of Public Health at USC features a top master’s in health administration taught by renown experts in healthcare administration. This CAHME accredited program includes coursework in health information systems, human behavior in public organizations, and legal issues in health care delivery. The program boasts strong ties to the health care community, providing students with a variety of residency options. Students without previous health administration experience can complete the leadership track residency, working under a senior manager at a healthcare facility for a 1,000 residency. Those with professional experience can choose a career enhancement residency of 500 clock hours working on specific projects and activities.

#8 – Cornell University – Ithaca, New York

Two-year Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $29,500/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 6
The two-year Master of Health Administration offered by Cornell University is a CAHME accredited program focusing on both classroom and practical learning experiences. Students benefit from a range of experiences including a 10-week full-time internship, annual intersession field trips, professional development workshops and practitioner led intensive courses. Additional professional development opportunities are available through the Sloan Colloquium Series where students can interact directly with high level healthcare professionals to learn about what’s happening in the field. All students complete a year-long capstone project with a team of peers to find a solution to a real problem for a healthcare client seeking expertise.

#7 – Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Master of Health Administration

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Average Graduate Tuition: $20,340/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Points: 6
The top master’s in health care management from Saint Louis University is accredited by the CAHME and was awarded 2018 Program of the Year by the AUPHA. The program boasts a 100% graduation rate and a 95% job placement rate for new graduates. Faculty work closely with students to prepare them for fellowships and career opportunities. Students participate in case competitions and internships to gain valuable professional experience. Graduates are working for organizations like Mayo Clinic, Express Scripts, and Rush University Medical Center.

#6 – Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio

Health Services Administration (MHSA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $11,700/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 6
Xavier University features a top master’s in health services administration requiring a full third-year administrative residency. Coursework covers areas like healthcare management, policy, ethics, analytics, and strategic management. The program focuses on professional development in the classroom and with real-world experiences. Students complete residencies in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and health maintenance organizations. Both full and part-time program options are available.

Featured Programs

#5 – The University of Scranton – Scranton, Pennsylvania

Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program

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Average Graduate Tuition: $11,580/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 6
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university featuring a top healthcare administration master’s program accredited by the CAHME and has full graduate membership status with the AUPHA. Core courses cover areas like health care planning and marketing, economics and policy, health care law, and health care operations and quality. Depending on prior work experience, students complete between three and eight credit hours of fieldwork courses that may include an administrative residency or internship or externship in health administration. Full-time students can complete the program in just two years.

#4 – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $10,243/year in-state and $27,454/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 6
The Department of Health Policy and Management offered by the Gillings School of Global Public Health offers a top healthcare administration master’s program for future healthcare leaders. This CAHME accredited program is ranked third in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Key courses cover areas like healthcare financial management, health services systems, strategic planning and marketing, and health care management. All students complete a 12-week internship and must complete a master’s paper and comprehensive examination.

#3 – Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston, South Carolina

Master in Health Administration

medical-university-of-south-carolina

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Average Graduate Tuition: $16,333/year in-state and $22,564/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Points: 7
The Medical University of South Carolina features a top master’s in health administration accredited by the CAHME. The program is offered in an executive and residential format to accommodate full-time and working students. Residential format students have little to no health care experience and participate in face-to-face classes and real-world learning opportunities. Students complete a 10 credit hour internship between their first and second year of study to gain professional work experience. Graduates are employed in settings like hospitals, physician practices, long term care settings, and consulting organizations.

#2 – University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $9,054/year in-state and $17,838/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Points: 9
The School of Public Health at The University of Memphis features the only CAHME accredited MHA program in Tennessee. Full-time students can complete this 53 credit hour program in two years. An outstanding program feature is the Day One program that includes a team development retreat prior to the start of the program and a series of seminars focused on skills needed for professional success. Have concerns about finding a job after graduation? UofM boasts a 100% job placement rate for new graduates within 90 days of their graduation date.

#1 – Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Master of Science in Health Care Administration (HCA)

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Average Graduate Tuition: $5,530/year in-state and $21,033/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Points: 9
Our top choice for a master’s in health care administration is offered by Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. This 32 credit hour program includes concentration areas in either leadership/entrepreneurship or administration. Core courses cover areas like leadership methods and styles in health care, research and evaluation methods in health care, and legal issues in health care. Graduates have gone on to be successful leaders in settings like hospitals, nursing hoes, and other health organizations.