Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Updated January 3, 2024
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A doctorate in healthcare administration can offer you the opportunity to specialize in the healthcare industry. With this degree, you can become an expert in the field and access a variety of career opportunities.
You can pursue roles in healthcare administration, policy development, and health informatics, as well as develop the skills to manage healthcare systems, design healthcare plans, and facilitate research in the healthcare field. Additionally, there are many internships, networking, and financial aid opportunities available.
Explore Featured Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Overview: Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Enrolling in an online doctoral program in healthcare administration can be an exciting and rewarding experience. You can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and the skills needed to lead a successful healthcare organization.
Doctoral-level education in healthcare administration comes in different forms, such as a Ph.D. in healthcare administration or a doctor of healthcare administration degree (DHA). Ph.D. programs in healthcare administration emphasize research while DHA programs emphasize application.
Doctoral programs typically take 4-5 years to complete and cover a wide range of topics. The curriculum includes core classes such as finance, marketing, and healthcare law, as well as more specialized classes such as healthcare data analytics, health policy, and healthcare informatics. Most programs also require the completion of a capstone project, dissertation, or thesis.
Data USA also provides insights into the skills necessary
- Active learning
- Social perceptiveness
- Judgment and decision-making
- Management of financial resources
- Time management
With the right skills, knowledge, and experience, you can be well-prepared for a career in the healthcare industry.
4 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a selection of accredited online programs, including a doctorate in healthcare administration. For those seeking an online degree, UNC-Chapel Hill may be a good choice.
The university has a reputation for academic excellence. With a 91% graduation rate, 25% admission rate, and a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students can receive a great education.
The total number of programs offered is 234, with about 30,000 students enrolled. The school also offers 25 online programs, with 91% of students taking courses online.
In-state tuition for graduate students is $10,552, while out-of-state tuition for graduate students is $28,278.
Among UNC-Chapel Hill students, 64% receive financial aid. The average amount of aid is $14,182. After financial aid is taken into account, the average price per student is $10,038.
#2 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
National University offers an online Ph.D. in health services. This private university's online program offers students an accessible and rigorous curriculum to develop their skills and knowledge.
All courses are taught by experienced faculty. The graduate tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students alike is $16,983. To help finance their education, 29% percent of students receive loans.
National University's online program also offers several student services, including career advisors and internship programs, to give students the skills and experience necessary to enter the workplace.
#3 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Franklin University is a private university in Columbus, Ohio. The school offers a total of 73 programs, with 61 of them available entirely online. This makes it an attractive choice for busy professionals who need the flexibility of studying remotely.
Franklin University's online courses are designed to give students the same level of education and support as on-campus courses. Students have access to virtual career-planning events, internship programs, and academic advisors. Furthermore, 95% of students receive some form of financial aid, including loans.
If you're looking for a quality online doctorate in healthcare administration, Franklin University is a great choice. With dedicated faculty and plenty of support, you'll be well-prepared to take the next step in your professional career.
#4 Best Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Michigan University is a great choice for those seeking an accredited doctoral program in healthcare administration. With 56 online programs, 42% of students enrolled at CMU are taking their courses online. Additionally, 97% of students are awarded financial aid, and the average amount of aid awarded per student is $9,297.
The university is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and offers 238 total programs, 18 of which are doctoral programs. Students can also take advantage of career-planning resources available through the university.
In terms of tuition, graduate tuition for in-state students is $14,223. For out-of-state students, the cost is $18,909. After financial aid, the average price per student (including undergraduate and graduate students) is $15,758.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Salary and Demand for Healthcare Administration Occupations
Careers in healthcare administration offer a wide range of salary and job outlooks, depending on the occupation and qualifications. The following lists contain salary information and growth projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for a few careers related to healthcare administration.
Median Annual Salaries
- Medical and health services managers
: $104,830 - General and operations managers
: $122,860
The BLS also states that the job outlook for several healthcare administration careers is promising.
Job Outlook and Projected Growth (2022-2032)
Paying for a Program
From federal grants and loans to state and private financial aid, there are many ways to finance your studies. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics DataLab, 10.4% of students pursuing a graduate degree borrowed money to finance their education. Of those who borrowed, the average amount was $25,600.
For those seeking need-based financial aid, the best starting point is typically the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Online vs. On Campus
The decision between enrolling in an online or on-campus program for a doctorate in healthcare administration depends on many factors. The following lists contain pros and cons for both online and on-campus programs. Students should consider which modality best suits their individual needs and circumstances.
Online Programs
- Flexibility to accommodate a busy schedule
- Convenience of studying from home
- Cost-effective
- Limited or no access to campus community
On-Campus Programs
- Access to campus amenities (gyms, libraries, technology, health and career services, etc.)
- Face-to-face contact with peers and professors
- Can provide a supportive and interactive learning environment
- Can be more expensive (tuition and fees, room and board, etc.)
Public vs. Private
When considering a doctorate in healthcare administration, you will need to decide whether to attend a public or private university. While it is important to note that every school is unique, the following lists contain some general features of both public and private schools that you may want to consider.
Public
- Higher admission rate
- May be more affordable
- Larger class sizes
- Less faculty availability
- More extracurricular activities
- Tend to have more diversity
- Bigger campus
Private
- Lower admission rate
- Tend to be more expensive
- More nuanced programs, but with fewer options
- Smaller class sizes
- More faculty availability
- Close-knit community
- Smaller campus
Applying to a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Program
When applying to a doctoral program, it is important to consider cost, quality, and reputation. Cost is a major factor for many students, so be sure to compare affordability between different programs. Quality also needs to be taken into account, as different programs offer different levels of academic rigor and support. Finally, research the program or faculty reputation. Strong programs with good reputations in the industry can open professional doors for graduates.
Aside from cost, quality, and reputation, there are many other aspects to consider. Look into the admission requirements, student services, class size, and alumni services. It is also important to make sure the school is accredited to guarantee the quality of your education. Finally, consider the program length, culture, and whether there are accelerated or part-time options available. By researching all of these topics, you can make an informed decision about which program is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Administration Degrees
What is the future demand for healthcare administration?
According to the BLS, the employment of medical and health services managers
What is the typical entry-level education required for healthcare administration?
Most jobs in the healthcare administration field require a bachelor's degree, but higher levels of educational attainment generally mean more responsibility and higher compensation.
What is the typical salary for healthcare administrators?
According to BLS, the median annual salary for medical and health service managers
This article was drafted using natural language generation technology and has been edited for clarity and accuracy.
Sources
- General and Operations Managers
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021. - Medical and Health Services Managers
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. - Top Executives
. (Accessed June 14, 2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. - Health Care Administration & Management
. (Accessed March 9, 2023). Data USA. - College Scorecard Data. (Data retrieved May 12, 2021). U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
- Data Lab. (Accessed March 9, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
- IPEDS Access Databases
. (Data retrieved November 17, 2022). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. - Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools
. (Data retrieved March 8, 2023). U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid.
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