25 Best Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Programs for 2020

best schools for healthcare administration undergraduate

Technology, changing standards and an aging population have created growth opportunities in healthcare leadership. It all starts with finding the best schools for healthcare administration undergraduate. Choosing from among dozens of healthcare administration colleges in your area isn’t easy. — especially when you add all the online options for a healthcare management major. The health crises of 2020 have underscored the need for effective, compassionate leaders in healthcare. A bachelors of science in healthcare management can lead to a lucrative career with opportunities to make a real impact.

Get a bachelors of science in healthcare management to prepare for a career in nursing home administration, or use your BS healthcare administration to pursue a job in health information management. With a bachelor of health administration, you can specialize in medical practice management, and a bachelor of healthcare management also prepares you to lead within the provider network management specialization. If you wish to find a more specific niche, consider using your bachelor of science healthcare administration to find a job in ambulatory services management.

Methodology: Ranking the Best Healthcare Administration Bachelor’s Degrees

To rank the best Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration programs, Great Business Schools editors centered on accredited, trusted institutions all over the US. From our pool, we ranked programs according to factors including cost, student satisfaction, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche. 

1. Georgetown University

Georgetown University’s School of Nursing & Health Studies offers a BS in Health Care Management & Policy that is recognized among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs. GW’s health care administration baccalaureate degree program offers degree candidates two academic tracks – a policy analysis or a health administration track. Additionally, students enrolled in GW’s health care administration program will complete an internship during their senior year of a minimum of 16 hours per week. GW also offers degree candidates study abroad opportunities or a pre-med track.

Georgetown University was established in 1789. GW’s campus is located in the DC neighborhood known as Georgetown and serves more than 19,000 students. Georgetown University is considered an elite feeder school for careers in investments, management, and finance.

Highlight GW is recognized as the oldest of all Catholic universities in the nation.
Degree Health Care Management & Policy, BS

2. Penn State University

Penn State University’s College of Health and Human Development offers a BS in Health Policy and Administration (HPA) that is considered among the best healthcare administration programs available in the education marketplace. Coursework for PSU’s health care administration program pulls from the fields of health science, business, and liberal arts. Classes for Penn State University’s program include physiology, biobehavioral health, financial decisions in healthcare, professional development, health systems management, and statistics, to name a few.

Penn State University was established in 1855. PSU operates campuses throughout the Keystone State and as a land-grant institution of higher learning. PSU’s total student enrollment across all 24 campuses (and online) exceeds 96,000 students. PSU students host the largest student philanthropic operated dance marathon.

Highlight Penn State University is recognized among the country’s public ivy league universities.
Degree Health Policy and Administration, BS

3. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy offers a BS in Public Policy: Health Policy and Management among the best healthcare administration programs in the country. USC’s health care administration program offers students two academic tracks from which to select – a health policy track or a health management tack. Coursework for USC’s undergraduate health care admin degree includes health policy, government and business, environmental health, organizational behavior, and social innovation, to name a few.

The University of Southern is a private institution of higher education that was established in 1880. USC is a space-grant and sea-grant university with an urban campus that serves nearly 46,000 students. The University of Southern’s Sol Price School of Public Policy was established in 1929 – at that time, being the second of only two of these programs offered in the country.

Highlight USC holds the distinction of being part of the development of the Internet’s Domain Name System.
Degree Public Policy: Health Policy and Management, BS

4. University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut’s School of Business offers a BS in Healthcare Management that has been ranked among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs. Degree candidates in UConn’s healthcare program are required to complete 120 credit units in the areas of health economics, risk management, human resource management, and healthcare finance, to name a few. UConn offers students in the healthcare program a variety of experiential learning options that include an option to study abroad, the healthcare management society, plus a healthcare management internship.

The University of Connecticut was established as the Storrs Agricultural School in 1881. The University of Connecticut’s campus covers more than 4,300 acres and is located near the Massachusetts border. UConn is a space-grant, sea-grant, and land-grant institution of higher education. UConn’s student enrollment exceeds 32,200 students.

Highlight The University of Connecticut is the state’s flagship institution of higher learning.
Degree Healthcare Management, BS 

5. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers a BSBA in Health Management and Policy recognized as one of the country’s best healthcare administration programs. Coursework included in U Miami’s bachelor-level health care management program includes managerial and financial accounting, economics, business analytics, statistics, healthcare law, applied health policy and law, and ethics, to name a few. Degree candidates must complete 120 credit units to graduate from U Miami’s BSBA in healthcare administration.

The University of Miami was established in 1925. The school’s Coral Gables campus covers more than 440 acres and serves more than 17,000 students studying from the university’s twelve graduate and undergraduate colleges/schools. Notable faculty include TV judge Marilyn Milian, philosopher Colin McGinn, and guitarist Pat Metheny.

Highlight US News recognizes the University of Miami among the best schools in the country.
Degree Health Management and Policy, BSBA

6. Trinity University

Trinity University’s Department of Health Care Administration offers one of the nation’s best healthcare administration programs that is also accredited by CAHME – the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. Degree candidates at Trinity University’s health administration program must complete a year-long on-campus residency. The programs offer an executive program and an on-campus program. The university’s class of 2018 boasted a graduation rate and employment rate of 100%. Class sizes average of 25 students at Trinity University.

Trinity University was established as a private institution of higher learning in 1869. Trinity University’s campus in the Mote Vista area is a few miles from San Antonio’s famous River Walk and home to more than 2,500 students.

Highlight Trinity University is a member school of a consortium of independent institutions of higher education known as the Annapolis Group and the Oberlin Group.  
Degree Health Care Administration 

7. University of Kansas Medical Center

The University of Kansas Medical Center’s Department of Health Information Management offers a baccalaureate level health Information Management degree that has received accreditation from the CAHIME. KUMC’s best healthcare administration program includes coursework like Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and management, to name a few. Students have the option of considering a dual degree intensive program that allows students to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in healthcare management in only five years.

The University of Kansas Medical Center was established in 1920. KUMC operates several campuses dedicated to the healthcare profession in Salina and Wichita, Kansas. The school’s 40+ urban campus in Kansas City is home to more than 3,500 students. The School of Health Professions within KUMC was established in 1974.

Highlight Several notable physicians and US politicians are alumni of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Degree Health Information Management 

8. George Mason University

George Mason University’s Department of Health Administration and Policy offers one of the country’s best healthcare administration programs with their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Health Administration. GMU’s undergraduate program is certified by the AUPHA – the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. GMU’s healthcare program offers four academic specialty tracks – health policy, health administration, health informatics, population health center. Graduates of George Mason University’s healthcare program enter the workforce in clinics, hospitals, supply organizations, home care agencies, and professional associations. The CAHME accredits George Mason University’s healthcare programs.

GMU – George Mason University was established in 1949 as a research institution of higher education. George Mason University’s campuses serve more than 38,000 students studying for academic degrees offered by GMU’s eleven colleges/schools.

Highlight Originally, George Mason University was chartered as a branch of the University of Virginia.
Degree Health Administration, BS

9. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Health Services Administration that is ranked among the best healthcare administration programs in the United States. Kiplinger ranks the University of Central Florida among the best value schools in the country. UCF’s undergraduate healthcare administration degree program is available through the school’s distance learning extension at a reduced tuition rate.

The University of Central Florida is a state-funded institution of higher education that was established by an act of the Florida Legislature in the early 1960s. UCF is a partner school with the nearby Kennedy Space Center and the Space Coast of Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Highlight UCF holds the distinction of having the greatest number of students enrolled on campus compared to any other American school.
Degree Health Services Administration, BS 

10. Temple University

Temple University’s College of Public Health offers a BS in Public Health: Health Policy and Management that is recognized among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs. CEPH accredits the undergraduate degree program from Temple University. Students enrolled in Temple University’s program are required to complete 120 credit units to graduate, of which 68 credit units are public health classes. Students enrolled in Temple University’s bachelor’s in healthcare program can opt to earn a BS and MPH in only five years.

Temple University was established as the Temple College of Philadelphia in 1884. TU’s urban campus in Philadelphia covers more than 100 acres. Temple University’s student enrollment nears 40,000. Temple University is recognized by US News among the top 45 public institutions of higher education in the nation.

Highlight Russell Conwell, a Baptist minister chartered the Temple College of Philadelphia
Degree Public Health: Health Policy and Management, BS

11. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s School of Health Professions offers a BS in Health Care Management that is considered among the country’s best healthcare administration programs. UA’s undergraduate healthcare management program offers four academic tracks: long–term care, pre-professional clinical manager, or general manager. The coursework for the University of Alabama includes management, ethics, and the law, strategic planning, and leadership fundamentals, to name a few. 

The University of Alabama was established in 1820. The university if a space-grant, sea-grant, and flagship campus of the University Alabama system. More than 38,000 students attend the University of Alabama on the school’s 1,900+ acre campus. UA is organized into thirteen schools/colleges.

Highlight The University of Alabama was established by a US congressional authorization two years before the school opened.
Degree Health Care Management, BS 

12. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama as Birmingham School of Health Professionals offers a BS in Health Care Management that is ranked among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs. UA Birmingham’s baccalaureate health care management program has received certification from AUPHA – the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. The school offers students two fast-track academic options to begin earning a master’s degree before the completion of an undergraduate degree in health management.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)  was established in 1969. This private institution of higher learning \ is organized into twelve academic divisions that offer more than 130 degree programs. The school’s Birmingham campus serves more than 22,000 students.

Highlight The University of Alabama holds the distinction of being the State of Alabama’s largest single employer.
Degree Health Care Management, BS 

13. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s College of Public Health and Social Justice offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Healthcare Management that has received full accreditation from the CEPH – the Council on Education for Public Health. SLU’s best healthcare administration programs include coursework like economics, finance, calculus, medico-legal aspects, ethics, and global health, to name a few. Degree candidates must complete 120 credit units to graduate. Students stay involved in fieldwork and internship opportunities to gain experience before graduation.

Saint Louis University was established as Saint Louis Academy in 1818. Saint Louis University maintains an affiliation with the Jesuit – Roman Catholic Church. The school’s urban campus covers more than 250 acres and serves nearly 8,000 students.

Highlight The Madrid Spain campus of SLU has the distinction of being the 1st free-standing campus of American school on the European continent. 
Degree Healthcare Management, BS

14. New York University

New York University’s School of Professional Studies offers a BS in Healthcare Management that is among the best healthcare administration programs in the United States. Degree candidates can opt for an academic track specializing in long-term care or community health and healthcare advocacy and must complete 128 credit units to graduate. Coursework for NYU’s undergraduate healthcare management program includes business organization, research methods, managerial ethical issues, legal aspects of healthcare, and international health issues, to name a few. 

New York University is a private institution of higher education that was established in 1831. The school’s iconic campus in lower Manhattan is home to more than 51,500 students. NYU operates campuses throughout the world in Israel, Italy, Great Britain, France, Spain, Australia, and China, among many others.

Highlight New York University holds the distinction of being the largest research institution of higher learning in the nation.
Degree Healthcare Management, BS

15. Governors State University

Governors State University’s College of Health and Human Services offers a Bachelor of Health Administration (BHA) that is considered among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs. Governors State University’s baccalaureate healthcare management program is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration – AUPHA. Students, to graduate, are required to complete 120 credit hours to graduate, with 54 credit hours dedicated to health administration classes. Classes include healthcare statistics, medical sociology, ethics, economics in healthcare, and the legal aspects of healthcare management, among others.

Governors State University was established in 1969. Governors State University’s campus is about a half-hour south of downtown Chicago with more than 3,500 students studying in class sizes that never exceed 30 students.

Highlight Governors State University is also within a short driving distance of Joliet and much of the northwestern portions of Indiana. 
Degree Bachelor of Health Administration

16. Texas State University

Texas State University’s College of Health Profession offers a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration (BHA) that is ranked among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs for undergraduates. Degree candidates enrolled in TSU’s undergraduate healthcare administration program must complete 120 credit hours to graduate. Coursework includes healthcare statistics, biostatistics, project management, and healthcare financial management, to name a few.  Students enrolled in TSU’s program must pass an exit exam that is a part of the university’s curriculum.

Texas State University was established as a state institution of higher education in 1899 as a teacher’s training school. TSU operates ten schools/colleges as a space-grant university. The school serves more than 38,000 students, with its most famous alumni being President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Highlight Texas State University holds the distinction of being the fifth largest of the member schools in the Texas State University System.
Degree Bachelor of Healthcare Administration

17. Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University’s Division of Health Care Management offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Health Care Management (BSHCM). FAMU’s undergraduate degree program is recognized as one of the best healthcare administration programs for undergraduates in the country. Students must complete coursework that covers 120 credit units to graduate. The BSHCM is continuously certified by AUPHA for the past three decades. Students graduate to find rewarding careers in medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies, long term care facilities, and hospitals, to name a few.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University was established as the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes in 1909. FAMU is a recognized HBCU – Historically Black College or University and a land grant school established under the Morrill Land Grant Act.  The school serves more than 10,000 students.

Highlight Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University is a member of the Thurgood Marshall’s Scholarship Fund.
Degree Health Care Management, BS 

18. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a BS in Health Systems Management that is recognized among the country’s best healthcare administration programs for undergraduates.  Graduates find rewarding work as office managers, health navigators, billing specialists, pharmaceutical sales, and case managers. Coursework for UNC Charlotte’s undergraduate healthcare administration program includes human resource management, ethics and leadership, healthcare finance, information technology, and health policy and law.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte was established in 1946. UNC Charlotte operates several campuses, but the main campus covers more than 900 acres and serves nearly 30,000 students.

Highlight The University of North Carolina at Charlotte holds the distinction of being the largest institution of higher education in the greater Charlotte area.
Degree Health Systems Management, BS

19. University of Scranton

The University of Scranton offers a BS in Health Administration that is certified as a member school in the Associate of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). These best healthcare administration programs from the University of Scranton is also one of eleven healthcare administration programs to have approval from the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrators Board (NAB). The school offers an accelerated degree program for students interested in earning their BS and MHA degree in five years.

The University of Scranton was established in 1888 as Saint Thomas College. The school remains affiliated with the Jesuit – Roman Catholic Church. The school’s campus in Scranton is home to more than 5,300 students studying for academic degrees provided by the university’s three colleges/schools.

Highlight The University of Scranton operates more than 25 honor societies on campus. 
Degree Health Administration, BS

20. University of Nevada Las Vegas

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a BS in Health Care Administration that is certified by AUPHA and accredited by the CEPH. UNLV’s best healthcare administration programs require students to complete 120 credit units to graduate, of which 72 – 74 credit units are dedicated to major coursework. Coursework for UNLV’s health care administration program includes financial accounting, quantitative management, health politics and policy, strategic planning, plus a healthcare administrator practicum.

The University of Nevada Las Vegas was established in 1957 as the southern division of the university. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is a land-grant institution of higher education with its campus about a mile from the famous Vegas strip. The school operates several campuses in the Las Vegas area and serves more than 30,000 students.

Highlight The first classes at UNLV were held in a local high school classroom.
Degree Health Care Administration, BS

21. University of La Verne

The University of La Verne offers a BS in Health Administration that is ranked among the nation’s best healthcare administration programs for undergraduate students. Core coursework for the University of La Verne’s health care administration program includes leadership and management, human resource management, information science, qualitative decision making, gerontology, managing conflict/change, economic and social issue in health care, and a senior seminar for culminating experience. This program is available on the following California campuses, Ontario, Irvine, Bakersfield, and Victorville.

The University of La Verne is an institution of higher education that was established in 1891 as Lordsburg College. The university’s suburban campus covers more than 50 acres and serves more than 5,800 students.

Highlight The University of La Verne operates several academic facilities throughout the Los Angeles metro area in small class sizes.
Degree Health Administration, BS 

22. Xavier University

Xavier University offers a BS in Health Services Administration that is ranked among the country’s best healthcare administration programs for undergraduate students. Degree candidates enrolled in Xavier University’s undergraduate health care administration program receive a business minor and the option to select from three healthcare emphases – Long-Term Care, Population Health & Analytics, and Health Information Management. Students attending Xavier University’s program are also required to complete an internship in a healthcare-related field that interests the student.

Xavier University was established as Athenaeum in 1831. The university operates in affiliation with the Jesuit – Roman Catholic Church. Xavier University’s campus covers more than 175 acres and serves more than 7,100 students, of which 2/3 of the students are undergraduate students.

Highlight Xavier University holds the distinction of being the 4th oldest Jesuit institution of higher education in the country.
Degree Health Services Administration, BS 

23. University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis offers a BBA in Healthcare Management that is accredited by the ACBSP – the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Coursework for these best healthcare administration programs includes 63 credit hours devoted to the business curriculum, plus healthcare classes in Epidemiology, healthcare delivery, finance management in health services, medical sociology, and global health, plus three practicums. The University of St. Francis offers a five-year BBA plan with a master’s degree option in public health.

The University of St. Francis (USF) is a private institution of higher education that was established in 1920. The University of St. Francis has a religious affiliation with the Congregation of the 3rd Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. The school’s suburban campus in Joliet is home to nearly 3,400 students.

Highlight The University of St. Francis operates four colleges/schools in nursing education business/health administration and arts & sciences.
Degree Healthcare Management, BBA 

24. Belhaven University

Belhaven University offers a Bachelor of Health Administration (BHA) degree program that is recognized as one of the best healthcare administration programs in the southern United States. The undergraduate healthcare management program from Belhaven University is available on the Desoto campus. Degree candidates of Belhaven University’s program must complete 124 credit units to graduate. Coursework includes business law, organizational behavior, economics, healthcare organizations, and ethics in health administration, to name a few. Students enrolled in Belhaven University’s program will attend school one night each week in small class sizes.

Belhaven University is a Christian school that was established in 1883. The university was created when two local schools merged – McComb Female Institute and Mississippi Synodical College. Belhaven University’s student enrollment exceeds 4,000 students.

Highlight Belhaven University operates satellite facilities in Memphis, Madison, and Chattanooga, TN.
Degree Bachelor of Health Administration

25. Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University offers a BS in Healthcare Management that is recognized among the best healthcare administration programs in the state of Alaska. Coursework for Alaska Pacific University’s undergraduate degree in healthcare management includes finance, accounting, healthcare ethics, legal issues in healthcare management, and health information science, to name a few. Students graduate and enter the workforce as administrators, managers, behavioral health practitioners, and patient advocates, among others. Students complete the bachelor’s degree program in healthcare management in four years, on average.

Alaska Pacific University was established as the Alaska Methodist University in 1957. The university maintains a religious affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The school’s campus abuts the University of Alaska Anchorage’s campus and near the Alaska Native Medical Center.

Highlight Alaska Pacific University operates an early entrance honors program for high school seniors.
Degree Healthcare Management, BS

Why Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration?

On average, medical and healthcare managers make six-figure salaries averaging about $50 an hour. Getting a BS healthcare administration expands your opportunities in the medical and health services management field. A bachelor of health administration gives you an edge during a time when public health officials must provide critical leadership. Stay on top of the changing industry with a bachelor of healthcare management. Whether you choose an online or traditional classroom program, a bachelor of science healthcare administration degree includes mastery of technology used to treat patients and track health concerns, such as the coronavirus.

How Do I Choose a Healthcare Administration Program?

First, determine the area of healthcare administration that interests you most. This helps you vet out the right major in healthcare administration for you. The best schools for healthcare administration undergraduate will incorporate changing legislation into their curricula. Whether you plan to focus on technology, insurance or the medical field makes a difference in what healthcare administration colleges would serve your purposes. You also need a school that helps your leverage your healthcare management major by providing job placement services.

Avoid a major in healthcare administration that doesn’t leave room for future growth and leadership development. Some programs cater to corporate or organizational sponsors who often hire the majority of graduates. At the early stages of your education, you need a strong grasp of the entire industry so you can make an informed decision about your specialization. This is extremely important in an economic downturn, so don’t choose a degree that limits your ability to apply for diverse positions.

Is Healthcare Administration a Good Career?

What is healthcare administration? Health administration is a field that relates to administering public health systems and hospitals. What is healthcare management? This is a niche within the field including managers and leaders. When comparing healthcare management vs healthcare administration, the difference is the job level, with healthcare administrators performing vital entry-level to mid-career level support for public and private health organizations. In reality, management titles include both “administrator” and “manager” titles. However, functionally they are separate roles. 

When comparing healthcare management vs healthcare administration, note that healthcare management focuses on directing a healthcare facility or entire system, while healthcare administration involves individual departments and day-to-day operations, including staffing.

What Is a Degree in Healthcare Administration?

You may wonder, “Is healthcare management a good major?” This degree prepares you for well-paying leadership roles at hospitals, clinics and pharmaceutical companies. Candidates study laws and regulations impact a managed care environment. Payscale.com lists the salary range as $40,000 to $105,000 for current job postings, but it’s typically somewhat higher.

Is Healthcare Administration Hard?

This raises another question, “Is healthcare administration a good career choice?” This can be one of the most stressful career choices you can make. Top executives work around the clock to manage their organizations and stay on top of changing legislation. It’s a good career choice if your committed and disciplined and want to make a difference. Also, stress levels vary from institution to institution, so you may be able to choose a better work-life balance by switching jobs mid-career. 

What Is Healthcare Management?

Another way to answer this question involves looking at the scope of responsibilities. Although it can be stressful, the decisions you make every day can improve the quality of care and positive outcomes for hundreds of patients. If this appeals to you then you can answer yes to the question, “Is healthcare management a good major?”

What Is Healthcare Administration?

When you start your first job, you may help manage a small department in a health facility or organization. Budgeting, planning and suggesting policy changes may fall within your purview. You might want to know, “Is healthcare administration a good career choice?” Just remember that starting out in a lower-level position gives you a clear understanding of how healthcare facilities operate. These jobs are invaluable if you hope to advance to management someday.

 What Is a Degree in Healthcare Administration? 

This degree serves as your passport to an entry-level position in the administrative offices of a large or small medical facility.

Is healthcare administration hard? This is undoubtedly not the easiest career choice you could make. However, implementing policies that help a healthcare organization grow and improving the quality of care at your facility can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief