The healthcare industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, creating a robust demand for skilled and knowledgeable leaders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of medical and health services management is projected to expand by 20% through 2026. This surge highlights the critical need for professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare organizations. For individuals aspiring to leadership roles in this dynamic sector, pursuing one of the Best Health Care Administration Programs is a strategic and rewarding path.
A Master of Health Administration (MHA) is a master’s-level degree specifically designed to cultivate leaders within healthcare settings. These programs provide students with the essential knowledge and competencies to excel in diverse environments, from hospitals and long-term care facilities to public health agencies and healthcare organizations. Key competency areas typically covered in these programs include:
- Communication and Relationship Management: Building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders is crucial in healthcare.
- Leadership: Developing the skills to inspire, guide, and motivate teams to achieve organizational goals.
- Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and demonstrating professional conduct in all interactions.
- Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment: Understanding the intricate landscape of healthcare systems, policies, and regulations.
- Business Skills: Mastering essential business principles like finance, strategy, and operations within the healthcare context.
To assist aspiring healthcare leaders in making informed decisions, we have compiled a ranking of the top master’s in healthcare management or administration programs across the United States. Our initial list was sourced from College Navigator and refined to include programs with a CAHME accreditation for their on-campus offerings. This ranking is based on a carefully considered set of criteria to identify the best health care administration programs that offer exceptional value and prepare graduates for successful careers.
Ranking Methodology
Our ranking methodology focuses on two key indicators of program quality and value:
Student to Faculty Ratio: This metric reflects the level of personalized attention and interaction students can expect from faculty.
- 10:1 or less: 5 Points
- 11:1 to 15:1: 3 Points
- Greater than 15:1: 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition: Tuition cost is a significant factor for prospective students. We assessed average graduate tuition to recognize programs offering affordability.
- 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
Ranking the Top 25 Master’s in Healthcare Management Programs
#25 – Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Health Administration Program
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $21,540/year; Out-of-state: $36,974/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 2
The Master of Health Administration program at Penn State University is tailored for part-time students already working in healthcare administration. This 36-credit hour program offers evening courses to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum encompasses essential areas such as health systems organization, health administrative policy formulation, health financial management, and organizational behavior. A supervised research project, conducted individually or in groups, is a core component of the program, providing practical research experience.
#24 – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $17,064/year; Out-of-state: $26,412/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 3
The School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota boasts a highly regarded Master of Healthcare Administration program, recognized as a top program nationally by U.S. News and World Report. This CAHME-accredited program’s curriculum is designed to integrate business principles with a deep understanding of the complexities within the healthcare industry. Students benefit from a strong alumni association that actively supports student success. Notably, the program reports a 100% placement rate, with graduates securing fellowships or employment by July following graduation, demonstrating its effectiveness in career preparation.
#23 -University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
Master of Health Administration
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $15,510/year; Out-of-state: $27,801/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 3
The University of Washington’s Master of Health Administration program is designed to cultivate future healthcare leaders. Recognized as one of the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report, this CAHME-accredited program is a leader in healthcare management education. Offered in a full-time, two-year format, the program includes a full-time summer internship, providing valuable hands-on training. Students learn from healthcare innovators, including leading researchers and healthcare executives, gaining insights from both academic and practical perspectives.
#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 Business School at the University of Denver is home to the region’s oldest CAHME-accredited healthcare administration program. The University of Denver is a member of the Business School Alliance for Health Management, alongside institutions like Harvard and Northwestern, indicating its commitment to high standards in healthcare management education. Courses are conveniently offered in the evening to accommodate working professionals, and the program can be completed in as little as two years of full-time study. The curriculum covers key areas such as health care marketing, strategy, law and ethics, and economics. A field study component provides students with practical, real-world 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
Columbia University’s top-tier Master of Health Administration program is uniquely offered through the Department of Health Policy and Management. This CAHME-accredited program employs a cohort format for both full-time and part-time students, fostering a strong sense of community and collaborative learning. It emphasizes professional networking with alumni, peers, faculty, and leading healthcare organizations, providing valuable connections for career advancement. The curriculum covers crucial areas such as finance, strategy, leadership, and analytics. Graduates have achieved success across diverse 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: In-state: $23,128/year; Out-of-state: $46,678/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 4
The School of Public Health at the University of Michigan offers a highly regarded Master’s of Health Services Administration, a 60-credit hour program. A key feature is a summer internship between the first and second year of study, providing practical experience. The curriculum includes courses in biostatistics, health policy, healthcare accounting, and health services systems. Students have the flexibility to tailor the program to their specific interests by selecting elective courses, allowing for specialization and in-depth study in chosen areas.
#19 – University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Master’s in Health Administration (MHA)
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $22,846/year; Out-of-state: $38,736/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 4
The University of Pittsburgh’s CAHME-accredited Master’s in Health Administration program features a competency-based curriculum, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for various healthcare systems. Coursework covers health policy and management, public health foundations, organizational studies, and management. A significant component is an on-site management residency in a healthcare organization, providing hands-on experience. The program reports a strong employment rate, with 87% of graduates employed within three months of graduation, highlighting its career readiness focus.
#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
Seton Hall University’s School of Health and Medical Sciences offers New Jersey’s only CAHME-accredited MHA program. This 42-credit hour on-campus program focuses on developing skills and knowledge in health policy, data analytics, and population health management—critical areas in contemporary healthcare. Experienced faculty work closely with students, providing mentorship and guidance to help them succeed in the program and achieve their professional aspirations.
#17 – University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina
Master’s in Health Administration
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $13,650/year; Out-of-state: $29,196/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 4
The Master of Health Administration at the University of South Carolina, offered through the Arnold School of Public Health, is a CAHME-accredited program. The curriculum includes courses in health economics, managerial epidemiology, leadership, and health care decision-making, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare management. In the spring semester of their second year, students undertake a managerial residency, planning and executing a supervised project within a healthcare setting, applying their learned skills in a practical environment.
#16 -The University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Master’s in Healthcare Administration
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $13,612/year; Out-of-state: $23,299/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers a leading Master’s in Healthcare Administration through its School of Public Health, with support from the College of Business Administration. This two-year program includes coursework in accounting, economics, finance, HR, and management, providing a robust business foundation for healthcare leadership. For their capstone experience, students can choose to complete a thesis, a project, or additional elective coursework. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in hospitals, community-based ambulatory care centers, managed-care plans, or long-term care facilities.
#15 – Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia
Master of Health Administration
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $12,217/year; Out-of-state: $25,032/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 4
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master of Health Administration is an industry-specific MBA program distinguished by a required third-year administrative residency. VCU boasts one of the oldest CAHME-accredited MHA programs in the nation, featuring a continually updated, cutting-edge curriculum that reflects current industry trends. The one-year paid residency provides students with invaluable practical experience under the mentorship of healthcare executives. Faculty are renowned educators recognized nationally for their research expertise, ensuring a high-quality learning environment.
#14 – Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
Master of Health Administration
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $11,560/year; Out-of-state: $34,064/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
The College of Public Health at The Ohio State University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in research and healthcare education, spanning over 45 years. Their rigorous, competency-based Master of Health Administration curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in four key areas: management function and skills, health systems and community, leadership and professionalism, and analytic skills. All students complete a summer administrative residency to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. Professional development and career services are integrated into the program to 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: In-state: $10,770/year; Out-of-state: $27,335/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 4
The University of Florida’s top Master’s in Health Administration program delivers a high-quality educational experience for students aiming for management positions in healthcare. The curriculum covers critical areas such as healthcare data analytics, health economics, information management, and HR management. A three-month internship in a health-related organization is required to provide students with professional experience. The program boasts a near-perfect job placement rate, with virtually 100% of graduates finding employment after graduation, demonstrating its effectiveness in career preparation.
#12 – University of Alabama – Birmingham, Alabama
Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA)
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $8,100/year; Out-of-state: $18,540/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 5
The University of Alabama School of Health Professions offers a top-ranked Master of Science in Health Administration program, recognized by U.S. News and World Report. This CAHME-accredited program emphasizes teamwork, integrity, diversity, and innovation. The residential program follows a cohort model that integrates real-world learning experiences. Coursework includes health policy, health economics, quantitative methods, and operations management. Students complete an internship during the first summer and an administrative residency after completing their coursework, providing a comprehensive practical experience.
#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 Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University offers a top-tier Master of Health Administration program, a full graduate member of AUPHA and accredited by CAHME. The curriculum includes courses in statistical reasoning in public health, managed care and insurance, quantitative tools for managers, and organizational leadership. In the second year, students complete an 11-month full-time residency, typically with a salary and benefits. All second-year students receive a 75% master’s scholarship, making this prestigious program more accessible.
#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
Tulane University’s top Master of Health Administration program is a 60-credit hour program focused on developing management skills for healthcare professionals. Coursework covers organizational behavior, health care economics, financial management, marketing, and communications, providing a well-rounded management education within the healthcare context. All students complete a year-long residency in a healthcare setting to apply their skills and knowledge practically. This CAHME-accredited program includes an oral comprehensive exam, featuring a case study and competency-specific questions to assess graduates’ healthcare administration knowledge.
#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 offers a leading Master of Health Administration program, taught by renowned 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 benefits from strong ties to the healthcare community, offering students diverse residency options. Students without prior health administration experience can pursue a leadership track residency, working under a senior manager for 1,000 hours. Those with professional experience can opt for a career enhancement residency of 500 hours, focusing 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
Cornell University’s two-year Master of Health Administration program is CAHME-accredited and emphasizes both classroom learning and practical experiences. Students benefit from a range of opportunities, including a 10-week full-time internship, annual intersession field trips, professional development workshops, and practitioner-led intensive courses. The Sloan Colloquium Series offers further professional development by allowing students to interact with high-level healthcare professionals. All students participate in a year-long capstone project with a team to solve a real problem for a healthcare client, providing valuable consulting experience.
#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
Saint Louis University’s top Master of Health Administration program is CAHME-accredited and was recognized as the 2018 Program of the Year by AUPHA. The program boasts a 100% graduation rate and a 95% job placement rate for new graduates, demonstrating its strong career outcomes. Faculty work closely with students to prepare them for fellowships and career opportunities. Students participate in case competitions and internships to gain practical professional experience. Graduates have been hired by prominent organizations such as 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 offers a leading Master’s in Health Services Administration program that requires a full third-year administrative residency, providing extensive practical experience. Coursework covers healthcare management, policy, ethics, analytics, and strategic management, offering a comprehensive curriculum. The program emphasizes professional development through classroom learning and real-world experiences. Students complete residencies in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and health maintenance organizations. Both full-time and part-time program options are available to suit different student needs.
#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, a Jesuit university, features a top-ranked healthcare administration master’s program accredited by CAHME and holding full graduate membership status with AUPHA. Core courses cover health care planning and marketing, economics and policy, health care law, and health care operations and quality. Depending on prior work experience, students complete three to eight credit hours of fieldwork courses, which may include an administrative residency, internship, or externship in health administration, tailoring the practical experience to individual needs. Full-time students can complete the program in just two years, offering an efficient pathway to career advancement.
#4 – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $10,243/year; Out-of-state: $27,454/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 6
The Department of Health Policy and Management at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill offers a premier Master of Healthcare Administration program for future healthcare leaders. This CAHME-accredited program is ranked third nationally by U.S. News and World Report, recognizing its excellence. Key courses cover healthcare financial management, health services systems, strategic planning and marketing, and health care management. All students complete a 12-week internship and are required to complete a master’s paper and a comprehensive examination, ensuring a rigorous and thorough academic experience.
#3 – Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston, South Carolina
Master in Health Administration
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $16,333/year; Out-of-state: $22,564/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Points: 7
The Medical University of South Carolina features a top-tier Master’s in Health Administration, accredited by CAHME. The program is offered in both executive and residential formats to accommodate both working professionals and full-time students. Residential format students typically have limited healthcare experience and benefit from face-to-face classes and real-world learning opportunities. Students complete a 10-credit hour internship between their first and second year to gain professional work experience. Graduates are employed in diverse settings, including hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities, and consulting organizations, reflecting the program’s broad applicability.
#2 – University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
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Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $9,054/year; Out-of-state: $17,838/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Points: 9
The School of Public Health at The University of Memphis offers Tennessee’s only CAHME-accredited MHA program. Full-time students can complete this 53-credit hour program in two years. A distinctive program feature is the Day One program, which includes a team development retreat before the program starts and a series of seminars focused on essential professional success skills. The University of Memphis boasts a 100% job placement rate for new graduates within 90 days of graduation, underscoring its commitment to career readiness and successful outcomes for its students.
#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: In-state: $5,530/year; Out-of-state: $21,033/year
Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Points: 9
Our top choice for a master’s in health care administration is the Master of Science in Health Care Administration offered by Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. This concise 32-credit hour program offers concentration areas in either leadership/entrepreneurship or administration, allowing for specialization. Core courses cover leadership methods and styles in health care, research and evaluation methods in health care, and legal issues in health care. Graduates have become successful leaders in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and other health organizations, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in developing impactful healthcare administrators.
