If you want to transform healthcare systems, an online doctorate in healthcare administration can help you achieve that goal. The field is expected to grow 29% over the next decade, and 21% of medical service manager roles require a graduate degree. The median salary for medical service managers is $110,680, but earning a doctorate can boost your earning potential, with the top 10% making over $216,750 annually. Here, we’ve highlighted the top online doctorate programs in healthcare administration for 2025, helping you level up your career and make a lasting impact in the field.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Healthcare Administration degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 25 Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Central Michigan University
Intelligent Score: 98.02In-state: $12,296
Out-of-state: $22,881
In-state: $14,223
Out-of-state: $14,223
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$850
Online
Higher Learning Commission
63
A.T. Still University
Intelligent Score: 97.77In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $60,679
Out-of-state: $60,679
SAT: 122 - 131
ACT: N/A
$1,000
Online
Higher Learning Commission
76
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 95.92In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$1,175
Online
Higher Learning Commission
84
Franklin University
Intelligent Score: 95.92In-state: $9,552
Out-of-state: $9,552
In-state: $16,080
Out-of-state: $16,080
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$748
Online
Higher Learning Commission
58
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 94.08In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$595
Online
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
60
Medical University of South Carolina
Intelligent Score: 92.96In-state: $57,828
Out-of-state: $59,700
In-state: $48,121
Out-of-state: $48,121
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-30
$571
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
57
University of Mississippi
Intelligent Score: 92.95In-state: $8,718
Out-of-state: $24,990
In-state: $8,718
Out-of-state: $8,718
SAT: 1010-1230
ACT: 22-30
$672
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
National University
Intelligent Score: 92.76In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$921
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
60
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Intelligent Score: 92.63In-state: $34,627
Out-of-state: $51,815
In-state: $16,793
Out-of-state: $16,793
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
$1,525
Blended
Council on Education for Public Health
66
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 91.89In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$1,020
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
51
Clarkson College
Intelligent Score: 90.99In-state: $14,119
Out-of-state: $14,119
In-state: $17,121
Out-of-state: $17,121
SAT: 1190 and 1370
ACT: 25-30
$914
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Concordia University Chicago
Intelligent Score: 90.18In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$963
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 89.78In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$1,083
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
48-50
Indiana University
Intelligent Score: 89.44In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $690
Out-of-State: $1,500
Online
Higher Learning Commission
45
Rush University
Intelligent Score: 88.87In-state: $61,837
Out-of-state: $61,837
In-state: $46,398
Out-of-state: $46,398
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$996
Online
Higher Learning Commission
54
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Intelligent Score: 88.13In-state: $39,240
Out-of-state: $39,240
In-state: $47,520
Out-of-state: $47,520
SAT: 1090-1370
ACT: 25-31
$1,380
Online
Council on Education for Public Health
54
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 87.8In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$692
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
55
Nebraska Methodist College
Intelligent Score: 87.31In-state: $33,309
Out-of-state: $33,309
In-state: $37,225
Out-of-state: $37,225
SAT: 1140
ACT: 22
$817
Online
Higher Learning Commission
44
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Degree
As you prepare for a rewarding career in the healthcare field, you might be considering several options regarding your degree. It’s important to remember that a doctorate in healthcare administration focuses on the business side of healthcare, while some similar degrees, such as a doctorate in public health, focus on health sciences and research.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Upon graduation, you might consider several career options. While healthcare manager is the most common role among graduates, you might also consider working as a community service manager or social service manager. Healthcare manager positions don’t generally require additional training or licensure beyond your college degree, but social or community work positions may require state licensing.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in healthcare administration programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? While every program is different, most require students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate degree in a similar field, and some work experience in the healthcare industry.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? The time it takes to complete your degree program depends on whether you study part-time or full-time. While full-time students may be able to complete their program in just two to three years, part-time students might take up to seven years.
- What financial aid opportunities are available? With the help of grants, fellowships, assistantships, and other resources, many students can significantly reduce the cost of their degree program. You may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
Keep track of important program details while researching your options for this degree. Take note of the programs you’re most interested in and carefully review information about application deadlines, course prerequisites, and procedures for applying.
If you require financial aid, complete your FAFSA and submit applications for scholarships and grants on time and according to guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in healthcare administration degree?
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for high-level management and leadership roles across healthcare systems, hospitals, and even government agencies. Career opportunities include positions as healthcare policy analysts, who work on laws and regulations, or health informatics managers, who optimize data-driven care. These roles will utilize your administration, technology, and public health expertise to improve organizational efficiency and patient outcomes.
Additionally, some graduates may enter academia or research, teaching future healthcare leaders and conducting studies that influence best practices.
Are online doctorate in healthcare administration degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online doctorate programs in healthcare administration can be just as credible as their on-campus counterparts. Many share identical curricula and faculty, ensuring the same quality of education.
But even with this level of assurance, it’s still important to double-check each program’s accreditation status. Programs with regional accreditation meet high academic standards and are widely respected by employers. All our recommended programs maintain regional accreditation, helping you feel confident in their quality and alignment with industry expectations.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in healthcare administration degree program?
This degree usually takes about five years to complete, with three years dedicated to coursework and two years for the dissertation. However, this timeline can vary depending on your specific program and circumstances.
Online learning has the added benefit of flexible pacing, often allowing part-time study to help students balance their education with other responsibilities. Additionally, some programs offer accelerated options for those who can dedicate more time, which can help some learners complete the program faster.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in healthcare administration degree programs?
These programs often offer specializations tailored to specific career goals within the broader field of healthcare administration. Options might include:
- Health Informatics: Ideal for those interested in data analytics and managing healthcare IT systems
- Healthcare Policy and Advocacy: Best for students aiming to influence healthcare regulations and public policy
- Leadership and Organizational Development: Suited for aspiring executives managing large healthcare systems
What is the cost of an online doctorate in healthcare administration degree?
The cost of these programs varies, with the average annual tuition for graduate-level programs at $20,513. Many factors can cause this figure to fluctuate, including whether the institution is public or private.
Private schools tend to be more expensive, though out-of-state students at public schools are typically charged much higher tuition rates than in-state students. You’ll also want to consider additional costs like technology fees and course materials, as these can add up over time and ultimately make your education more expensive.