10 Most Affordable Online Health Information Degrees 2025

An online health information management (HIM) degree will give you the skills to manage digital health systems, patient records, and healthcare data securely and efficiently. A health information management degree online lets you study coding, data governance, and healthcare IT practices at your own pace, so you can balance work, family, and other commitments.

These programs often feature flexible formats and affordable tuition, so you can advance your education without breaking the bank. Whether you're aiming to enter hospitals, clinics, or health technology firms, this guide highlights the most affordable programs to help you find the right fit.

What Is a Health Information Degree?

A health information degree focuses on managing and protecting patient data, medical records, and healthcare information systems. You'll gain skills to organize, analyze, and secure health data, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. You'll also learn about:

• medical coding
• regulatory compliance
• electronic health records
• healthcare IT systems

You'll be prepared for roles in hospitals, insurance companies, and health technology firms where you can oversee data quality, support clinical decisions, and implement information management practices. A health information degree gives you a strong foundation for entering the growing field of healthcare data and informatics.

Types of Health Information Bachelor's Degrees

When pursuing an HIM degree online, you'll find several program types to match your career goals. HIM programs focus on coding, compliance, and managing patient records. Health information technology programs focus on the technical side, including electronic health systems, IT support, and database management.

Healthcare IT programs teach management and technology skills, preparing you to oversee digital health initiatives and data security. While these degrees share foundational coursework in healthcare data, each offers unique training for your career path, so you'll be able to lead information teams, implement systems, or ensure regulatory compliance.

Can You Earn a Health Information Degree Online?

Yes, an online health information management degree allows you to earn your degree without needing to commute. Programs often offer asynchronous learning, which means you can complete lectures and assignments on your own schedule.

Many programs also incorporate internships or practicums at approved healthcare facilities, giving you hands-on experience in coding, data management, and electronic health record systems. This flexible approach makes it easier to balance your personal life while gaining the skills you need to start or advance your career in healthcare data and informatics.

How Much Does a Health Information Degree Cost?

Tuition for online health information bachelor's programs typically ranges from around $250 to $700 per credit hour. Your total cost can vary based on:

• how many credits you need and whether you qualify for
• in-state or out-of-state rates
• additional fees for technology, lab access, or practicum placements

Make sure to check on scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance to help make your degree more affordable.

Top Affordable Health Information Management Bachelor's Degree Programs

Below, we highlighted the most affordable, high-quality programs for you to earn a health information technology bachelor's degree. We evaluated accreditation, tuition costs, and program reputation to help you find a degree that fits your career goals and budget.

1. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in health information management that prepares you for leadership in healthcare data, technology, and compliance. The 120-credit program covers areas like healthcare systems, information governance, and data analytics to help you build the skills employers need in hospitals, clinics, and insurance organizations.

UCF welcomes transfer students, and the program is structured so you can apply previously earned credits toward your degree. While most coursework is available online, not all electives or prerequisites may be offered in a distance-learning format, so planning ahead is important.

• Estimated tuition cost: $179 per credit hour (in-state); $769 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal aid, state grants, scholarships, and transfer student resources are available
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

2. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham offers a fully online BS in health information management that prepares students to handle medical records, health data, and information systems. You'll gain expertise in coding, compliance, electronic health records, and data governance while learning how to ensure quality and regulatory standards in healthcare organizations.

Since the program is curated for working adults who need to earn a degree online, you'll be able to balance your responsibilities along with the assignments, case studies, virtual simulations, and discussion forums. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, insurance organizations, or health IT consulting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $305 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Indiana University

Indiana University's online BS in health information management gives you the tools to manage patient data, electronic health records, and healthcare IT systems. The curriculum includes medical coding, compliance, IT systems, and data governance.

The online program allows for flexible scheduling and interactive courses while still making sure you gain real-world experience through internships. Plus, collaborative discussions will enhance your professional communication and problem-solving skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $317 per credit hour (in-state); $412 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal loans are available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online BS in health information management, that equips you to manage medical records, coding, and healthcare IT systems. Your coursework will cover compliance, electronic health records, data governance, and health IT applications, helping you build practical skills.

With the online format, you'll be able to study on your own schedule. You'll have hands-on assignments and virtual projects along with peer discussions and faculty feedback. Graduates are prepared for careers in hospital administration, health IT consulting, medical coding, and healthcare data management, ready to step into the growing healthcare technology field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs are available.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana's (USI) online BS in health information management will teach you about medical coding, electronic health records, and healthcare data systems. You'll also explore compliance, IT systems, and data governance.

USI's program includes opportunities to gain practical experience, develop professional communication abilities, and hone your problem-solving skills. Graduates can pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, insurance organizations, or health IT companies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $349 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. American Public University

American Public University (APU) provides an online BS in health information management that will prepare you to handle medical coding, electronic records, and health IT systems. The curriculum teaches compliance, data governance, and IT management in healthcare, giving you skills to meet industry standards and improve patient care.

The flexible online format allows you to study from anywhere, while the assignments, virtual case studies, and interactive discussions give practical experience and foster professional collaboration. You'll be ready for roles in hospitals, insurance organizations, clinics, and healthcare consulting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal loans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online BS in health information management for working adults seeking to advance in healthcare IT. You'll study medical coding, electronic health records, data governance, and compliance while developing the practical skills needed to manage digital health systems effectively.

The program is competency-based, which means you can progress at your own pace and apply prior knowledge. Mentored projects and virtual labs provide hands-on experience, and regular interaction with faculty supports professional growth.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,210 per six-month term
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal loans are available.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. Liberty University

Liberty University's online BS in healthcare informatics equips you to manage health data, coding, and electronic records, while building expertise in compliance, IT systems, and data governance. You'll gain practical skills to support healthcare organizations and improve operational efficiency.

The program has asynchronous courses and interactive projects. As an added bonus, a faculty mentorship will help you develop your problem-solving skills and teach you professional communication practices.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Texas State University

Texas State University offers an online BS in health information management that focuses on medical coding, electronic health records, and health IT systems. Coursework includes compliance, data governance, and IT management to prepare you for a variety of healthcare technology roles.

The program's online format allows flexibility for working students, combining hands-on projects, virtual labs, and discussion forums with faculty guidance. You'll gain practical experience while developing critical problem-solving and communication skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $404 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Wisconsin Collaborative

The University of Wisconsin Collaborative has an online BS in health information management and technology (HIMT) available as a degree completion program if you have previous college credits. The curriculum covers medical coding, electronic records, compliance, and IT systems.

The program's online format provides flexibility, while hands-on projects and virtual labs give practical experience. You'll learn how to use health IT systems to improve patient care and ensure regulatory compliance, allowing you to pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, health IT firms, and coding departments across the healthcare industry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $460 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal loans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings focus on practical factors to help you choose a high-quality program that fits your budget. We consider:

• Accreditation: We ensure that each school meets recognized standards, maintains employer trust, and makes graduates eligible for RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) certification.
• Affordability: We compare tuition and related fees to identify programs that deliver strong value.
• Program reputation: Evaluating faculty expertise, student outcomes, and partnerships that provide real-world learning opportunities ensures we suggest the best colleges to you.

Degree in Health Information Management: What You Learn

A degree in health information management teaches you to organize, secure, and analyze healthcare data while ensuring compliance with regulations. You'll study:

• medical coding
• electronic health record systems
• data analytics
• healthcare IT infrastructure

You'll also learn about privacy laws, quality assurance, and reporting standards. Beyond technical knowledge, you'll develop practical skills in problem-solving, communication, and workflow management, preparing you to support hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. By completing this degree, you'll be ready to take on roles that combine healthcare knowledge with IT expertise, ensuring accurate, efficient, and secure management of patient information.

Health Information Management Online Degree: Career Outcomes

With a health information management online degree, you can pursue roles such as health information technician, revenue cycle analyst, coding specialist, or compliance coordinator. Graduates are in demand as healthcare organizations increasingly rely on accurate digital records and data-driven decision-making.

Completing the degree also positions you for professional certifications, such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), which can enhance your credibility and open doors to leadership roles. You'll gain the skills to manage electronic health records, ensure regulatory compliance, and support efficient healthcare operations. With these skills, you'll be a valuable asset in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and other healthcare settings.

Skills and Job Outlook in Health Information Fields

When you earn a healthcare IT degree, you're preparing for an exciting career that's growing fast. With the shift to electronic health records and increasing privacy regulations, hospitals and clinics need people who can manage, secure, and analyze patient data.

You'll develop technical skills in health information systems, coding, and data governance, along with knowledge of compliance standards. Graduates can expect strong job prospects in health organizations where accurate data management is critical for patient care, reporting, and operational efficiency. With your technical expertise and regulatory knowledge, you'll be a valuable asset in the healthcare industry.

Related Programs in Healthcare and IT

If you're interested in a healthcare information technology degree, there are several related programs that may fit your goals. Degrees in health informatics, healthcare administration, and health data analytics offer similar skills in managing patient information, compliance, and digital systems.

You might also consider IT-focused programs with a healthcare specialization, which teach technology strategy, cybersecurity, and system optimization. These alternatives provide strong career flexibility, allowing you to work in hospitals, clinics, insurance firms, or public health organizations. You can find the right balance between your interests in healthcare and technology while expanding your career opportunities.

FAQs About Online Health Information Degrees

This FAQ section answers common questions about earning a health information management online degree, covering topics like program format, career paths, accreditation, and certification to help you make an informed decision about your education and future career.

Is a HIM Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

A health information management online degree can be well worth it if you want a career in healthcare data and administration. You would be in high demand for roles such as health information technician, revenue cycle analyst, and compliance coordinator.

You'll also be prepared for professional certifications like the RHIA, which can boost your earning potential and career advancement. With flexible online formats and relatively affordable tuition, you can gain valuable skills while balancing work or personal commitments.

Are Online Health Information Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, employers respect health information management online degrees from accredited institutions. Accreditation ensures your coursework meets professional standards and prepares you for certifications like the RHIA. Graduates with hands-on experience, internships, and strong technical skills in medical coding, electronic records, and compliance are well-positioned in a growing job market.

What Are the Admission Requirements?

Most online health information management programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive programs often expect a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 and might ask for your standardized test scores.

You may also need to include your transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement showing your interest in healthcare and data management. Some schools also want you to have a background in biology, computer science, or mathematics. Admissions committees look for candidates who show academic readiness, motivation, and the ability to handle online coursework, ensuring you're prepared to succeed in a health information management online degree program.

Can You Work While Completing an Online Health Information Degree?

Yes, many students successfully balance full-time work with their online health information management degree. These programs are flexible, offering asynchronous coursework that allows you to complete assignments on your own schedule.

Some programs may include synchronous sessions or virtual group projects, which can usually be scheduled outside of standard work hours. Practicums and internships are often at local healthcare facilities, so you can gain hands-on experience without disrupting your job.

Discover More Online Health Information Programs

Explore additional affordable online bachelor's and graduate programs in health information, healthcare IT, and related fields on Learn.org. These options can help you advance your career, gain specialized skills, and find the right fit for your goals.