5 Affordable Online DHA (Doctor of Healthcare Administration) 2025

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) degrees are meant for healthcare professionals who want to further their careers and take on leadership roles. Some schools offer these online so professionals can continue working while finishing their higher education.

Many students are hesitant about earning a doctorate because of the high cost, but there are several institutions with affordable tuition rates. Keep reading to discover affordable online DHA programs.

What Is an Online Doctor of Healthcare Administration?

A Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree is a terminal degree, meaning it's the highest degree you can earn in the field. It focuses on training students to become administrators and supervisors in healthcare organizations and settings.

Earning an online DHA allows students to work or take care of other responsibilities while they're in school. In these programs, courses are offered virtually, although some may require internships or other in-person experiences.

How Much Does an Online DHA Program Cost?

The cost of an online DHA can range anywhere from less than $500 per credit to over $1,000. The total cost depends on multiple factors, including the school you choose, your state of residence, how many credit hours you need, and what financial aid you qualify for.

Many schools offer fellowships and assistantships to help doctoral students pay for their degrees. Contact your school's financial aid office to see what options are available to you, such as grants and scholarships.

Cheapest Online DHA Programs

While DHA online programs aren't the most common, a handful of schools do offer this option. Of these, a few charge affordable tuition rates. We've highlighted some of the cheapest online DHA programs below.

1. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a public research university in Stillwater, OK. It offers a DHA online that creates graduates with a high degree of technical competence, coupled with leadership and emotional intelligence skills.

The 62-credit degree program includes coursework on healthcare leadership, public health, healthcare policy, and more. Students also get to choose electives in areas like human resources in healthcare and healthcare ethics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $489 per credit (in-state); $530 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: OSU accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of North Florida

At the University of North Florida (UNF), students can earn a DHA primarily online. This is a 48-credit program that covers topics like healthcare informatics, population health, evidence-based decision making, and more.

UNF, a public research university, is located in Jacksonville, FL. It requires students to attend on campus once per semester and also requires a doctoral research project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $493.53 per credit (in-state); $1,044.24 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UNF accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Franklin University

Franklin University offers a DHA degree online. Franklin is a private, nonprofit university in Columbus, OH, that's geared primarily toward adult learners.

The DHA is 60 credits and offers optional focus areas, like health informatics, human resources, and public administration. Students are required to take courses on research methods and complete a dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $748 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Franklin offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Central Michigan University

The online DHA at Central Michigan University (CMU) prepares students for leadership roles within the healthcare industry. Courses cover topics like healthcare systems, quality patient care, strategic planning for healthcare organizations, and healthcare management.

CMU, located in Mount Pleasant, MI, is a public research university. Courses for this 63-credit program are internet-based, but students must come to campus for six healthcare seminars throughout the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $929 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: CMU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. National University

National University is a private, nonprofit institution in San Diego. It offers a DHA online that teaches students how to navigate legal and ethical issues in the industry, understand the impact of policy, and develop evidence-based strategies.

The program is 60 credits and includes core courses on quality health services, evidence-based decision making, health systems, and quantitative research. Students conclude the program with a doctoral research project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $949 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: National accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

Other Affordable Online Doctoral Degrees in Healthcare Administration

In addition to the schools above, some institutions also offer doctoral degrees in healthcare administration that are not DHA programs. We've listed a few affordable options for these types of doctorates below.

Belhaven University

Students at Belhaven University can earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in health administration online. This is for those who want to focus on the business aspects of the healthcare system.

Belhaven, a private Christian school, is located in Jackson, MS. Students pursuing this health administration degree take the business core as well as courses on healthcare policy, healthcare informatics, and strategic healthcare management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $635 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Belhaven accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

William Carey University

William Carey University (WCU) offers a hybrid Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health administration and education. WCU is a private Christian university in Hattiesburg, MS.

This program prepares healthcare professionals to become educators, administrators, and healthcare researchers. It requires at least 60 credit hours, including a dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $640 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: WCU offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Indiana Wesleyan University

The online DBA at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers a specialization in healthcare administration. It includes courses on global health, strategic planning, and healthcare innovation.

IWU, located in Marion, IN, is a private Christian school. The 60-credit healthcare administration program includes three on-campus residencies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $665 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Financial aid: IWU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the healthcare administration degrees for this list, our methodology focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: Every program is less than $1,000 per credit for in-state students, and many charge less for out-of-state students as well.
• Program reputation: Each school on this list is non-profit and known for offering high-quality programs.

What To Expect From a Doctor of Healthcare Administration Online Program

The admissions requirements for a DHA usually include a master's degree and a minimum GPA. You may also need to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), provide letters of recommendation, or have healthcare work experience.

Once in the program, you'll take courses focused on healthcare administration. You may be required to complete an internship or research project.

Most DHA programs require around 60 credit hours. They typically take three to four years to complete.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online DHA Programs

Earning a DHA is a big decision. We've answered some frequently asked questions about online DHAs to help you make the best choice for your future.

Is Doing an Online DHA Program Worth It?

For many students, an online DHA is worth it. These programs can help you reach your career goals and also help you develop leadership skills and competencies in decision-making, critical thinking, and research.

How Long Does a DHA Program Take To Complete?

Most DHA programs take three to four years of full-time study to complete. Some programs offer part-time schedules, which take longer but are less intensive.

What Can You Do With a Doctor of Healthcare Administration Degree?

DHAs prepare students to become healthcare leaders. You can pursue roles like health systems administrator, hospital program director, or healthcare executive.

Can I Work While I Complete an Online DHA Program?

Most colleges that offer DHA programs online design them so students can work while going to school. If you're concerned about doing both at the same time, speak to your admissions counselor or program coordinator.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Find the perfect DHA online by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.