6 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in Minnesota

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for human resource specialists are expected to increase by 8% over the next decade. Most of these roles require at least a bachelor's degree in human resources management, or a related field.

Although higher education can be expensive, multiple Minnesota colleges and universities offer affordable HR degree programs online. Keep reading to discover some low-cost online human resource degrees in Minnesota.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota is one of several states that have committed to making college affordable for everyone. One way it does this is through the North Star Promise, which provides free tuition to in-state students if their adjusted gross income is under $80,000 and if they study at a public college or university.

There are also a handful of private colleges and universities that offer affordable tuition or extensive financial aid programs. Below, we've listed affordable online colleges in Minnesota that offer human resources degrees. All schools listed hold regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public institution in Bemidji, MN. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resources management that includes courses on:

• compensation and benefits
• diversity and inclusion
• employment and labor relations
• training and development

In-state students pay a tuition rate of $313.55 per credit hour for part-time enrollment and $4,497 per semester when enrolled full-time. Because Bemidji State is public, qualifying students can use the North Star Promise here.

2. Concordia University St. Paul

At Concordia University, St. Paul, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in HR management online. CSP is a private, nonprofit Christian university in Saint Paul, MN.

The bachelor's degree offers areas of emphasis in organizational development, strategic compensation systems, and strategic human resources. It costs $420 per credit hour, and financial aid options are available to help students cover the cost of their degrees.

The master's degree offers specializations in compensation, ethical and legal issues, organizational development, and recruitment. It's slightly more, at $475 per credit, and again, financial aid is available to students.

3. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University offers an online bachelor's degree program in human resource management. This program includes coursework on compensation, development and training, employment law, and staffing.

Metro State is a public university based in Saint Paul, MN. It charges $285.70 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, and qualifying students can use the North Star Promise.

4. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a private catholic school in Winona, MN. It offers an online bachelor's and master's degree in HR management.

The bachelor's program covers employee engagement, employee relations, organizational leadership, and performance management. It is a degree completion program meant for those who already have an associate degree or a sufficient number of college credits. It costs $430 per credit hour, but several scholarships and other types of financial aid are available.

The online master's degree costs $730 per credit, and financial aid is available for graduate students as well. It covers competencies like employment law and training and development.

5. Southwest Minnesota State University

Students at Southwest Minnesota State University can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in HR management and a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in HR management. SMSU is a public university in Marshall, MN.

The BS includes coursework on compensation and benefits, staffing management, and training and development. Tuition costs $305 per credit hour, and students can use the North Star Promise here.

The MBA program provides a firm foundation in business with additional courses for HR professionals. It costs $503 per credit hour.

6. Winona State University

Winona State University offers an online bachelor's degree in human resources management. It offers real-world learning on topics like organizational behavior, labor relations, and staffing and evaluation.

Minnesota residents pay $277.40 per credit hour if they study part-time or $4,193.75 per semester if they take on a full-time course load. Online learners may qualify for the North Star Promise, allowing them to avoid taking out student loans.

Other Affordable Online Human Resources Programs

The programs listed above are excellent options for Minnesota students who want to become human resource specialists or managers. However, there are several other online programs around the country that offer affordable tuition options. We've highlighted a few below.

1. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University is a public institution in Dickinson, ND. It offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in HR management that includes coursework on:

• compensation management
• labor relations
• organizational behavior
• staffing and workforce diversity

Dickinson State offers in-state tuition to all students, regardless of what state they live in. Undergraduate programs cost $249 per credit, whether you study online or in person.

2. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, students can earn an online BBA in HR management. UW-Platteville is a public university in Platteville, WI.

The online human resource management program covers topics like international human resources, employee and labor relations, and talent acquisition and retention. This degree costs $384.95 per credit hour, with no out-of-state tuition fees for online students.

FAQs About Online HR Degrees

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online HR programs.

How Much Does an Online Human Resources Degree Cost?

The cost of an online HR degree depends on several factors, including:

• the level of degree you're earning
• whether your school is public or private
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state resident
• if you have transfer credits
• what financial aid you qualify for

Students eligible for the North Star Promise may not have to pay anything in tuition costs. Otherwise, online bachelor's degrees in HR range from $285 to $430 per credit in Minnesota.

What Degree is Best for Human Resources?

There are a few options that can work well for those pursuing HR roles. The first option is a human resources degree program. This program provides a foundation in HR in core courses, with electives on various HR topics.

You can also look for business administration or management majors with concentrations in human resources. These provide both courses in the major and those specifically focused on HR management.

Most roles in HR departments require a bachelor's degree, but some may require a master's degree.

What Can You Do With an Online Human Resource Management Degree?

An HR degree teaches students not only the basics of managing human resources within businesses but also helps them develop skills like conflict resolution and decision-making. An HR management degree can lead to numerous career opportunities, such as:

• benefits manager
• human resource manager
• human resource specialist
• talent acquisition specialist
• training consultant

Note that some roles may require an advanced degree, and others may require you to hold a credential through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Explore Online Degree Programs and Apply Today

If you're ready to start your journey toward becoming a human resource professional, check out the accredited online colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.