7 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in New Jersey

A human resources degree can lead to careers in fields like business, healthcare, retail, and tech, but the cost of higher education can be prohibitive for some students. Luckily, there are affordable online colleges in New Jersey that can help learners obtain their HR degree in a flexible format.

The Garden State also offers financial aid options to help make college a reality for many students. Keep reading to discover affordable online human resources degrees in New Jersey.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in New Jersey

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, New Jersey has some of the highest tuition rates in the nation. Despite this, several colleges and universities in this state, and other surrounding states, offer affordable online human resources degree programs.

Additionally, the New Jersey College Promise allows students with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of under $65,000 to attend public institutions for free. This is a two-part program; the first part, the Community College Opportunity Grant, covers the cost of an associate degree, while the second part, the Garden State Guarantee, covers the final two years of a bachelor's degree at a four-year public school in the state.

Below, we've highlighted affordable online human resource programs and those that accept the New Jersey College Promise.

1. Caldwell University

Caldwell University is a private, nonprofit Catholic school in Caldwell, NJ. It offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in human resource management that includes courses on:

• employment law
• organizational behavior
• organizational leadership
• strategic HR management

The university charges a tuition rate of $735 per credit hour for this program. Caldwell also offers numerous scholarships to help students pay for their programs.

2. Kean University

At Kean University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in management with a specialization in human resource management online. This program includes coursework on employment law, compensation management, and negotiation strategies.

The public university is based in Union, NJ. It charges an online tuition rate of $460.83 per credit or a flat rate of $5,929.35 per semester for full-time students, regardless of the state of residency. Additionally, students may qualify for financial aid, like the New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and the Garden State Guarantee.

3. Montclair State University

Montclair State University offers two graduate degrees for those interested in HR: an MBA with a concentration in HR management and a Master of Science in human resource analytics. The institution, based in Montclair, NJ, is a public research university.

The MBA program provides a strong foundation in business with additional courses on talent management, project management, and strategic HR management. This program costs $812.74 per credit hour.

In the online master's degree in HR analytics, students cover many of the same HR courses as the MBA, with additional courses in data science and information systems. The tuition rate is $858 per credit hour.

4. Rutgers University

Rutgers University, nestled in New Brunswick, NJ, is a public research institution and the largest university in the state. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in business administration (BBA) with a specialization in strategic human resource management, as well as a professional master's in HR management.

The BBA includes courses on organizational development and talent management. The university also offers a closely related degree, an online Bachelor of Science in labor and employment relations, which focuses on topics like employment law. Both degrees cost $640 per credit, and many students can attend the school for free through financial aid programs at Rutgers.

The human resource management master's degree covers topics like employment law, training and development, and organizational management. The tuition rate is $12,264 per semester for in-state residents.

5. Saint Peter's University

Students at Saint Peter's University can earn an online MBA with a concentration in human resources management. This program includes courses on:

• general HR
• employment law
• negotiation and conflict resolution
• organizational leadership

The Catholic university is located in Jersey City, NJ. It charges a tuition rate of $850 per credit hour for this HR degree.

6. Thomas Edison State University

At Thomas Edison State University, online students can earn a bachelor's degree in human resources management/organizational management or a master's degree in human resources management. The public university, based in Trenton, specializes in offering on-campus and online programs to adult students.

In the bachelor's program, online learners study organizational behavior and theory, as well as the fundamentals of human resources. It costs $3,419 per semester for a full-time enrollment, but students can use the Garden State Guarantee.

The master's degree provides a more in-depth look into the human resources field, with courses on staffing and talent acquisition, performance management, and employment law. It costs $675 per credit hour.

7. William Paterson University

Located in Wayne, NJ, is William Paterson University, a public school. It offers an online MBA with a specialization in HR management.

This human resource management program covers organizational leadership and development, employment law, and crisis management. The university charges $595 per credit hour for this program.

FAQs About Online HR Programs

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

What Can You Do With an Online Human Resources Degree?

There are many different things you can do with an online human resources degree. These include jobs like:

• compensation and benefits manager
• human resources manager
• human resources specialist
• training and development consultant
• union representative

Note that some of these roles may require completing an advanced degree or certificate program, and some may require a credential from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many career options above have an average annual salary of over $100,000, especially for management positions.

Is an Online Human Resources Degree Worth It?

Many students find an online human resources degree to be worth it. These degrees offer a flexible route to becoming a human resources professional.

An undergraduate degree will often lead to entry-level roles in the field, while a master's degree or certification can lead to more advanced roles. You typically will not need a doctoral degree unless you plan to go into research or academia.

What Is the Average Cost of a Human Resources Degree in New Jersey?

Of the bachelor's degree programs listed above, most range between $400 and $600 per credit hour, while master's degrees range between $600 and $900. However, the cost of your degree will depend on multiple factors, such as:

• what school you choose
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• if you have transfer credits
• what financial aid you qualify for

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help them pay for online school, even if they don't think they'll qualify for much.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to begin your journey toward becoming an HR professional, check out the accredited colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today for more information on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid opportunities for online learners.