7 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in New York

New York students can find many affordable online human resources degrees in-state, and some residents may qualify for free tuition through financial aid.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New York is one of the top states for human resource specialists and managers. HR professionals can work in a range of industries, including business, healthcare, and tech. In New York, advanced HR professionals often have a median annual salary of over six figures.

Human resource professionals usually need at least a bachelor's degree in HR management, or a related field, but many students have a hard time finding the time or the money for higher education. Luckily, numerous schools offer low-cost online human resources degrees. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online human resources degrees in New York.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in New York

New York already offers lower-than-average tuition, but in-state students with a household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $125,000 or less may qualify for free tuition under the state's Excelsior Scholarship Program. It offers free tuition to eligible undergraduates studying at public New York institutions.

Additionally, several affordable online colleges in New York offer low tuition rates or comprehensive financial aid for distance learners. Below, we've highlighted some affordable online human resources degree programs in New York. All programs listed hold regional accreditation.

1. Empire State University

Empire State University is a public institution in Saratoga Springs, NY, and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It offers most of its degree programs online, including a Bachelor of Science (BS) in human resource management (HRM). This program covers topics such as:

  • employment law
  • HR information systems
  • organizational behavior
  • training and development

Because SUNY Empire is a public university, in-state students may qualify to have their tuition covered under the Excelsior Scholarship. Without financial aid, this online degree costs $295 per credit hour.

2. Excelsior University

At Excelsior University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in business with a concentration in management of human resources or a Master of Science in management with a specialization in HR management. Excelsior is a private, nonprofit school that offers exclusively online programs.

The bachelor's degree includes core business courses, as well as coursework on managing diversity, labor relations, and organizational leadership. It costs $510 per credit hour, and students can use state or institutional financial aid to help fund their program.

The online master's degree has 21 credits focused on overall management, and an additional nine credits covering staffing, development, compensation/benefits, employee relations, and conflict resolution. The tuition rate is $715 per credit hour.

3. New York University

New York University is one of the most well-known private institutions in the country. It's based in New York City and offers an online bachelor's degree in leadership and management with a concentration in human resource management through its School of Professional Studies.

This HR degree features courses on talent acquisition, professional development, and performance analysis. It costs $18,564 per semester, however, students with a family income of $100,000 or less may qualify to have their full costs covered under the NYU Promise.

The School of Professional Studies also offers an online MS in human resource management and development with four concentrations: global talent management, human capital management, development and executive coaching, and organizational effectiveness. It costs $24,102 per semester and several financial aid options are available.

4. St. Joseph's University, New York

St. Joseph's University, New York, a private Catholic school, has two locations in New York City � one in Brooklyn and another on Long Island. This nonprofit institution offers a BS in human resources and an MS in management with a specialization in human resources management online.

The bachelor's degree covers employment law, talent management, and training and development. It costs $780 per credit hour and allows students to use federal and state financial aid programs.

In the master's program, online learners learn many of the same topics as the bachelor's; however, the core curriculum covers overall management concepts. This program costs $860 per credit hour before financial aid.

5. State University of New York Brockport

The State University of New York Brockport offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in human resource management. The public university is based in Brockport, NY.

In this human resource management program, students will study topics like employment law and project management and also complete an internship. The cost is $7,070 per year for in-state, full-time students before aid like the Excelsior Scholarship has been applied.

6. State University of New York at Delhi

Based in Delhi, NY, the State University of New York at Delhi is a public college offering a Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management. This program includes coursework on:

  • conflict resolution
  • international HR management
  • labor relations
  • organizational development

The degree includes a capstone course in HR management. The tuition rate is $295 per credit hour, plus students may qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship or other financial aid to significantly reduce or completely cover the cost of their online learning.

7. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University System has campuses around the world, but its home base is in New York City. Through the Worldwide campus, online students can earn a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management with a specialization in HRM or a Master of Science in HRM from this private, nonprofit Jewish institution.

The bachelor's degree starts with core business courses followed by courses on employment law, performance management, organizational planning, and training and development. Tuition is $400 per credit hour before financial aid.

The master's human resources management degree offers three concentrations: training and development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and employee engagement and total rewards. It costs $500 per credit hour.

FAQs About Online Colleges With HR Programs

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

Is an Online Human Resources Degree Worth It?

While everyone has a different definition of ''worth it,'' most students find online HR degrees to be a flexible way to achieve their career goals. An online HR degree not only teaches fundamental skills in conflict resolution and decision-making but can lead to roles like:

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

Note that some roles may require a more advanced degree, and others may require a credential from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Human Resources Degree in New York?

In New York, online bachelor's degrees in human resources range from $295 to over $1,000 per credit hour; master's degrees are more expensive, ranging from $470 to over $2,000 per credit hour.

Several factors can affect how much you'll pay in tuition. These include not just what school you choose, but whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, whether you study full-time or part-time, and if you already have an associate degree or transfer credits.

Additionally, financial aid can significantly lower your costs. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what options they qualify for.

What Degree Is Best for Human Resources?

Bachelor's degrees in human resources are the best option for those who want to become HR professionals. These degrees can lead to a variety of entry-level HR roles. For a stronger business or management background, choose programs with one of those majors and a concentration in HR.

A bachelor's degree is usually enough to get you into the field of HR, but more advanced roles may require master's degrees. Some professionals even pursue doctoral degrees, although these are usually for those who want to go into research.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees and Enroll Today

Start your journey toward a career in HR by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today to get more information on admissions, enrollment, and student aid.