Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in Washington

If you're interested in a career in human resources management (HRM), you probably know that a degree can improve your chances of finding entry-level and advanced positions. But you're concerned about being able to afford college. Are there any schools in your home state that provide low-cost HR degrees online?

Read on for information about affordable online colleges in Washington and to learn about the HR programs they offer. We'll also look at some top out-of-state programs to consider and answer some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in Washington

As an aspiring human resources professional, it's important to choose an online bachelor's HR program, or a master's degree, that aligns with the standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Below, we'll look at two in-state schools in Washington that provide accredited HR management programs that meet these standards and won't break the bank.

1. Central Washington University

Central Washington University is a public school located in Ellensburg. It has an enrollment of around 12,000 students. The school offers various asynchronous online classes and degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a specialization in human resource management.

This degree completion program is designed to help part-time and full-time students finish their HR education in a timely manner. The program costs $2,410 per quarter for full-time students; for part-time students, the per-credit-hour rate depends on number of credits taken but goes down from $482. Various financial aid and scholarship options are available to help students pay for their degrees.

2. City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle is a private, nonprofit school affiliated with the National University System � it enrolls around 6,700 students. Graduate students attending this school can pursue a Master of Science in human resources management.

This online degree helps students improve their decision-making and organizational leadership skills preparing them for advanced careers. Courses culminate with a capstone project so students can demonstrate their mastery. The program costs $745 per credit hour, but the school offers scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and partnerships to make college more affordable and accessible for all students.

Other Affordable Online Human Resources Programs

The great thing about online programs is that you can complete the coursework from anywhere. Read on for information about some top out-of-state human resources management programs available for online learners throughout the U.S.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a popular private school with its headquarters in Millcreek, UT. It provides exclusively online degrees to nearly 157,000 students. The university's School of Business provides bachelor's and master's degrees in human resource management that cover topics like:

• talent management
• employment law
• performance management
• organizational development

These programs feature competency-based material that enables highly motivated or experienced students to progress through their classes quickly. This school charges per six-month term instead of per credit hour; the bachelor's degree costs $3,755 per term and the master's degree costs $4,755 per term. Students can save money on their degree by taking heavy courseloads, utilizing transfer credit opportunities, and applying for scholarships and financial aid.

2. Avila University

Avila University is a small Catholic school located in Kansas City. The private, not-for-profit university enrolls around 1,500 students. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in human resources and a Master of Business Administration in strategic human resources.

These flexible programs cover numerous topics to help students learn to maintain and improve employee relations and handle staffing and retention issues. The bachelor's and master's programs cost $290 and $600 per credit hour, respectively. In addition to scholarships and financial aid options, the school offers a generous transfer policy and enables students to pay for one course at a time � making the programs more accessible for many nontraditional students.

3. Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public school in Americus, GA. It provides affordable online and on-campus degrees for around 2,800 students. A top-ranking Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management is available for online learners interested in improving their business management skills from an HR standpoint.

This degree costs just $199 per credit hour and a variety of financial aid options (e.g., scholarships, grants, and student loans) can help students cut costs even further. The program helps students to understand a company's human capital, how to draft effective policies, and how to develop project management skills.

4. Athens State University

Athens State University is a public college located in Athens, AL. The school provides upper-division undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees to around 3,500 students.

Those interested in human resources can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in human resource management and an online Master of Science in strategic human resource management. The programs prepare students to work in many settings like business, healthcare, government, and nonprofit agencies.

The undergrad program costs $256 per credit hour and the graduate program costs $369 per credit hour. Students can take advantage of various financial aid opportunities to help them save even more money on their education.

5. Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a small private school located in Winfield, KS. About 1,900 students attend this school, with many of them obtaining their degrees online. Students here can obtain an online bachelor's degree in human resource management and development.

The program provides an understanding of HR methodologies from various perspectives, helping students to learn key organizational development skills. Standard tuition costs $336 per credit hour for this program, but financial aid options, such as tuition discounts for eligible students, scholarships, and grants, are available. Students can also take advantage of a generous transfer policy to gain credit for previous college and life experiences.

FAQs About Online HR Degrees

If you are still wondering about pursuing higher education online and becoming an HR professional, you're not alone. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Worth It?

Getting an online human resources management degree can pay off in a big way. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources managers are in high demand and receive a high average annual salary for their expertise. What's more, the HR field is growing at a faster-than-average rate, so those in the field experience a fair amount of job security.

What Can You Do with an Online Human Resources Degree?

There are many career opportunities for those holding a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources. Some of the job titles to consider include:

• training and development manager
• compensation and benefits manager
• labor relations manager
• HR specialist
• talent acquisition specialist

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

The cost of your degree will vary depending on where you go to school, the degree level you're seeking, and how many transfer credits you have. Tuition rates for the programs in this article range from $199 to $482 per credit hour for online bachelor's degrees and from $369 to $745 for online master's degrees. Bear in mind that this only accounts for tuition costs, not any other college expenses you may incur.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to start your journey to becoming a human resources professional, explore the colleges and universities here on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions office at any of the schools to learn more about their programs and find the right one for you.