20 Best Online Colleges for Healthcare Degrees 2027

Healthcare offers more than clinical roles, and many of its fastest-growing careers start with a degree you can earn online. Whether you want to manage a medical practice, work with patient data, or move from an RN license to a bachelor's degree, online programs let you study around your job and family commitments.

The colleges on this list offer accredited online healthcare degrees across several specialties, from health services administration to public health and nursing. Read on to compare your options and see what to look for as you narrow down the right program.

What Is an Online Healthcare Degree?

An online healthcare degree prepares you for work in the business, technical, or clinical side of the health industry. Programs are available at every level, from associate degrees and certificates to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Bachelor's programs are the most common starting point for online learners, and many are designed for students who already have some college credit or work experience.

Most online healthcare degrees fall into a few broad areas. Healthcare administration programs focus on leadership, finance, and policy, while health information management programs center on medical records, data, and compliance. Public health and health sciences degrees take a wider view of community wellness, and online nursing programs, like RN to BSN tracks, help licensed nurses build on their clinical training.

Best Online Colleges for Healthcare Degrees

These 20 schools combine strong online delivery with accredited healthcare programs in high-demand fields. Each entry highlights one or two standout programs, though many schools offer additional healthcare options.

1. University of Central Florida

At the University of Central Florida (UCF), you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration fully online. The curriculum covers healthcare finance, law, quality management, and the structure of the U.S. health system, giving you a solid foundation for entry-level management roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

UCF is one of the largest public universities in the country, and its online students get access to the same advising and career services as campus students. The university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) gives you several healthcare paths to choose from through ASU Online. The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and Policy blends management and policy coursework, while the Health Care Compliance and Regulations program prepares you to help organizations meet legal and ethical standards.

If you'd rather keep your options open, ASU's online health sciences degree offers a broader look at health and wellness. Courses run in accelerated sessions with multiple start dates each year, and ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

3. Florida International University

Florida International University's (FIU) online Bachelor of Health Services Administration is built for students who want to lead healthcare teams and organizations. Coursework explores healthcare economics, human resources, information systems, and strategic planning.

FIU Online uses the same faculty who teach on campus in Miami, and the program includes a capstone experience that ties your studies to real healthcare challenges. FIU is a public research university accredited by SACSCOC, which makes it a strong pick if you want a well-known public school at an accessible price point.

4. Old Dominion University

Through Old Dominion University (ODU), you can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a major in Health Services Administration entirely online. The program focuses on management, healthcare delivery systems, and policy, and it suits both new students and working healthcare professionals.

ODU has offered distance learning for decades, and its online students can choose from many start dates and transfer pathways. The Virginia-based public university is accredited by SACSCOC, and its healthcare programs frequently appear in national online rankings.

5. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration that mirrors the on-campus major. You'll study health economics, insurance, health law, and the management of healthcare organizations, with coursework designed for students who plan to work in administration or policy.

As part of a large public research university, World Campus gives you access to Penn State's academic resources and alumni network. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

6. University of Cincinnati Online

The University of Cincinnati's online Bachelor of Health Information Management is built for students who already hold an associate degree. Courses run in seven-week sessions, so you'll typically focus on one class at a time and can finish in about two years.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), and it prepares you for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. UC is a public research university accredited by the HLC. If you're comparing costs across schools, affordable online health information degrees can help you see the range.

7. Oregon State University Ecampus

Oregon State University's Ecampus delivers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health online, with coursework in epidemiology, health promotion, and health policy. A required 360-hour internship gives you practical experience at an approved site, which can help you stand out when you apply for jobs.

Oregon State is a public research university known for its long-standing online programs. It holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and its College of Public Health and Human Sciences also offers an online Master of Public Health if you plan to continue your education.

8. University of Texas at Arlington

If you're already a registered nurse, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers one of the largest online RN to BSN programs in the country. The program focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health, building on the clinical skills you already have.

UTA's online nursing courses follow a flexible schedule with multiple start dates, which makes it easier to keep working while you study. The university is accredited by SACSCOC, and a BSN can open doors to leadership roles and graduate programs. You can also compare other online RN to BSN programs to find the right schedule.

9. Ohio University

Ohio University's online RN to BSN program is another strong option for licensed nurses who want to earn a bachelor's degree. You can complete coursework on a part-time schedule, and the curriculum covers topics like health assessment, nursing research, and population health.

The program is designed for working nurses, so you won't need to leave your job to finish your degree. Ohio University is a public institution accredited by the HLC, and it has offered online nursing education for years.

10. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers online bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration and health information management. Both programs are designed for working adults and focus on practical skills you can use right away, such as budgeting, data management, and regulatory compliance.

UMGC grew out of the University of Maryland's mission to serve adult and military students, and it accepts a generous amount of transfer credit. The public university is accredited by MSCHE.

11. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is a fully online public university, and its Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management is one of its most popular programs. You'll learn about healthcare operations, finance, and quality improvement, with options to tailor your studies through specializations.

CSU Global also offers an online health sciences degree if you want a broader foundation. Classes start monthly and run in eight-week terms, and the university is accredited by the HLC.

12. Charter Oak State College

Connecticut's Charter Oak State College was created to help adults finish their degrees, and it offers online majors in health care administration and health information management. Both programs build on transfer credit, prior learning, and professional experience, so you may be able to finish faster than at a traditional school.

As a public online college, Charter Oak focuses on flexibility and affordability. It holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

13. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers online healthcare degrees in healthcare administration, health information management, and nursing. Its competency-based model lets you move through material as quickly as you can master it, which can save both time and money.

WGU's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and its health information management degree carries CAHIIM accreditation. The nonprofit university holds institutional accreditation from NWCCU.

14. Southern New Hampshire University

With healthcare administration, public health, and health science bachelor's degrees available online, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) gives you plenty of room to explore. Courses run in eight-week terms, and you can start several times a year.

SNHU is a private nonprofit university known for supporting adult learners, with generous transfer credit policies and dedicated academic advisors. It's accredited by NECHE, and several employers partner with the school, so you might find companies that offer free tuition with SNHU.

15. Liberty University

Liberty University offers online bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration and public health, both delivered in eight-week courses. The healthcare administration program covers management, finance, and ethics, while the public health degree emphasizes disease prevention and community health education.

Liberty is a private Christian university accredited by SACSCOC, and many of its online programs integrate a faith-based perspective. Online undergraduates also receive electronic textbooks at no additional cost, which helps keep your expenses down.

16. Franklin University

Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, has built its programs around working adults, and its online healthcare offerings include bachelor's degrees in healthcare management and health information management. Courses are taught by practitioners who bring real-world industry experience to the virtual classroom.

Franklin accepts a high number of transfer credits and offers flexible six- and 12-week course formats. The nonprofit university is accredited by the HLC.

17. Bellevue University

Bellevue University's online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management prepares you to supervise departments and improve operations in healthcare settings. Courses cover healthcare law, finance, quality management, and leadership.

Bellevue has served adult learners online for decades, and its program works well if you're transferring from a community college or bringing work experience. The Nebraska-based nonprofit holds accreditation from the HLC.

18. Excelsior University

Excelsior University's online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is designed with working healthcare professionals in mind. If you've earned credentials as a respiratory therapist, radiologic technologist, or other allied health worker, the program can help you turn that training into a bachelor's degree.

Excelsior is known for accepting transfer credit and recognizing prior learning, which can shorten your path to graduation. The private nonprofit university is accredited by MSCHE.

19. Herzing University

Herzing University offers online bachelor's degrees in health information management and healthcare administration, along with associate and certificate options. Programs are career-focused and designed to help you move into roles like health information manager or practice administrator.

Herzing has campuses across the country, but its online programs give you the flexibility to study from anywhere. The private nonprofit university is accredited by the HLC.

20. Capella University

At Capella University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration online through either a structured schedule or the self-paced FlexPath format. FlexPath lets you complete courses on your own timeline, which can help if you have experience in the field.

Capella also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences for students who want a broader healthcare background. Capella is a for-profit university accredited by the HLC.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Every school was also checked for current online healthcare program offerings.

Rankings reflect a mix of program quality and practical fit for online learners. The following criteria shaped our final list:

• Accreditation: Every school holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Online availability: Featured programs can be completed online, with only internships or practicums requiring in-person time.
• Career alignment: Programs were chosen for their connection to in-demand roles in healthcare management, health information, public health, and nursing.
• Student outcomes: Graduation rates, flexibility for working adults, and transfer credit policies were considered alongside program quality.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an Online Healthcare Degree Program?

Your coursework depends on your specialty, but most online healthcare degrees share a core set of topics. You can expect classes in medical terminology, healthcare ethics, the U.S. health system, and health policy. Many programs also include statistics, research methods, and communication courses that help you work with patients, providers, and data.

From there, your major shapes the rest of your studies. Healthcare administration students take courses in finance, human resources, and strategic planning, while health information management students focus on coding systems, data security, and electronic health records. Public health programs cover epidemiology and health promotion, and RN to BSN tracks emphasize leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health nursing.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Healthcare Degree Online?

A bachelor's degree in healthcare typically takes about four years of full-time study, or 120 credits. If you transfer in an associate degree or significant college credit, you might finish in two years or less. Accelerated eight-week terms and competency-based formats can speed things up even more.

Degree completion programs move faster by design. Many RN to BSN programs take 12 to 18 months, and bachelor's completion programs in health information management or health sciences often take about two years for students with an associate degree. Applying accelerated college credits from exams or prior learning can shorten your timeline further.

How Much Does an Online Healthcare Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online bachelor's degree in healthcare often falls between about $30,000 and $60,000, depending on the school and your residency status. Public universities tend to cost less, especially for in-state students, while private schools may charge more per credit. Competency-based programs like WGU's can come in lower if you move quickly.

Your final cost also depends on how many credits you transfer, whether you need textbooks or technology, and what financial aid you receive. Completion programs like RN to BSN tracks usually cost less overall because they require fewer credits. Comparing per-credit rates and required fees at each school will give you the clearest picture.

Financial Aid for Online Healthcare Degrees

Most online healthcare students qualify for some form of financial assistance. Here are the main options to consider as you plan your budget:

• Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA can qualify you for Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Many online colleges that accept FAFSA offer healthcare programs.
• Scholarships: Professional associations, hospitals, and schools award scholarships to healthcare students. Browsing scholarships for online students can turn up options you might miss otherwise.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many hospitals and health systems help pay for job-related degrees. Checking which companies offer tuition reimbursement can help you find a workplace that supports your education.
• Military benefits: GI Bill and tuition assistance programs can cover a large share of costs. Several schools on this list, including UMGC and CSU Global, have long histories of serving military students.
• Nursing-specific aid: Federal and state programs offer loan repayment or scholarships for nurses who commit to working in high-need areas. These programs can be especially helpful for RN to BSN students.

How To Choose the Right Online Healthcare Degree

With so many healthcare specialties and online formats, choosing a program takes some planning. These factors can help you compare schools and find the best fit.

Program Accreditation

Institutional accreditation matters for every school, but some healthcare fields also have program-level accreditors. Look for CAHIIM accreditation in health information management, CCNE or similar accreditation in nursing, and Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) recognition in public health if you plan to pursue certification or graduate school.

Career Goals

Think about where you want to work before you pick a major. If you see yourself in a leadership role, healthcare administration may be a good fit, while health information management suits detail-oriented students who enjoy data and technology. A public health or health sciences degree can work well if you want a broader foundation before specializing.

In-Person Requirements

Some online healthcare programs include internships, practicums, or clinical hours. Ask whether you can complete these near home and how much time they'll require. If you need a fully remote option, online degrees without clinicals may be the way to go.

Transfer Credit Policies

Many healthcare students already have college credit or professional training. Schools with generous transfer policies, like Charter Oak, Excelsior, and UMGC, can help you avoid repeating courses. Reviewing online colleges that accept transfer credits can help you find the most efficient path.

Career Outlook With an Online Healthcare Degree

Medical and health services managers earn a median annual wage of $123,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These professionals plan and coordinate services in hospitals, physician practices, nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Employment in this field is projected to grow 24% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. BLS expects about 62,300 openings each year, and a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level requirement. Pairing an online degree with work experience in a healthcare setting can help you move into these roles.

FAQs About the Best Online Colleges for Healthcare Degrees

Online healthcare programs raise some unique questions, especially when it comes to clinical training and career prep. These answers can help you plan your next steps.

Can You Earn a Healthcare Degree Online Without Clinicals?

Yes, many healthcare degrees don't require clinical hours. Healthcare administration, health information management, and many health sciences programs can be completed fully online, though some include an internship or capstone project. Clinical requirements mainly apply to hands-on fields like nursing, respiratory therapy, and medical assisting.

Can You Become a Registered Nurse Entirely Online?

Not quite. You can take much of your nursing coursework online, but prelicensure programs require in-person labs and supervised clinical hours before you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. RN to BSN programs, like those at UTA and Ohio University, are mostly online because they're designed for nurses who already hold a license.

What Is the Easiest Healthcare Degree To Earn Online?

Healthcare administration and health sciences are often considered more approachable because they don't require advanced science courses or clinical hours. That said, the best fit depends on your strengths and goals. Exploring easier online healthcare administration degrees can give you a sense of what to expect.

Is an Online Healthcare Degree Respected by Employers?

Most employers view accredited online degrees the same as on-campus degrees, especially when they come from established universities. Your diploma typically doesn't say whether you studied online. Choosing a regionally accredited school, and a program with field-specific accreditation when it applies, gives you the strongest credentials.

Can You Get a Healthcare Job With an Online Associate Degree?

Yes, an associate degree can qualify you for roles like medical records technician, medical coder, or health information technician. Many students start with an associate degree, gain experience, and then return for a bachelor's degree later. Several schools on this list, including Herzing, offer associate options that transfer smoothly into bachelor's programs.

Find the Best Online Healthcare Degree for You

An online healthcare degree can help you move into a growing field without putting your career or family life on hold. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admissions, costs, and financial aid.