Navigating the Costs of the UCLA Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Program

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) offers an online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program designed to equip healthcare administrators with the skills to maximize their impact. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UCLA online MHA program's costs, financial aid options, and other financial considerations for prospective students.

Program Overview

The UCLA online MHA program can be completed in two years and includes a curriculum that draws from healthcare, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and data analytics. The program focuses on leadership, business, and analytical skills. The MHA program outcomes focus on effective strategic marketing in healthcare, ethical and legal considerations, and improving the performance of healthcare organizations through management theory. A capstone project and two required on-campus immersions provide hands-on experiences and networking opportunities. Through the capstone project, students work with an approved healthcare organization to solve a real-life organizational or management problem in healthcare, concluding with a report and presentation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the UCLA online MHA must have at least three years of professional work experience in any field. Prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Application materials include an online application and fee, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a personal statement, a professional resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Study Plan and Curriculum

The online MHA begins four times yearly in the summer, fall, winter, and spring. Courses run on a quarter system with four ten-week terms per year. Part-time students can take one course at a time and complete the program in four years. Students can also switch between part-time and full-time. The University of California Los Angeles online MHA comprises 66 credits.

Online Experience and On-Site Requirements

UCLA Fielding School of Public Health offers online MHA courses through Bruin Learn, its learning management system (LMS) built on Canvas. Online graduate students can access the Graduate Student Resource Center, the digital library, technical support, and the Graduate Writing Center. Faculty and advisors are also frequently available to answer questions and help students. The program includes two 3½-day campus immersions at the UCLA campus in California and around Los Angeles. The first immersion focuses on professional development and project management and includes health center visits and time with faculty, peers, and MHA alumni. The second immersion prepares students for the capstone project.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Costs

Detailed Breakdown of Costs

Understanding the financial investment required for the UCLA online MHA program is crucial for prospective students. The tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, the rates for part-time students are used. The tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. The estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified.

Tuition Fees

The online MHA costs $62,700 for 66 units ($950 per unit).

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition, students should budget for:

Books and Supplies: Approximately $100 per course.
Campus Immersion Travel: Travel and accommodation for two on-campus immersive experiences.

Overall Program Cost

The UCLA online MHA program provides a convenient way to advance your healthcare career. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leadership skills, and real-world application through hands-on learning. Two on-campus immersions provide invaluable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of real-world healthcare challenges. Additionally, a capstone project allows students to apply their knowledge by working directly with a healthcare organization to address pressing issues and implement innovative solutions.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

UCLA is committed to delivering a high-quality education that empowers the next generation of healthcare leaders while providing financial aid options to support your investment.

Financial Aid Options

Online MHA students may apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UCLA school code is 001315-00. Financial aid and external scholarships are available to admitted students who complete the FAFSA application. There is a separate application for internal scholarships. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Scholarship Opportunities

Incoming and continuing students in the online MHA program can take advantage of a variety of scholarships and funding opportunities.

New Student Scholarship

One $10,000 scholarship is awarded to an incoming student each start. A completed scholarship application must be submitted to be considered for the scholarship.

External Scholarships

Students can also explore funding opportunities available from government agencies and private foundations.

Employer Discounts and Tuition Reimbursement

The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health partners with a broad range of employers through the AllCampus Workplace Network to offer eligible students and their family members a 10% tuition discount for the online MHA program. Many employers also offer their own educational benefits and professional development funds that can be utilized for tuition assistance.

To learn more about eligibility for the AllCampus Workplace Network discount or for support with navigating your employer’s education benefits, please connect with a enrollment specialist. UCLA Health employees are eligible for the AllCampus discount. All other UCLA employees are eligible for a $5,000 stipend that will be disbursed over the course of the program. Students are not eligible to receive both.

Veteran Affairs Benefits

Veterans and active-duty military can find out about their funding options from the Department of Veteran Affairs at www.va.gov. UCLA can provide assistance with applying for federal and state education benefits.

Additional Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

UCLA offers various other scholarships and funding opportunities, including:

EMPH Student Scholarships: Available annually based on need and/or merit. Interested applicants should submit their Request for Funding Statement in conjunction with their UCLA application. For priority consideration, submission is recommended by the February 1 priority deadline.
The Health Policy and Management Alumni Association (HPMAA) Scholarship: A $10,000 scholarship available to one incoming EMPH student who applies by the April 1st application deadline.
The EMPH UCLA Employee Scholarship: An annual scholarship available to UCLA employees in the amount of $2,500.
The Foster G. McGaw Scholarship: Provides financial support to graduate students in health administration. Scholarship funds are awarded each year to all AUPHA full graduate programs.
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) of Southern California Student Scholarship: Intended to support undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional talent and leadership who are seeking a future career in healthcare administration or public health.
The Levin-Gordon Executive MPH Scholarship: Provides a scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards tuition for a promising second-year student in the EMPH Program based on academic achievement.
The Lee Thomassen Healthcare Finance Fellowship: Provides financial support in the amount of $1,000 towards tuition for a promising second-year student in the EMPH Program based on academic achievement in their first year, showing exceptional promise in accounting and finance.
The Paul Torrens Scholarship: An annual student scholarship award of $10,000 to support in-state tuition and fees for a continuing second-year full-time EMPH, MPH, or MHA student in the Department of Health Policy and Management, demonstrating overall academic excellence, good standing, and leadership.

Refund Policy

For online MHA classes, the 100% refund period extends through the first two weeks of the semester. If you cancel your enrollment after the refund period, you will be required to pay the tuition and fees charges. Different policies apply for students from Maryland and Oregon.

Comparing the UCLA MHA to Other Programs

A key distinction between these degree programs lies in their primary areas of focus. A Master of Public Health (MPH) centers on broader public health issues, covering topics like healthcare policy and the social determinants of health, while a master’s in business administration (MBA) with a healthcare management concentration or specialization teaches general business management skills paired with coursework related to the healthcare industry. In contrast, the MHA specifically targets the crucial skills and knowledge that healthcare administrators need to achieve operational success. By combining elements of healthcare-specific management and policy with a focus on operations, healthcare administrators can improve the efficiency of healthcare organizations and support positive patient outcomes. Our program comparison table discusses the degrees in greater detail, including typical curriculum focuses, potential career outcomes, sought-after skills and salary prospects.

Alternatives to the UCLA Online MHA Program in California

Exploring Online MHA Programs in California offer working professionals flexibility and convenience. Several feature fully online coursework, while others have a mix of online and on-campus components. There are also accelerated MHAs that combine online coursework with weekend classes to accommodate students who would like to advance their careers as soon as possible. Many online MHA programs also allow students to specialize in areas such as clinical care management or primary care management.

University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California (USC) offers an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program for mid- to senior-level healthcare professionals looking to advance to executive roles in a flexible setting. The program combines online coursework with face-to-face seminars, focusing on leadership, healthcare policy, ethics, finance, and strategic management. The curriculum empowers professionals to immediately apply their lessons in the real world, offering instantaneous value for both students and their healthcare organization. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the EMHA can be completed in as few as six semesters. Students benefit from networking within the USC community and access to industry leaders.

Duration: Six semesters
Mode: Online with in-person seminars
Cost: $84,744
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, GPA of 3.0, Minimum of three years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility in health care

California State University-East Bay

California State University, East Bay offers a Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MS-HCA) fully online, with both synchronous and asynchronous options. The program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in healthcare, covering topics like healthcare policy, ethics, and strategic management. The MS-HCA program aligns with the Health Care Leadership Alliance’s five core competencies: communication, leadership, professionalism, healthcare environment knowledge, and business skills. These competencies translate into six program learning outcomes, equipping graduates with the ability to analyze healthcare issues, communicate effectively, build collaborative relationships, foster teamwork, uphold ethical standards, and apply business principles within the healthcare context.

Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $9,107 per year
Admissions Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA, preferred 2.75. Explain low GPA in Statement of Purpose, One to two page statement that explains career goals and suitability for the program, Two letters from academic/professional sources on official letterhead, Resume including all healthcare employment, Official transcripts to University Admissions

Career Prospects and ROI

With a Master of Healthcare Administration, you can manage healthcare operations, lead quality improvement initiatives, oversee budgets, and drive big-picture strategic change. Common roles include healthcare administrator, clinical operations manager, director of patient safety, compliance manager, and service-line director. UCLA MHA graduates work at leading organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai, Stanford Health Care, UCLA Health, and United Healthcare. Some lead departments, others manage performance improvement programs, and many advance into executive roles. The field offers job stability alongside fast industry growth: healthcare management positions are expected to grow 23% by 2034.

Salary Growth

Healthcare administrators with an advanced degree saw a 15% median salary increase from 2024 to 2025. Nearly 20% of national job postings that require a master’s degree offer salaries of $160K or higher.

Skills Gained

Use analytics to make data-driven decisions that improve access, cost, and quality.
Lead operations with tools from management, process improvement, and performance control.
Build and defend budgets and business cases using healthcare finance.
Plan ethical, effective strategies for growth and market positioning.
Speak the language of clinicians, operators, and finance partners to get buy-in.
Make operational and strategic decisions that align with healthcare policy and regulatory requirements.
Coach cross-functional teams with clarity and accountability.

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