25 Best Small Colleges for a Bachelor’s in Human Resources

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You’ve decided you want to earn a bachelor’s degree in human resources, but now you need to find a school. There are many factors in choosing a school including location and cost, but what about size? Not everyone feels comfortable at a large research university, sitting in lecture halls with a hundred other students, and feeling like a number. Small colleges can be a great choice for students seeking a low key environment while still earning a cutting edge human resource bachelor’s degree!

Small colleges offer many benefits. First, class size is usually small, even for general education required courses. Students get to know each other, and their professors, and feel more invested in their education. Since many of these schools don’t have graduate programs, courses are often taught by professors instead of graduate students. This can be great for students who want to hear from seasoned industry experts.

To find the best small colleges for a bachelor’s in HR, we looked at College Navigator to research schools with less than 5,000 students offering an HR bachelor’s degree. We narrowed our focus to include only those schools with a curriculum that aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Human Resource Curriculum Guidelines and templates. The SHRM is the industry leader in HR professional development and education. We then applied our ranking criteria including student to faculty ratio, net price, and graduation rate to determine our top 25 small colleges for a bachelor’s in human resource management.

Related Resource: Entry Level Human Resources Jobs

Featured Programs

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1 or less= 5 Points
13:1 to 17:1= 3 Points
Greater than 17:1= 1 Point

Net Price

Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
$10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
$15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
$20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Graduation Rate

Greater than 60%= 5 Points
40% to 60%= 3 Points
Less than 40%= 1 Point

Related Resource: What is Workforce Diversity?

#25 – Fisher College – Boston, Massachusetts

B.S. in HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Net Price: $25,229/year
Student Population: 1,923
Graduation Rate: 32%
Points: 5
Fisher College is considered one of the best small colleges in the country according to both U.S. News and World Report and Money. Diverse course offerings include managerial communications, managing global workforce, employment law and labor relations, and talent management. Students complete an internship and capstone project designed to prepare students to begin their career in HR management. Students can join the Fisher College Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and attend industry conferences to gain valuable professional skill development.

#24 – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona, Minnesota

B.S. in HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Net Price: $22,554/year
Student Population: 5,754
Graduation Rate: 58%
Points: 6
Saint Mary’s University, a small school offering a top bachelor’s in HR management, provides flexible learning opportunities for their students. Students can attend class in a traditional on-campus format, online, or both! Most courses are delivered in an accelerated format to allow students to complete the program faster. Required HR management courses cover employee and labor relations, HR development, employee rewards and recognition systems, and strategic HR management. Graduates are able to navigate changing HR environments as valued partners within their organizations.

#23 – Anderson University – Anderson, South Carolina

B.S. in Business-HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Net Price: $21,816/year
Student Population: 3,494
Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 6
Anderson University is a small, private Christian college offering a top bachelor’s in HR management. The curriculum features a challenging business core with specific HR concentration courses. Courses include compensation, international business, I/O psychology, and management of HR. All students are required to complete a hands-on business internship. Graduates are prepared for entry-level HR positions across a variety of sectors including business, non-profit, and government.

#22 – Tiffin University – Tiffin, Ohio

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management with HR Management Concentration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $20,799/year
Student Population: 3,149
Graduation Rate: 28%
Points: 6
Tiffin University is a small college with a top HR bachelor’s degree program taught by faculty with real-world experience. The program offers courses online or on-campus, with on-campus courses beginning in January and August. Courses cover international management, organization theory, HR management, and managing diversity in the workplace. Considering Tiffin but worried about cost? There are no application fees and Tiffin accepts transfer credits!

#21 – Black Hills State University – Spearfish, South Dakota

Business Administration with a specialization in HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Net Price: $14,807/year
Student Population: 4,178
Graduation Rate: 35%
Points: 6
Black Hills State University is a great small university to get a bachelor’s in HR management. The program is offered through the BHSU School of Business, which has earned accreditation by the AACSB. Students have the opportunity to hear guest lectures from HR experts. Field trips and internship opportunities are available for students to gain real-world experience and hands-on training. Since class size is small (just 10-25 students!), students benefit from one-on-one time with their professors. Courses cover areas such as personnel planning and selection, compensation management, training and development, and labor economics. Graduates are prepared for a career as an HR professional or an HR-related position.

#20 – Concordia University Texas – Austin, Texas

Bachelor of Business Administration-Human Resources & Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Net Price: $23,578/year
Student Population: 2,620
Graduation Rate: 35%
Points: 8
Concordia University Texas features a BBA with a focus on HR management. Conveniently located near Austin and the Texas Hill Country, Concordia is truly a small school in a big city. Courses cover training and development, negotiations and conflict management, and strategic management. Graduates have found work as benefits specialists, account managers, business consultants, and HR managers.

#19 – Upper Iowa University – Fayette, Iowa

Human Resources Management Bachelor’s Degree

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Net Price: $23,525/year
Student Population: 4,943
Graduation Rate: 41%
Points: 8
Upper Iowa University features a top HR management bachelor’s degree program that prepares students to understand staffing and employee relations. Courses help students gain competency in benefit management and learn ethical responsibilities in strategy and resource planning. Courses cover areas like personnel selection and evaluation, organizational behavior, labor relations, and strategic management. The program is offered online as well as at the Fayette campus and select education and international centers.

#18 – University of Dubuque – Dubuque, Iowa

HR Management Bachelor’s Degree

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Net Price: $22,822/year
Student Population: 2,366
Graduation Rate: 43%
Points: 8
The top HR management bachelor’s degree program at the University of Dubuque integrates practical skills and real-world experience with a strong academic core. Courses cover areas like compensation and performance management, organizational behavior, training and development, and administrative policy. All students complete an internship during their senior year to gain supervised work experience. Graduates have been hired by Hirshbach Motor Lines, Segwick, Blue, Inc., and Crescent Electric.

#17 – Mount Mercy University – Cedar Rapids, Iowa

HR Management Bachelor’s Degree

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Net Price: $22,429/year
Student Population: 1,848
Graduation Rate: 58%
Points: 8
Mount Mercy University is a top small college for a bachelor’s degree in HR focused on experiential learning. Students gain valuable hands on training and experience through internships and research and analysis opportunities. Faculty work closely with students to help them develop leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to join the Students in Human Resource Management Club, allowing them to build relationships and create a professional network. Graduates have found jobs at companies like Transamerica, Rockwell Collins, and True North.

#16 – Friends University – Wichita, Kansas

Business Administration B.S.-HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Net Price: $21,304/year
Student Population: 1,628
Graduation Rate: 34%
Points: 8
Businesses and organizations need HR professionals who are strategic and tactical to meet their goals and the B.B.A. in HR management from Friends University can prepare HR managers to be just that. Courses are designed by HR professions and align with the curriculum guidebook provided by the SHRM. Courses cover total rewards, workforce planning and employment, strategic management, and risk management. Students study one topic at a time to allow full concentration and in-depth discussion and learning opportunities. Students gain valuable insights on emerging HR issues through a capstone course.

#15 – McKendree University – Lebanon, Illinois

Bachelor of Business Administration in HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $20,890/year
Student Population: 2,676
Graduation Rate: 51%
Points: 8
McKendree University features a top B.B.A in HR management focused on leadership, problem solving, and team building skills. Human resource management required courses cover training and development, benefits and compensation, employment law, and organizational behavior. Students learn ethical business practices through individual and group work, written assignments, and oral presentations. Worried about finding a job after graduation? Over 97% of undergraduates are employed or enter graduate school within six months of graduation!

#14 – Georgia Southwestern State University – Americus, Georgia

HR Management B.B.A.

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Net Price: $12,585/year
Student Population: 3,052
Graduation Rate: 25%
Points: 8
Georgia Southwestern State University is an AACSB accredited small school offering a top HR management bachelor’s degree with a comprehensive curriculum. Students participate in real-world projects to gain hands-on experience. Courses cover performance management, HR law, HR staffing, compensation management, and organizational theory and behavior. The capstone course allows students to present their project to actual HR professionals for feedback. Graduates are prepared for roles like HR generalist, HR manager, and corporate recruiter.

#13 – Roosevelt University – Chicago, Illinois

Bachelor’s in HR Management (BSBA)

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Net Price: $26,098/year
Student Population: 4,457
Graduation Rate: 40%
Points: 9
With small class size, student-focused faculty, and a real-world curriculum, Roosevelt University’s best BSBA in HR Management program is sure to impress. New students are admitted during the fall, spring, and summer semesters and courses are offered at either the Chicago or Schaumburg campuses. Students can join the SHRM student chapter to take advantage of professional development opportunities. Courses cover areas like employment techniques, industrial relations management, wage and salary administration, and HR management. Graduates are prepared for entry level jobs in HR including HR generalist and HR recruiter.

#12 – Saint Norbert College – De Pere, Wisconsin

Business Administration-HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Net Price: $25,980/year
Student Population: 2,165
Graduation Rate: 74%
Points: 9
The business administration program at St. Norbert University features a concentration in HR management. This top small school for an HR bachelor’s degree builds on a liberal arts tradition that adds academic rigor to the program. Students are involved in group work, case studies, and independent assignments. Opportunities like the business internship program, study abroad and organization memberships add a professional flair to this top HR program. Graduates are prepared to work in entry level HR roles.

#11 – Dordt University – Sioux Center, Iowa

Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree-HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $25,688/year
Student Population: 1,533
Graduation Rate: 65%
Points: 9
Dordt University offers a well-rounded HR management business administration bachelor’s degree program. Exciting internship opportunities are available throughout the U.S. including the Chicago Semester Program, the European Studies Program (SPICE) and spring internships in Nicaragua. Small class size and state of the art classrooms keep students engaged with peers and faculty. Over 95% of Dordt graduates find employment in the field!

#10 – Regis University – Denver, Colorado

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Net Price: $25,615/year
Student Population: 8,341
Graduation Rate: 71%
Points: 9
Regis University is a top small college offering a bachelor’s in HR management for both on-campus and online students. Courses cover areas like talent and performance management, organizational behavior, ethical decision making in business, and business finance. Students can choose to complete a capstone applied project to showcase their knowledge and skills. Graduates are prepared for roles in training and development, employment and recruitment, and compensation and benefit administration.

#9 – Marian University – Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

HR management Bachelor’s Degree

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Net Price: $21,650/year
Student Population: 1,971
Graduation Rate: 48%
Points: 10
Marian University features a business administration bachelor’s program with program tracks in general business, human resources, or organizational supervision. This HR program provides a broad based business education through a business core and HR concentration courses. Courses cover areas like planning, recruitment and selection, supervision, safety and health, and HR management. All students complete an internship to gain valuable field experience.

#8 – Brenau University – Gainesville, Georgia

Bachelor of Business Administration: HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Net Price: $21,021/year
Student Population: 2,932
Graduation Rate: 49%
Points: 10
Brenau University features a B.B.A. in HR management that aligns with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Students learn valuable HR skills in employee selection, organizational change, HR development, and career planning. A strong business core gives students that skills needed for success in the rapidly changing business environment.

#7 – Dickinson State University – Dickinson, North Dakota

Bachelor of Science Degree – HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Net Price: $11,390/year
Student Population: 1,425
Graduation Rate: 32%
Points: 10
Dickinson State University is a top small college offering a top HR management bachelor’s degree program. Students complete both a business and HR core that provides a solid foundation for students to build upon. HR core courses cover areas like business law, compensation management, labor relations, and staffing and workforce diversity. The program is available on-campus and online.

#6 – Meredith College – Raleigh, North Carolina

Business Administration-HR Management Concentration

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Net Price: $25,276/year
Student Population: 1,980
Graduation Rate: 63%
Points: 11
The top business administration bachelor’s degree program with a concentration in HR management features both core business administration courses and 21 credit hours of HR management related courses. Unique elective course offerings include gender and the economy, staffing, and employee relations management. Students can complete a internship, gaining supervised experience in business, nonprofits, or governmental organizations. Graduates have the skill needed to be successful in today’s complex global environment.

#5 – Lewis University – Romeoville, Illinois

Human Resource Management, B.A.

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Net Price: $19,967/year
Student Population: 6,506
Graduation Rate: 67%
Points: 11
Lewis University recognizes that “HR professionals are key partners in creating productive organizations.” Students will gain a solid foundation in business law and labor relations, organizational psychology, recruitment and interview strategies, and team-building techniques. All students complete an internship in HR management to develop professional skills that will help them land the perfect job after graduation!

#4 – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College – Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana

HR Management Degree Program

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Net Price: $17,508/year
Student Population: 959
Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 11
The top HR management bachelor’s degree program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is designed for both on-campus and online students. The curriculum aligns with the SHRM’s HR curriculum guidebook and templates so graduates are eligible to apply for the SHRM Certified Professional exam. Diverse course offerings include racial and cultural minorities, research in business, contemporary issues in HR management, and organizational behavior. The strong business core gives students the knowledge and skills to manage a variety of corporate challenges.

#3 – Daemen College – Amherst, New York

Human Resource Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Net Price: $17,181/year
Student Population: 2,635
Graduation Rate: 55%
Points: 11
Daemen College is an affordable small college featuring a top bachelor’s in HR with an emphasis on developing both interpersonal and written communication skills. Students can join the SHRM student chapter, participate in community service experiences, and gain professional work experience through an internship opportunity. Courses cover areas like labor relations, international management, and HR management. Students can choose a minor from over 50 different areas to make them more competitive when applying to jobs or graduate school.

#2 – Tennessee Wesleyan University – Athens, Tennessee

Bachelor of Business Administration-HR Management

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Net Price: $12,557/year
Student Population: 951
Graduation Rate: 40%
Points: 12
Tennessee Wesleyan University offers a top B.B.A. with a concentration in HR management. Courses cover areas like HR management, training and development, ethics, and business communications. Students also take rigorous classes in accounting, microcomputer applications, management, and the legal environment of business. An internship provides students with valuable hands-on training in the field of HR, allowing students to apply their training and skills in a supervised environment.

#1 – Blackburn College – Carlinville, Illinois

Human Resource Development

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Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Net Price: $12,037/year
Student Population: 554
Graduation Rate: 48%
Points: 12
Our top choice for a small college offering a bachelor’s degree in human resource is Blackburn College. Blackburn features a low student to faculty ratio and affordable tuition. HR coursework covers areas like communication in a global workplace, evaluating learning and performance, developing learning materials, and adult learning. All students complete an internship directly related to HR development. Graduates are prepared for roles as benefit specialists, recruiters, and HR managers.

Other Rankings of Interest: