There are many benefits of attending an urban university for a master’s in HR management. Students get to experience more diversity whether it be through interactions with the student body or attending community activities. Big cities usually have more to offer in terms of networking opportunities, internships, professional development, and job opportunities. Earning your master’s degree in HR from an urban university doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many affordable options out there! We highlighted 30 affordable urban universities offering a master’s in human resource management under $22,500/year. These schools are regionally accredited and offer HRM programs in a variety of formats including on-campus, online, and a combination of both. Average graduate tuition rates are provided by the National Center for Educational Statistics.
Related Resource: What is Workforce Diversity?
#30 – Florida Institute of Technology – Melbourne, Florida
The Master’s in Management – HR Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $22,338/year
Florida Tech, a top urban university, offers an affordable master’s in HR Management for individuals passionate about managing individuals within an organization. Required courses include:
- Organizational Behavior
- Leadership Theory and Effective Management
- Management Theory and Thought
This 33 credit hour, high-value master’s degree program prepares students to assess employee motivation, evaluate employees, and develop appropriate positions throughout the organization. Graduates are prepared for roles such as recruitment specialist, HR manager, and employer relations representative.
#29 – Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Pennsylvania
MS in Human Resources and Employment Relations
Average Graduate Tuition: $21,540/year in-state and $36,974/year out-of-state
The School of Labor and Employment at Pennsylvania State University features an affordable urban master’s in human resources and employment relations. This two-year, 39 credit hour, economical master’s degree program prepares students to excel in HR roles by developing their functional knowledge, global awareness, and strategic thinking skills. Students can choose from three program options including:
- Base Program
- Human Resources
- Employment Relations
Each top-value master’s degree program option allows students to choose from a capstone experience or thesis. Students interested in research can choose the Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) program. The SARI program is designed for students who want multilevel training in research.
Related Resource: Entry Level Human Resources Jobs
#28 – Roosevelt University – Chicago, Illinois
Master’s in Human Resource Management (MS)
Average Graduate Tuition: $20,153/year
Roosevelt University, a top affordable urban university, features a low-cost master’s in HR Management through the Heller College of Business. The high-value master’s degree program is available at both the Chicago and Schaumburg campus locations. Both full and part-time program options are available and courses are typically offered during the evening or on the weekends. Required courses include:
- Strategic Issues in HR
- Compensation Management
- Executive Leadership
Roosevelt boasts a student centered program focused on teaching and mentoring students. The student body is one of the most diverse in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. This allows students to learn from others with different backgrounds and perspectives.
#27 – DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois
Human Resources (MS)
Average Graduate Tuition: $19,032/year
DePaul University, located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois is a top urban university offering an affordable master’s in HR management. Required HR courses include:
- Recruitment and Selection
- Training and Career Development
- Strategic Management of Human Resources
Students are engaged in real world projects that allow them to apply their classroom training to the workplace. Most faculty have a background in industrial organizational psychology, providing students with a unique perspective.
Students complete 12 courses to complete their economical master’s in HR Management degree.
#26 – Golden Gate University – San Francisco, California
M.S. in Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition:$18,900/year
Golden Gate University is an affordable urban university offering a low-priced master’s in HR Management that teaches HR professionals how to attract and develop an engaged workforce. Students will gain valuable real-world insights through coursework, discussions, and hands-on activities.
- Human Resources Data & Performance Metrics
- Human Resources as Strategic Business Partner
- Acquiring & Retaining Human Resources
Students can choose to complete an internship in HR or a course in international HR management. This inexpensive, 27 credit hour master’s degree program is available online, on-campus or in a hybrid format.
#25 – Loyola University – Chicago, Illinois
Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR)
Average Graduate Tuition: $18,594/year
Loyola University’s top affordable master’s in human resources is offered through the Institute of Human Resources and Employment Relations within the Quinlan School of Business. Students take evening courses at the Water Tower Campus, located steps away from the Red Line in downtown Chicago. Low-priced courses are offered in 10-week quarters and new students can start the program in any quarter.
- Data Driven Decision Making
- Global Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Development
Students with less than three years of experience in HR complete an internship, giving them valuable field experience. Graduates have gotten hired at many top companies in the Chicago area including Northern Trust and the Federal Savings Bank.
#24 – St. Joseph’s College-New York – Brooklyn, New York
Management M.S. — HR Management Concentration
Average Graduate Tuition:$18,450/year
St. Joseph’s College in New York features a top affordable urban master’s in HR Management designed for working adults. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations including:
- organizational management/li>
- health care management
- human resources management
Students follow a flexible every-other-week schedule and students attend class during the evenings and weekends. The high-value master’s curriculum includes a 24 credit hour business core and a 12 credit concentration in HRM. Students learn the role of and HR professional within an organization and how they can use their HR training to advance their organization’s mission.
#23 – Marymount University – Arlington, Virginia
Human Resource Management (M.A.)
Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $18,180/year
The affordable top affordable master’s in HR Management from Marymount University emphasizes practical application in the modern workplace. Faculty members are experienced professionals who share their expertise with their students. Marymount features two different low-cost master’s programs including the MA in HR Management and the Business Administration/Master of Arts in Human Resource Management dual degree program. Courses are offered during the evenings and weekends to accommodate working professionals. Required courses include:
- Organization Development Change and Consulting
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Performance Management
#22 – Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, Texas
Human Resource Management Master’s in Management Concentration
Average Graduate Tuition: $17,262/year
The Graduate School at Dallas Baptist University features a top affordable urban master’s in HR management. The economical master’s degree program features a low 13:1 student to faculty ratio. Students work closely with a network of HR professionals from top businesses, forming mentor relationships.
- Staffing Organizations
- Leadership Development
- Workforce Analytics
DBU provides students with a Christ centered world view. Graduates of this high-value master’s degree program are prepared to become business leaders demonstrating ethics and sound business practices.
#21 – University of Minnesota-Twin Cities – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations
Average Graduate Tuition: $17,064/year in-state and $26,412/year out-of-state
The University of Minnesota is an affordable urban school offering a top master’s in human resources and industrial relations. U of M has been preparing students for successful HR careers for over 75 years. Both full and part-time program options are available. Faculty work closely with each student to ensure a rich, personal experience. Courses cover areas like:
- Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining
- Staffing, Training, and Development
- Using Data and Metrics in HRIR
Full time students can complete this inexpensive master’s in HR degree program in about two years while part-time students can finish in three to four years.
#20 – Saint Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
M.S. in Strategic Human Resource Management Program
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,992/year
Saint Joseph’s University is an urban university featuring an affordable online master’s in strategic human resource management. Students gain valuable skills in HR, sales, marketing, finance, and customer service. The inexpensive, online master’s degree program is offered through the AACSB accredited Haub School of Business. Part-time students can complete their degree while continuing to work and meet other obligations. Courses include:
- Employment & Labor Law
- Talent-Selection & Retention
- Human Resource Fundamentals
This 33 credit hour, best-value, online master’s in HR degree program prepares graduates to lead change in human resources and make a positive impact within their organization.
#19 – Temple University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,488/year in-state and $22,698/year out-of-state
The affordable top HR Management master’s degree program from Temple University is offered through the Fox School of Business. Students gain the technical expertise and interpersonal skills needed for success in their HR role. The economical master’s degree program is offered online and both full and part-time program options are available. Students engage through an online learning platform that allows them to collaborate with faculty and peers. This 30 credit hour program includes courses in:
- Leading High-Performing Teams
- Talent Acquisition
- Business Transformation through Big Data
Students with a passion for international HR can take advantage of unique global immersion experiences in locations like China, India and Latin America.
#18 – Moravian College – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in HR Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,344/year
Moravian College is a top affordable urban university offering an ACBSP accredited master’s in human resource management. The low-priced master’s degree program aligns with the curriculum guide set by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Courses are available online, on-campus, or through a blended approach. Concentrations are available in HR Leadership or Learning and Performance Management. Core courses include:
- Global Talent Management
- Ethics, Law, and Social Responsibility
- Leading Change in Organizations
Graduates of this ACBSP accredited master’s degree program are able to manage their organization’s top resource, their talented employees.
#17 – Franklin University – Columbus, Ohio
M.S. in Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,080/year
Franklin University, a top urban university, features a low-priced master’s in HR Management that can be completed in just 16 months. There are no GMAT or GRE requirements for admission for students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.75. This affordable, IACBE accredited program is taught by real-world practitioners who understand what it takes to be successful in the industry. Courses are delivered in a flexible online format and include:
- Compensation Design & Administration
- Labor Relations: Process & Law
- Strategic Human Resource Planning
Graduates are able to oversea complex benefit plans, adjust to changing labor laws, and work with leaders to develop a talent management strategy within their organization.
#16 – Touro College – New York, New York
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $15,572/year
The Graduate School of Business at Touro College features a top affordable master’s in HR management in an urban setting. The high-value master’s degree program is designed for entry to mid-level HR professionals seeking career advancement. Students can complete this 33 credit hour program in just four semesters. Courses include:
- Business Foundations for Human Resource Management
- Global Human Resource Management
- Human Capital Management in Multi-Cultures
The capstone course allows students to thoroughly investigate the alignment of an organization’s HR strategies.
#15 – National University – La Jolla, California
Master of Arts in HR Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $15,480/year
National University is an top-value urban university considered the largest private nonprofit university in San Diego. They offer an affordable master’s in HR management delivered through short, four week courses. Students can attend online or on-campus. New students are accepted monthly so students can begin earning their degree when it is most convenient.
- Legal, Ethical and Safety Issues
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employee Relations
Students can choose to pursue a specialization in Organizational Leadership. This unique specialization is designed for students seeking supervisory positions in the field.
#14 – Trinity Washington University – Washington, DC
Human Resource Master’s Degree Program
Average Graduate Tuition: $14,040/year
Trinity Washington University is located in Washington DC, a vibrant hub for business and HR professionals. The School of Business and Graduate Studies offers a top affordable master’s in HR management with program plans that allow students to complete the program in 20 or 28 months. Courses include:
- Accounting and Finance for Evaluation and Control
- Excellence in Managing Contemporary Organizations
- Workforce Development
Students will learn how to attract and retain top talent to improve their organization. The curriculum emphasizes the strategic role that HR professionals play within an organization.
#13 – Regis University – Denver, Colorado
M.S. in Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $13,177/year
Regis University features an affordable top master’s in HR management for students aspiring to lead institutional change through strategic HR functions. Students attend class in the evenings on-campus or 100% online. This inexpensive, 30 credit hour master’s degree program is delivered in an eight-week accelerated format and new courses being six times a year. Courses include:
- Strategies in Compensation and Benefits
- Leading Change and Innovation
- Employment Law and Compliance
Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles including HR manager, HR business partner, and Senior HR business partner.
#12 – University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky
M.S. in Human Resources and Organization Development
Average Graduate Tuition: $12,684/year in-state and $26.454/year out-of-state
The University of Louisville is a top urban university and offers an innovate, low-cost master’s in human resources and organizational development. Concentrations are available in HR and Organizational Development, Health Professions Education, or Career and Technical Education. This high-value master’s degree program can be completed online or, depending on the concentration area, at either the Ft. Knox or Downtown Louisville campus. Courses include:
- Evidenced-Based Research in Human Resource and Organizational Development
- Human Resource and Organizational Development Integrative Capstone
- Leadership in Human Resource and Organizational Development
Students can choose to complete either a portfolio/fieldwork experience or a thesis to complete the program.
#11 – Thomas Edison State University – Trenton, New Jersey
Master of Science in HR Management
Thomas Edison State University
Average Graduate Tuition: $12,024/year
Thomas Edison State University is an ACBSP accredited urban university featuring an affordable top master’s in HR Management. Students will learn best practices in the field of HR to improve their own organizations. Courses include:
- The Effectiveness of a Market Connected Culture
- Lifestyle Benefits and Compensation in the New Millennium
- Human Resources as a Strategic Partner
This low-priced, 36 credit hour master’s degree program aligns with the guidelines set by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Students with previous graduate level coursework can transfer up to 12 credits toward their human resources management degree.
#10 – Brandman University – Irvine, California
MS in Human Resources
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,700/year
Brandman University in Irvine, California, is a top urban university featuring a low-cost master’s in human resources focused on the theoretical and practical applications of HR principles throughout an organization. Students will learn what it takes to maximize employee engagement while addressing some of the cultural and behavioral issues facing employers. This inexpensive master’s degree program is offered in a hybrid or online format. Sample courses include:
- Strategic Business Concepts and Human Resources
- Globalization and Diversity
- Workforce Planning
This best-value master’s in HR degree program consists of 33 credit hours of coursework. While no internship is required, students do complete a capstone course in Strategic Management of Human Resources in order to complete the program.
#9 – The University of Tennessee-Knoxville – Knoxville, Tennessee
M.S. in Management & Human Resources
University of Tennessee- Knoxville
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,244/year in-state and $29,432/year out-of-state
The Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville features an affordable master’s in management and human resources emphasizing analytical evaluation/decision making and leadership development. New students are admitted for the fall semester and both full and part-time program options are available. Courses are offered primarily during the evening hours. There are three focal areas including:
- Personal Leadership Development
- Business Skills for Managers
- Strategic Human Resource Management
Applicants do not need to have a business or HR background. Graduates are prepared to move into management positions.
#8 – University of Alabama in Huntsville – Huntsville, Alabama
Master of Science in Management – Human Resource Management (MSM-HRM)
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,632/year in-state and $23,604/year out-of-state
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a top affordable urban university featuring a cost-effective master’s in HR Management. The economical master’s degree program is open to recent graduates or seasoned professionals in HR. Courses are delivered in a face-to-face format, meeting during the evening hours to accommodate working professionals. This high-value 30 credit hour program can be completed in just 12 months for full-time students or 20 months for part-time students. New students are admitted during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Courses include:
- Managing Human Capital
- Operations Management
- Employee Staffing and Development
Students have the option to complete a thesis if they choose.
#7 – Belhaven University – Jackson, Mississippi
Master’s in Leadership-HR Concentration
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,350/year
The affordable master’s in leadership with a concentration in human resources at Belhaven University is designed for business managers and executives. This inexpensive, 36 credit hour master’s degree program features eight week courses taught year round. Students attend class one night per week. All courses are taught from a Christian worldview. Course offerings include:
- Issues and Innovations in Human Resources
- HR Compensation and Benefits
- HR Employee Relations
HR concentration courses are only offered in an online format. Graduates are prepared to work in roles such as organizational manager, labor relations manager, or development specialist.
#6 – Houston Baptist University – Houston, Texas
MS-HRM: Master of Science in Human Resources Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,000/year
Houston Baptist University is a private, urban university with over 3,500 students. HBU features a top affordable master’s in HR Management through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business. This cheap HR Management master’s program aligns with the SHRM HR curriculum Guidebook and provides students with a global view of the HRM function. Courses include:
- Human Resource Management for HR Professionals
- Transformational Leadership and Ethics
- Legal Challenges in HR Management
Courses meet one night per week. This best-value, 36 credit hour master’s degree program can be completed in about two years of study.
#5 – Concordia University – Saint Paul, Minnesota
M.A. in Human Resource Management
Concordia University – St. Paul
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,550/year
Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota features a top affordable HR Management master’s degree available online and on-campus. The low-priced master’s degree program is a great choice for working adult students who need an HR degree program with flexibility. This economical, 36 credit hour master’s degree program includes seven week courses covering areas like:
- Finance for Human Resources Leaders
- Human Resources Action Research at Work
- Organization Development for Human Resources Professionals
The curriculum follows the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. CPS graduates earn 44% more than the national average and 95% receive a job offer within a year of graduation.
#4 – The University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, Texas
MS in Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,898/year in-state and $18,996/year out-of-state
The College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington offers an affordable master’s in HR Management in an urban setting. Faculty are industry experts and are actively engaged in research. Students gain critical knowledge in areas like strategy and policy and employment law. Available courses include:
- Managing Diversity in Organizations
- Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management
- Leadership and Teams
Graduates are prepared for roles such as HR analyst, HR consultant, and people relations manager.
#3 – University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
Management (MSM) – Human Resources
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year
The University of Central Florida is an affordable urban university offering a cheap master’s in human resources through their College of Business. This high-value, AACSB accredited master’s in HR degree program features a curriculum that aligns with the SHRM. This economical master’s degree program is designed for working professionals and is considered a part-time program. Courses include:
- Business Intelligence
- Models for Business Decisions
- Organizational Behavior and Development
Students can complete their degree in just 20 months, moving through the program with a cohort of like minded peers. Courses meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings, allowing students to work a traditional daytime schedule. Applicants should have at least two years of work experience when applying to the program.
#2 – Texas A & M University-College Station – College Station, Texas
MS Human Resource Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,552/year in-state and $17,904/year out-of-state
Texas A&M University features an affordable masters in HR Management through their AACSB accredited Mays Business School. Students benefit from foundational coursework exposing students to core business components. This inexpensive master’s in HR degree program focuses on leadership development and strategic thinking but offering unique workshops and guess presenters from Fortune 500 companies. Courses include:
- Organizational Change and Development
- Talent Management
- Contemporary HR Issues
Students can complete the program in just 16 months of full-time study. Part-time study options are also available. All students complete one summer professional internship.
#1 – Columbus State University – Columbus, Georgia
Master of Science Organizational Leadership – HR Management Track
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,742/year in-state and $11,952/year out-of-state
Our top choice for an affordable master in human resource management from an urban university is offered by Turner College of Business at Columbus State University. The high-value curriculum aligns with the SHRM’s HE Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. This cheap, 36 credit hour master’s in HR degree program can be completed by full-time students in just four semesters. Part-time students can finish in just 18-24 months. Courses include:
- Performance Management and Compensation
- Recruiting and Selection
- Labor Relations
Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass the Professional and Senior Professional in Human Resources exams.
Related Resources:
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- Top 25 Online Masters in HR that Require No GRE or GMAT
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