By HRMBA Staff
Are you passionate about workforce development, training, benefits administration, and finding the best talent to take your organization to the next level? Human resources professionals are essential in almost every industry and have a skill set companies both large and small need for success. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for human resources managers is expected to grow by 9% through 2026. Earning an online master’s degree in human resources doesn’t have to break the bank. Students can gain the knowledge and expertise needed for a successful career in HR without going deep into debt by choosing an accredited, affordable online master’s in human resources program.
To identify the top 20 most affordable master’s in HR, we started with a search on College Navigator to find out which schools offered these programs and their average graduate tuition rates. We also consulted SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, which keeps a list of universities with human resource master’s degree programs that align with the HR curriculum guidelines.
Related Resource: What is Workforce Diversity?
#20 – Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, Texas
Management, Human Resource Management Specialization, M.A.M.
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,250/year
Wayland Baptist University is a Christian institution dedicated to the development of HR leaders prepared for today’s fast pace management environment. This affordable, online master’s degree program offers HR courses in areas like career development and management, employee recruitment and selection, compensation, and diversity management. In additional to valuable HR knowledge, students gain skills in leadership, communication, and management. This 39 credit hour program takes just two years to complete and students never need to come to campus.
#19 – Stony Brook University – Stony Brook, New York
Online Master’s in HR Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,870/year in-state and $22,210/year out-of-state
Looking to advance your HR career? Check out the online affordable master’s in HR from Stony Brook University. This 30 credit hour master’s degree program has no on-campus residency requirements and full-time students can earn their degree in just one year. Online HR courses cover performance management, diversity, human relations and workforce planning, and employee relations. Students interested in gaining field experience can complete a one-credit internship experience to get valuable hands-on training.
#18 – Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, Indiana
MS in HR Management
Average Net Price: $10,671
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an affordable top masters in HR management accredited by the ACBSP. The program uses a biblical framework that incorporates Christian values to help students become ethical HR professionals. Online HR courses cover areas like strategic risk assessment, total rewards management, staffing and training, and ethical and legal aspects of management. This 36 credit hour masters degree program is typically completed one course at a time in a set order with each course building off prior knowledge. With multiple start dates throughout the year, online students can begin the program without needing to wait on a traditional semester schedule.
Related Resource: Entry Level Human Resources Jobs
#17 – Point University – West Point, Georgia
Online Master of Science in HR Management
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,170/year
The online affordable HR management master’s degree program from Point University is an asynchronous program that gives students the chance to compete coursework around work and other obligations. This 42 credit hour online master’s degree program takes about two years to complete for most students, but can take longer depending on how many credits students at a time. Point University is a faith based university with courses taught from a Christian worldview. Online students are given mentors that help promote professional development and assist students to meet their goals.
#16 – Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska
Master’s in Human Resources
School Profile
Average Graduation Tuition: $10,170/year
Bellevue University features an affordable master’s in HR online that prepares students for leadership positions in human resources. The curriculum aligns with the SHRM guidelines and covers areas like metrics and evaluation, legal and ethical issues, and diversity and inclusion in the workforce. This affordable, online program follows a cohort model, giving students the unique opportunity to move through the program with a close knit group of peers, one course at a time. The program concludes with a Capstone Project that allows students the opportunity to complete a strategic plan for an HR department, showcasing their skills and talents.
#15 – Belhaven University – Jackson, Mississippi
Online MS in Leadership with HR Concentration
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,170
The top online affordable master’s in HR from Belhaven University is a 36 credit hour program designed for adult professionals. Online courses are offered in convenient eight-week terms that allow students to move quickly through the program. All courses are taught from a biblical worldview, teaching valuable Christian principles. The curriculum includes online HR courses in employee relations, ethical problems in HR, compensation and benefits, and issues and innovations in HR. Online students benefit from personal support and frequent interaction with their professors.
#14 – Purdue University Global – Davenport, Iowa
Online MS Degree in Management and Leadership-HR
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,128/year
Purdue University Global features an online master’s in management and leadership with a focus on human resources. Online courses are offered in a convenient six week format and students typically spend about 20 hours per week on coursework. Program start dates are offered throughout the year giving students the chance to begin the program when it is most convenient. This ACBSP accredited program is taught by faculty members with advanced degrees and professional experience in the field.
#13 – Colorado State University Global Campus – Greenwood Village, Colorado
Online Master’s in HR Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,000/year
Colorado State University Global Campus features a top online affordable master’s in HR management accredited by the ACBSP. The 36 credit hour program is comprised of HR coursework in areas like staffing and talent development, strategic labor relations, maximizing human capital, and legal and human resource dimensions of business management. Students can choose to complete an optional internship experience to gain valuable hands-on training and professional development. Already have HR experience and training? Make this top online master’s in HR even more affordable by completing self-study and prior learning assessment.
#12 – Florida International University – Miami, Florida
MS in HR Management
School Profile
Average Net Price: $8,912/year in-state and $21,393/year out-of-state
The online affordable master’s in HR management from Florida International University is a 12 month program that aligns with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. New students can begin this 38 credit hour program during the spring or fall semester. This affordable, online master’s degree program is designed specifically for working HR professionals and provides students with information and skills that can be applied in their workplace immediately. Students move through the program in a cohort, taking two eight-week courses at a time. Online HR courses cover areas like employment law, critical thinking in HR, HR knowledge management, and HR management metrics.
#11 – Removed by editor
#10 – McDaniel College – Westminster, Maryland
MS in Human Resources Development
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,820/year
McDaniel College features a top affordable online master’s in human resources development emphasizing current theory and practice in the HR field. New cohorts of 10-15 students begin each fall. Each course is eight-weeks long and students complete two courses each semester. Online HR courses cover areas like performance management, selection and recruitment, workplace wellness, and culture and diversity. Most students can earn their degree in two-and-a-half to three years of study.
#9 – Concordia University – Saint Paul, Minnesota
MA in HR Management
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,550
Concordia University, a leader in Christian education, offers a 36 credit hour online affordable master’s in HR management. This affordable online HR program is ideal for working professionals who need a flexible program that fits their schedule. Online courses are each seven weeks and provide students with the tools they need to be successful HR leaders. Graduates of Concordia University can expect to earn 44% more than the national average, adding to the value.
#8 –Wilmington University – New Castle, Delaware
MS in Management (MSM)-HR Management
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,388
The affordable top online master’s in HR management from Wilmington University prepares students to become leaders and change agents in management. The content-rich curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking and effective communication. Online HR courses cover areas like international HR, strategy in organizations, analysis of decision making, and compensation and benefits. Students can also take one elective course to tailor the program to meet their personal and professional goals.
#7 – University of Maryland-University College – Adelphi, Maryland
Management Master’s Degree with HR Management Specialization
School Profile
Average Net Price: $8,244/year in-state and $11,862/year out-of-state
The affordable online top master’s in HR management from the University of Maryland University College is a specialized program created by employers and industry experts. This affordable online master’s degree program is designed for entry-level and mid-career professionals as well as those looking to change careers. Online HR courses cover areas like job analysis, issues and practices in HR management, managing virtual and global teams, and current perspectives in training and development.
#6 – Troy University – Troy, Alabama
MS in Human Resource Management
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,506/year in-state and $15,012/year out-of-state
Troy University features a top online accredited master’s in human resource management that focuses on contemporary human resource management. This ACBSP accredited program includes courses in compensation and benefits, talent development, workforce planning, and international human resource management. Students can earn their degree by taking 30-33 credit hours with no thesis required.
#5 – University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, Texas
HR Management MA
School Profile
Average Net Price: $7,308/year in-state and $16,290/year out-of-state
The top online affordable master’s in HR management from the University of Houston Clear Lake emphasizes both management and global markets. The program is flexible and can accommodate those new to the field as well as seasoned professionals. There are no GRE or GMAT requirements (provided you meet certain criteria), so getting started is easy. Online HR courses cover areas like HR metrics and performance management, training and development, HR information systems, and organizational development.
#4 – Pittsburg State University – Boise, Idaho
HR Development Online Master’s Degree
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,392/year in-state and $16,758/year out-of-state
The top online affordable master’s in human resource development from Pittsburg State University is a 34 credit hour program with no on-campus residency requirements. Students complete two courses each semester. The state of the art learning platform allows students to engage through online chats, video presentations, discussion groups, and readings. Online students are charged the low in-state tuition rate, making this program surprisingly affordable.
#3 – American Public University – Charles Town, West Virginia
MA in Management with a concentration in HR Management
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,300
American Military University, a member of the American Public University System, offers a top online affordable master’s in HR management accredited by the ACBSP. Online courses cover areas like organizational management, leading teams, and cross-cultural management. Students can complete this 36 credit hour online master’s degree program in just two years of full-time study. With monthly course starts, students can begin the program without needing to wait on a traditional semester schedule.
#2 – Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, North Carolina
Master’s Degree in Human Resources
Average Net Price: $4,435/year in-state and $14,842/year out-of-state
The College of Education and Allied Professions at Western Carolina University features a top affordable online master’s in human resources for those looking to advance their career or transition to HR management. This 36 credit hour affordable online master’s degree program takes just two years to complete and is flexible to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum consists of seven required courses and five electives. Required courses cover areas like HR consulting and human resource research and evaluation methods. Popular electives include leadership in human resources, talent development, and coaching for performance.
#1 – Tarleton State University – Stephenville, Texas
MS in HR Management
School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $3,775/year in-state and $11,245/year out-of-state
Our top online affordable master’s in HR management is offered by Tarleton State University, a member of The Texas A&M University System. This 30 credit hour online master’s degree program can be completed in as little as one year. The curriculum is driven by industry demands and students can feel confident that the knowledge and skills obtained while in the program will apply directly to the workplace. Online HR coursework covers areas like training and development, compensation management, and strategic human resources.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- Top 50 Best Online Master’s in HR Degree Programs (MSHR)
- 50 Most Affordable Human Resource MBA Degree Programs
- 10 Best Careers for Human Resources Professionals
- The Top 10 Best HR MBA Programs
- 50 Most Affordable Master’s in Organizational Behavior Degree Programs
- 20 Best HR Masters Programs in Human Resources 2021
- Top 25 Online Masters in HR No GRE or GMAT Required
