By HRMBA Staff
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for human resources managers is expected to grow by 9% through 2026. Human resources professionals are essential in almost every industry. They are responsible for essential business functions such as recruiting talent, interviewing and hiring resources, understanding laws related to employment, and administering company benefits. Earning a master’s degree in human resources provides students with the knowledge and expertise needed to fulfill this essential role and help organizations meet their goals by hiring and retaining the right employees.
Related Resource: Entry Level Human Resources Jobs
To identify the top 25 best bachelor’s in HR, we started with a search on College Navigator to find out which schools offered these programs. We also consulted SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, which keeps a list of universities with human resources degree programs that align with the HR curriculum guidelines. We compared student to faculty ratios, average net price, graduation rates, and accreditations. We opted only to include schools that feature a curriculum with content specified by the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidelines. Where there are ties, we favored the school with the lower average net price. From our list, we created a rating system as seen below to select our top 25 on-campus bachelor’s in human resources .
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 15:1 or less= 5 Points
- 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Net Price
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 3 Points
- More than $15,000 per year= 1 Point
Overall Graduation Rate
- Less than 50%= 1 Point
- Between 50% and 75%= 3 Points
- Greater than 75%=5 Points
Related Resource: What is Workforce Diversity?
#25 – Lindsey Wilson College – Columbia, Kentucky
B.A., Business Administration, Human Resources Management Concentration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $15,897
Overall Graduation Rate: 35%
Points: 5
Lindsey Wilson College features a top B.A. in HR management through their Business Administration BA program. This emphasis area includes HR courses in employee and labor relations, management information systems, and international business operations. This IACBE accredited bachelor’s in human resources prepares students for entry level HR positions or graduate study.
#24 – Missouri State University – Springfield, Missouri
B.S. in Management (Comprehensive), Option in Human Resource Management Program
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Net Price: $15,173
Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
Points: 5
The HR Management Track within the Management Undergraduate Program at Missouri State University is a four year, flexible program with coursework that aligns with your professional goals and interests. Comprehensive HR courses cover areas like employee benefits and insurance, information systems, and operations management. Students have the opportunity to complete an internship, providing them with valuable hands-on training before finishing their bachelor’s degree.
#23 – Oakland University – Rochester Hills, Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Net Price: $13,123
Overall Graduation Rate: 46%
Points: 5
The Human Resources Management bachelor’s degree program at Oakland University is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in personnel management, labor relations, or administration. HR courses are offered in a convenient eight-week accelerated format and cover areas like labor relations, motivation and work behavior, and leadership and group performance. Graduates of this top bachelor’s degree program have found success working as human resources managers, industrial production managers, and compensation and benefits managers.
#22 – Southeastern Louisiana University – Hammond, Louisiana
B.A. in Management; Human Resources Concentration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Net Price: $12,135
Overall Graduation Rate: 41%
Points: 5
The College of Business at Southeastern Louisiana University features an AACSB accredited bachelor’s in management with a focus on human resources. Students have the opportunity to join the Top 10 SHRM student chapter, providing valuable professional development opportunities. Faculty are highly engaged in the industry, working in corporate training, giving professional presentations, and promoting economic development.
#21 – Illinois State University – Normal, Illinois
B.S. in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $19,227
Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
Points: 7
The HR Management top bachelor’s degree from the College of Business at Illinois State University utilizes a cutting-edge human resource curriculum to prepare students to work in private, public, and nonprofit settings. Most faculty are PhD level educators and researchers with industry experience. Human resource courses cover areas like employee and labor relations, career management, strategic HR planning, and HR development.
#20 – Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Average Net Price: $16,450
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
Points: 7
Considered one of the best business programs in the country according to U.S. News and World Report, the FSU Florida College of Business’ Human Resource Management B.S. program is a force to be reckoned with. Students gain the education, technical expertise and leadership skills needed to be successful HR leaders. Professional development opportunities are available through student organizations such as SHRM and Phi Beta Lambda. Students can gain valuable work experience through internships or study abroad programs.
#19 – University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas
B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $15,966
Overall Graduation Rate: 62%
Points: 7
The University of Arkansas features a top B.S. degree in management with an HR management concentration. This top HR bachelor’s degree program is highly customizable, offering a number of electives and concentration area courses. Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of human resource related areas and are able to effectively address work-life balance, compensation, staffing, and training and development.
#18 – University of Northern Iowa – Cedar Falls, Iowa
B.A., Management major with an emphasis in HR Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $15,942
Overall Graduation Rate: 68%
Points: 7
The University of Northern Iowa recognizes that “Human Resources is the hub of any organization.” Following this philosophy, UNIBusiness features a top bachelor’s in HR that teaches students the skills they need to create and maintain a productive and safe work environment. Students also learn how to create and implement benefit plans for organizations of all sizes and structures. Graduates of this top bachelor’s degree program have found success working as recruiters, payroll specialists, and human resource generalists.
#17 – University of Alabama in Huntsville – Huntsville, Alabama
B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $14,766
Overall Graduation Rate: 49%
Points: 7
The College of Business at The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers a top bachelor’s in human resources that prepares students to create and foster a high performance culture and capable workforce in their organization. This 120 credit hour B.S. program includes HR courses in organizational behavior, employee staffing and development, and labor relations management. Students have the flexibility to complete a practicum in management, a special project, or additional coursework further refining their HR professional skills.
#16 – University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $14,706
Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
Points: 7
The Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee features a top BBA with a concentration in HR Management. The curriculum is consistently being updated and reinvented to accommodate the changing climate of business and HR. Faculty are engaged in research that addresses the needs and interests of business and management.
#15 – Boise State University – Boise, Idaho
Human Resource Management BBA
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $13,363
Overall Graduation Rate: 44%
Points: 7
Boise State University features a top HR Management BBA program for students seeking employment in HRM. Courses cover areas like human resource law, compensation and benefits, and business intelligence. Full-time students can earn their degree in four-years. Graduates have found success working in HR development, compensation, and workforce planning
#14 – San Diego State University – San Diego, California
B.S. Degree in Business Administration, Management major with a specialization in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Average Net Price: $13,363
Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
Points: 7
The HR Management Specialization within the BSBA program at San Diego State University is a comprehensive program following the guidelines set by the SHRM. Students study areas like compensation, diversity issues, and employment law. HR courses are taught by full-time faculty with industry experience. Students benefit from vibrant classroom discussions where faculty share their hands-on knowledge.
#13 – Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Net Price: $12,947
Overall Graduation Rate: 63%
Points: 7
The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University has designed a top B.A. in HR covering business concepts and HR theory that directly apply to the workplace. Courses cover areas like global human resources, staffing, and crisis communications. Students can customize their experience by participating in clubs and organizations, career coaching, and study abroad opportunities. Graduates of this top bachelor’s degree program are prepared for careers in compensation, benefits analysis, labor relations, and training and development.
#12 – University of Nebraska at Omaha – Omaha, Nebraska
B.S. in Business Administration, Human Resource Management Concentration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $11,727
Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
Points: 7
The College of Business Administration-Marketing and Management features a top bachelor’s in HR covering essential HR functions in the workplace. Courses cover areas like total rewards, talent development, and employment law. Internship opportunities, guest speakers, and collaboration opportunities with local businesses provide students with a rich perspective of the industry.
#11 – The University of Texas at Dallas – Richardson, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Net Price: $10,036
Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
Points: 7
The University of Texas at Dallas features a top B.S. degree in HR Management recognized by SHRM and accredited by the AACSB. Students are engaged in courses covering areas like HR analytics, management development, and talent acquisition. An internship experience with one of thousands of local organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge. Students are eligible to sit for the SHRM-CP exam during their senior year to earn this valuable certification.
#10 –Lewis University – Romeoville, Illinois
B.A. in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $19,967
Overall Graduation Rate: 67%
Points: 9
The HR Management B.A. program offered by Lewis University is a comprehensive program covering areas like organizational psychology, business law, and professional development methodologies. Students complete a series of required business/HR courses and three electives. Elective offerings cover unique topics such as cross-cultural psychology, organizational motivation, and organizational staffing. Full-time students can earn their bachelor’s degree in four years.
#9 – Mercyhurst University – Erie, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts Degree – Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $19,726
Overall Graduation Rate: 68%
Points: 9
Mercyhurst University understands that every business needs strong HR leadership. They offer a top bachelor’s in HR Management that aligns with SHRM, offering a rigorous curriculum and relevant content. HR courses cover areas like training and development, recruitment and selection, and HR management. Students have held internships at corporations such as General Electric and HealthSouth.
#8 – Lindenwood University – Saint Charles, Missouri
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $17,305
Overall Graduation Rate: 50%
Points: 9
Lindenwood University in Missouri features an HR management top bachelor’s degree program with a cutting edge curriculum. LU was the first university in the state to achieve the SHRM Alignment Honor, an indicator of a current and relevant HR curriculum. Courses cover key HR areas like recruiting, talent management, benefits, training, and employment law. Faculty are subject matter experts and provide students with the individualized attention needed for success.
#7 – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Human Resources and Industrial Relations B.S.B.
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $16,808
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
Points: 9
The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota offers a unique bachelor’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. HR courses cover areas like collective bargaining and dispute resolution, managing diversity, effective coaching, and public policies on work and pay. Students can join SHRM student organization for additional professional development opportunities.
#6 – Southwest Minnesota State University – Marshall, Minnesota
B.S. in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $14,854
Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
Points: 9
Southwest Minnesota State University features a comprehensive BS in Management with a concentration in HR Management. This top bachelor’s in HR is recognized by the International Society of Human Resource Management, an indicator of a relevant and highly developed curriculum. HR courses cover areas like training and development, staffing management, and diversity management. Faculty are industry experts with strong academic backgrounds.
#5 – Murray State University – Murray, Kentucky
Bachelor of Arts in Business in Management/Human Resource Option
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Net Price: $11,562
Overall Graduation Rate: 49%
Points: 9
Murray State University features an AACSB accredited Human Resource Management BABM program recognized and endorsed by SHRM. HR courses cover areas like training and development, labor law, and occupational safety and health. Students are encouraged to study abroad, providing a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective.
#4 – California State University – San Bernardino, California
B.A. in Administration Human Resource Management Concentration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Average Net Price: $8,704
Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
Points: 9
The BA in Administration with a HR Management Concentration from California State University in San Bernardino is a 180 credit hour program preparing students for a professional career in HR. Concentration courses cover areas like fair employment practices, compensation and performance, and HR management. Students can choose to complete an internship experience to gain hands-on work experience. Full-time students of this top HRM program can complete their degree in four years, while part-time students can take longer to meet personal and professional obligations.
#3 – Indiana University South Bend – South Bend, Indiana
B.S. in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $8,331
Overall Graduation Rate: 29%
Points: 10
The Judd Leighton School of Business and Economics at Indiana University South Bend features a modern HR curriculum that covers both traditional HR administration and behavioral sciences. HR courses cover areas like wage and salary administration, personnel HR management, and personnel research and measurement. Students of this top bachelor’s in HRM program can choose to complete either an internship or field project as their capstone experience. Professional development opportunities are available with the South Bend Young Professionals Network, Chicago SHRM Events, and the Indiana Human Resource Conference.
#2 – University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis, Minnesota
B.A. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Human Resource Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $18,594/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 77%
Points: 11
The Opus College of Business at The University of St. Thomas features a top bachelor’s in HR that prepares students to work in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. HR courses cover areas like human resource strategy, talent management, and employment and labor relations. Students can join the Student Society of Human Resource Management, complete an internship, and network with local HR professionals to gain valuable insights and experience in the field.
#1 – University of Idaho – Moscow, Idaho
Management & Human Resources, B.S.
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $14,997
Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
Points: 11
Our top bachelor’s in HR is offered by the University of Idaho. The human resources emphasis prepares students to build and manage a productive workforce. HR courses cover areas like employee relations, hiring, training, and project management. This AACSB accredited HR program provides students with the chance to practice their skills in realistic business settings. Courses in this best HR bachelor’s degree program are taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty who work closely with students to ensure their success.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- Top 50 Best Online Master’s in HR Degree Programs (MSHR)
- 15 Best Bachelor’s Degrees for Future HR Professionals
- 50 Most Affordable Human Resource MBA Degree Programs
- Top 25 Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees Ranked by Graduation Rates
- 20 Best HR Masters Programs in Human Resources
- 25 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
Related Resources:
