While there are many factors to consider when choosing an online master’s in HR management, affordability is among the biggest for many students. For-profit universities can be a great choice for an affordable online master’s in HR management. For-profit universities may have higher acceptance rates, flexible course schedules, and certifications not typically offered by other schools. With research, you can determine whether a for-profit university might be a great fit to earn an affordable online master’s in human resource management.
We created this list of the 10 most affordable online master’s in HR management offered by for-profit universities. All of these schools are either regionally accredited or accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. We used average graduate tuition figures provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Related Resource: What is Workforce Diversity?
#10 -Northcentral University – La Jolla, California
HR Management, MSOL-Human Resources Specialization
Average graduate student tuition: $16,864/year
Northcentral University is a top for-profit university featuring an affordable online master’s in HR management. Northcentral is regionally accredited university. Students will learn concepts related to HR capital, leadership, and business. This low-cost, online master’s degree program is comprised of 10 courses and students can complete their degree in 16 months. Online HR Management courses include:
- Recruitment and Human Resources Information Systems
- Supervisory Concepts and Practices
- Legal Issues in Human Resources Management
Students seeking an intense, fast paced program can take advantage of the Accelerated MSOL track and complete their degree in just 12 months.
#9 -Strayer University – Washington, DC
Online MS in Human Resource Management
Average graduate student tuition: $14,790/year
Strayer University, an affordable for-profit university, features a top online master’s in human resource management. This 12 course, inexpensive, online master’s degree program includes courses in:
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- Human Resource Information Systems
- Managing Human Resource Projects
Strayer’s top online master’s in HR management aligns with the SHRM curriculum guidelines which helps students earn their SHRM certification after graduation. Online courses are offered year round and students can complete the program at their own pace.
For More Information: Strayer University
#8 -Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of Science in HR Management
Average graduate student tuition: $14,516/year
Capella University, a leader in online education, features a top affordable online master’s in HR management that aligns with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. This 100% online, economical master’s degree program is comprised of eight core courses, three electives, and one capstone. Online HR courses include:
- Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning
- Analytics, Metrics, and Decision Making for Human Resource Management
- Employment Law in the Successful Workplace
Students sharpen their leadership skills, learn to make informed decisions using data, and prepare for a successful HR career through a state of the art virtual simulator. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds ACBSP accreditation.
For More Information: Capella University
#7 -Sullivan University – Louisville, Kentucky
Master in Human Resource Leadership
Average graduate student tuition: $14,160/year
The top affordable online masters in human resource leadership from Sullivan University is an 18 month online degree program that aligns with the SHRM curriculum guidelines. Courses are taught by faculty who are both scholars and practitioners. Students work closely with organizations to provide recommendations and solutions to their real-world challenges. Sullivan is one of the first universities in the country to recognize human capital analytics as a key competency within their program. Online HR courses include:
- HR Analytics and Technology
- Essential Financial Skills for HR Professionals
- Managerial Communication Skills
Graduates are prepared to sit for either then SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certifications, depending on the student’s amount of HR experience.
#6 -South University’s Online Programs, Savannah
M.S. in Human Resources Management
Average graduate student tuition: $14,494/year (Source: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator)
The top online affordable master’s in HR management from South University is a focused and flexible program for students who want to reach their full potential. South University is a top, inexpensive, for-profit university. Online master’s courses include:
- Classification, Compensation, and Benefits
- International Human Resources Management
- Metrics and Measurement of Human Resources Management
This low-priced, 48 credit hour, online master’s in HR Management program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in just 12 months.
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of South University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
#5 -California Intercontinental University – Irvine, California
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Organizational Development and HR Management
Website
Average graduate student tuition:$11,280/year
California Intercontinental University is a top affordable for-profit university offering an online master’s in HR management. The online MBA in organizational development and human resource management is a low-cost, flexible online master’s degree program accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Courses include:
- Management Information Systems
- Project Management for Professionals
- Strategic Management and Competitive Globalization
Students can complete the program in four semesters of study. Graduates are prepared to work in learning and development, human resource management, and personnel training management.
#4 -Westcliff University – Irvine, California
MBA–Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Organizational Management
Average graduate student tuition: $8,100/year
Westcliff University is top affordable for-profit university dedicated educating, inspiring, and empowering their students. They offer a cheap online master’s in HR management through their MBA program with a concentration in organizational management. Students work in diverse teams to make presentations and lead case study analyses to develop their critical thinking abilities. Online organizational management courses include:
- Human Resource Management
- Leading Strategic Change within Organization
- Managing Workplace and Conflict Resolution
The curriculum is designed for adult learners who want to become effective change agents within their organization. Westcliff is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, WASC Senior College and University Commission, and is currently a candidate for accreditation by the ACBSP.
#3 -Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona
MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management
Average graduate student tuition: $10,175/year
The top inexpensive online master’s in HR management from Grand Canyon University is offered through the Colangelo College of Business. GCU, a top affordable for-profit university, features an MBA in strategic human resource management. Online master’s coursework covers areas like:
- Leadership and Organizations
- Operations Management
- Acquiring, Developing and Leveraging Human Capital
Courses are available in a flexible online format and each course is approximately eight weeks long. This economical, 54 credit hour online master’s degree program prepares graduates for roles like general manager, human resource executive, and training and development manager. GCU is a regionally accredited university.
For More Information: Grand Canyon University
#2 -Trident University International – Cypress, California
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Average graduate student tuition:$6,120/year
Trident University is a 100% online for-profit university featuring a cheap master’s in human resource management. Students can earn their low-priced online master’s degree inn just 12 to 18 months by taking one to two courses each session. Online degree courses include:
- Management and Organizational Behavior
- Staffing, Performance Management and Training
- Legal Implications in Human Resource Management
This 36 credit hour, affordable, online, master’s degree program follows an applied, evidence based approach designed for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field. The program is formally recognized by the SHRM and aligns with SHRM curriculum guidelines.
For More Information: Trident University International
#1 -Columbia Southern University – Orange Beach, Alabama
Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management
Average graduate student tuition:$3,600/year
Our most affordable online master’s in human resource management from a for-profit university is offered by Columbia Southern University. CSU features an inexpensive MBA online with a concentration in HR management. This 36 credit hour, cheap, online master’s degree program aligns with the SHRM’s Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Human resource concentration courses include:
- Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining
- Compensation Management
- Training and Development
Tuition rates are affordable and students can keep costs low by taking advantage of scholarships, learning partner discounts, and military/veteran benefits. Students can choose LifePace Learning and work through the program at their own pace or a more traditional Term Enrollment with weekly assignments to keep students on track. Columbia Southern is accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- Top 25 Online Masters in HR that Require No GRE or GMAT
- 20 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Human Resources
- 20 Best Master’s in Human Resources (Campus-based)
- 50 Most Affordable Master’s in Organizational Behavior Degree Programs
- 50 Most Affordable Human Resource MBA Degree Programs
- 25 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
