Is an MHA Worth It? What You Need to Know About the ROI

If you're considering a graduate degree to advance your career in healthcare, you may be wondering: Is an MHA worth it?

The return on investment (ROI) of a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree extends beyond just tuition costs to include long-term career benefits, salary potential, and overall job satisfaction. Whether you're a working professional looking to advance in healthcare or considering a pivot into this new field, understanding the MHA cost and value can help you make an informed decision.

What does ROI mean in graduate education?

When it comes to pursuing a master’s degree, ROI isn’t only about how much you’ll earn. It’s quantifying what you gain compared to what you invest. This could be in the form of time, money, and effort.

For many, graduate degree ROI includes:

  • Increased earning potential
  • Career advancement and leadership opportunities
  • Improved job security
  • Flexible learning that accommodates your life
  • Practical knowledge you can apply immediately

Career opportunities and earning potential with an MHA

Due to the growing complexity of the healthcare system, roles in healthcare administration are growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034 (much faster than the average for all occupations).

Graduates are well-positioned for healthcare administration roles such as:

  • Hospital administrator
  • Clinical manager
  • Health informatics manager
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Healthcare policy analyst
  • Practice manager

Salaries vary based on location, experience, and role, but the BLS reported the median wage for medical and health services managers in 2024 was more than $117,000 annually. With experience and an advanced degree, that number can climb even higher. The top 10% of earners made nearly $220,000 annually.

These numbers help answer the question: Is an MHA worth it? For many, the financial and professional return says yes.

Accreditation and affordability matter

Reputation matters when it comes to choosing a graduate program. Accreditation signifies that your education meets established quality standards and is recognized and respected by employers.

The MHA program at the University of North Alabama (UNA) is delivered through the Sanders College of Business and Technology, which holds accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a mark of excellence held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. This ensures you’re learning from experienced faculty and gaining skills that meet rigorous academic and industry standards.

Affordability is equally important. A high-quality program shouldn't come with overwhelming debt.  UNA’s MHA program is designed with value in mind:

  • Under $21,000 for tuition
  • No GMAT requirement
  • New Start Scholarship covers the first course ($1,050 value)*
  • Discounts for military (33%) and alumni (15%) students

When researching MHA cost, it's clear that UNA offers one of the most competitive and accessible options available.

Flexible learning that reduces opportunity cost

One of the most overlooked aspects of ROI is opportunity cost: What you give up while pursuing your degree. For working professionals, that often means lost income or career momentum.

UNA’s 100% online MHA program is designed to reduce this cost by offering:

  • Six start dates per year
  • 8- and 16-week term options
  • Self-paced study you can complete in as little as 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time

You can keep working while you learn, applying new skills in real time and continuing to grow in your current role. This flexibility significantly boosts the ROI when considering if an MHA is worth it.

Practical skills you can use immediately

An MHA isn’t just about theory. The best programs provide hands-on learning that mirrors real-world challenges in healthcare.

UNA’s MHA curriculum includes:

  • Case studies on healthcare systems
  • Strategies for managing teams and budgets
  • Data analysis for better decision-making
  • Business fundamentals tailored for healthcare settings
  • A capstone project applying key concepts to real-world healthcare challenges

You won’t just graduate with a degree. You’ll graduate with the confidence to lead.

Is an MHA right for you?

Not every graduate degree fits every career goal, but the Master of Health Administration stands out for those looking to make a tangible impact in healthcare systems. Whether you're already in the field or exploring how your existing skills can transition into a high-demand industry, this degree offers the leadership foundation and business acumen to help you thrive.

An MHA is ideal for:

  • Current healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles
  • Business professionals transitioning into healthcare
  • Military veterans interested in healthcare administration
  • Career changers looking for a growing, meaningful field

The UNA advantage

At the University of North Alabama, we understand that today’s students are balancing careers, families, and financial responsibilities. That’s why our online MHA program is:

  • Affordable: Tuition under $21K, with scholarship options and no hidden fees
  • Flexible: 100% online, with six start dates and multiple pacing options
  • Reputable: Accredited and taught by industry-experienced faculty
  • Supportive: Career development resources and a strong alumni network

This combination of affordability, flexibility, and career support makes UNA's MHA program a strong contender for professionals looking to invest wisely in their future.

Invest in your future

When you consider the career growth opportunities, increased earning potential, and the flexibility to balance learning with professional commitments, it’s easy to see why many find this degree to be a worthwhile investment.

With an affordable MHA cost, flexible online format, and practical curriculum, UNA's program delivers real value. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our online Master of Health Administration.

 

**The New Start Scholarship only applies to newly enrolled students in an online program who enroll in a minimum of two courses.