Verified September 2026

CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs

Which MHA Programs Are CAHME Accredited, and Does It Matter?

CAHME accredited MHA programs are graduate healthcare management programs reviewed and approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, the only accreditor recognized by CHEA for these degrees. In September 2026, 143 programs at 105 schools on this site are on CAHME's list, 56 of them online, with estimated tuition from $10,800 to $125,510 and a median of $34,545. It matters most if you're aiming at hospital and health system leadership. Check any program with the CAHME checker.

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143programs
105schools
143CAHME accredited
$34,545median estimated tuition
45median credits
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What CAHME Accreditation Means

CAHME is the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. It has accredited graduate programs in health care management since 1968, and it’s the only organization recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit individual programs offering a professional master’s in healthcare management.

That word “individual” is the key. Your university’s regional or institutional accreditation covers the whole school. CAHME accreditation covers one specific program. So a university can have a CAHME-accredited residential MHA and an online master’s that isn’t on the list. You have to check the exact program, not the school.

CAHME accredits more than MHAs. It says the predominant degrees in its programs are the MHA, MPH, MBA and MPA, so a healthcare MBA or MPH can be CAHME accredited too. To earn it, a program goes through what CAHME calls a rigorous examination of its purpose, curriculum, student experience and the success of its graduates.

How Many CAHME Accredited MHA Programs Are There?

CAHME says it accredits 175 programs, including programs in Canada and other countries. On this site, 143 U.S. programs at 105 schools are covered by the CAHME list, checked in September 2026.

Most of them carry an MHA-style title: 122 are MHA, MHSA or MSHA degrees. The rest are 9 MS degrees, 8 healthcare MBAs, 3 MPH degrees and 1 MPA. By format, 67 are offered on campus, 56 online and 36 in a hybrid format, and some schools offer more than one version.

The list is selective compared with the full field. Of 452 healthcare administration master’s programs on this site, 143 are CAHME accredited. Among online programs it’s 56 of 294.

CAHME Programs in Numbers

CAHME programs are longer and more hands-on than the average program, and they cost more.

  • Credits: the median is 45, against 39 across all programs.
  • Field experience: 85 of the 143 build in a residency, internship, practicum or field experience.
  • Per-credit rate: the median is $772.69 across 74 programs, from $300 to $2,887.
  • Estimated tuition: the median is $34,545 across 87 programs (per-credit rate times credits before fees, or the school’s published total), against $27,000 for all programs. The range is $10,800 to $125,510.
  • Tests: 84 programs don’t require the GRE or GMAT or let you waive it, and only 3 require one.

That higher median isn’t universal. Public schools fill most of the low end of the ranked list below, and the University of Phoenix competency-based MHA is the lowest at $10,800 for the program.

15 Most Affordable CAHME-Accredited Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest estimated tuition first. Estimated tuition is the school's published per-credit rate times the credits it states, before fees, or the school's own published program total, for programs that publish those figures (one program per school). Rates were read on each school's site in September 2026. Only programs covered by CAHME accreditation are included. Public schools' figures are usually the in-state rate.

  1. University of Phoenix: Online Master of Health Administration (Competency Based)Online Master of Health Administration (Competency Based)

    $10,800estimated tuition

    University of Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ, private for-profit) offers this online MHA in 36 credits (less than 12 months; 16-week terms). At $300 per credit, estimated tuition is $10,800 before fees. Required experience: capstone: Leading the Organization Through Change. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $300 per credit with no additional fees ($10,800 per program)

    University of Phoenix MHA credits, tests and tuition · Total cost of University of Phoenix's MHA with loans · All 3 programs at University of Phoenix

  2. Wichita State University: Master of Health Administration (MHA), OnlineMaster of Health Administration (MHA), Online

    $15,821estimated tuition

    Wichita State University (Wichita, KS, public) offers this online MHA in 43 credits (two years at a full-time pace). At $368 per credit, estimated tuition is $15,821 before fees. No GRE or GMAT required. Required experience: 3-credit-hour practicum with an applied learning project, which can be completed in the student's state of residence; comprehensive exam in the final semester. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $367.92 per credit hour (online program tuition; in-state rate regardless of residency), plus College of Health Professions course fees of $92-$127 per credit hour (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Wichita State University's MHA · Can 2026 federal loans cover Wichita State University? · Compare Wichita State University's other programs

  3. University of North Carolina Wilmington: Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

    $17,033published program total

    University of North Carolina Wilmington (Wilmington, NC, public) offers this online MHA in 48 credits (as few as 15 months). The school publishes a program total of $17,033. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Required experience: practicum required for students without qualifying healthcare experience; no residency or full-semester internship. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $17,033 total tuition and fees (NC residents); $63,865 (out-of-state) (2026-27)

    How the University of North Carolina Wilmington MHA is structured · Monthly payment on a University of North Carolina Wilmington MHA · University of North Carolina Wilmington school profile and CAHME status

  4. University of Nevada-Las Vegas: Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

    $17,246estimated tuition

    University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV, public) offers this on campus MHA in 45 credits. At $383 per credit, estimated tuition is $17,246 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Admission tests: GRE not required; scores above the 50th percentile can offset a GPA below 3.0. Required experience: required 250-hour internship (HCA 793) plus a capstone course (HCA 779) or professional paper (HCA 794). CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $383.25 per graduate credit plus fees (Nevada residents); nonresidents also pay nonresident tuition ($421.75 for 1-6 credits or $10,094.50 for 7+ credits per semester)

    University of Nevada-Las Vegas MHA format and requirements · University of Nevada-Las Vegas MHA cost with fees and living costs

  5. Auburn University at Montgomery: Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) OnlineMaster of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Online

    $17,388estimated tuition

    Auburn University at Montgomery (Montgomery, AL, public) offers this online MHA in 36 credits (2 years; as few as three semesters). At $483 per credit, estimated tuition is $17,388 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Admission tests: GMAT not required for applicants meeting the undergraduate GPA threshold. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $483 per credit hour for Alabama residents, $531 for non-residents, plus technology and online fees

    What the Auburn University at Montgomery MHA asks of applicants · Loan gap at Auburn University at Montgomery under 2026 limits

  6. American Public University System: Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)

    $18,800estimated tuition

    American Public University System (Charles Town, WV, private for-profit) offers this online MS in 40 credits. At $470 per credit, estimated tuition is $18,800 before fees. Required experience: situational Experiences for Healthcare Administrators (HCAD698, 4 semester hours) and Healthcare Administration Capstone (HCAD699). CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $470 per credit hour; $250 per credit hour with the Preferred Military Rate

    American Public University System MS credits, tests and tuition · Total cost of American Public University System's MS with loans · American Public University System school profile and CAHME status

  7. California State University-Northridge: Master of Health Administration (MHA)Master of Health Administration (MHA)

    $18,928published program total

    California State University-Northridge (Northridge, CA, public) offers this hybrid MHA in 44 credits (2 to 4 years; most students finish in 3 years). The school publishes a program total of $18,928. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. No GRE or GMAT required. Required experience: supervised field experience in the final year (HSCI 693A/B/C); no separate internship required; comprehensive exam or thesis/project. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $18,928 estimated total program cost for California residents on the 2-year plan ($38,908 out-of-state) (2025-26)

    Admission rules for California State University-Northridge's MHA · Can 2026 federal loans cover California State University-Northridge?

  8. Texas State University: Executive Master of Healthcare Administration (EMHA)Executive Master of Healthcare Administration (EMHA)

    $20,080estimated tuition

    Texas State University (San Marcos, TX, public) offers this online MHA in 40 credits (accelerated, asynchronous online). At $502 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,080 before fees. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $502 per credit hour; $1,506 per course; $20,080 per program

    How the Texas State University MHA is structured · Monthly payment on a Texas State University MHA · Compare Texas State University's other programs

  9. UCF: Master of Health Administration, Residential TrackMaster of Health Administration, Residential Track

    $21,070estimated tuition

    UCF (Orlando, FL, public) offers this on campus and hybrid MHA in 57 credits. At $370 per credit, estimated tuition is $21,070 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Required experience: internship (HSA 6946, 240 contact hours) and MHA Capstone (HSA 6925). CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $369.65 per credit hour in-state ($1,276.48 out-of-state)

    UCF MHA format and requirements · UCF MHA cost with fees and living costs · UCF school profile and CAHME status

  10. University of North Florida: Master of Health AdministrationMaster of Health Administration

    $22,209estimated tuition

    University of North Florida (Jacksonville, FL, public) offers this on campus MHA in 45 credits (2 years full time; 3 years part time). At $494 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,209 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Admission tests: GRE or GMAT encouraged for applicants without professional healthcare administration experience. Required experience: practicum (Executive Skill Development, HSA 6815) and capstone (Healthcare Strategic Management, HSA 6188). CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $493.53 per credit hour (Florida resident, main campus graduate rate; non-resident $1,126.88) (2026-27)

    What the University of North Florida MHA asks of applicants · Loan gap at University of North Florida under 2026 limits · All 2 programs at University of North Florida

  11. Austin Peay State University: Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

    $22,386estimated tuition

    Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN, public) offers this online MHA in 42 credits (about 18 months full time; part-time plan available with program director approval). At $533 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,386 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Required experience: two required 2-day residencies (first weekend of the program and final semester); capstone course with individual and group presentations. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $533 per credit hour in-state (hours 1-10; $105 per hour above 10) plus $91.20 per credit hour program service fee; $821 per credit hour out-of-state; E-Rate for out-of-state students taking all courses online (2026-27)

    Austin Peay State University MHA credits, tests and tuition · Total cost of Austin Peay State University's MHA with loans

  12. University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center: Master of Health Administration (MHA in Health Administration)Master of Health Administration (MHA in Health Administration)

    $22,490estimated tuition

    University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City, OK, public) offers this on campus MHA in 52 credits (2-3 years). At $433 per credit, estimated tuition is $22,490 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. Required experience: 400-hour internship with written and oral defense; capstone course with a local health system. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $432.50 per credit hour Oklahoma resident; $736.85 per credit hour nonresident (Public Health MPH & MHA, Fall 2026); college fees extra (2026-27)

    Admission rules for University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center's MHA · Can 2026 federal loans cover University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center? · University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center school profile and CAHME status

  13. University of Georgia: Master of Health AdministrationMaster of Health Administration

    $23,274estimated tuition

    University of Georgia (Athens, GA, public) offers this on campus MHA in 54 credits (2 years (5 semesters), cohort-based). At $431 per credit, estimated tuition is $23,274 before fees. No GRE or GMAT required. Required experience: summer internship in health administration (HPAM 7900) and a capstone project (HPAM 7950). CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $431 per credit hour for Georgia residents (UGA standard graduate rate, 1-11 hours; $5,172 for 12 or more hours); fees extra (2026-27)

    How the University of Georgia MHA is structured · Monthly payment on a University of Georgia MHA

  14. Appalachian State University: Master of Health Administration (MHA)Master of Health Administration (MHA)

    $23,506estimated tuition

    Appalachian State University (Boone, NC, public) offers this online MHA in 46 credits (2 years full time; 3 years part time). At $511 per credit, estimated tuition is $23,506 before fees. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $511 per credit hour (NC residents)

    Appalachian State University MHA format and requirements · Appalachian State University MHA cost with fees and living costs

  15. California State University-Long Beach: Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA), AcceleratedMaster of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA), Accelerated

    $24,750estimated tuition

    California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA, public) offers this hybrid MS in 45 credits (2 years (cohort, 8 quarters)). At $550 per credit, estimated tuition is $24,750 before fees. No GRE or GMAT required. Required experience: project (HCA 698) in the second year. CAHME accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $550 per unit ($24,750 total) (2026-27)

    What the California State University-Long Beach MS asks of applicants · Loan gap at California State University-Long Beach under 2026 limits · California State University-Long Beach school profile and CAHME status

All 143 CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs

Filter by format, accreditation, admission tests and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.

143 programs

Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed September 2026. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published program total; "resident rate" means the school charges nonresidents more. CAHME status comes from CAHME's accredited-program list.

Why CAHME Accreditation Matters

CAHME makes several specific claims about what accreditation does for students. They’re CAHME’s own figures, so read them as the accreditor’s case, but they’re concrete.

  • Pay. CAHME says graduates of accredited programs earn on average $10,252 more in their first year than graduates of non-accredited programs, with no statistical difference in debt, based on U.S. Department of Education Scorecard data.
  • Military careers. CAHME notes that U.S. military promotions requiring a healthcare management degree may require a degree from a CAHME-accredited program. If you’re in uniform, this one can decide it for you.
  • Scholarships and fellowships. CAHME offers six scholarships to students in accredited programs, nominated by the program director, and a one-year fellowship with The Joint Commission for a graduate of an accredited or certified program.
  • Transfer credit. CAHME programs may accept credit from other CAHME programs under reciprocal policies, which helps if you move mid-degree.
  • A common standard. Accredited programs work to a competency model, and the 2026 standards call for an Integrative Final Assessment before graduation, which gives employers a shared reference point.

When CAHME Matters Less

CAHME isn’t a license, and it isn’t what qualifies you for a management job. The BLS says medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the field, and that advancement to top executive positions may require a master’s. It doesn’t say the master’s must be CAHME accredited.

Some of the largest programs aren’t on the list. Western Governors University’s MHA, the biggest program on this site by master’s awards, isn’t CAHME accredited. Neither are most low-cost online MS and MBA programs: only 9 MS programs and 8 healthcare MBAs are on the list.

If you’re already a manager and your employer will promote you with any accredited master’s, a lower-cost non-CAHME program may serve you fine. If you’re early in your career, aiming at a hospital system or serving in the military, CAHME is worth paying for. Compare options with the degree chooser or read Is an MHA Worth It?.

The Largest CAHME-Accredited Programs

Size tells you how many alumni you’ll join and how established a program’s online platform is. By master’s awards in health administration fields in 2022-23 (federal IPEDS data, counted for the whole school), the biggest schools with CAHME-accredited programs are a mix of online and research universities.

  • University of Phoenix, 808 awards. Its online MHA runs one 5- to 6-week course at a time and asks for three years of full-time professional work.
  • Johns Hopkins University, 269 awards. The campus MHA is one year of courses and an 11-month compensated residency.
  • Purdue University Global, 208 awards. Its online MHCA is 52 quarter credits at $485 per quarter credit hour, about 1.5 years full time.
  • USC and George Washington University, 134 and 133 awards. Both run a campus MHA and a hybrid program for working students.
  • Walden University, 127 awards. Its online MHA offers a Leadership and Organizational Development concentration.
  • Texas Woman’s University, 112 awards. Its hybrid MHA lists tuition and fees under $29,000, with three in-person immersion courses in Dallas or Houston.

How a Program Earns CAHME Accreditation

Accreditation is slow on purpose. A program starts by filing an eligibility statement in CAHME’s online portal. It then applies for candidacy, with applications due October 15 or February 15, and spends a year on a self-study against CAHME’s criteria. A team of volunteer site visitors then spends about 3 days on campus, and CAHME’s Board makes a final decision about 6 months after the visit.

The 2026 standards cover five areas: program development and sustainment, a competency model, curriculum, student success, and faculty. Two of them shape what you’ll experience as a student. Every graduate must receive instruction on each of CAHME’s Required Program Topics at least once. And the standards call for an Integrative Final Assessment, a practice-oriented test of whether you’ve reached the competencies before you graduate.

What You Study in a CAHME Program

The core is finance, operations, strategy, leadership, policy, law, quality and data, mapped to the program’s competency model. Concentrations let you specialize, and CAHME programs on this site offer these, among others: Healthcare AI Innovations and Technology, Healthcare Internal Auditing, Compliance and Risk Management, Health Informatics and Data Analytics, Long-Term Care Administration and Global Health.

Some programs split by background, with an Administrative Residency Track, a Clinical Track and a Pre-Clinical Track, and Columbia University’s executive program runs MHA and MPH tracks side by side.

Residencies and Internships in CAHME Programs

CAHME programs are where the long residencies live. Here’s what real programs require.

Program Field requirement Estimated tuition
Johns Hopkins MHA Full-time, compensated 11-month residency in year two $69,984 per year (published)
UCF residential MHA 240-contact-hour internship plus an MHA capstone $21,070 (resident)
USC MHA 1,000-hour administrative residency $121,872
University of Oklahoma HSC MHA 400-hour internship with written and oral defense $22,490 (resident)
UNLV MHA 250-hour internship plus a capstone or professional paper $17,246 (resident)
University of Georgia MHA Summer internship and a capstone project $23,274 (resident)
University of South Carolina MHA Management residency, with paid graduate assistantships with Columbia-area organizations available $33,191 (resident)

The UAB residential MSHA belongs in the same group, with a 9-12 month paid administrative residency after coursework. Paid residencies make a long program cost less than it looks, since you earn during the final months.

Executive CAHME Programs for Working Leaders

CAHME notes that many accredited programs run executive versions built around a working schedule. They cost more and expect years of experience.

Program Experience expected Published tuition
Cornell executive MHA At least 5 years of professional experience $93,316 flat rate
Columbia executive MHA At least five years in a health-related industry $49,890 for 2026-2027, about $101,276 total (school estimate)
University of Michigan executive MHSA Executive format, GRE not required or reviewed About $54,000 resident, $90,000 non-resident
Trinity University executive MSHA Current healthcare job with management experience $65,000 total
Texas State University executive MHA Healthcare or supervisory experience preferred $20,080 per program

Texas State is the outlier: fully online, accelerated and far less expensive than the Cornell or Columbia programs. See all executive MHA programs and online MHA programs.

Probation and Other Fine Print

Six schools on the CAHME list are flagged On Probation: AdventHealth University, Boston University (its MBA program), Central Michigan University, Fordham University, Duquesne University and Lipscomb University. Their programs are still listed, but check the status again close to your start date.

Also check which version of a program is covered. CAHME lists schools, and a school can run several programs. The all MHA programs list and each program profile show CAHME coverage program by program, and the program matcher filters to accredited programs only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WGU's MHA CAHME Accredited?

No. Western Governors University's Master of Healthcare Administration isn't on CAHME's accredited-program list as of September 2026. It's the largest program on this site by master's awards, but it isn't CAHME accredited.

Is the University of Phoenix MHA CAHME Accredited?

Two versions are. The University of Phoenix online MHA and its competency-based online MHA are both covered by CAHME's list. Its MHA with a Health Care Compliance and Privacy concentration isn't marked as covered, so check the exact version with the CAHME checker.

Which CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs Are in California?

California options include the USC MHA and executive MHA, the California State University-Long Beach MSHCA (traditional and accelerated), the California State University-Northridge MHA, the Loma Linda University MHA and the Concordia University-Irvine online MHA. See the California programs page.

Which CAHME-Accredited MHA Programs Are in Texas?

Texas options include the Texas State University online executive MHA ($20,080 for the program), the Texas Woman's University hybrid MHA and the Trinity University executive MS in Health Care Administration. See the Texas programs page.

Does CAHME Accredit Programs Outside the U.S.?

Yes. CAHME's list includes Canadian programs at Dalhousie University and the Université de Montréal, and programs at universities in Saudi Arabia. This site covers U.S. programs only.

What Does on Probation Mean on the CAHME List?

The program is still on CAHME's accredited list, but CAHME has flagged it On Probation. Six schools carry the flag: AdventHealth University, Boston University (its MBA program), Central Michigan University, Fordham University, Duquesne University and Lipscomb University. Check the status again close to your start date.

Related Program Lists

Sources

  1. Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed September 2026
  2. Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), accredited and certified programs
  3. U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions and institutional characteristics
  4. CAHME: About
  5. CAHME: Accredited and certified programs
  6. CAHME: Why CAHME matters to students
  7. CAHME: Getting started with accreditation
  8. CAHME: 2026 accreditation standards
  9. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical and Health Services Managers

Every program on this site was checked against the school's own website. Accreditation comes only from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) list, and graduate counts from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS). Sponsored listings are labeled and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs