Compare CAHME-accredited programs, tuition, career outcomes, and public-sector pathways for Massachusetts MHA graduates.
Massachusetts employs more medical and health services managers per capita than all but a handful of states, anchored by Mass General Brigham, Boston Medical Center, UMass Memorial Health, and a dense network of community health centers, VA facilities, and Department of Public Health offices. That concentration creates steady demand for administrators credentialed at the master's level, particularly those trained in CAHME-standard competencies.
The practical constraint for most working professionals is time on campus. Online MHA programs let clinicians, analysts, and operations staff earn a CAHME-accredited degree without stepping away from a hospital role or relocating out of the Berkshires or Cape Cod.
The nine programs ranked below are ordered by a mixed quality composite weighing accreditation, outcomes, and delivery flexibility, not tuition alone. Employer screening in Boston-area health systems still favors graduates whose transcripts carry the CAHME seal.
Massachusetts is home to a competitive mix of public universities and private institutions offering online and hybrid master's-level health administration programs. The nine programs ranked here were evaluated using an online-delivery-weighted quality composite that considers institutional graduation rates (university-wide, not program-specific), net price, and available graduate outcomes data drawn from federal sources. Each program is accessible to Massachusetts residents through fully online or hybrid formats, and many leverage the state's dense healthcare ecosystem for experiential learning and employer partnerships.
Lowell, MA · $17,000/yr
Best for: Public university seekers wanting CEPH credentials
UMass Lowell delivers a CEPH-accredited MPH in Healthcare Management through its public health school, blending core epidemiology and policy coursework with healthcare finance, operations, and information systems. As part of the UMass public system, the university charges a competitive online tuition rate that benefits Massachusetts residents, and field placements frequently connect students with local health departments, community hospitals, and regional nonprofits across the state.
Chestnut Hill, MA · ~$42,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Professionals seeking concentration flexibility online
Boston College's online MHA, housed in the Woods College of Advancing Studies, is built around asynchronous seven-week courses that cover health policy, financial decision-making, quality improvement, and digital strategy. Students complete a capstone with a real healthcare client and can choose optional concentrations in Artificial Intelligence and Human Flourishing or Sports and Restorative Health Leadership. The university's deep ties to Greater Boston's academic medical centers and payers enrich networking and project opportunities.
Weston, MA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Best for: Mission-driven leaders in community health
Regis College offers a fully online MHA designed for working professionals who can finish in as few as 24 months. The curriculum integrates social justice themes across every course and emphasizes the political and policy context of healthcare delivery, making it especially relevant for students focused on community health or public-sector roles in Massachusetts. Faculty are active industry practitioners, and no GRE is required.
Fitchburg, MA · $14,000/yr (net price)
Fitchburg State University's online MBA in Healthcare Management is an accelerated, IACBE-accredited program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Structured in seven-week terms with a pay-by-the-course model, it is a popular choice among Massachusetts state and municipal employees who use employer tuition benefits. The 30-credit curriculum covers healthcare marketing, finance, legal issues, and strategic management.
Boston, MA · ~$30,000/yr (est.)
Suffolk University's MHA is the only CAHME-accredited program of its kind in Massachusetts, delivered through the Sawyer Business School in downtown Boston. The 33-credit curriculum spans healthcare finance, analytics, quality improvement, Lean Six Sigma, AI applications, and telehealth. Students can pursue optional concentrations in Analytics or Leadership and may combine the MHA with an MBA or MSBA through dual-degree pathways. Proximity to Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's fuels project work and adjunct faculty expertise.
Boston, MA · $30,000 – $35,000/yr
Cambridge College targets working adults in Greater Boston's safety-net and community health settings with a fully online, asynchronous MS in Healthcare Management. The 30-credit program can be completed in about 14 months and awards credit for qualifying professional certifications, which can shorten time to graduation. Coursework focuses on financial analysis, operations management, regulatory compliance, and strategic quality improvement.
Boston, MA
Northeastern University's online MS in Management with a Healthcare Administration concentration is built in partnership with the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Students analyze exclusive Mayo Clinic data and case studies while benefiting from Northeastern's Boston-based employer network spanning teaching hospitals, payers, and life sciences companies. The AACSB-accredited program is test-optional and can be finished in one to two years on a part-time basis.
Newton, MA · $28,000/yr
Lasell University's MBA in Healthcare Management combines core business coursework with specialized healthcare modules covering health communication, ethics, and financial analysis. The 42-credit program is available in a hybrid format near Boston, giving Massachusetts students the option of in-person networking alongside mostly online flexibility. Rolling admissions and six annual start dates add scheduling convenience, and no GMAT or GRE is required.
Boston, MA
The MGH Institute of Health Professions is the degree-granting arm of Massachusetts General Hospital, and its 100% online MHA draws on the Mass General Brigham system for faculty, case studies, and professional connections. The 36-credit program emphasizes health equity, interprofessional collaboration, and analytical leadership, and can be completed in 12 or 24 months. Students study alongside peers in nursing, physical therapy, and other health professions, enriching the learning experience.
The tradeoff most Massachusetts applicants face is convenience versus credibility: the closest or cheapest program isn't always the one carrying the credential employers actually screen for. CAHME, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, is the only programmatic accreditor built specifically for MHA and MHA-equivalent degrees. That's a different animal from regional accreditation, which every legitimate university already holds and which speaks to the institution's overall academic quality, not the healthcare management curriculum itself. A school can be perfectly reputable in general terms while its health administration program has never gone through CAHME's field-specific review of curriculum depth, faculty credentials, and student outcomes.
Suffolk University's online MHA is the only CAHME-accredited MHA program physically headquartered in Massachusetts, first accredited in 2020 and due for its next site review in fall 2026.1 Beyond that, the picture is mixed. Boston University's standalone MHA carries no CAHME accreditation2, though its healthcare-focused MBA holds CAHME status while on probation2, and its MPH was recently reaccredited for a full seven-year term3, a different credential worth understanding on its own terms. UMass Amherst and Simmons University's MHA programs currently hold no CAHME accreditation.2 For students willing to look beyond state lines, Dartmouth4 and Walden3 both earned initial CAHME accreditation in 2025-2026, and Columbia and Cornell's executive MHA remain accredited as well.5
Hospital systems, VA medical centers, and competitive fellowship pipelines, including those tied to Mass General Brigham, frequently prefer or explicitly require a CAHME-accredited degree when screening administrative fellows and early-career managers. That preference tightens further for federal and VA administrative tracks, where credential verification is more rigid. If a fellowship or public-sector hiring pathway matters to your plan, treat CAHME status as a filter, not a nice-to-have.
Massachusetts nursing home administrator licensure reviewers may reference CAHME status when determining whether a degree qualifies as an accepted academic pathway, making accreditation relevant even outside hospital settings. For a broader look at how accreditation shapes MHA program quality nationally, see our health administration programs and our online Master of Health Administration.
Understanding how tuition is structured can save Massachusetts residents thousands of dollars over the course of an MHA program. Several schools in the state charge a flat online tuition rate, meaning out-of-state students pay the same as Massachusetts residents. However, one public university charges significantly more for out-of-state online learners, making residency status a critical factor. The figures below reflect graduate-level tuition drawn from U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS, 2023). The institution-wide average net price column is included for context but represents an overall institutional average, not an MHA-specific cost.
| School | Program Format | Graduate Tuition (In-State) | Graduate Tuition (Out-of-State) | Flat Rate? | Institution-Wide Avg. Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitchburg State University | Online | $6,246 | $6,246 | Yes | $14,262 |
| Cambridge College | Online | $11,763 | $11,763 | Yes | $31,072 |
| Lasell University | Hybrid / Online | $12,150 | $12,150 | Yes | $27,511 |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Online / Hybrid | $16,434 | $29,118 | No | $17,163 |
| Regis College | Online | $17,910 | $17,910 | Yes | $27,477 |
| Boston College | Online | $37,520 | $37,520 | Yes | $41,704 |
| Suffolk University | Online | $38,448 | $38,448 | Yes | $29,618 |
Understanding the return on your MHA investment starts with clear earnings data. While program-level salary outcomes for these specific online MHA programs are not yet published, we can draw on Bureau of Labor Statistics figures and institutional earnings measures to paint a realistic picture of what graduates can expect.
The Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metro area employs nearly 15,000 medical and health services managers, the largest concentration in Massachusetts.1 The median annual wage here is $134,980, with the top quarter earning at least $198,480 and even entry-level roles (10th percentile) starting around $86,420.2 In the Springfield metro area, where the health sector is smaller, the median annual wage is $97,1103, reflecting a lower cost of living but still solid compensation.
These figures align with the institutional earnings data available for the ranked programs. For example, median earnings of former students 10 years after entry reach $103,937 at one private institution and $92,538 at another, suggesting that MHA graduates in Massachusetts can realistically clear six figures within a decade of completing their degree.
Graduates from these programs step into leadership roles across the state’s robust healthcare ecosystem. Typical job titles include:
Most of the ranked programs report manageable debt relative to earning potential. Median graduate debt ranges from $19,000 to $27,000 across the listed schools, and institutional return-on-investment ratios (based on broader earnings data) cluster between 1.9 and 5.5. This suggests that even with conservative estimates, graduates recoup their education costs quickly, especially those working in the high-wage Boston corridor. For context, a debt load of $25,000 at current interest rates would mean monthly payments under $300 on a standard 10-year plan, easily covered by the entry-level salaries highlighted above.
If you are weighing an MHA against a public health or public administration degree, compare paths in our guide to public health programs and Massachusetts MPA programs for a full side-by-side look at career trajectories.
Health administration salaries in Massachusetts vary significantly by metro area. The grouped comparison below shows median annual wages alongside the 10th and 90th percentile ranges for medical and health services managers (SOC 11-9111) across the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua MSA, the Springfield MSA, and Massachusetts statewide. Note that these figures reflect occupation-level wages for all medical and health services managers, not program-specific graduate earnings from any individual MHA program.
Public-sector health administration in Massachusetts balances mission-driven purpose with the complexity of a structured hiring system. For MHA graduates who want to shape public health policy, manage large government health programs, or lead community health initiatives, the state offers a defined set of pathways that reward advanced credentials with tangible experience substitutions.
Massachusetts uses the MassCareers portal as the primary entry point for state-level health administration roles. Unlike some states, most Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and MassHealth positions do not require a civil service exam. Instead, candidates apply online, participate in phone screens and panel interviews, and undergo a background check.5 The application process emphasizes direct merit review rather than competitive testing.
An MHA degree carries significant weight in this system. For administrative roles, a graduate degree in a related field substitutes for three years of required professional experience.3 That means an MHA holder can qualify for mid-level leadership roles like Program Coordinator III (salary range roughly $78,000 to $115,000)1 or Deputy Director of Administration and Finance ($92,000 to $143,000)2 even with fewer years of direct work history. Job postings often list titles such as Health Policy Analyst, Administrative Director, and Senior Program Coordinator, all accessible with an MHA and targeted experience.
MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are the two largest public-sector employers for MHA graduates. Both agencies hire heavily for administrative and strategic roles. DPH career tracks include Administration and Finance, Data Management and Analytics, Health Equity Strategy, and Public Health Hospital Staff.6 MassHealth frequently recruits for program management, policy development, and contract oversight positions.
Recent postings illustrate the range. A DPH Deputy Director of Administration and Finance requires a bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience, but a master’s degree like an MHA reduces that threshold. A Director of Privacy and Data Compliance role lists six years of relevant work experience, again with graduate degree substitution.4 Across these roles, the pattern is consistent: an MHA accelerates eligibility and signals readiness for complex public health systems management.
Beyond state agencies, MHA graduates find opportunities with local boards of health, community health centers (CHCs), and regional planning bodies. Many municipalities hire public health administrators to oversee environmental health, emergency preparedness, and chronic disease prevention programs. These roles typically use a standard municipal hiring process rather than the MassCareers system, and they fit within the broader landscape of public administration jobs, where program management and budgeting skills are highly valued. Community health centers, a cornerstone of primary care in Massachusetts, rely on MHA-trained leaders for clinic operations, compliance, and patient services oversight.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates several major facilities in Massachusetts that serve as natural placement sites for MHA graduates. The Brockton, Bedford, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury VA campuses regularly host administrative fellows and hire health systems specialists. VA roles often align with MHA core competencies: resource management, quality improvement, and intergovernmental coordination. Because these positions follow federal hiring rules, they can provide a parallel pathway that sometimes offers more direct entry than state civil service.
For readers who want to explore how public administration careers might intersect with health leadership roles, our detailed guide offers a comprehensive look at the broader public management career landscape.
Securing an administrative fellowship is a high-stakes tradeoff between immediate earning potential and long-term career acceleration, but many premier Massachusetts programs explicitly favor graduates from CAHME-accredited MHA programs. These structured, post-graduate experiences serve as the critical bridge from classroom theory to executive responsibility, compressing years of mid-level management into a focused one- to two-year immersion under senior leadership. For MHA students eyeing the upper ranks of hospital or system administration, the fellowship year often determines the speed and trajectory of their career ascent.
Most top-tier fellowship sites view CAHME accreditation as a shorthand for rigorous, competency-based training. Program directors know that CAHME-accredited curricula align with industry standards in finance, operations, quality improvement, and strategic planning. As a result, fellowships at academic medical centers and large integrated systems often list a CAHME-accredited degree as a prerequisite or strong preference. This accreditation signals that you have been trained to think systemically and can step into high-stakes project work from day one. Without it, candidates may be filtered out before an interview, regardless of their individual accomplishments.
Most Massachusetts fellowships open applications in mid-summer and close by early fall, meaning MHA students must prepare materials during their final academic year. The National Council on Administrative Fellowships (NCAF) serves as the central listing and application clearinghouse, standardizing deadlines, requirements, and notification dates across member programs. Even when programs accept direct applications, NCAF is the authoritative source for current details. Bookmarking NCAF and setting calendar reminders for July openings is the single most effective step you can take to avoid missing a deadline. Because competition is intense, candidates often apply to multiple programs simultaneously, using NCAF to coordinate interviews and offers.
Test-optional admissions versus traditional GRE or GMAT requirements can reshape the application process, shifting focus from standardized test prep to professional experience and academic performance. Many Massachusetts online MHA programs are now effectively no-GRE MHA programs, while a handful still expect scores. Understanding which approach each school takes helps you allocate your time strategically.
The most reliable place to confirm admissions requirements is the program's official website. Look for a dedicated "Admissions" or "How to Apply" page, typically found under the graduate program section. Each school publishes its own test-optional policy, minimum GPA threshold, work experience expectations, and deadline calendar, and these details can change from year to year. For a quick overview, professional associations like the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) maintain directories of accredited programs, though specifics on testing policies still require a visit to the school's site.
Even when GRE or GMAT results are not required, programs evaluate several other criteria. A common benchmark is a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, though some schools consider applicants below that mark if they bring strong professional backgrounds. Work experience requirements vary: while some programs, such as Boston College's Online MHA, do not mandate prior healthcare experience, as confirmed on the Boston College Online MHA admissions page, others prefer candidates with at least two years in clinical or administrative roles. Application packages generally include official transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a current resume. Boston College's 2026-2027 cycle, for example, accepts applications through August 15 for fall entry and January 5 for spring entry, with rolling review after deadlines. Always check each school's current dates, as deadlines frequently shift.
Certain Massachusetts programs continue to request GRE or GMAT scores, particularly if your undergraduate GPA falls below the preferred minimum. If a program does require scores, it will specify whether it accepts the GRE, the GMAT, or both. For instance, Boston College lists reporting codes (GRE 7534, GMAT 44X-HX-07) for students who choose to submit scores, even though the program is test-optional. If you plan to take a test, schedule it well before application deadlines to allow time for official score delivery.
Admissions cycles in health administration programs often include multiple start terms (fall, spring, and sometimes summer) with separate deadlines. Rolling admissions policies, like Boston College's, mean applications are reviewed as they arrive, so earlier submission can increase your chances. To avoid missing key dates, set calendar reminders for each program's priority deadline and check for any interview requirements that follow the initial application review. Direct outreach to the program's admissions coordinator remains the best way to clarify any ambiguous policies or special circumstances.
Massachusetts MHA programs span a wide range of delivery models, from fully asynchronous online formats that never require a campus visit to hybrid designs that blend digital coursework with periodic on-site sessions. Understanding these differences is essential for working professionals, students outside Greater Boston, and anyone balancing clinical or public-sector responsibilities alongside graduate study. The table below compares key format attributes across programs in the state.
| Attribute | Fully Online Programs (e.g., MGH Institute, Boston College, Regis College, Fitchburg State, Cambridge College, Northeastern) | Hybrid Program (e.g., Lasell University, UMass Lowell) |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode | Primarily asynchronous coursework; Boston College uses a seven-week asynchronous course cycle, Northeastern offers optional weekly live sessions, and MGH Institute delivers 100% asynchronous content | Core coursework is online, with select courses or residency weekends held on campus in Newton (Lasell) or Lowell (UMass Lowell) |
| On-Campus Residency Requirement | No mandatory campus visits; capstone projects and practica are completed remotely or at the student's local site | Periodic in-person sessions may be required; students outside Greater Boston should plan for travel to Newton or Lowell |
| Capstone or Practicum Structure | Boston College pairs students with real-world healthcare clients for its capstone; MGH Institute leverages its Mass General Brigham affiliation to facilitate practicum placements; other fully online programs generally expect students to identify a local site | UMass Lowell draws on its public health network for practicum options at hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofits; Lasell integrates experiential projects into coursework |
| Full-Time vs. Part-Time Options | Most offer both tracks; Fitchburg State and Cambridge College feature accelerated 12 to 14 month timelines, while Northeastern allows one to two years at a part-time pace | Lasell offers completion in 12 to 24 months with six annual start dates; UMass Lowell provides both full-time and part-time pacing |
| Practicum Placement Support at MA Health Systems | MGH Institute stands out with direct ties to Mass General Brigham facilities; Cambridge College reports that 63% of students complete work at partner organizations; other programs typically require students to arrange their own site | UMass Lowell's CEPH-accredited program maintains relationships with Massachusetts hospitals, state agencies, and community health centers that can support field placements |
| Best Fit For | Working professionals statewide or outside Massachusetts who need maximum scheduling flexibility and no travel obligations | Students in or near Greater Boston who value face-to-face interaction and structured cohort networking alongside online convenience |
Below are answers to the questions Massachusetts students most frequently ask when evaluating Master of Health Administration programs. Each response draws on accreditation records, published tuition figures, admissions policies, and state licensing rules covered throughout this guide.
