Online Resources & Scholarships for Healthcare Administration Students
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HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia CareIf you’re a healthcare admin student and need help with tuition, classwork, or career prep, this guide is for you. Below you’ll find 15 of the best healthcare administration scholarship and grant opportunities currently available. We’ve also included access to tons of professional support resources you can take advantage of before and during your time in college, as well as throughout your health administration career.
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Scholarships and Grants for Healthcare Administration Students
While the most popular source of college funding is student loans, the problem is they have to be paid back – with interest. And paying off a student loan can take more years than you spend in the degree program itself.
That’s why scholarships and grants are so attractive as they’re not paid back, making them essentially free money for your HA education.
Scholarships and grant programs for HA programs are available from a wide range of sponsors, including:
- Colleges and universities
- Government agencies
- Nonprofits
- Private companies
- Individuals
- Religious, civic, and special interest groups
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best sources of scholarships and grants currently available for healthcare administration degree seekers:
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School-based Scholarships in Healthcare Administration
Many organizations offer scholarships open to students attending any of a number of accredited healthcare administration degree programs. Others sponsor scholarships that are designated for students pursuing healthcare administration degrees at a specific college or university.
Additionally, many schools sponsor their own scholarships for their healthcare admin students. To find out if your school offers internal scholarship programs, contact the financial aid office or your healthcare admin program director.
Information on both internal and external scholarship opportunities may also be found on school financial aid or healthcare administration department websites.
Below are examples of two colleges that feature substantial scholarship opportunities exclusively for their healthcare admin students:
Healthcare Administration Scholarship Spotlight: University of Utah
The Master of Healthcare Administration program offered by the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business is a two-year, full-time degree program available on the school’s main campus in Salt Lake City.
To help fund their studies, the university sponsors a range of scholarship awards open to its MHA students, including several available exclusively to MHA students. These include, among others, the MHA Program Scholarships described below.
Varies by specific scholarship
August
Eligibility
Open to MHA students enrolled full-time. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis and in consideration of the applicant’s GPA, essays, interview, and work experience.
How to Apply
Students must submit their applications and essays prior to the stated deadline. For applications and detailed submission information, contact the MHA program directly.
Healthcare Administration Scholarship Spotlight: University of Washington
The Master of Health Administration program from the University of Washington is a full-time, two-year program at the school’s home campus in Seattle.
UW offers several in-house scholarship awards to its MHA students, including the one spotlighted below. Eligibility and application requirements vary by specific scholarship.
Award amounts for these scholarships are $4,000 to $5,000 (depending on the specific scholarship.) Detailed information on all of these awards can be found on UW’s MHA Program Scholarships webpage.
Health Systems Excellence, Equity, and Distinction (HSEED) Award
$5,000
Autumn quarter
Eligibility
Open to current and incoming first-year MHA students with demonstrated outstanding academic merit and leadership potential in public health.
How to Apply
Application requirements include a statement describing how the applicant meets the scholarship criteria, including leadership goals, commitment to advancing equity, and financial and other barriers overcome.
National and Regional Healthcare Administration Scholarships
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
$5,000
March
Eligibility
Open to minority students (based on minority definition by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) who are entering the final year of their master’s degree studies. Preference is given to ACHE Student Associate members.
How to Apply
Complete the online application accessed from the scholarship website. Include resume or CV, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, application essay, and three letters of recommendation.
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
$5,000
May
Eligibility
Applicant must be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at a U.S. university in a healthcare administration or closely-related major. Must also be a MGMA student member.
How to Apply
Application requirements and submittal information can be found on the scholarship website.
Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)
$6,000
February
Eligibility
Open to full-time students entering their second year of studies in a residential graduate program. Preference is given to individuals who are either first in their family to pursue a graduate program or demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
Follow the application link on the scholarship webpage. Complete the application and provide transcripts, financial statement, letters of recommendation, resume, GPA, and personal statement.
Mosaic LIfe Care Foundation
$1,000
March
Eligibility
Available to students accepted and enrolled in at least 12 hours of study for a regular semester (or equivalent full-time status) in an approved MHA or other healthcare-related program. Applicant’s hometown must be within a 100-mile radius of St. Joseph, Missouri, and preference is given to students in Andrew County.
How to Apply
Fill out and submit the application on the scholarship webpage. Submitted materials include transcripts, proof of acceptance and full-time enrollment, and two reference letters.
David A. Winston Health Policy Fellowship
$65,000 (annual stipend) plus additional benefits (see scholarship website)
October
Eligibility
Open to first-year graduate students in their second full-time semester or third full-time quarter of studies.
How to Apply
See scholarship website for application details. Submission requirements include resume, personal statement, synopsis describing past healthcare issue the applicant was involved in, transcripts, and two letters of nomination.
5 Keys to Landing Your Healthcare Administration Scholarship
To win scholarship awards, you have to do two things:
- Choose the scholarships you apply to carefully
- Impress with your scholarship applications
Remember, you’ll be competing against other applicants, so you have to find a way to stand out from – and above – all the rest. Below are five actions you can take to do just that.
These tips may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often scholarship applicants fail to follow them.
Start early
Your scholarship search is going to take some time and effort, both in seeking out the best scholarships to apply for and in completing all application requirements fully and on time. So, the earlier you start your scholarship search, the better, which is ideally at the same time you start looking for your HA degree program.
Be strategic
You’re looking to earn an HA degree, so try to tailor your scholarship search to those contests looking to help HA students.
Also, consider scholarships with smaller awards or limited to applicants in a particular geographic area or at a particular college. You’ll likely have less competition, which means a higher chance of success.
But don’t rely on just one scholarship
Most scholarship contests limit their awards to one recipient annually, and you will have lots of competition. So, while it’s a good idea to go after scholarships that best suit your qualifications and academic and career goals, don’t limit yourself to just one or two contests.
Write a great essay
There’s no better way to set yourself apart from the competition than through your application essay, so make it a great one. Be concise and personal, and make clear why you’re passionate about a career in healthcare administration.
Start by writing the essay on your own. Then, find a great writer to help you with the polish.
Meet your deadlines
Let’s be clear: All of the hard work you put into your scholarship search and applications will be a total waste of time if you miss a deadline. So, be sure to keep in mind all deadlines throughout the application process.
Where to Find More Financial Aid for Your Healthcare Admin Degree
Scholarships and grants are, of course, not the only resources available to fund your healthcare administration degree. Other popular options include:
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Work-study programs
- Internships and assistantships
- The GI Bill (for military vets)
- Student loans
Those obtaining student loans may also be able to take advantage of loan forgiveness opportunities, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program from the federal government.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, it’s always a good idea to speak with your school’s financial aid office to see what might be available. And to learn more about college funding, visit these EduMed student loan and financial aid guides.
Academic and Professional Support Resources for Healthcare Administration Students
Advancing your healthcare administration career takes real time, effort, and planning. The good news is that you’re not alone.
There are tons of great resources you can take advantage of before, during, and after college. Below is our list of some of the most useful student organizations, academic support services, professional associations, and other resources available — all geared toward helping you achieve your college and professional goals.
Healthcare Admin Student Support Centers and Services
Whether you’re just starting to look at degree options, planning your college funding strategy, looking for suitable housing, or simply trying to get your academic bearings, your first stop should be your school’s student support center.
Getting you connected to the resources you need is their number one concern, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of their services as often as you need them. And that’s whether you’re studying on-campus or online.
Here’s a look at three schools with outstanding support services for their healthcare administration students:
George Washington University
Through its Milken Institute School of Public Health, GWU offers an MHA program that is consistantly ranked among the best in the nation. Students in the program have access to a wide range of academic, financial, career, and well-being support services that include:
- Advocacy Support
- Disability Support
- Financial Aid
- Graduate Career Center
- Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library
- Student Health Center
- University Counseling Center
- Writing Center
To learn more, visit the Milken Institute’s Resources for Students website.
University of New England
The University of New England offers its Master of Healthcare Administration degree program in a 100% online format. It also offers a comprehensive program of student services exclusively for its online HA students.
At the outset of the application process, HA program applicants are assigned a dedicated enrollment counselor to walk them through the process from start to finish.
Upon acceptance into the degree program, each student is assigned a support specialist to provide information and advice, as well as answers to any questions they might have regarding costs, financial aid, textbooks, and all other aspects of the UNE academic experience.
HA students can access a range of additional services through the department’s Online Learning Student Support and Resources website.
University of North Florida
Located on UNF’s Jacksonville campus, the Brooks College of Health is home to both undergraduate and graduate health administration degree programs, including an Executive Master of Health Administration available in an online/on-campus hybrid format.
Both online and on-campus HA students at UNF can access a range of student services specifically for them through the department’s Online Student Support Resources website. Included are links to:
- Brooks College of Health Professional Development Center
- UNF Writing Center
- UNF Student Involvement Center
HA students can additionally participate in the activities of the Health Administration Student Association and Upsilon Phi Delta National Honor Society.
Resources for Online Human Services Students
This American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) website provides access to a wide range of resources for both online HA students and working professionals, including online seminars, webinars, self-study courses, research, and publications. ACHE Student Member membership is required.
Guide to Online Healthcare Administration Degrees
EduMed’s own guide to helping you find the online healthcare administration degree program that best suits your academic needs and professional goals. Included are spotlights of three standout programs and a helpful overview of different healthcare admin degrees available.
Healthcare Administration, Management & Policy Centralized Application Service (HAMPCAS)
HAMPCAS provides HA students with a simplified “one-stop” location and process for applying to multiple health administration, management, and policy degree programs, including many online programs. Be sure to check with each school to which you’re applying to see if it employs HAMPCAS for their program applications.
Journal of Hospital Administration
The Journal of Hospital Administration is an international, peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to the publication of research papers covering all aspects of the HA profession. Published in an open-source format by the Sciedu Press, articles accessed here can be used by online students in their HA research for papers, projects, theses, etc.
Tips for Success in an Online Degree Program: Study Techniques
Useful advice from Boston College for succeeding in an online healthcare administration degree program. Included are tips on time management, self discipline (always crucial in the online learning environment), and more.
Tips for Successful Online Learning
This edX webpage offers a healthy dose of solid advice on how to succeed in the online learning environment. Included are links to a blog featuring more online study advice from edX students and a How to Learn Online course (fee required).
Transitioning to Online School: A Guide for Healthcare Students
Another excellent and useful EduMed guide, this one focused on helping students who are new to distance learning succeed in the online college learning environment. Included here is lots of helpful information and advice on learning management systems, communicating with teachers and fellow students, good study habits and time management, and much more.
Student Organizations and Professional Associations
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
Founded in 1968, the AAHAM bills itself as the “premier professional organization in healthcare administrative management”. Along with the professional development of its members, the AAHAM focuses on the areas of admitting and registration of patients, data management and medical records, reimbursement, and patient relations.
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP)
The AHCAP is an organization of healthcare administration professionals whose members are dedicated to the support of healthcare leadership throughout the U.S. The AHCAP sponsors a number of professional development events and education resources, and its website offers access to a discussion forum and other useful professional services.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Not a college, but a highly-respected professional organization dedicated to the professional and personal growth of its over 50,000 health administration and management members and fellows. The ACHE is also the certification arm of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA)
The HCAA is a nonprofit trade association that supports advocacy, networking, education, and other resources for a wide range of HA-related occupations, including benefit administrators, stop loss insurance carriers, medical managers, human resource managers, and many others.
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
Both students and professionals benefit from MGMA’s online resource offerings and in-person networking opportunities. Members enjoy access to an online job board, board certification preparation classes, professional fellowship opportunities, and medical practice consulting services.
Sponsored by the AUPHA, Upsilon Phi Delta is the national academic honor society for health administration students. There are currently ten full and five organizing Upsilon Phi Delta chapters located on college and university campuses throughout the U.S.
Online Communities, Networking Sites, and Other Social Groups
Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA) Facebook Page
Facebook page for this highly-respected HA professional organization offering up-to-date information on activities and events for both AUPHA member schools and the organization itself.
Career in Healthcare Administration? Reddit Discussion
Reddit discussion post started by a prospective bachelor’s in healthcare administration student. Discussions center around career prospects and opportunities available in the HA field, as well as the different degree programs and levels associated with launching a successful HA career.
Health Professionals Graduate Student Alliance (HPGSA) Facebook Page
The Health Professionals Graduate Student Alliance is an organization of HA professionals providing networking opportunities for graduate students and supporting the collaboration with experts in the HA industry to keep up to date on emerging healthcare trends.
Healthcare Networking Group (LinkedIn)
Networking resource for healthcare executives and medical practice managers (as well as physicians, nurses, and physician assistants) dedicated to finding solutions that will transform how hospitals, physicians, and medical groups get paid.
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Articles, Blogs, Videos, Books and Podcasts
Health Administration Press (HAP)
A division of the Foundation of the ACHE, the Health Administration Press (HAP) publishes textbooks and other publications related to the HA profession on topics such as communication, diversity, ethics, economics and financial management, law, leadership, and career resources.
Alumni Insights: Healthcare Administration (Colorado College Career Center)
This YouTube video features three alumni of the Healthcare Administration program at Colorado College discussing their experiences and insights as HA students and professionals working in the administrative side of the healthcare industry.
MHA Alumni Gaining Valuable Experience in Fellowships
Blog post featuring the insights of four alumni of the MHA program at the Fairbanks School of Public Health at the Indiana University Indianapolis regarding their experiences in administrative fellowships.
This site features an interactive blog that covers topics in health technology, health policies, medical practice, and healthcare business. Users can comment on articles, interact with others in the forum, and keep up with some of the latest topics and debates with entries written by active healthcare professionals.
This excellent podcast series produces episodes featuring business leaders and others discussing issues and challenges in the rapidly changing healthcare industry. Produced by the University of Texas at Dallas’s Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management.
Healthcare Administration Interview Tips
YouTube video from a hospital CEO and Doctor of Psychology offering advice to prepare healthcare administration professionals to nail their job interviews.
