Discover the Best Online Health Informatics Degrees with Financial Aid
Discover standout, financial aid-friendly online health informatics programs and the top scholarships and grants you can apply for.
The cost of a college degree is among the top concerns for prospective students at every level. But don’t let the financial burden keep you from pursuing a degree in health informatics. This fast-growing field is seeing a high return on the investment you make in your degree: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a sustained growth rate in the job market of 16% over the next decade. Whether you want to use this degree to pursue an IT role in the healthcare industry or explore management positions, health informatics programs set you up for success.
As you plan out your studies, you’ll also have a range of financial aid options to help you reduce the burden of earning a degree, including assistance from professional organizations and program-specific scholarships. In this guide, we’ll highlight a few top financial aid-friendly health informatics programs.
Popular Health Informatics Programs Online with Financial Aid
Given that health informatics is such a high-demand field, there are a number of resources that make earning a degree more accessible.
The average cost of programs we found ranges from $179/credit to $565/credit, with specific discounts such as reduced tuition for members of the military and veterans. All the programs below are offered fully online, giving you flexibility in how you structure your schedule.
Georgia State University
Through Georgia State University (GSU), you can earn an online graduate certificate in health informatics. This program is designed for healthcare professionals who are ready to specialize in health informatics in a short timeframe. The certificate is offered through a 19-credit-hour plan of study and can be completed in just 12 months — shorter than a typical master’s program.
GSU’s School of Nursing and Health Professions offers a number of scholarships. The cost depends on your course load but starts at $398/credit hour. View a more in-depth cost breakdown here.
Liberty University
Liberty University is known for its affordable online programs — and the health informatics master’s program is no exception. As a nonprofit university, Liberty focuses on keeping costs low and has frozen its tuition rates for the past nine years. Currently, graduate full-time courses are offered at $565/credit; service members and veterans receive a rate of $275/credit.
The university offers various scholarships, such as Liberty University Online Scholarships. You’ll find scholarships for the children of missionaries, first responders, and employees of eligible companies.
The 42-credit MS program is offered 100% online through eight-week courses. You can also transfer in up to 50% of credits for the graduate degree, further saving yourself money.
Purdue Global
Purdue Global, a branch of Purdue University, offers an online Master of Health Informatics program that’s both affordable and flexible. The 12-course program is $420/credit and, on average, can be completed within a year and a half.
There are several ways to reduce the cost of your studies. The program offers 17% to 30% reduced tuition for current service members and 14% for veterans. Additionally, students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% reduction.
University of Cincinnati Online
University of Cincinnati’s online health informatics program is available to students worldwide. The coursework is offered through flexible scheduling and doesn’t require a healthcare or IT background.
You can reduce your financial burden in several ways. First, the application fee is currently waived for prospective students. The university also offers a $1,500 scholarship for active duty military personnel and veterans. Lastly, you can take advantage of a variety of payment plan options depending on your eligibility for financial aid.
University of Central Florida Online
Through the University of Central Florida (UCF) Online, you can earn a BS in Online Health Informatics and Information Management. In-state students get a tuition rate of $179/credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $715/credit hour.
If you’re looking for financial support, UCF Online offers tuition support scholarships and waives certain fees for online students. To learn more about the financial aid process, visit their financial assistance guide.
Most Common Types of Financial Aid for Health Informatics Students
Funding your education can be extremely daunting – but getting more information will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of financial aid. Aside from choosing an affordable program, most students turn to a mix of scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for their degree.
Below we’ve highlighted some top resources to learn more about scholarships in the healthcare field as well as some standout scholarships specifically for healthcare informatics students.
Scholarships
When searching for scholarship options, it’s important to look for various sources – including private, public, institutional, and industry-specific. Scholarships for health informatics students are offered from major foundations such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Organizations such as these provide educational and professional opportunities to prepare the next generation of health information and technology leaders for the digital health workforce.
Here are some scholarships to consider:
- HIMSS Foundation Scholarships
- Steve Lieber Innovator Scholarship
- Alice Clements Memorial Scholarship
- AHIMA Foundation Scholarships
- Barbara B. Watson National Scholarship
Grants
Grants are another ideal way to pay for your studies, since this is money that you don’t have to pay back. Grants range from federal income-based grants, such as Pell Grants, to specific grants from industry organizations such as the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS), HIMSS, and AHIMA.
For example, the CAHIMS Grant Program covers the cost of registration, review courses, study materials, and all applicable testing fees. These grants are designed to help minority students find more career opportunities and build a more inclusive workforce.
Here are some grants to explore:
- CAHIMS Grants for Diverse Health IT Students and Professionals
- HIMSS Emerging Healthcare Leaders Program Grant
- AHIMA Foundation’s Doctoral Grant Program
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Loans
Student loans are a helpful way to finance part of your education. Although scholarships and grants are ideal because you don’t have to pay them back, loans are useful in reducing the up-front cost of your schooling.
Here are a few of your options:
- Direct Subsidized Loans
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Direct PLUS Loans
- Direct Consolidation Loans
- Private Loans
Check out our student loan handbook to learn more about the ins and outs of education loans.
Financial Aid Eligibility & Application Checklist
Once you’ve made your shortlist for health informatics programs that look like the best fit for you, you can start on your checklist for financial aid. Of course, every program and scholarship will have its own application requirements, so check the program or scholarship website for specific details. However, the steps below are a great place to start.
Complete the FAFSA Early
Make it a goal to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. This is how you’ll learn about federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Universities consider the FAFSA when giving out scholarships and typically give preference to those who apply by certain deadlines.
Thoroughly Review Eligibility Criteria & Requirements
Every aid application will vary slightly in its criteria and requirements.
See the University of Cincinnati Online’s application page for an example of eligibility criteria and requirements for an online program. This generally includes transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Meanwhile, scholarships such as the Alice Clements Memorial Scholarship will have specific instructions to follow. For example, you must have completed at least one semester of coursework in an accredited health information management, health information technology, or health information management-related program and be a registered member of AHIMA living in the Greater Hampton Roads area.
Scholarship applications can be time-consuming to complete. Be sure to diligently check the requirements and make sure you’re a good fit so you can invest your time wisely.
Check Deadlines and Apply Early
Deadlines for financial aid applications vary widely, with some annual awards having firm cutoff dates while others operate on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
Prioritize opportunities with hard deadlines and submit your applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. For rolling applications, apply as early as possible to improve your chances of receiving aid.
Gather All Necessary Documents
While each application will have specific requirements, there are some common elements that most need. This includes a resume, prior transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and a personal statement or essay. It’s a good idea to prepare these well in advance of any application deadlines. Reflect on what may help you stand out and finetune your description of why you want to pursue a career in health informatics.
Receive Feedback on Supplemental Materials
It’s always a great idea to get an extra pair of eyes to look over your writing. If any of your applications include a personal statement, essay, or other written components, find someone who can read it and give you feedback, whether that’s a teacher, counselor, family member, or friend.
Review Award Letters
Once you’ve submitted your scholarship and financial aid applications, keep a close eye on any communications and award letters you receive. This is where you’ll find more information about the award terms and the conditions for the aid you’ve been offered. Most awards also come with a deadline to accept so be sure to respond promptly if needed.
Ready to learn even more about healthcare informatics? Check out our guide to online programs and dig into the details on programs in healthcare management vs. healthcare administration.
