Best Online Healthcare Administration (BHA) Programs in Illinois

Most online BHA programs in Illinois have minimal admissions requirements. Expect that you’ll need a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA in the 2.0 to 2.5 range. You’ll also have to supply transcripts for any post-secondary work you’ve done.

Generally, you can expect an admissions decision with a fast turnaround time after applying.

Tuition among Illinois’s leading online BHA programs mostly falls in the $375 to $500 range per credit hour. Notably, since most BHA programs require roughly 120 credits, the difference between the cheapest and priciest options can add up to tens of thousands of dollars for the full degree.

Remember, the best way to make earning a BHA more affordable is to have plenty of transfer credits. This allows you to skip some general education courses and save the money you’d otherwise be spending on those hours.

Most bachelor’s programs take about four years to complete if you aren’t transferring in any credits. However, some online BHA programs in Illinois offer self-paced or asynchronous options. This means you can complete your degree much faster if you have ample time to spend on coursework every week.

A disciplined student with some transfer credits can realistically complete this type of program in as little as 18 months. Of course, those balancing a full-time job or personal responsibilities alongside being a student will naturally finish a bit slower.

Yes. Illinois residents may be eligible for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant, a need-based award administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. If you qualify, you may receive up to $8,064 for the academic year. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis to students who demonstrate financial need, so pay close attention to application timelines so you don’t miss out.

Beyond state aid, students should always apply for the FAFSA to see what federal grants, loans, and work-study programs they may qualify for. You can also ask your program’s admissions counselor if they have any financial aid awards you can apply for directly through the school.

Yes, for most students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for medical and health services managers are projected to grow 23% nationally between 2024 and 2034, with a median annual wage of nearly $118,000.

Illinois ranks among the top five states for employment of administrative services managers, and Chicago’s status as one of the largest healthcare markets in the country means steady demand for administrators at hospitals, clinics, and health systems. There are also plenty of opportunities in more rural parts of the state.