2020 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees
With annual tuitions under $10,000, these 24 online colleges offer the most affordable bachelor's in human resources degrees. Georgia Southwestern State University, our top-ranked school, has the lowest tuition on the list at only $5,970 per year. Courses at Georgia Southwestern State University include Current Issues in HR Management, Labor Relations, and Performance Management. In the #2 spot is United States University, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Management - Human Resources for $6,000 per academic year.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or browse our rankings of the most affordable online master's in human resources. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southwestern State University | $5,970 | |
| United States University | $6,000 | |
| Western Governors University | $6,450 | |
| Wichita State University | $6,708 | |
| Fort Hays State University | $6,778 | |
| Columbia Southern University | $6,900 | |
| Dickinson State University | $6,947 | |
| Mississippi University for Women | $7,424 | |
| University of Arkansas | $7,568 | |
| Athens State University | $7,626 | |
| Amberton University | $7,950 | |
| American Public University System | $8,100 | |
| Louisiana State University - Shreveport | $8,520 | |
| Grantham University | $8,850 | |
| Peru State College | $8,895 | |
| Wayne State College | $8,895 | |
| Pittsburg State University | $9,060 | |
| Texas Tech University | $9,090 | |
| Midwestern State University | $9,166 | |
| Missouri Southern State University | $9,172 | |
| Hampton University | $9,300 | |
| Metropolitan State University | $9,316 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | $9,856 |
Georgia Southwestern State University Americus (GA) Georgia Southwestern State University's Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of their responsibilities as a human resources professional. Students will learn performance management, labor relations skills, training, and career development, recruitment, and more. Students will also learn about the intersection between diversity, labor relations, employment law, and company culture. Georgia Southwestern... State University offers this bachelor's degree online through the Georgia Online Virtual Instruction Enterprise Wide (GoVIEW) learning management system. The online program can be completed without ever visiting campus. However, some courses may not be available online during certain semesters. Students may be able to earn credit for prior learning through Georgia Southwestern’s Prior Learning Assessment Program. Distance learners have access to library services, tutoring, writing resources, and technical support. This program is offered according to a traditional semester-based schedule, with courses available in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students need to fill out the application, pay the application fee, and submit transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
Example Classes: Current Issues in HR Management, HR Law, Labor Relations, Organizational Theory, Performance Management Online Bachelor's Degrees
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United States University National City (CA) United States University’s Bachelor of Arts in Management with a concentration in Human Resources is designed for students who want to complete the degree online while continuing to work full-time. The purpose of the program is to cultivate students' leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as core HR competencies such as project management, teamwork, ethics, and communication. The program requires 120 credit hours, including 15 credits of human resources concentration courses... and a capstone course. Most students are capable of completing the program within ten semesters. United States University uses the Brightspace platform to deliver online coursework, which may include synchronous and asynchronous components. Students are expected to use video and audio technologies and electronic correspondence to complete their required coursework. Financial aid is available, and students who are veterans or dependents of veterans may also qualify for education assistance through the Veterans Administration. Students enrolled in this program will have access to help from advisors, IT support, and online tutoring. The school year is based on a three-semester system, with courses available in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application, proof of high school graduation or GED, and transcripts from institutions previously attended. An interview with an enrollment advisor is also required.
Example Classes: Compensation and Benefits, Data analysis and Decision-Making for Managers, Legal Environment of Human Resource Management, Workforce Planning and Performance Management Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Western Governors University Salt Lake City (UT) Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree. The curriculum focuses on developing students' problem solving and communication skills and teaching them how to recruit and manage employees, administer benefits, and develop policies to help companies operate effectively. The program consists of 41 courses, including a final capstone project that requires students to solve a real-world issue. Course completion is based on mastery of subject matter... as opposed to set class schedules. Most students can complete the program in 36 months or less. The program helps prepare graduates for industry certification exams. WGU offers financial aid and is approved for U.S. veterans education benefits, which are typically available to veterans and their dependents. WGU also accepts transfer credits, which can reduce the time to degree completion. Learning at WGU is asynchronous, so students are not required to commit to a specific schedule and can progress through the program at their own pace. Distance learners have access to many resources, including a dedicated faculty mentor, a writing center, wellness services, and technical support. To apply for this program, students must complete the application, submit copies of transcripts, and complete an intake interview. Start dates are available on the 1st of every month.
Example Classes: Cases in Advanced Human Resource Management, Critical Thinking and Logic, Elements of Effective Communication, Integrated Natural Science, Quantitative Analysis For Business, Workforce Planning: Recruitment and Selection Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Wichita State University Wichita (KS)
Example Classes: Compensation, Employment Law, Human Resource Staffing Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Fort Hays State University Hays (KS)
Example Classes: Conflict Management Through Communications, Employment Law, Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining, Leadership and Team Dynamics, Recruitment, Selection, & Retention, Total Compensation Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL)
Example Classes: Business Policy and Strategy, Collective Bargaining, Employment Law, Intercultural Management, International Human Resource Management, Staffing Organizations Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Dickinson State University Dickinson (ND)
Example Classes: Business Administration Internship, Externship, Cooperative Education, Compensation Management, Labor Relations, Management Information Systems, Staffing and Workforce Diversity Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Mississippi University for Women Columbus (MS)
Example Classes: Compensation Management, Labor Relations, Seminar in Human Resources, Training and Development Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Arkansas Fayetteville (AR)
Example Classes: Career Development, Communication in Human Resource and Workforce Development, International Human Resource Development and Cultural Differentiation, Managing Human Resource Development Programs, The Generational Dynamics in the Workplace, Writing for Human Resource and Workforce Development Professionals Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Athens State University Athens (AL)
Example Classes: Compensation and Benefits, Employment Law for Business, Labor/Management Relations, Management of Change, Organizational Behavior and Teambuilding, Performance Management in Organizations Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Amberton University Garland (TX)
Example Classes: Human Resource Inventory, Interpersonal Relations, Motivation, Psychology Of Adjustment, Stress Management, The Power And Wisdom Of Love Online Bachelor's Degrees
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American Public University System Charles Town (WV)
Example Classes: Compensation and Benefits, Employment and Labor Relations, Human Resource Development, Human Resource Management Information Systems, Recruitment and Staffing Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Louisiana State University - Shreveport Shreveport (LA)
Example Classes: Compensation Administration, Labor Law, Performance Improvement, Staffing Organizations, Training and Development Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Grantham University Kansas City (KS)
Example Classes: Compensation, Developing Human Resources, Leadership in Organizations, Training and Development Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Peru State College Peru (NE)
Example Classes: Compensation and Benefits, Database Development and Programming, Employment Law, Organizational Ethics Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Wayne State College Wayne (NE)
Example Classes: Ergonomics, Intercultural Communication, Managing Behavior in Organizations, Negotiations, Workforce Planning and Employment, Workplace Accident Investigation Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Pittsburg State University Pittsburg (KS)
Example Classes: Instructional Media in Human Resource Development, Organizational Staffing, Presentation Skills, Workforce Preparation Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Texas Tech University Lubbock (TX)
Example Classes: Employment Law in Human Resource Development, Recruitment, Selection, and Retention, Training & Development in Human Resource Dvlmpt. Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Midwestern State University Wichita Falls (TX)
Example Classes: Instructional Strategies for Adult Learners, Instructional Technology Design, Multimedia Development I, Trends and Issues in Training and Development Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Missouri Southern State University Joplin (MO)
Example Classes: Compensation and Benefits Management, Employee Training and Development, Organizational Behavior, Professional Sales and Sales Management, Using Information Systems Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Hampton University Hampton (VA)
Example Classes: Business Organization & Management, Compensation and Benefits Administration, Labor Management Relations, Legal Aspects of Human Resource Management, Training and Development in Organizations Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Metropolitan State University Saint Paul (MN)
Example Classes: Compensation Management, Employee Benefits Management, Employee Development and Training, Human Resource Management: A Strategic Framework, Managing a Diverse Workforce, Staffing Organizations Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Southern New Hampshire University Online Manchester (NH)
Example Classes: Employee and Labor Relations, Human Resource Strategy and Development, Managing Organizational Change, Social Environment of Business, Total Rewards Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Thomas Edison State University Trenton (NJ)
Example Classes: Leading Teams and Groups, Productivity, Technology and Work, Public Sector Collective Negotiations, Social Problems–Impact on the Workplace, Sociology of Work Organizations, Wage and Salary Administration Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Worth It?
Whether a student studies online or in-person, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources is an investment of time and money. In addition to your career goals, it's important to consider your personal commitments and financial circumstances when deciding whether to pursue this degree.
An online degree can lead to HR roles in both the public and private sectors, where you may work as a headhunter or recruitment specialist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for an HR specialist is $63,490, which is above the U.S. economy’s median average of $41,950 per year.
If you're interested in helping companies find and train talented employees, an online bachelor's in HR may be a suitable fit. Consider the following pros and cons associated with pursuing this degree.
If you're interested in helping companies find and train talented employees, an online bachelor's in HR may be a suitable fit.
Advantages:
- If you work part-time or care for family, learning at your own pace may be a preferable option. Online degrees in HR often offer students increased flexibility and autonomy.
- Opting for a four-year degree — rather than an associate degree or a certificate — will often qualify you for higher-level HR positions and a more substantial salary. For example, a bachelor's degree is typically required for compensation and benefits managers, who earn a median annual salary of $125,130.
- The job market appears steady for most graduates with a bachelor's degree in human resources. According to the BLS, career opportunities for human resources managers and human resources specialists are projected to grow by 9% and 10%, respectively, through 2030.
Drawbacks:
- Even though HR managers earn a median annual salary of $121,220, some employers prefer to hire applicants with a master's degree for this role.
- While the job market for HR professionals is generally projected to be strong over the next decade, those with certification or specialized training are expected to have the edge over other job candidates. Therefore, bachelor's graduates may need to obtain certification or additional training to remain competitive in the field.
- The job outlook for some HR professions is expected to either be slower than average or decline through 2030. For example, labor relations specialists are projected to experience a 4% decline due to the decreasing number of union members. Students should research the job projections for different fields before committing to a specialization.
Common Bachelor’s in Human Resources Courses
Human resource management programs offer courses that provide a thorough introduction to all aspects of hiring and managing an organization’s workforce. They also require general business courses covering topics such as management, marketing, and finance. While taking these courses, undergraduates develop problem-solving, communication, and strategic-thinking skills. Students pursuing HR management degrees typically enroll in the following classes.
- Compensation: Rather than simply determining how much to pay employees, this course explains how to produce a long-term compensation plan that includes a salary structure, benefits packages, and other incentives. Students also learn about regulations governing compensation.
- Employment Law: This course explores the federal and state laws governing every aspect of employment. Topics covered also include workplace safety, taxation, and labor unions. The faculty may also discuss the appropriate questions to ask interviewees and the correct procedures to follow when employees leave an organization.
- Introduction to Human Resource Management: This entry-level course provides a broad overview of the HR industry, typically covering the hiring process, disciplinary actions, payroll basics, and recordkeeping. Students should discover the specializations within HR management, such as compensation, recruitment, and training.
- Organizational Behavior: Organizational behavior refers to how people interact in group settings. In this course, students examine interactions in the workplace from the perspective of HR managers to develop practical managerial skills. Topics include group dynamics, motivation, conflict resolution, diversity, leadership, and goal-setting theory.
- Recruitment and Selection: This course guides students through the recruitment process, from identifying a job opening to writing a detailed description of the ideal candidate's qualifications. This procedure involves advertising, interviewing prospects, conducting background checks, and selecting the best candidate. The course material also touches on legal and ethical considerations.
- Training and Development: After investing so much time and effort into the hiring process, organizations want to retain the best employees and help foster their professional growth. This course explores various training methods, including how to create an effective training program that allows employees to thrive.
Funding an Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources
Students enrolled in an online human resources program at an accredited school can qualify for various financial aid opportunities. The most desirable forms of aid include grants, scholarships, and work-study earnings because these don't require repayment after graduation. Most college students, or their guardians, take out federal or private loans to finance a degree. Since students need to repay these loans with interest, it’s helpful to keep in mind that the federal and state governments generally provide better interest rates than private lenders.
The most desirable forms of aid include grants, scholarships, and work-study earnings because these don't require repayment after graduation.
The financial aid process begins by filling out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). Applicants send in their personal and financial information through this form to determine their eligibility for federal aid. Most states and colleges use it for the same purpose. Students with undocumented immigration status can't apply for federal aid, but they should check with their state's higher education agency for an alternate form. Once a college receives an overview of a student's finances, it can consider them for certain aid programs, such as grants and scholarships. Check with your school's financial aid office to see if they participate in programs related to your individual situation.
Where to Look for Additional Financial Assistance
In addition to government and school programs, human resources students can pursue private gift aid in the form of scholarship opportunities. Below are two examples of scholarships that are specific to an HR major.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Zonta International, a non-profit pursuing international gender equality, grants $2,000 awards to 32 women each year. Women studying for an online bachelor's degree in HR management are eligible for this award if they've completed at least one year of study.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Undergraduate Scholarship
Bachelor's students studying HR can receive a one-time award of $2,500 to cover tuition and fees. Recipients must be SHRM members with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship doesn’t automatically renew, but winners are allowed to reapply.