If you’re overwhelmed by the vast variety of degree programs and institutions through which to earn your degree, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve compiled a few of the most affordable, high-quality, and widely-renowned post-secondary institutions through which you can pursue any number of degrees. In particular, this list comprises the top ten schools that offer the cheapest online human resources degree options, and do so in easily-accessible online bachelor or online master program formats. Human resources is a constantly evolving field but with the proper tools, gained through hard work and high-quality education, you’ll be able to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of your human resources career.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online human resources degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Additional Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.
2024 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Human Resources Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| # 1 | Louisiana State University – Shreveport | $8,535 |
| # 2 | Missouri Southern State University | $9,607 |
| # 3 | Grantham University | $10,099 |
| # 4 | Midwestern State University | $10,203 |
| # 5 | American Public University System | $11,144 |
| # 6 | Western Governors University | $11,835 |
| # 7 | Mississippi University for Women | $11,952 |
| # 8 | Columbia Southern University | $12,474 |
| # 9 | Georgia Southwestern State University | $12,567 |
| # 10 | Fort Hays State University | $13,515 |
| # 11 | Pittsburg State University | $14,255 |
| # 12 | Wichita State University | $14,372 |
| # 13 | Wayne State College | $14,469 |
| # 14 | Dickinson State University | $14,557 |
| # 15 | University of Arkansas | $14,998 |
| # 16 | Peru State College | $15,652 |
| # 17 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $15,868 |
| # 18 | Texas Tech University | $17,313 |
| # 19 | Metropolitan State University | $17,718 |
| # 20 | Southern New Hampshire University Online | $22,873 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Human Resources Degrees
1. Louisiana State University – Shreveport
Average Net Price: $8,535
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Louisiana State University – Shreveport (LSUS) offers two online human resources degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Management & Administration with a Concentration in Human Resource Management and an MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration.
Bachelor of Science in Management & Administration with a Concentration in Human Resource Management
This online degree program is designed to prepare students for a career in human resources. The program covers a wide range of HR topics, including:
- Organizational behavior
- Labor law
- Workforce hiring, training, motivation, and evaluation
- Compensation and benefits
- Performance management
- Employee relations
- Strategic HR
The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.
MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration
This online MBA program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in human resources. The program covers all of the core MBA topics, as well as advanced HR topics such as:
- Talent management
- Change management
- Organizational development
- Strategic HR planning
The MBA program is also accredited by the AACSB.
Both of LSUS’s online human resources degrees are offered in a flexible format that allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace. Students can typically complete their degree in 2-4 years, depending on their full-time or part-time status.
2. Missouri Southern State University
Average Net Price: $9,607
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) beckons students to dive into a dynamic academic offering: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialized focus on Human Resource Management (HRM) that’s accessible online. This online HRM degree program, proudly bearing accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), is your gateway to a world of excellence.
ACBSP accreditation isn’t just a seal; it’s a guarantee of the highest standards and academic prowess. It signifies a program that stands tall in the realm of quality.
MSSU’s online HRM degree program comprises a robust curriculum demanding 120 credit hours for completion within four years of dedicated full-time study. Brace yourself for an intellectual journey where you’ll delve into a myriad of captivating subjects, including the principles of human resources management, the intricacies of employee relations, the art of compensation and benefits, the science behind training and development, the complexities of labor relations, the legal landscape of human resources, and the marvel of human resources information systems.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Alongside these core HRM courses, you’ll also embark on a parallel expedition through the realms of business administration and general education. This isn’t just an academic pursuit; it’s an immersive experience, a journey of skill honing, and an arena where students can truly showcase their abilities.
3. Grantham University
Average Net Price: $10,099
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Grantham University presents a duo of compelling online human resources programs:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management:In the realm of human resources, the BBA in Human Resource Management is an immersive journey that equips students with a profound grasp of the domain. It forges their abilities in:
- Recruiting and selection
- Training and development
- Performance management
- Compensation and benefits
- Employee relations Labor law
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resources:Tailored for both HR professionals seeking career advancement and newcomers to the field, the Graduate Certificate in Human Resources navigates a comprehensive spectrum of critical topics:
- HR management best practices
- Strategic HR planning
- Employee engagement and retention
- Talent management
- Diversity and inclusion
- HR analytics
4. Midwestern State University
Average Net Price: $10,203
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) offers two online Human Resources (HR) degrees: a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development (MAHRD) and a Master of Professional Studies in Human Resource Management (MPSHRM).
The MAHRD program is designed to prepare students for a career in HR development, training, or employee assistance. The program covers a wide range of HR topics, including:
- HR strategy and planning
- Employee recruitment and selección
- Performance management
- Compensation and benefits
- Training and development
- Employee relations
The MPSHRM program is designed to prepare students for a career in HR management. The program covers a core set of HR topics, as well as specialized topics such as:
- Labor relations
- Employment law
- Diversity and inclusion
- HR analytics
5. American Public University System
Average Net Price: $11,144
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC and DEAC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
American Public University System (APUS) offers two online human resources degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management (BAHRM)
- Master of Arts in Human Resource Management (MAHRM)
The BAHRM program is designed to prepare students for entry-level human resource positions. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Human resource planning and development
- Recruitment and selection
- Performance management
- Compensation and benefits
- Employee relations
- Employment law
6. Western Governors University
Average Net Price: $11,835
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Western Governors University (WGU) stands as a non-profit, private online institution, granting accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees across various fields, including human resources. What sets WGU apart is its innovative competency-based educational approach, allowing students to traverse their studies at their own pace, contingent on their aptitude for the subject matter.
WGU extends two distinct online human resources degree programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resources Management: This program serves as a potent springboard for individuals aspiring to make their mark in the dynamic realm of human resources. It immerses students in the core facets of HR, encompassing recruitment, selection, training, performance management, compensation and benefits, and the intricacies of employee relations.
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management: Crafted with the busy professional in mind, this master’s program caters to those yearning to elevate their careers within the domain of human resources. It delves into advanced HR subjects, including the strategic intricacies of human resources, organizational development, change management, and the methodology underpinning research in the field.
It’s worth noting that WGU’s online human resources degree programs adhere closely to the curriculum guidelines stipulated by both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). As a result, graduates from WGU are well-equipped to pursue and obtain the esteemed SHRM-CP and PHR professional certifications, showcasing their prowess in the field.
7. Mississippi University for Women
Average Net Price: $11,952
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Mississippi University for Women (MUW) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Human Resources Management online. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in human resources, including recruiting, training, and development, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.
The BSBA in Human Resources Management online program consists of 120 credit hours, including 39 credit hours of general education courses, 45 credit hours of business core courses, and 36 credit hours of human resources concentration courses. The program can be completed in four years of full-time study.
The BSBA in Human Resources Management online program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional accrediting body for the Southern United States.
The BSBA in Human Resources Management online program is open to students who have completed a high school diploma or GED. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
To apply to the BSBA in Human Resources Management online program, students must submit an online application, official high school transcripts, and official college transcripts (if applicable). Students must also pay an application fee.
8. Columbia Southern University
Average Net Price: $12,474
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers two online human resource degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management (BS HRM) and a Master of Science in Human Resources (MS HR). Both programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is one of the six regional accreditation bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
BS HRM
The BS HRM program at CSU is designed to prepare students for entry-level and mid-level human resource positions. The program covers a wide range of HR topics, including:
- Employment law
- Compensation and benefits
- Recruitment and selection
- Training and development
- Performance management
- Labor relations
Students in the BS HRM program also have the opportunity to complete an internship in human resources, which can provide valuable real-world experience.
MS HR
The MS HR program at CSU is designed for students who want to advance their careers in human resources or prepare for leadership roles in the field. The program covers more advanced HR topics, such as:
- Strategic HR management
- Organizational development
- Change management
- Global HR management
- Human capital analytics
Students in the MS HR program also have the option to complete a capstone project, which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world HR challenge.
Columbia Southern University is accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
9. Georgia Southwestern State University
Average Net Price: $12,567
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management (HRM) degree that can be completed entirely online. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in human resources management, which is a growing field with many opportunities.
The GSW online BBA in HRM program covers a wide range of human resources topics, including:
- Human resources planning
- Recruitment and selection
- Training and development
- Labor relations
- Performance management
- Compensation and benefits
- Diversity and inclusion
- Employment law
The program also includes a capstone course in which students apply what they have learned to a real-world human resources project.
The GSW online BBA in HRM program is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in four years of full-time study. However, students can also choose to study part-time.
10. Fort Hays State University
Average Net Price: $13,515
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers two online human resources degrees: a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Human Resource Management and a concentration in Human Resource Management for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management degree.
Master of Professional Studies in Human Resource Management
The MPS in Human Resource Management is a 30-credit-hour program that prepares students for a variety of HR roles, including HR generalist, HR manager, and HR specialist. The program covers a broad range of HR topics, including:
- Human resource management
- Recruitment and selection
- Compensation and benefits
- Performance management
- Training and development
- Labor relations
- Employment law
Students in the MPS in Human Resource Management program complete a capstone project in which they apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world HR problem.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a Concentration in Human Resource Management
The BBA in Management with a Concentration in Human Resource Management is a 120-credit-hour program that prepares students for a variety of entry-level HR positions. The concentration requires 18 credit hours of HR courses, including:
- Human resource management
- Recruitment and selection
- Compensation and benefits
- Performance management
- Training and development
- Employment law
Students in the BBA in Management with a Concentration in Human Resource Management program also complete a 3-credit-hour internship in HR.