Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs 2024
2024Deciding where to get your bachelor’s in human resources (HR) is a big decision. At BestColleges, we use trusted sources and factor in affordability and student outcomes to create a comprehensive, student-focused ranking of the best online degree programs.
The human resources field is growing. Jobs for human resources specialists are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. These HR professionals brought in a 2023 median pay of $67,650, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is required to become a human resources professional. Read on to learn more about some of the best human resources schools in 2024.
Featured Online Human Resources Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Rutgers University Ranks No. 1 This Year
Rutgers combined the best of both affordability and good student outcomes to take the top spot in our 2024 best online bachelor’s in human resources.
Rutgers has a high graduation rate, at 85%, and a relatively low net price of $19,052 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That high graduation rate also extends to low-income students — including those who received Pell Grants.
Rutgers offers classes in numerous subject areas within HR management, including talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and career management.
Top Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs of 2024
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,536
- Out-of-state$29,737
- In-State$18,180
- Out-of-state$30,900
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled50,804
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled56,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
St. Joseph's University, New York
- Brooklyn, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,976
- Out-of-state$29,976
- In-State$20,250
- Out-of-state$20,250
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled4,687
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,900
- Out-of-state$41,900
- In-State$22,068
- Out-of-state$22,068
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled8,270
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,488
- Out-of-state$29,712
- In-State$17,388
- Out-of-state$23,922
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled35,626
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,024
- Out-of-state$29,024
- In-State$15,244
- Out-of-state$15,244
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled9,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,766
- Out-of-state$24,766
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled10,596
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Killeen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,593
- Out-of-state$16,385
- In-State$5,558
- Out-of-state$12,920
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,219
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
University of St Francis
- Joliet, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,000
- Out-of-state$35,000
- In-State$13,464
- Out-of-state$13,464
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled3,426
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
More Bachelor’s in Human Resources Programs
Mount Mercy University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Athens State University all fell just outside of the top 10 for best bachelor’s in human resources programs. These schools still offer great outcomes for students, including strong competition rates and affordable prices, but didn’t meet those criteria to the same degree as the top 10 universities.
Is a Human Resources Degree Worth It?
Getting an online human resources degree can help you prepare for a career in a fast-growing field. Here are some pros and cons to think about as you think about heading into human resources.
Pros
The human resources field is projected to grow faster than average, according to the BLS.- The field has a relatively high median pay of more than $60,000, although starting salaries may be lower.
- Human resources degrees offer broad training, and the field of human resources applies across industries.
Cons
The cost of college can be high. Our ranking factors in affordability, including for lower-income students, when ranking schools.- Degrees take time, although online degrees can allow you to work while earning your degree.
- Human resources is challenging but rewarding work. Your job may involve difficult conversations.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Human Resources Program
Getting a degree can be a rewarding but timely and expensive endeavor. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider a human resources degree:
Cost
College can be expensive. It’s important to weigh your financial options and consider what your return on investment will be before heading into the field.Time
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, though some programs offer an accelerated format.Transferable credits
If you took college courses in high school or have studied at a community college, some of those credits might save you money as you earn your bachelor’s. Be sure to evaluate a school’s policy on transferable credits you might have.Format
If you’re already a working professional, a part-time format or online program can allow you to stay in the workforce without having to take time off.
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