By HADP Staff
January 2018
This article will highlight the 50 most affordable master's in health informatics degrees offering great graduate school bargains for 2018. Health informatics is exploding with employment for master's-trained professionals to install high-tech solutions that improve patient care delivery. The Burning Glass report signals that informatics jobs will mushroom by 22 percent through 2024. Investing in a master's in health informatics pays off with lucrative titles that didn't exist 20 years ago, such as clinical application developer, health information director, clinical data analyst, and computational scientist. PayScale shows that health informatics management careers offer mean annual salaries of $63,125 to $124,476.
Getting the best ROI on your educational dollars means choosing from the cheapest health informatics master's programs. We used the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator to find 96 degrees available on-campus or online in medical, health, or biomedical informatics. Each graduate school bore regional accreditation, but several also featured programmatic approval like the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). We recorded the average in-state master's tuition for each college, arranging them from highest to lowest. Though costs can vary by program, we're confident the following 50 most affordable master's in health informatics programs cost under $15,000 per year!
Ranking the Most Affordable Health Informatics Graduate Degrees
#50 – University of Cincinnati: Cincinnati, OH
Master of Health Informatics Online
Annual Tuition: $12,790
Linked to 159,429 alumni on LinkedIn, including Frank Brogan and Urban Meyer, the University of Cincinnati occupies 473 acres overlooking Lake Erie in Ohio's "Fountain City" as the 120th best public college according to Forbes. Accredited by the CAHIIM, the College of Allied Health Sciences at the Uptown Campus East provides the Master of Health Informatics Online. Featured in Information Week's top 20, Cincinnati offers six flexible start dates with open, GRE-free admission. Chaired by Dr. Victoria Wangia-Anderson, the 36-credit curriculum integrates six credits of practicum and PMP credentialing for completion in 24 months part-time.
#49 – University of Texas: Dallas, TX
Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Annual Tuition: $12,418
Serving 26,793 Comets on 445 acres of Richardson's Telecom Corridor as a "more selective" public, research-intensive institute, the University of Texas-Dallas was recognized by Niche for America's 13th best IT degrees. The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics confers a Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology on-campus in Founders Hall. Headed by Dr. Pankaj Choudhary, the 36-credit, STEM-centric degree includes a six-credit thesis for designing software that draws medical data conclusions. Open until May 1st or October 1st yearly, the program requires a biological science or engineering bachelor's background.
#48 – Anderson University: Anderson, IN
MSN Nursing Informatics Track
Annual Tuition: $11,663
Ranked Indiana's fifth top Christian college by Forbes, Anderson University is affiliated with the Church of God and endowed for $27.9 million to enlighten 2,443 Ravens with liberal arts education on 163 acres in Metro Indianapolis. The CCNE-accredited School of Nursing and Kinesiology awards a Nursing Informatics Track for the Master of Science in Nursing with 100 percent job placement. Led by Dr. Lynn Schmidt, the 35-credit curriculum teaches health technology solutions and unlocks the ANCC Informatics Certification. Master's study takes RNs 24 months full-time at Anderson, Community North Hospital, or St. Vincent's Carmel with optional Belize trips.
#47 – University of Scranton: Scranton, PA
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $11,352
Belonging to the AJCU as the North's sixth best college on the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Scranton enrolls 5,422 Royals and employs 304 faculty who uphold Jesuit values on its 58-acre Pennsylvania campus and beyond. The Online Master of Science in Health Informatics was developed by the AACSB-accredited Kania School of Management to train data-driven IT leaders. The 33-credit eLearning option has eight-week modules spanning from database algorithms to business intelligence. Scranton's Nelnet Business Solutions Monthly Payment Plan also makes tuition more manageable.
#46 – Regis University: Denver, CO
M.S. in Health Care Informatics & Information Management
Annual Tuition: $11,250
Named in honor of Saint John Francis Regis in 1921, Regis University is a private, coeducational Jesuit institution that offers quality distance learning to 11,411 Rangers beyond its 90-acre Denver campus. Starting thrice annually, the M.S. in Health Care Informatics & Information Management is granted by the ABET-accredited College of Computer and Information Science. The 36-credit program features eight-week online courses focused on revolutionizing electronic patient record systems. Topics from data analytics to cyber security are packed into 24 months part-time before the applied capstone.
#45 – National University: La Jolla, CA
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $11,232
Placed on The Chronicle of Higher Education's Honor Roll, National University is a nonprofit, adult-friendly distance institution where 28 Western campuses collaborate with an online multimedia platform to educate 23,909 with 65 percent graduation. The CCNE-accredited School of Health and Human Services makes the Master of Science in Health Informatics available online or at the Kearny Mesa campus. Headed by Linda Travis Macomber, the 2008 National Spirit of HIMSS Award recipient, the 54-unit program advances electronic-based health communication. Fast four-week NU modules like data integrity and biostatistics leave post-grads ready for CPHIMS certification.
#44 – University of California-Davis: Sacramento, CA
Health Informatics Master's Degree
Annual Tuition: $11,220
Labeled a "Public Ivy" with America's 93rd best student life on Niche, the University of California-Davis is a Hispanic-serving, land-grant AAU member that's occupying 7,309 acres in the Sacramento Valley to inspire 36,441 Aggies. Featuring ACCME accreditation, the Davis School of Medicine accepts applicants for the Health Informatics Master's Degree until June 1st annually. Chaired by Nicholas Anderson, PhD, The 43-unit M.S. curriculum mandates a cumulative 2.7 GPA through domain courses like patient confidentiality and thesis research. Real-world informatics practice is integrated at the Center for Virtual Care and partners like Sutter General Hospital.
#43 – University of California-Los Angeles: Los Angeles, CA
Bioinformatics MSc
Annual Tuition: $11,220
Budgeting $4.34 billion yearly to instruct 44,947 Bruins on a 163-building, Westwood Blvd. campus that will be hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, the University of California-Los Angeles is ranked the United States' #1 top public college by Times Higher Education. The ACGME-accredited David Geffen School of Medicine formed the Interdepartmental Bioinformatics MSc for post-grads with biology and health science degrees. Applications are reviewed until December 1st for the two-year curriculum organized by Dr. Alex Bui. Besides face-to-face courses like parallel computing, UCLA's Master of Science includes thesis work in the Medical Imaging Informatics Lab and B.I.G. Summer Institute.
#42 – University of California-Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz, CA
M.S. in Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformations
Annual Tuition: $11,220
Enrolling 18,783 Banana Slugs on its 2,001-acre forested campus on Monterey Bay, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public APLU member ranked 13th for Silicon Valley job offers on Business Insider. Celebrating its 20th year, the ABET-accredited Jack Baskin School of Engineering trains post-grads in computational biology with the M.S. in Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformations. Directed by Dr. Todd M. Lowe, the master's features seven, five-credit seminars and research thesis with an optional Five-Year B.S./M.S. track. Apply before December 1st to network with Santa Cruz alumni at Maverix Biomics, Google, Affymetrix, ThermoFisher Scientific, and more.
#41 – The College of St. Scholastica: Duluth, MN
M.S. Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $11,160
Known for publishing Data Analytics in Healthcare Research: Tools and Strategies, the College of St. Scholastica is a private, six-campus Catholic institution based in "Zenith City" that's training 4,237 Saints and Forbes' 360th most grateful grads. Given CAHIIM candidacy status, the School of Health Sciences' M.S. Health Informatics has expanded since its 1935 inception to teach 100 percent online. Directed by David Marc, PhD, the 42-credit curriculum prepares for CPHI credentialing with synchronous meetings on Blackboard Learn. Students with a minimum 3.0 GPA progress through topics like IT project management and usability assessment to a case study-based capstone.
#40 – Kent State University: Kent, OH
Health Informatics M.S.
Annual Tuition: $11,090
Applauded for America's 235th top faculty by the CWUR, Kent State University is a public, residential APLU institution of the Mid-American Conference that's welcoming 28,972 Golden Flashes to its 866-acre "Tree City" campus. Chaired by Amy Reynolds, PhD, the ALA-accredited College of Communication & Information offers the Health Informatics M.S. exclusively online. Adhering to CAHIMS certification, the 36-credit, two-year curriculum trains post-grads to implement cutting-edge clinical data systems. After submitting the $50 application and GRE waiver with a 3.0 GPA or better, students dig into human factors, computer architecture, knowledge organization, and more.
#39 – Virginia Commonwealth University: Richmond, VA
Master of Science in Bioinformatics
Annual Tuition: $10,976
Hosting the Old Dominion's largest medical collection in Tompkins-McCaw Library, Virginia Commonwealth University has a 150-acre Richmond campus to affordably teach 31,242 Rams as the 90th best public school according to the U.S. News & World Report. The School of Life Sciences created thesis and non-thesis tracks for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics. Chaired by Dr. Allison Johnson in Grace E. Harris Hall, the 34-credit degree melds biology with information science for computational expertise. Professional Master's students tackle 12-week, full-time externships at Booz Allen, Battelle, Mitre Corporation, Bon Secours Health, and others.
#38 – Xavier University: Cincinnati, OH
Informatics Nurse Specialist MSN Track
Annual Tuition: $10,908
Dedicated to "Vidit Mirabilia Magna" as a private, Jesuit Big East member with 6,650 Musketeers engaged on its 190-acre North Avondale campus, Xavier University is declared America's 254th best college with B- academics on Forbes. Near 10 major hospitals, the CCNE-accredited School of Nursing customized the Informatics Nurse Specialist MSN Track. Led by Dr. Sara Rosenthal, the 36-credit, practice-based curriculum advances registered nurses' knowledge of EHR and telehealth technologies for managerial positions. Courses averaging 20 RNs are also available by video-conferencing at St. Rita's, Lexington VA, Marietta Memorial, Joint Township, and Fairfield Center.
#37 – University at Buffalo SUNY: Buffalo, NY
Bioinformatics and Biostatistics M.S.
Annual Tuition: $10,870
Granted the 2015 EPA Environmental Champion Award for its 1,346-acre, LEED-certified campus in Western New York that's serving 30,648 Bulls, the University at Buffalo is the flagship, public SUNY institution and 98th best value in Money magazine. In Kimball Tower, the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health confers a Bioinformatics and Biostatistics M.S. chaired by Dr. Lili Tian. Offering a Thesis Option, the 33-credit curriculum introduces concepts from data mining to statistical genomics. Partners like Roswell Park Cancer Institute, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Baystate Medical Center provide applied research projects.
#36 – SUNY Downstate Medical Center: Brooklyn, NY
Medical Informatics Program
Annual Tuition: $10,870
Presenting the Annual PCMH Practice Transformation Summit each May, SUNY Downstate Medical Center is ranked 165th nationally by the CWUR as a public, health sciences institution that's generating a $2 billion economic impact with 1,738 trainees in East Flatbush. The College of Health Related Professions has a 9:1 student-faculty ratio for the 39-credit, two-year Medical Informatics Program. Directed by Isaac Toper, EdD, the curriculum uses cutting-edge computer labs to master topics like user interface and information retrieval. Post-grads could also join the Medical Informatics Student Association, volunteer with the Brooklyn Free Clinic, and intern at Kings County Hospital.
#35 – Stony Brook University: Stony Brook, NY
Applied Health Informatics M.S.
Annual Tuition: $10,870
Ranked 97th by the U.S. News & World Report, Stony Brook University is a public, sea-grant "Military Friendly" school endowed for $254 million that's instructing 25,272 Seawolves and co-managing the Brookhaven National Laboratory from its 1,364-acre Long Island location. The CAHIIM-accredited School of Health Technology and Management initiated the Applied Health Informatics M.S. The 52-credit curriculum directed by Dr. Carmen McCoy takes 15 months full-time with concentrations for Clinical Informatics or Knowledge Management. Internship blocks require 480+ clock hours at NYU Winthrop, St. Joseph Hospital, and others.
#34- Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ
Biomedical Informatics M.S.
Annual Tuition: $10,810
Crowned the Fiske Guide's "Best Buy," Arizona State University is a public, research-intensive PLuS Alliance member that's ranked 31st by Washington Monthly for training 51,869 scholars on 661 acres in Metro Phoenix. Formed in June 2011, the NAACLS-accredited College of Health Solutions awards the Biomedical Informatics M.S. in Tempe to improve human well-being through Big Data. Led by Dr. George Runger, the 4+1 accelerated program lets B.S. majors with 75+ credits enter graduate courses like health informatics fundamentals. Sun Devils can also attend the BMI Symposium, intern at Sonoran Medical Center, and join Alpha Etu Mu Beta.
#33- George Mason University: Fairfax, VA
Health Informatics, MS
Annual Tuition: $10,628
Partnered with Inova Health System, George Mason University ranks 53rd on Forbes among public, land-grant doctoral institutes to inspire 34,904 Patriots studying on its Fairfax, Arlington, Manassas, Front Royal, and Songdo campuses. Pending CAHIIM approval, the College of Health and Human Services has launched a Health Informatics MS on-campus or wholly online. Organized by Dr. Janusz Wojtusiak, the 33-39 credit curriculum offers capstone practicum or master's thesis tracks with eight-week terms. Whether concentrated in Health Data Analytics, Health Information Management, or Population Health Informatics, post-grads qualify for the CPHIMS exam.
#32- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Milwaukee, MI
M.S. Health Care Informatics
Annual Tuition: $10,387
Affiliated with notable alumni like Golda Meir and Satya Nadella, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is America's 59th best standout college on Niche that's serving 26,037 Panthers in the Horizon League from its 104-acre East Side campus on Lake Michigan. The CAHIIM-accredited College of Health Sciences started the M.S. Health Care Informatics program with rolling admission in Milwaukee or online. Chaired by Priya Nambisan, PhD, the 32-35 credit curriculum leverages students' tech skills in courses from predictive analytics to database design before a professional project. There's also a dual Master of Library & Information Science available.
#31- Northern Kentucky University: Highland Heights, KY
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $10,008
Chosen as the United States' 335th best master's institution in Washington Monthly, Northern Kentucky University has expanded since 1968 to educate 15,405 Vikings within the Horizon League from a 425-acre campus off Route 27 in Campbell County. From Griffin Hall, the College of Informatics delivers the Master of Science in Health Informatics with a STEM designation CIP code. Coordinated by Dr. Gary Ozanich, the 33-credit curriculum admits cohorts of 25 for studying patient records administration. Post-grads build electronic portfolios with emphases in Data Analytics, Process Management, or Cybersecurity in 17 months.
#30- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: Little Rock, AR
Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
Annual Tuition: $9,786
Featured on the American Hospital Association's Health Facilities magazine, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a public, 25-building Level I trauma center that's covering 84 acres of Little Rock, training 3,021 Razorbacks, and overseeing 400+ beds. Ranked 52nd on the U.S. News and World Report, the ACGME-accredited College of Medicine provides a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics. Headed by Dr. Thomas Powell, the 36-credit curriculum has four tracks: Health Informatics, Clinical Research Informatics, Imaging Informatics, or Translational Bioinformatics. Post-grads practice with the Arkansas Clinical Data Repository and attend the AMIA Annual Symposium.
#29- University of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, NC
Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $9,643
Congratulated for the 33rd most graduate success by The Wall Street Journal, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill stands on Franklin Street as the ACC's oldest flagship, public institute with 29,847 Tar Heels from 47 countries. The CEPH-accredited Gillings School of Global Public Health presides over the Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics. Chaired by Dr. Arlene Chung, the 35-credit, 1.5-year curriculum offers specializations in Clinical Informatics or Public Health Informatics. Both include HIPAA training, research in the Sheps Center, and practicum with employers like GlaxoSmithKline.
#28- University of Kansas Medical Center: Kansas City, KS
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $9,480
Selectively admitting 846 Jayhawks in Huffington Post's #1 coolest city, the University of Kansas Medical Center is ranked America's 49th best medical school by the U.S. News & World Report with a Bernard A. Birnbaum Quality Leadership Award-winning hospital. On Rainbow Blvd., the School of Health Professions confers the Master of Science in Health Informatics to sharpen clinical IT skills. Open until April 1st yearly, the 40-credit curriculum coordinated by Dr. Ellen Averett features hybrid online and campus courses. Post-grads follow three tracks: Clinical, Health Policy and Management, or Public Health.
#27- University of Iowa: Iowa City, IA
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Informatics
Annual Tuition: $8,856
Ranked 61st nationally by The Economist, the University of Iowa is a public, space-grant RU/VH institution that's affiliated with the Stead Family Children's Hospital and hosting 500+ clubs for 33,334 Hawkeyes engaged on its 1,700-acre Big 10 campus. Collecting over $5 billion since 1967, the Iowa Informatics Initiative launched the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Informatics with four M.S. degrees, including Health Informatics. The 32-credit curriculum led by Dr. Thomas Casavant develops clinical computing expertise. Post-grads could earn IGPI travel support, add the PharmD, and conduct research in the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics: Bioinformatics Division.
#26- Clemson University: Clemson, SC
MS in Biomedical Data Science & Informatics
Annual Tuition: $8,826
Stretching across 1,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains to serve 23,406 Tigers as a public, sea-grant ACC powerhouse, Clemson University is lauded for America's 53rd best engineering education and 108th top value tuition on Niche. Starting Fall 2018, the ABET-accredited School of Computing in McAdams Hall will kickstart the MS in Biomedical Data Science & Informatics. Directed by Dr. Brian Dean, the 30-36 credit curriculum has thesis and non-thesis options after courses from biomedical engineering to computational biology. Clemson students gain experience in the Bioinformatics Lab, Virtual Environments Group, and ACM Chapter.
#25- Indiana University: Bloomington, IN
Bioinformatics M.S.
Annual Tuition: $8,695
Located on 1,937 acres in Business Insider's seventh best small city for educated millennials, Indiana University-Bloomington has top-tier, "Public Ivy" education for 43,710 Hoosiers as the 11th best IT school on Niche. The ABET-accredited School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering confers the Bioinformatics M.S. for analyzing life science data. Chaired by Dr. Ram Acharya in Informatics East, the 36-credit, two-year curriculum infuses courses like machine learning and biostatistics. Students could also pursue dual degrees with Seoul National University, research in the Cyberinfrastructure Center, and add the Secure Computing Certificate.
#24- University of Georgia: Athens, GA
Bioinformatics (MS)
Annual Tuition: $8,492
Praised for Kiplinger's 10th best public value with 95 percent retention, the University of Georgia is a public, sun-grant USOG leader of the Southeastern Conference that's enrolling 36,230 Bulldogs on its 313-building campus in historic Athens. Open until December 1st yearly, the Graduate School delivers the research-based Bioinformatics (MS) for post-grads analyzing biological queries. Chaired by Dr. Jonathan Arnold, the 36-credit degree includes three six-week lab rotations and thesis research in the Life Sciences Building. Students work in the NIH-funded Institute of Bioinformatics, join the Bioinformatics Graduate Association, and access funds like the James L. Carmon Scholarship.
#23- Iowa State University: Ames, IA
M.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Annual Tuition: $8,474
Occupying a 490-acre, 160-building campus awarded the ASLA Centennial Medallion, Iowa State University is a public, space-grant AAU member that's endowed for $760 million in Ames to educate 36,321 Cyclones with the globe's 205th best education according to the CWUR. The M.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology offers nine emphases, including Biological Data Mining, Machine Learning, Proteomics, and Transcriptomics. The two-year, full-time program headed by Dr. Carolyn Lawrence-Dill accepts applicants until February 1st and October 15th annually. Post-grads gain lab experience in the Laurence H. Baker Center and intern at institutes like the NHGRI.
#22- University of Missouri: Columbia, MO
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $8,462
Boasting 300,315 alumni, including Nobel Prize-winning cytogeneticist Barbara McClintock, the University of Missouri is ranked 89th by the Washington Monthly as a public, land-grant doctoral institute that's reporting $248 million in research spending in Columbia. The LCME-accredited School of Medicine has a 97 percent completion rate for its Master of Science in Health Informatics. Directed by Dr. Eduardo J. Simoes, the residential, two-year curriculum covers electronic health systems with an optional dual MHA degree. Post-grads might also take 12-week internships at Mizzou Hospital, work for HMI Group Consulting, earn the Maienschein Scholarship, and join the HMIGSA.
#21- University of South Florida: Tampa, FL
MS in Health Informatics Online
Annual Tuition: $8,350
Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida is the Tampa Bay region's largest public, coeducational RU/VH institution that's ranked 140th by the U.S. News & World Report for generating a $3.7 billion economic impact and training 50,577 Bulls from its 1,913-acre campus. The LCME-accredited Morsani College of Medicine houses a MS in Health Informatics Online program in the Medical Sciences Department. Headed by Dr. Michael Barber, the flexible 32-credit degree has HIMSS approval for courses like e-healthcare ethics. Online post-grads could declare the Healthcare Analytics Concentration or pursue the Master of Public Health concurrently.
#20- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN
Health Informatics Master of Science
Annual Tuition: $8,331
Participating in the NC-SARA, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis teaches 30,105 Jaguars in the Horizon League as America's 163rd top college on Plexuss with a 534-acre campus in Livability's #3 best downtown. The CAHIIM-accredited School of Informatics and Computing confers the Health Informatics Master of Science for a median starting salary of $72,500. Directed by Josette Jones, PhD, the 36-credit curriculum has thesis or project tracks for practicing tech applications in medicine. Students could dually earn the Master of Library Science (MLS), research in the Center for Cancer Population Analytics, and attend the Colloquia Series.
#19- University of Maryland-University College: Adelphi, MD
Health Informatics Administration Master's
Annual Tuition: $8,224
Granted the 2016 UPCEA Mid-Atlantic Outstanding Program Award, the University of Maryland-University College is a nonprofit, distance learning center in Adelphi that's ranked 10th by Diverse Issues in Higher Education for teaching 17,475 multicultural post-grads. The Healthcare & Science Division follows CAHIIM standards to grant the Health Informatics Administration Master's online. The 36-credit program led by Dr. Zakevia Green unlocks CPHIMS certification with courses from IT acquisitions to health policy. Online M.S. majors may also gain AHIMA membership, win the Edward T. Conroy Scholarship, transfer nine credits, and add the Global Health Management Certificate.
#18- Hood College: Frederick, MD
Bioinformatics M.S.
Annual Tuition: $8,100
Recognized for America's 169th most grateful alums on Forbes, Hood College is a nonprofit, civic-oriented Reformed Protestant institution that's gifting financial aid to 99 percent of the 2,365 Blazers enrolled on its 50-acre campus in the Baltimore-Washington Metro. The Graduate School adheres to ISCB guidelines when delivering the Bioinformatics M.S. and training Big Data gurus. Chaired by Dr. Miranda Darby in the Science & Technology Center, the 33-credit, two-year curriculum emphasizes cross-disciplinary, team-based biomedical research. Post-grads with 2.75 GPAs or better must apply before July 15th or December 1st to enter evening courses like nucleic acid sequence analysis and data visualization.
#17- North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC
Bioinformatics Master's Program
Annual Tuition: $8,088
Headquartered in Forbes' eighth best city for education with the 180-acre Centennial Biomedical Campus, North Carolina State University is a public, space-grant Oak Ridge member that's ranked 46th by Washington Monthly for training 32,113 Wolfpack. In Ricks Hall, the NCSU Genomic Sciences Department has offered the Bioinformatics Master's Program for analyzing molecular biology data since 1999. The 32-credit, non-thesis curriculum directed by Dr. Spencer Muse infuses courses like functional genomics and experimental statistics. Graduates can access the state-of-the-art Bioinformatics Research Center, join Bioinformatics Consulting projects, and fast-track the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
#16- University of Nebraska Medical Center: Omaha, NE
Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program
Annual Tuition: $7,911
Treating over 24,000 inpatients and training 3,790 clinicians each year, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is publicly endowed for $641.6 million in Omaha with the Joint Commission's "Gold Seal" for the 17th best primary care on the U.S. News survey. The CEPH-accredited College of Public Health created the Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program that marries science to technology for advancing human welfare. Chaired by James McClay, MD, the 36-credit M.S. considers applicants until May 15th and September 15th. Admitted post-grads join the BMI Journal Club and research in the renowned Eppley Cancer Institute.
#15- University of Arkansas: Little Rock, AR
Masters of Science in Bioinformatics
Annual Tuition: $7,680
Enrolling 11,848 Trojans at a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with its $168 million budget, the University of Arkansas-Little Rock is a public, space-grant institute that's given Carnegie's Community Engaged classification and ranked 67th for conservatism on Niche. In Fribourgh Hall, the College of Arts and Sciences created the Masters of Science in Bioinformatics for post-grads with cumulative GPAs above 3.0. The 35-credit, thesis-track curriculum charted by Dr. Phil Williams applies information science in medicine. Students can benefit from researching in the MidSouth Bioinformatics Center, attending the Drug Discovery & Development Conference, and interning at Genomatix.
#14- Morgan State University: Baltimore, MD
Master of Science (M.S.) in Bioinformatics
Annual Tuition: $7,074
Leading the 21st century HBCU Renaissance, Morgan State University is Maryland's largest public, urban historically Black college that's ranked 150th by Washington Monthly to deliver high-quality teaching to 7,698 Bears on 143 acres in "Charm City." The ABET-accredited School of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences holds the Master of Science (M.S.) in Bioinformatics in Calloway Hall. Chaired by Dr. Vojislav Stojkovic, the 36-credit program sharpens skills with C++, Java, Prolog, LittleFe, and more with the Dixon Research Center. Two years of courses like computational mathematics and bioprogramming culminate with a thesis and comprehensive exam.
#13- University of Texas Health Science Center: Houston, TX
Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
Annual Tuition: $7,061
Ranked 59th for medical research by the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Texas Health Science Center is a leading public, Gulf Coast provider that's budgeting $1.36 billion and enrolling 4,811 post-grads in Forbes' 48th best city for growth. Since 1992, the CEPH-accredited School of Allied Health Sciences has awarded the Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics. The 36-42 credit curriculum directed by Dr. Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer offers Traditional Research or Applied Biomedical Informatics tracks. The HIMSS-approved affiliate has facilities like the I2 Laboratory and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for required practicum.
#12- Mississippi Valley State University: Itta Bena, MS
MS Bioinformatics
Annual Tuition: $6,858
Reporting a 20-year net ROI of $153,700 on PayScale, Mississippi Valley State University is ranked the South's 126th best value in Washington Monthly as a public, historically Black TMCF member that's enrolling 2,502 Delta Devils around 120 miles from Memphis. Proclaimed the "Oasis of Sciences in the Delta," the Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health started the MS Bioinformatics. Chaired by Dr. Julius Ikenga, the 36-credit curriculum includes research-based courses in Fielding L. Wright Hall with thesis and elective tracks. Students can also join the NSEH Club, MBRS-RISE Initiative, and Louis Stokes Minority Participation Program.
#11- University of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT
Master's in Biomedical Informatics
Annual Tuition: $6,473
Featured among The Princeton Review's 209 "Colleges That Pay You Back," the University of Utah has the 52nd best public education on Forbes to instruct 31,860 Utes and receive $309 million in research funding atop a 1,534-acre Wasatch Range campus. The ACGME-accredited School of Medicine accepts Regular Decision applications for the Master's in Biomedical Informatics until April 1st annually. Coordinated by Dr. Wendy Chapman, the 36-credit, non-thesis program has produced 375+ alumni in Applied Clinical Informatics, Data Science, and Bioinformatics tracks. Students can also practice in the Facelli Lab, attend the Grand Rounds Seminar Series, and become DeCART Scholars.
#10- University of Idaho: Moscow, ID
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology M.S.
Annual Tuition: $6,460
Situated on 1,585 acres in the Pacific Northwest's Palouse region eight miles from Pullman, the University of Idaho celebrates its 125th anniversary as a public, space-grant Big Sky member that's endowed for $237 million, enrolling 11,534 Vandals, and ranked 182nd by the CWUR. The College of Science grants the Bioinformatics & Computational Biology M.S. with faculty from nine interdisciplinary departments. Directed by Dr. Eva Top, the 30-39 credit curriculum has in-depth focus areas for Biological Sciences or Computer/Mathematical Sciences. Post-grads conduct thesis research in the Genomics Resources Core Lab and intern with firms like Amgen Pharmaceuticals.
#9- Marshall University: Huntington, WV
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Annual Tuition: $6,298
Named for the longest-serving Supreme Court Chief Justice in 1837, Marshall University is a public, coeducational school ranked America's 145th best standout college by Niche to serve 13,631 Thundering Herd with an average GPA of 3.4 in Appalachia. The CAHIIM-accredited College of Health Professions addresses growing industry shortages with the Master of Science in Health Informatics. Offering an optional Accelerated Master's track, the 39-credit program directed by Dr. Girmay Berhie spans courses from health safety to database administration. Post-grads spend 400+ practicum hours at medical facilities, including J.W. Ruby Memorial and St. Mary's.
#8- Dakota State University: Madison, SD
Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
Annual Tuition: $5,483
Bestowed $60 million from Premier Bankcard CEO Miles Beacom for the Madison Cyber Labs, Dakota State University is a premier nonprofit, STEM-centric technology institute that's ranked 42nd for IT by College Factual to instruct 3,307 Trojans. Named an NSA National Center of Academic Excellence, the College of Computing gifts free tablets for completing the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management online. Headed by Dr. Dorine Bennett, the 33-credit "Best Buy" program is primarily on Desire2Learn with internship possibilities. Applications received before August 15th or November 15th must have 2.7 GPAs and verifiable tech experience.
#7- Southwestern Oklahoma State University: Weatherford, OK
M.S. Healthcare Informatics & Information Management
Annual Tuition: $5,316
Placed 96th in the West by the U.S. News & World Report, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public, regional four-year institution established in 1901 that's endowed for $21.6 million to educate 6,331 Bulldogs at its Weatherford and Sayre campuses. The School of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences is seeking CAHIIM approval for its affordable M.S. Healthcare Informatics & Information Management. Directed by Dr. Dana Lloyd, the 36-credit online program requires Microsoft Windows for courses from data integrity to IT vendor management. Post-grads select the master's thesis or capstone project before pursuing AMIA Advanced Health Informatics Certification.
#6- East Carolina University: Greenville, NC
Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
Annual Tuition: $4,656
Linked to 93,375 LinkedIn alumni, including Linda McMahon and Dan Neil, East Carolina University is a public, sea-grant APLU member with a designated an "Innovation and Economic Prosperity" campus covering 530 acres and offering the 50th best IT education according to Niche. The CAHIIM-accredited College of Allied Health Sciences presents the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management. Emphasizing enterprise-level tech solutions, the 39-credit program chaired by Dr. Robert James Campbell takes two years full-time in Greenville. Students can join the Future Healthcare Executives (FHE), earn the HealthPort Scholarship, and intern at Vidant Medical Center.
#5- University of Nebraska-Omaha: Omaha, NE
MS in Biomedical Informatics
Annual Tuition: $4,649
Highly regarded for its $70 million Holland Computing Center (HCC), the University of Nebraska-Omaha is a public, space-grant college that's ranked 172nd nationally by Washington Monthly to serve 15,526 Mavericks on its 60-building "Big O" campus. The College of Information Science & Technology grants the MS in Biomedical Informatics face-to-face in the Peter Kiewit Institute. Chaired by Dr. Kiran Bastola, the 36-credit, research-oriented program prepares for healthcare IT careers. Valuable opportunities include taking IS&T Attic projects, joining the Bioinformatics Club, interning at Pfizer, attending Women in IT Initiative events, and scoring the Aspirations in Computing Award.
#4- Texas Woman's University: Denton, TX
Master of Science in Informatics
Annual Tuition: $4,522
Crowned America's 231st best school by the U.S. News & World Report, Texas Woman's University is a public, coeducational female-friendly member of the Lone Star Conference that attracts 12,835 Pioneers to its 270-acre DFW Metroplex campus. Launched in Fall 2016, the Master of Science in Informatics is chaired by Dr. Don E. Edwards in the Math & Computer Science Department. Hosting an ACM chapter, the 36-credit curriculum offers four emphases: Clinical Applications, Data Analytics, Health Studies, or Community Informatics. Rolling admission lets TWU majors with 3.0 GPAs or better begin courses like nurse-generated data and cooperative practicum.
#3- University of Texas-El Paso: El Paso, TX
PSM in Bioinformatics and Computational Molecular Biology
Annual Tuition: $4,497
Budgeting $450 million yearly on a 366-acre campus near Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the University of Texas-El Paso is a public, Hispanic-serving binational research institute ranked #1 for social mobility by Washington Monthly with 23,397 Miners enrolled. In Bell Hall, the College of Science awards the Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Bioinformatics and Computational Molecular Biology. Headed by Dr. Ming-Ying Leung, the 36-credit STEM program offers cooperative learning in the Border Biomedical Research Center. Recent grads have excelled at the National Cancer Institute, Pfizer, Dow AgroScience, and others.
#2- University of North Carolina-Charlotte: Charlotte, NC
Health Informatics Master's
Annual Tuition: $4,252
Winning first place at the 2017 Npower Forecasting Challenge, the University of North Carolina-Charlotte is the Tar Heel State's fast-growing public, coeducational RU/H institution that's ranked 198th by the U.S. News & World Report to teach 29,308 Niners in Center City. The ABET-accredited College of Computing and Informatics offers the Health Informatics Master's with optional dual MHA and MSPH degrees. Coordinated by Dr. Christopher Blanchette, the 18-month, full-time program has two concentrations: Data Science and Analytics or Business of Healthcare. Post-grads complete a capstone health IT internship with industry partners like IBM Watson Health and Carolinas HealthCare System.
#1- New Mexico State University: Las Cruces, NM
M.S. in Bioinformatics
Annual Tuition: $4,088
Founded by Hiram Hadley in 1888, New Mexico State University is a public, land-grant Sun Belt institution in Las Cruces that's ranked third for Latinos by Excelencia in Education and 76th for standout academics on Niche to serve 24,580 diverse Aggies. The College of Arts and Sciences tops our listing of affordable master's in health informatics programs with an average yearly cost of $4,088. Directed by Dr. Enrico Pontelli, the 30-credit M.S. in Bioinformatics has Computational and Life Sciences tracks. Post-grads can gain experience in the Data Storage Lab, volunteer with Young Women in Computing (YWiC), and join the CSGSO.
This concludes our ranking of the most affordable master's in health informatics. We recommend you also check out the following rankings:
- 15 Great Small Colleges for a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
- 15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Health Sciences Degrees
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/health-informatics-masters-degree
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
http://www.cahiim.org/directoryofaccredpgms/programdirectory.aspx
http://www.fortherecordmag.com/archives/0616p22.shtml
https://www.healthitoutcomes.com/doc/demand-qualified-health-informatics-talent-creation-program-0001
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/health-informatics-jobs