Informatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines applied statistics and computer skills (programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, etc.) with a specialized discipline such as medicine/ telemedicine, nursing, pharmacy, general healthcare, public health, genetics, biology, geography, psychology, etc., to use collected information for decision-making and improving operational outcomes such as better patient care, innovative services and products, etc.
Careers in Informatics
There are many types of informatics; although job opportunities in the broad health care environment are estimated to have the most growth between now and 2026 (as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), with growth estimated at being much higher than the national average for all jobs in the country in the same period (varies by type of informatics). As such, there is a demand for skilled informatics professionals who understand the information needs for organizations in a given field, and who know how to – at a high level – collect data, analyze it, present business strategies for its use through reporting and data visualization, lead teams, communicate to other management, etc. Informatics career opportunities exist in the private sector, government, education and more.
This article looks at the 25 best, most affordable, accredited online masters degrees in informatics-related studies that lead to careers as a professional informaticist. The potential job titles or work environments for graduates of such advanced academic programs in informatics are shown in part below. The rankings start after the Methodology section.
- Analytics Business Intelligence Management
- Biomedical Informatics
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO)
- Clinical Analyst
- Clinical Data Analyst
- Clinical Documentation Manager
- Clinical Informaticist
- Clinical Informatics Analyst
- Clinical Informatics Coordinator
- Clinical Informatics Manager
- Clinical Informatics Officer
- Clinical Informatics Specialist
- Clinical Informatics Strategist
- Clinical Information Systems Director
- Clinical/ Healthcare Informatics
- Coding Auditor/ Analyst
- Consumer Informatics
- Coordinator of Nursing Information Systems
- Corporate Health Information Manager
- Data Analytics Consultant
- Data Analytics/ Data Mining Specialist
- Data Architect
- Data Visualization Analyst
- Director of Clinical Informatics
- Director Of Data Security
- Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, Biomarkers
- Health Informatics Consultant
- Health Informatics Director
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Health Information Application Developer
- Health Information Management Specialist
- Health Information Manager
- Health Information Resource Manager
- Health Information Systems Developer
- Health IT Analyst
- Health IT Project Manager
- Health/ Healthcare Informatics Consultant
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Healthcare IT Manager
- Healthcare IT Projects Manager
- Home Health Care Specialist
- Imaging Informatics
- Implementation Support Analyst
- Informatics Nurse
- Informatics Researcher
- Informatics Specialist
- Information Security Officer
- Insurance Analyst
- IT Administrator or Manager
- IT Systems Analyst
- Medical Informatics Analyst
- Medical Records and Coding Manager
- Nurse Informaticist
- Nursing Informaticist
- Nursing Informatics Consultant
- Nursing Informatics Director
- Nursing Informatics Specialist
- Nursing Information Systems Coordinator
- Nutrition Informaticist
- Operational Analytics Associate
- Pharmacy Informaticist
- Project Director for Nursing Information
- Public Health/ Population Informatics
- Research Data Analyst
- Telemedicine and Mobile Computing Informatics
- Vice President of Informatics
Affordable Degrees Ranking Methodology
Data for the colleges listed in this article comes from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center, both maintained by the U.S. Dept of Education.
- Step 1: Query NCES for public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs in any of the following topics:
- Informatics
- Bioinformatics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other
- Medical Informatics
- Medical Illustration and Informatics, Other
- Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS, of colleges offering online master’s programs.
- Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
- Step 4: For each institution, add any mandatory graduate fees to the graduate in-state tuition (which is an average of all programs at a given institution), to determine approximate yearly tuition+fees cost.
- Step 5: Sort by estimated in-state cost.
- Step 6: Manually verify that an institution actually has one or more online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in the above topics.
NOTE: Actual tuition for a master’s in informatics at a given institution may vary greatly from their institutional graduate average. Verify all costs before applying to any college/ university.
Best, Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in General, Bio and Medical Informatics
25. University of New England
Biddeford, Maine

University of New England (UNE, est. 1831) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students at multiple campuses and online.
UNE offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSIN) with four focus options: Generalist; Health Data Analytics; Healthcare Leadership; Training and Development.
This is a high-value 36-credit, hybrid program taking at least six semesters (two years), with online courses, a capstone, and a field practicum. While the program prepares individuals for healthcare-based informatics careers, each of the program’s focus options deals with a different facet of health care technology and patient data. Sample courses include: Introduction to Health Informatics; Computer Science for Health Informatics Professionals; Healthcare Quality.
- In-state: $20,525 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,525 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Brookings Institution (career earnings potential); Forbes Magazine (America’s Top Colleges); New England Board of Higher Education (Maine Merit Award for Excellence in Innovation); PayScale.com (career salary potential); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- #students: 8,010
- #grads: 3,561
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
24. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, Michigan

Michigan Technological University (MTU, est. 1885) is a public institution. Originally a mining school, it now offers a range of programs, serving students on campus and online.
MTU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 120 low-cost degree programs in total. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Masters of Health Informatics (MSHI) with 11 focus areas of study, including Imaging Informatics.
This is a high-value 30-credit, online degree program with a choice of electives, Report or Thesis, in addition to a focus topic. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers computer science, health care and information science, with the intent of providing students the skills needed to utilize EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) and other patient data to improve outcomes and services delivery. Patient data can also include information collected from a variety of devices such as wearable sensors for monitoring patients, touchless ID devices, etc. Sample online courses include: Introduction to Health Informatics; Security and Privacy; Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Health.
Alternatives: On-campus MSHI; 5-year dual, accelerated Bachelor’s and MSHI
- In-state: $19,598 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,598 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Money Magazine (grad salary potential; early career earnings); PayScale.com; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Top Public Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Value Schools); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: New York Times best-selling writer Roxane Gay; hockey goalie legend Tony Esposito (Chicago Black Hawks), brother of center legend Phil Esposito, both NHL Hall-of-Famers.
- #students: 7,172
- #grads: 1,375
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
23. DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois

DePaul University (DePaul, est. 1898) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Vincentians/ Catholic Church. It is one of the largest Catholic universities in the country.
DePaul offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
Delivered by the College of Computing and Digital Media, this is a low-cost 52-credit, online degree program with a choice of a Graduate Internship or Independent Study. Students learn skills and knowledge for design, implementation and management of health information technology, as well as an understanding of health IT processes and support of healthcare delivery.
The interdisciplinary curriculum offers electives in Analytics, Database Processing, Enterprise Management, Innovations in Health Care, and Security Management. Sample courses include: Health Informatics; System Design for Health Care; Health Information Exchange and Networking.
- In-state: $19,422 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,422 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes (Best Value Colleges); INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award); Princeton Review (Best Colleges – Midwest); U.S. News & World Report (Most Innovative Schools; Best Undergraduate Teaching; Best Value Schools; Top Performers on Social Mobility; Best Colleges for Veterans; National Universities); Victory Media (Military Friendly School)
- Notable alumni: Keyboard player Ray Manzarek of The Doors; composer George Perle (Pulitzer Prize winner)
- #students: 22,437
- #grads: 7,930
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
22. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU, est. 1889) is a public institution and a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it currently serves a range of programs to students both on campus and online.
SRU offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI).
Delivered by the College of Health, Environment, and Science, this is a high-value 33-credit, online degree program with a minimum timeline of 10 months full-time with a Fall start, longer for part-time or other start dates. Students learn about information technology systems for health care (research, implementation, management, maintenance), compliance with laws/ regulations/ internal policies, management and analysis of patient data. Overall, healthcare informatics specialists bridge the IT and the data management for health organizations. The curriculum provides a choice between a Health Informatics Capstone or an Informatics Internship. Sample online courses include: Intro to Health Informatics; Healthcare Ethics, Law, Privacy and Information Assurance; Big Data Analytics.
- In-state: $16,387 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $22,579 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Princeton Review (Guide to Green Colleges); Sierra Club (Top 100 Cool Schools); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North; Top Public Schools; Best Value Schools; Top Performers on Social Mobility; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Comedian David Batra
- #students: 8,803
- #grads: 1,286
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
21. University of Findlay
Findlay, Ohio

University of Findlay (UF, est. 1882) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Churches of God General Conference. It incorporates a Christian basis in its programs, serving students on campus and online.
UF offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degree programs – over 100 programs in total. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI).
This is a cost-effective 33-credit, online degree program which can be completed in two years. Students learn how to utilize patient data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. Things such as an alert on your phone from your healthcare provider to consider schedule a general check up is the result of clinical informatics. This high-value online degree program is suitable for individuals interested in making “a positive impact in the healthcare industry,” outside of clinical care. Sample online courses include: Introduction to Health Informatics; Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Informatics; Healthcare Delivery Outcomes.
Alternatives: 17-credit online graduate certificate in Health Informatics, with credits applicable to the MSHI.
- In-state: $16,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Money Magazine; Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest); U.S. News & World Report (Top Performers on Social Mobility; National Universities; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs); Victory Media (Military Friendly Schools)
- Notable alumni: America’s Next Top Model contestant Joanie Dodds
- #students: 4,870
- #grads: 1,256
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
20. University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota

University of Mary (UMary, est. 1959) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters/ Order of Saint Benedict (Roman Catholic Church). Founded as a women’s college, it has been coed since the 1960s. It integrates Benedictine Catholic Christian principles into its programs and serves students online and at multiple campuses and learning centers across five states, plus Italy and Peru.
UMary offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Informatics (MSN-NI).
This is an inexpensive 38-credit, hybrid program that is expected to take two years. It “combines data science, information analysis, and medical expertise.” Courses are online, though 360 clinical hours are required. Graduates of the program learn the skills required for developing more efficient healthcare services, and patient safety and outcomes, using data collected and analyzed from electronic patient health records. Sample courses include: Principles of Informatics in Health Care Professions; Ethics and Informatics; Applied Clinical Informatics in Patient Centered Care.
- In-state: $15,630 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,630 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; National Universities)
- #students: 3,796
- #grads: 1,262
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
19. National University
La Jolla, California

National University (NU, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit institution and a member of the National University System. It serves students at over 20 locations in California and Nevada, and online.
NU offers economical associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – with 90+ top-value online degree programs alone. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI).
This is a low-cost online degree program. It is designed to build the skills necessary for “mid-level and leadership positions within healthcare, technology, and consulting organizations,” particularly in the use of info tech/ systems for improving health care services. The curriculum covers care coordination, consumer empowerment, electronic health records and health information exchange, decision support, informatics, human-computer interaction, information systems, information technology, security, etc. Completion of Health Informatics Capstone is required. Sample online courses include: Healthcare Information Systems; Health Information Exchange; Health Informatics Case Study.
- In-state: $15,480 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,480 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Money Magazine (Best Colleges); Washington Monthly (top schools for adult learners)
- Notable alumni: Leadership expert Gerry Czarnecki; former United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
- #students: 16,930
- #grads: 9,195
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
18. George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia

George Mason University (GMU, est. 1949) is a public institution. Students participate online, at three American campuses, and a Korean campus. It is one of the largest public research universities in the state, by enrollment.
GMU offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has three of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies:
- MS Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (MS-BCB)
- MS Health Informatics (MSHI)
- Professional Science Master’s in Bioinformatics Management (PSM-BM) with three concentrations: Health Data Analytics; Health Information Management; Population Health Informatics
These three high-value degree programs range from 31-39 credits and are either online or hybrid in nature, and may require a practicum and/or thesis. While all three offer an informatics education component, they are within the framework of bioinformatics or health informatics, thus appealing to professionals collectively from a range of backgrounds.
Alternatives: Alternatives: on-campus MS Bioinformatics Management; on-campus MS Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence.
- In-state: $15,138 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $35,724 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fiske (Fiske Guide to Colleges – best buys public); Forbes Magazine (America’s Best College Buys/ Best Value Colleges); Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (Best Values in Public Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (campus diversity; Best Colleges for Veterans); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly (best four-year colleges for adult learners)
- Notable alumni: Actor Archie Kao (Power Rangers, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation); actress Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul)
- #students: 37,316
- #grads: 11,124
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
17. University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio

University of Cincinnati (UC, est. 1819) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Ohio. It claims a number of milestones particularly in scientific discoveries (first antihistamine; first heart-lung machine), and serves students on campus and online.
UC offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 380 high-value degree programs alone. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Master pf Health Informatics (MHI).
This is an inexpensive 33-credit, online program with no GRE/ GMAT score required. It is designed for professionals from a range of backgrounds in healthcare or IT, and focuses on the skills necessary for various health information management (HIM) roles. These skills and knowledge include communication, data analytics, electronic health records (EHR), techniques for healthcare delivery innovation, leadership and management and more. An optional 9-credit Health Information Security graduate certificate can be added to the MHI.
Sample online courses include: Health Informatics, Information Systems and Technology; Health Information Legislation, Privacy and Security; Workflow Process Analysis, System Development, Human Factors and Usability.
- In-state: $14,468 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $26,210 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek; Forbes Magazine (world’s most beautiful college campuses); INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine (Excellence in Diversity Award); Money magazine (elite value in higher education); Princeton Review (green universities; best business schools; Best Colleges – multiple years); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s; Top Public Schools; Best National Universities); Washington Monthly (national universities)
- Notable alumni: Award-winning opera singer Kathleen Battle; activist Jerry Rubin
- #students: 37,886
- #grads: 11,124
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
16. College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, Minnesota

College of Saint Scholastica (CSS, est. 1912) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters/ Order of Saint Benedict (Roman Catholic Church). Founded as a women’s college, it admitted male students as of 1969, though female student enrollment currently comprises 70%.
CSS offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Master of Health in Health Informatics (MSHI).
This is an affordable 42-credit, interdisciplinary, online degree program focusing on skills for careers in the health data field. It combines IT, management, and health care operations concepts. Graduates are eligible for the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) professional certification exam. An Applied Research Project is part of the curriculum. Sample online courses include: Foundations Health Informatics; Health Information Technology in Practice; Consumer Health Informatics.
Alternatives: Online Health Informatics graduate certificate program
- In-state: $14,077 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,077 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Current and previous mayors of Duluth, Minnesota – Emily Larson and Don Ness, respectively
- #students: 4,043
- #grads: 1,564
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
15. Regis University
Denver, Colorado

Regis University (RU, est. 1877) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Jesuits/ Catholic Church. It has hosted many notable guests, particularly human rights activists, religious and spiritual leaders, political activists and leaders, etc., including Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, Lech Walesa, David Trimble, and Betty Williams.
RU offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) with two tracks: Information Technology; Health Care Services; Data Science.
Delivered by the College of Computer and Information Sciences, this is a low-cost 36-credit, online degree program with a Capstone requirement. It combines IT and health care skills, with a focus on electronic health records, and the techniques for utilizing health data to improve patient service, decrease costs, reduce medical errors and more. Sample online courses include: Information Systems Concepts; Design and Selection of IT Systems in Health Care; Health Care Informatics and Information Management in Health Care Setting.
- In-state: $13,177 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,177 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: US News & World Report (Regional Universities West)
- Notable alumni: Actors/ comedians John Farley (brother to Chris) and Bill Murray (attended; received honorary doctorate)
- #students: 7,907
- #grads: 3,946
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC, est. 1789) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina. In Richard Moll’s book “The Public Ivies,” UNC is referenced as a “Public Ivy” college, indicating public institutions that offer the equivalent of an Ivy League education.
UNC offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Professional Science Master’ s in Biomedical and Health Informatics (BMHI) with two tracks: Clinical Informatics; Public Health Informatics.
Delivered jointly by faculty from multiple UNC schools, it is an economical 35-credit (minimum), online degree program with full- and part-time options, and a required Practicum and Capstone. It builds knowledge of public health information systems and how to use data collected for biomedical research, improving delivery of clinical practice and decision making, public health services, etc. Sample online courses include: Health Care Informatics; Foundations in Clinical Informatics: Data, Information, and Knowledge; Implementing Health Informatics Initiatives.
- In-state: $12,212 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $29,423 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Best Value Public Colleges); U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Best Value Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans; Most Innovative Schools); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actor Andy Griffith; comedian Lewis Black; U.S. President James Polk; pharmacist and Pepsi-Cola drink creator Caleb Bradham
- #students: 30,011
- #grads: 10,894
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
13. University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania

University of Scranton (Scranton, est. 1888) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Jesuits/ Catholic Church. Founded as a men’s college, it has been coed since 1938.
Scranton offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies:
- Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA; CAHME-accredited) with a specialization in Health Informatics (HI)
The MSHI is an affordable 33-credit, online program with a Capstone requirement. Students lacking the requisite healthcare and/or computer/ IT experience will have to take the necessary foundation modules (two in total, one credit each). The online degree curriculum covers business, communication, information science and systems, and leadership, leading to the skills needed for healthcare informatics roles. Sample courses include: Information Technology for Health Informatics; Population Health for Health Informatics.
The MHA-HI is a low-cost 53-credit program requiring 150 hours of fieldwork, and provides a health informatics education from the framework of health administration. Sample online courses include: Community Health for Health Informatics; Public Policy for Health Informatics.
- In-state: $11,630 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,630 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Brookings Institute and The Economist for positive impact on graduates’ earnings; Huffington Post (friendliest schools); Princeton Review (Best Colleges, various other categories); U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North; Best Undergraduate Teaching; Best Value Schools; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Journalist/ editor William Connolly (co-author of New York Times Style Guide); actor/ Pulitzer-winning playwright Jason Miller (played Father Damien in The Exorcist, 1973)
- #students: 5,286
- #grads: 1,557
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
12. Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University (NKU, est. 1968) is a public institution. It serves students on campus and online.
NKU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MHI).
Delivered by the College of Informatics, this is a high-value 33-credit, online degree program expected to take 24 months. It covers the technology and science of using health data for improving delivery of care/ services and aiding in innovation. Interdisciplinary skills to be gained include artificial intelligence concepts, data analysis, data visualization tools and techniques, enabling of payment reform, information governance, the Internet of Things (IoT), etc. The primary focus is clinical informatics. A Capstone experience is part of the curriculum.
Sample online courses include: Introduction to Healthcare Operations; Technical Foundations of Health Informatics; Technical Foundations of Health Informatics.
- In-state: $11,418 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,358 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review (Best Business Schools); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities)
- Notable alumni: Actor George Clooney
- #students: 14,764
- #grads: 2,850
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11. Logan University
Chesterfield, Missouri

Logan University (Logan, est. 1935) is a private, nonprofit institution. Originally founded as a chiropractic college, it serves a variety of health sciences, natural sciences and other best-value programs on campus and online.
Logan offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) with three concentrations: Healthcare Leadership (HL); Data Analytics (DA); Applied Informatics (AI).
This is a low-cost 36-credit, online degree program. It covers “the intersection of data and health care,” focusing on health care information systems. Students can customize their study plan by choosing one of the three aforementioned concentrations, depending on the type of career role you are interested in. The HL option is suitable for directors, administrators, management, consultants and other leaders who will combine of IT and health administration. The DA option is for administrators, data architects/ analysts/ scientists, programmers, etc., combining data analysis and IT. The AI option suits consultants, healthcare managers, nurses, physicians, researchers, technologists, etc. Graduates of the program will be prepared for the CPHIMS professional certification exam. A Capstone experience is required for graduation.
Sample online courses include: Consumer Health Informatics; Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Informatics; Business and Financial Skills for Health Informatics Professionals.
- In-state: $10,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs)
- #students: 1,582
- #grads: 1,379
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
10. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI, est. 1969) is a public institution and a member of both the Indiana University System and Purdue University System – both of which are prestigious university systems. IUPUI’s nursing and medical schools are amongst the country’s largest, and it claims the milestone of having the first school of philanthropy worldwide.
IUPUI offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master Of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI).
This is a high-value 36-credit, interdisciplinary, online degree program. Students learn not only how to analyze and safeguard patient healthcare information but also how to analyze it to improve patient care and other health services, as well ad the design and management of electronic health records. Completion of a Project in Health Informatics is required. Sample online courses include: Informatics Project Management; Foundations of Health Informatics; Health Informatics Standards and Terminology.
- In-state: $9,662 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $24,542 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: INSIGHT into Diversity magazine; Military Times; President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report; Victory Media
- Notable alumni: Mike Pence, U.S. Vice President (Donald Trump administration); Dan Quayle, former Vice President (George H. W. Bush administration)
- #students: 29,579
- #grads: 8,333
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth, est. 1972) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System. It has one of the largest medical schools in the country, and is #1 in the state for the number of health care graduates. It has no fewer than five healthcare-related schools offering academic programs.
UTHealth offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MSBI) with two online tracks:
- Applied Biomedical Informatics
- Traditional Research with five sub-tracks:
- Bioinformatics
- Clinical Informatics
- Cognitive Informatics
- Health Data Science
- Public Health Informatics
Delivered by the School of Biomedical Informatics (SBMI), this is a low-cost 39-credit, online, CAHIIM-accredited degree program. It is designed for professionals intending to provide solutions in health information technology. Students can customize their study plan by selecting one of the six options. A Practicum in Biomedical Informatics is required for all tracks. Sample online courses include: Intro to Biomedical Informatics; Statistical Methods in Biomedical Informatics; Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Informatics
- In-state: $8,926 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $31,072 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs)
- #students: 5,335
- #grads: 4,618
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
8. University of Maryland-University College/ Global Campus
Adelphi, Maryland

University of Maryland-University College (UMUC/ UMGC, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Maryland. Recently renamed University of Maryland Global Campus, it serves students online and on over 100 campuses and learning centers in USA, Europe and Asia.
UMUC/ UMGC offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 90 inexpensive online programs alone. It has two of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies:
- Master of Science in Health Informatics Administration (MHIA)
- Information Technology Master’s with a specialization in Informatics (ITM-I)
Both are 36-credit, cheap online degree programs. The MHIA is CAAHIM-accredited and helps students build the necessary skills and knowledge for health informatics roles, such as healthcare administration, health information systems/ technology, management, and leadership. It is designed for healthcare professionals, info tech specialists in health care, or individuals interested in healthcare informatics administration. Graduates will be prepared for four relevant professional certification exams (see site for details). A Health Informatics Administration Capstone is part of the curriculum. Sample online courses include: Introduction to Health Care Administration; Information Technology Foundations.
The ITM-I leans more heavily on information technology, but combines the concepts necessary for building skills in analysis, information theory, and management. Sample courses include: Capstone – Contemporary Topics in Informatics; Foundations of Information Security and Assurance.
- In-state: $8,514 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $12,132 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Diverse: Issues In Higher Education; INSIGHT Into Diversity; Military Times (Best for Vets); U.S. News & World Report (Most Innovative Schools)`
- Notable alumni: Former NFLer Ray Lewis; former NBA basketballer Jalen Rose
- #students: 60,603
- #grads: 13,350
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
7. Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas

Emporia State University (ESU, est. 1863) is a public institution (one of the oldest in the state) and a member of the Kansas State University System. Originally a teacher training school, students participate online and at multiple campuses and learning centers, as well as other institutions through ESU partnerships.
ESU offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies:
- Master of Science in Informatics (MSI; 36cr) with two concentrations: Geoinformatics (Geo); Quantitative Economics (QE)
- Master of Library Science (MLS) with a concentration in Informatics
Both economical online degree programs require 36 credits for completion. Delivered by Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, the MSI is an inexpensive online degree program requiring a combination of research, practicum, internship and thesis. While it covers informatics from a broad viewpoint, the two concentration options give students the option of focusing their studies. Individuals taking the Geo option are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in field related to earth science, geography, or geology, amongst other prerequisites. The QE option is offered jointly with the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM). Sample online courses include: Programming and Data Analysis for Informatics; Information Retrieval.
Delivered by SLIM, the MLS is a hybrid program, with online courses and two weekend intensives. It approaches informatics skills and knowledge from a Library Science viewpoint. Sample courses include: Introduction to Informatics; Database Design.
Alternatives: Online graduate Informatics certificate program
- In-state: $8,464 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $21,539 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Regional Universities Midwest); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Fran Welch (deceased), football player, coach (football, track and field), athletics administrator; TV writer and multiple Emmy Award winner Kay Alden (The Young and Restless)
- #students: 5,796
- #grads: 2,227
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University (Liberty, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution. Founded by noted televangelist Dr. Jerry Falwell, it is one of the largest private, Christian universities worldwide.
Liberty offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI).
Delivered by the School of Business, this is a low-cost 42-credit, online degree program expected to take at two years, on average. As Liberty puts it, this top-value online degree program is suitable for healthcare information professionals interested combining their “passion for people” with their “desire to explore technology” – merging the “technological and relational sides of healthcare.” Skills gained can be applied towards improving patient care and other health services through management and analysis of healthcare information, amongst other uses. Sample online courses include: Health Informatics; Health Care Information Systems and Integrated Technologies.
- In-state: $8,333 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,333 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA; Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs)
- Notable alumni: Rashad Jennings, former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars contestant
- #students: 79,152
- #grads: 33,217
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

University of Utah (U of U, est. 1850) is a public institution and a member of the Utah System of Higher Education. U of U has a long list of accomplished alumni in many fields, including business and entrepreneurship, education, sports, media and entertainment (see below for examples).
U of U offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MSBI) with a track in Applied Clinical Informatics (other tracks available on-campus only).
Delivered by the School of Medicine (SoM), this is a high-value 35.5-credit, online, non-thesis program with an expected two-year timeline. It is designed for students and working professionals seeking careers in health information and biomedical informatics, particularly as clinical informaticists. (The SoM lays claim to having the first biomedical informatics department in the country, est. 1964.) While there are no technical prerequisites, courses on R and Python programming, and Clinical Database Design, are required. The curriculum includes synchronous virtual meetings (subject to change).
Sample online courses include: Foundations of Health Care Informatics; Population and Public Health Informatics; Standards in Biomedical Informatics.
- In-state: $8,151 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $25,828 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Business Week (Best Business Schools; Entrepreneurship); Princeton Review (top undergrad and grad Entrepreneur Studies); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Top Public Schools (tie); Best Value Schools; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull; multi-genre novelist Orson Scott Card, who is the first author to earn both of the two biggest science fiction awards (Hugo and Nebula) two years in a row
- #students: 33,023
- #grads: 8,280
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
4. Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah

Western Governors University (WGU, est. 1997) is a private, nonprofit institution. It was founded from the efforts of nearly two dozen U.S. governors and serves students entirely online.
WGU offers inexpensive bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two low cost online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies:
- Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN)
- Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN; dual degree)
Delivered by the College of Health Professions, both best-value degree programs are hybrid and result in a master of science in nursing (MSN) – one for BSN holders, the other for RNs without a BSN, with timelines of between one and four years. Both programs have a Nursing Informatics Field Experience and Nursing Informatics Capstone, and the same four informatics-related courses. Graduates work with other healthcare practitioners, providing them patient data analysis for decision-making, to improve patient outcomes. Sample courses include: Foundations in Nursing Informatics; Informatics System Analysis and Design; Data Science and Analytics
- In-state: $7,790 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,790 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fast Company magazine (“innovative schools”); NCTQ (National Council on Teacher Quality); U.S. News & World Report (Most Innovative Schools)
- #students: 121,437
- #grads: 32,516
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
3. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

Coming in third in our ranking of most affordable online masters of informatics degrees, East Carolina University (ECU, est. 1907) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it currently serves students online and on campus.
ECU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 140 low-cost graduate programs alone. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management (MS-HIIM).
Delivered by the College of Allied Health Sciences, this is an economical 39-credit, hybrid, CAHIIM-accredited program, with a local Internship requirement and optional thesis track. It is designed for individuals seeking healthcare industry roles involving health information systems, whether managerial or technical in nature. Given the interdisciplinary curriculum, students come from a variety of health care roles as well as information management. This includes health administrators, healthcare IT project managers, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, as well as data analysts, data security analysts, systems developers. Sample courses include: Evaluation Methods in Health Informatics; Health Informatics; Health Informatics Project Design and Management.
- In-state: $7,485 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,634 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT into Diversity (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity – HEED); Princeton Review; Social Mobility Index; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Top Performers on Social Mobility; Top Public Schools); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck)
- Notable alumni: Vince and Linda McMahon, husband and wife owners of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE); actresses Emily Procter (CSI: Miami) and Sandra Bullock
- #students: 28,718
- #grads: 5,647
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
2. Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota

Placing second in this list of the best, most affordable online masters of informatics programs, Dakota State University (DSU, est. 1881) is a public institution governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Founded as a teacher training school, it currently serves students on campus and online.
DSU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in informatics studies: Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management (MSHIIM).
This is a low-cost 33-credit, online degree program. It prepares graduates for a variety of careers in using healthcare information for relevant decision making as well as research, and in roles involving protection of such information and related technology assets. Skills gained include analytics, application development, data privacy, management and technology management and more. Project work and internships may be conducted at DSU’s Center of Advancement for Healthcare IT. Typical requirements for admission include some relevant background in healthcare, both in terms of an undergrad degree and work experience. Sample online courses include: Healthcare Informatics, Information Systems and Technology; Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Informatics; Leadership and Management for Health Informatics
Alternatives: Online MS Computer Science with electives from the MSHIIM program
- In-state: $6,464 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,448 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Top Public Schools; Top Performers on Social Mobility; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs)
- Notable alumni: MarketBeat.com founder Matt Paulson
- #students: 3,382
- #grads: 389
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1. Arizona State University-Skysong
Scottsdale, Arizona

Ranking in first place as having the most affordable online masters of informatics degrees, Arizona State University (ASU, est. 1885) is a public institution governed by the Arizona Board of Regents. Skysong Innovation Center hosts research projects and houses some graduate programs. ASU itself has been recognized for its top faculty and scholars, for innovation, and for its top STEM programs.
ASU offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in informatics studies: Master of Advanced Study in Health Informatics (MAS-HI).
Delivered by the College of Health Solutions, this is a low-cost 30-credit, online degree program. It is designed for professionals both within and outside of the health industry, covering clinical informatics. Graduates gain skills in utilizing data for disease prevention, patient care, treatment, and more. Sample online courses include: Fundamentals of Health Informatics; Health Informatics Database Modeling and Applications; Workflow Analysis and Redesign in Health Systems Engineering.
- In-state: $6,462 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $6,462 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Colleges for Veterans; #1 Most Innovative; Best Graduate Education)
- Notable alumni: Fashion entrepreneur Kate Spade; Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!; actors Nick Nolte and David Spade; singer Linda Ronstadt
- #students: 38,540
- #grads: 8,760
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Computer Science Degrees
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Healthcare Administration and Management Degrees
- 20 Best Affordable Healthcare Administration and Management Online Degree Programs
- 15 Best Affordable Healthcare Management Degrees Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 25 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Information Systems Technology Studies
- 25 Best Affordable Online Master’s of Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
- 20 Best Affordable Colleges for RN-BSN Online
- The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
- The 20 Most Affordable Online Colleges