Top 25 Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degree Programs 2014
In today’s rapidly changing business world, a degree in human resources can be key to being competitive in the workforce; getting a degree from an affordable school will lessen the financial burden as you start your career. The cost of earning a college degree is skyrocketing, driving many to seek alternative ways to enter the job market. However, earning a bachelor’s degree in human resources doesn’t need to be expensive, and the outstanding programs we highlight in this article are proof.
Here’s the logic we used to determine and rank the 25 top affordable bachelor’s in human resources degrees.
1) First, we compiled a list of SHRM-aligned programs.
2) From this list, we selected institutions with a student-faculty ratio of 20:1 or better, according to data from College Navigator.
3) We removed any schools that don’t appear in a national ranking such as U.S. News & World Report. (Many of those listed here have multiple honors of this kind.)
4) We selected the 25 with the lowest tuition, using in-state tuition where available. In the list below, schools are ordered highest to lowest on this figure.
Ranking Top 25 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees
#25. DePaul University: Chicago, IL
Driehaus College of Business
Human Resources Concentration
DePaul University offers a Human Resources Concentration as part of the Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Management degree. This concentration is for individuals that desire an entry-level human resources position in the area of HR generalist, compensation analyst and employment interviewer. The concentration requirements include all requirements for the BSB degree and management major, plus courses in recruitment, compensation, career development, resource management, leadership, negotiations and organizational management. There is also a junior year experimental leadership option for this accredited bachelor of human resources degree. The U.S. News ranked DePaul as #121 on the list of National Universities.
Additional Resource: Top 15 Most Affordable Online Masters in Organizational Leadership Degrees 2014
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $33,990
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#24. Meredith College: Raleigh, NC
College of Business
Human Resource Management Concentration
At Meredith College, students earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration have the option to pursue a concentration in Human Resource Management. This concentration is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management. Program participants will take courses in accounting, data analysis, business, management, law and ethics, international business, marketing, strategy and microeconomics, among other courses. The U.S. News ranked Meredith College #2 for Regional Colleges (South) and #6 on the list of Best Value Schools.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Tuition $30,562
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#23. Alvernia University: Reading, PA
College of Professional Programs
Major in Human Resource Management
The major in Human Resource Management at Alvernia University are eligible to register for the Professional in Human Resource (PHR) exam upon program completion. Program graduates are often qualified for positions in compensation management, benefit analysis, training and recruitment. All students in the department have access to an on-campus student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The U.S. News ranked Alvernia as #116 on the list of Regional Universities (North).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $29,060
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#22. Briar Cliff University: Sioux City, IA
Business Department
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
The B.A. in Human Resource Management program at Briar Cliff University is based on the guidelines set forth by the Society of Human Resource Management, the world’s largest association for human resources. The program attempts to keep up with the latest trends, best practices, laws and ethics in order to fully prepare students for careers in the Human Resource field. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty comprised of experts in the field help give students a personalized experience. Briar Cliff University is ranked #39 for Midwest Regional Colleges according to the U.S. News.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $26,650
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#21. Mount Mercy University: Cedar Rapids, IA
Department of Business
Human Resource Management
At Mount Mercy University, students in the Department of Business have the option of either majoring or minoring in Human Resource Management. As part of the major, students will learn from 13 content areas, including benefits, laws and workplace safety. The program is endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The U.S. News ranks Mount Mercy University as #25 for Regional Midwestern Colleges.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Tuition: $26,310
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#20. Temple University: Philadelphia, PA
Fox School of Business
Human Resource Management Major
Temple University sees workplace employees as human capital and the most valuable asset of any business. Because of this, the Human Resource Management major program is designed to prepare students to become well-trained professionals capable of recruiting, managing, developing and training employees at small or large companies and organizations. The U.S. News ranks Temple University as #24 for the Best Colleges for Veterans, #60 for the Top Public Schools and #121 in the category of National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Tuition: $14,096
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#19. Illinois State University: Normal, IL
College of Business
Major in Management with Human Resource Management Sequence
Students taking the Human Resource Management Sequence at Illinois State University are taught by experts in the field, as most of the faculty members have earned terminal degrees and have extensive practical experience. Students are also trained to work in a dynamic and globalized world, giving them an advantage in the international business world. The U.S. News ranked Illinois State University as #81 for Top Public Schools and #152 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Tuition: $13,010
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#18. Northern Illinois University: DeKalb, IL
College of Business
Bachelor of Science in Management with a Human Resource Management Emphasis
All students pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management need to earn a B.S. in Management, preparing them to work in all aspects of the business world. This provides an advantage to human resource professionals due to giving them a thorough knowledge of the business world. Northern Illinois University is #98 for top public schools and #177 for National Universities according to U.S. News.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Tuition: $12,976
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#17. Rowan University: Glassboro, NJ
College of Business
Bachelor of Science in Management with a Human Resource Management Emphasis
Rowan University believes that managers and business professionals should have a wealth of hands-on experiences in order to be fully prepared to work in today’s business world. As a result, all students in the B.S. in Human Resource Management degree program experience a blend of classroom, extracurricular, co-curricular and project-based learning opportunities. The U.S. News rankings for Rowan University include #2 (Best Colleges for Veterans), #3 (Top Public Schools) and #18 (Regional Universities-North).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Tuition: $12,380
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#16. Eastern Illinois University: Charleston, IL
School of Business
Major in Management with an emphasis on Human Resource Management
Students in the Human Resource Management program at Eastern Illinois University all major in Business Management in order to gain a solid knowledge of the business world. The degree program is also designed to lead into a MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) program, as students are encouraged to continue their studies through a graduate program. Eastern Illinois University is ranked #7 for Top Public Schools and #36 for Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Tuition: $11,144
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#15. Shippensburg University: Shippensburg, PA
College of Business
Major in Management with Concentration on Human Resource Management
At Shippensburg University, the concentration in Human Resource Management is designed to prepare professionals to work in management, training and industrial relations. Students get extensive experience in labor relations, international business and international resource administration in order to help foster a desire to succeed in an international business world. The U.S. News rankings for Shippensburg University include #27 for Top Public Schools and #93 for Regional Universities (North).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Tuition: $9,448
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#14. Colorado State University: Fort Collins, CO
Department of Management
Major in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
At Colorado State University, students are trained to be ethical businesspeople that can easily adapt to a quickly changing and global business world. Human Resource Management professionals that are trained at Colorado State University are also trained in the psychology of employees and organizations, giving them an advantage in today’s business world. The U.S. News rankings for Colorado State University include #60 for Top Public Schools and #121 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $9,313
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#13. Indiana University of Pennsylvania: Indiana, PA
Department of Management
B.S. in Human Resources Management
At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, students pursuing a B.S. in Human Resources Management are exposed to both the theoretical and applied aspects of human resources functions. Students can either choose to be generalists or specialists, with speciality areas in staffing, training, job design, appraisal and compensation. The U.S. News ranks Indiana University of Pennsylvania #46 for Best College for Veterans, #98 for Top Public Schools and #177 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Tuition: $9,080
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#12. Auburn University at Montgomery: Montgomery, AL
AUM College of Business
B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management
In this human resources bachelor’s degree, students will be prepared to work as general management professionals and as a human resource manager. The curriculum includes state-of-the-art technology and practices designed to give students an advantage in the business world. The U.S. News rankings for Auburn University at Montgomery are #42 for Top Public Schools and #84 for Regional Universities (South).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $8,750
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#11. Western Kentucky University: Bowling Green, KY
Gordon Ford College of Business
Human Resource Management Track
The Western Kentucky University program is one of only a few in the country that is certified by the Society of Human Resource Management. Students in the affodable human resources degree program will take courses on organizational behavior, effective staffing practices and compensation. The U.S. News rankings for Western Kentucky University include #7 for Up-and-Coming Schools, #11 for Top Public Schools and #30 for Regional Universities (South).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Tuition: $8,722
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#10. Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS
College of Business Administration
Management Major with a Human Resource Management Track
At Kansas State University, students in the Human Resource Management specialization learn to be effective and responsive human resource professionals. They are also taught to be efficient and productive. Students are given opportunities to practice ethical and innovative management techniques throughout their program. The U.S. News rankings for Kansas State University are #68 for Top Public Schools and #135 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Tuition: $8,585
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#9.North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC
School of Business
Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
The business administration program at North Carolina State University is one of the most highly recognized and respected programs in the nation, being ranked by U.S. News as #8 for Up-and-Coming Schools, #14 as Best Colleges for Veterans, #41 for Best Value Schools, #47 for Top Public Schools and #101 for National Universities. Students are taught professional networking, critical thinking and management skills for use in a variety of settings.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Tuition: $8,206
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#8. University of Colorado: Boulder, CO
Business School
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management
The Human Resources Management concentration allows students to either be generalists or specialists. Options for specialization include training, performance, staffing and compensation, salaries and benefits. Students in this program are required to take core university courses, core business courses and human resource management courses in the specialization chosen. The U.S. News rankings for the University of Colorado include #108 for Top Public Schools and #190 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $7,933
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#7. University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA
Tippie College of Business
Human Resource Management Track
Students at the University of Northern Iowa have the choice of several tracks in the business major, including human resource management, entrepreneurship and leadership. In the Human Resource Management track are required to take courses in management innovation, laws and ethics, negotiations and performance management. U.S. News ranked the University of Northern Iowa as #2 for Top Public Schools, #6 for Best Colleges for Veterans and #13 for Regional Universities (Midwest).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $7,685
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#6. Arkansas State University: State University, AR
College of Business
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management
The accredited B.S. in Human Resources Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, an honor that less than 20% of business schools earn. The U.S. News rankings for Arkansas State University include #14 for Best College for Veterans, #25 for Top Public Schools and #61 for Regional Universities (South).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Tuition: $7,510
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#5. Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK
Department of Management
B.S. in Management with a Human Resource Management Option
Students in the Human Resource Management program are required to earn a Bachelor of Science in Management as part of the degree program. Students are taught leadership dynamics, organizational behavior, resource allocation, strategic management and administration as part of the program. This program qualifies students to work in small or large organizations, domestic or international businesses, entrepreneurship, new venture development or allied fields. The U.S. News rankings for Oklahoma State University includes #29 for Best Colleges for Veterans, #73 for Top Public Schools and #142 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Tuition: $7,442
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#4. University of Alabama Birmingham: Birmingham, Alabama
Department of Management, Information Systems and Qualitative Methods
Management Major with Human Resource Management Concentration
This 24 credit hour specialization at the University of Alabama Birmingham is designed to prepare human resource generalists. Students take courses in organizational behavior, human resource management, compensation administration, employee selection and development, employment law and managing through leadership. In addition, students take core courses in the management major. The U.S. News rankings for the University of Alabama Birmingham include #33 for Best Colleges for Veterans, #81 for Top Public Schools and #152 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Tuition: $7,206
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#3. Murray State University: Murray, KY
Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
Human Resources Track
The Human Resources Track at Murray State University is recognized and endorsed by the Society of Human Resource Management. Students in the program have access to a local academic program affiliation with a student chapter, as well as the professional chapter and faculty that are involved with the professional organization. The program is also a pre-approved provider for the Human Resource Certification Institute. The U.S. News rankings for Murray State University include #4 for Best Colleges for Veterans, #8 for Best Public Schools and #25 for Regional Universities (South).
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Tuition: $7,044
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#2. Valdosta State University: Valdosta, GA
Langdale College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration on Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management program at Valdosta State University focuses on an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, as well as ethical policies to deal with social issues and developing strong critical thinking and ethical business skills. The department encourages all students to continue their education in graduate school in order to be qualified to take on advanced managerial positions. The U.S. News rankings for Valdosta State University include #30 for Top Public Schools and #69 for Regional Universities (South). If you’re looking for a cheap human resources bachelor’s degree, be sure to check out VDU.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Tuition: $5,889
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#1. Brigham Young University: Salt Lake City, UT
Marriott School of Business
B.S. in Management with an emphasis on Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management
A degree in management with an emphasis on organizational behavior and human resource management is an excellent choice for individuals that want the flexibility to work in either business or human resource management. With a strong emphasis on industrial-organization, students are given the opportunity to learn about how people in organizations interact and how best to meet their needs in an employment setting. The U.S. News ranks Brigham Young University as #10 for Best Value Schools and #62 for National Universities.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Tuition: $4,850
Human Resource Management is a popular degree option in today’s quickly-changing business field. These 25 institutions offer a variety of options, from Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management degrees to bachelor’s degrees in management or business administration with a concentration on human resources. Regardless of the path taken, these affordable bachelor’s in human resources degrees can prepare students to be successful human resource professionals in both domestic and international organizations.
