If you dream of making the workplace better for employees and business owners alike, a career in human resources may be for you. This growing and lucrative field includes jobs in management, compensation analysis, and employee training. Graduates of an affordable bachelor’s degree in human resources online can enter a field with a median salary of $106,910 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Human resources job openings continue to grow at a rate of about 9%, keeping pace with the national average and making this an ideal time for you to enter this field. Since companies of all sizes need human resource professionals, job openings exist in all parts of the country and even abroad. Holding a certificate from the Society for Human Resource Management or a master’s degree in human resources can expand the job pool and boost you to an even higher salary.
Rank | School | Score | Toggle | Content |
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1 |
Florida International University |
Value Score 7.29 |
FIU offers an online bachelor's of business administration in human resource management that includes coursework which teaches students how to attract top talent and match people to their ideal career path. The curriculum is fully compliant with the standard requirements of The Society for Human Resource Management. This 120-credit online bachelor's degree in human resources includes 60 credits of general education requirements and lower-division coursework, as well as 60 credits of upper-division courses. Major courses cover a variety of topics, including human resource management, recruiting and staffing, compensation and benefits, and union-management relations. Applicants must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and submit valid SAT or ACT scores to be considered. FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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2 |
Amridge University |
Value Score 6.88 |
Amridge offers a BS in human resource management that emphasizes the enhancement of human relationships and leadership. The schools believes that it is crucial for leaders to be able to govern, integrate, measure and reward members of an organization and includes coursework that is tailored to meet each student's leadership goals. This program provides students with foundational knowledge that prepares them for further study in human resources and leadership at the graduate level. Online and on-campus coursework is taught by the same professors, who are available to answer questions via phone or email. All online students at Amridge pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program and pass the department's general competency test to graduate. Amridge is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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3 |
Anderson University |
Value Score 6.76 |
AU offers an affordable bachelor's of organizational leadership with a concentration in human resource administration that teaches students how to apply the theory of human resources to the modern workplace. The program includes coursework on a variety of topics, such as employment placement, employee relations, job analysis, and leadership with Christian values. Classes in this 120-credit human resources online degree are offered in eight-week sessions and consist of a variety of general education requirements, core courses, and electives. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. However, they must also pay an addition fee per credit hour for online course delivery. Distance learners can access all coursework including lectures, homework assignments, student discussion boards, and textbooks through the school’s online learning platform. AU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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4 |
Western Governors University |
Value Score 6.41 |
WGU offers a BS in human resource management that is ideal for business professionals who want to enter the field, or help those already in human resources advance their career to the next level. Students in this online human resources degree are expected to spend at least 15 hours per week on their studies. The curriculum includes general education courses on English and mathematics and major coursework on topics like leadership and management, economics, business law, and ethics and accounting. Students can transfer general education credits from another accredited institution towards their degree, but all human resource management classes must be completed at WGU. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or five years of part-time study. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Visit School Website |
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5 |
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College |
Value Score 6.35 |
SMWC offers a BS in human resource management that is one of only a few programs in this field with a curriculum that is aligned with the standards of the Society for Human Resource Management. This 125-credit bachelor's degree in human resources online includes a variety of classes related to business and human resources, as well as general education requirements and several electives. Distance learners can reach professors and administrators through the school's online learning portal. Applications are accepted year-round and classes have multiple start-dates throughout the year. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and submit valid SAT or ACT scores to be considered. SMWC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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6 |
University of St Francis |
Value Score 6.19 |
USF offers a BS in business administration with a concentration in human resource management that teaches adult learners how to meet the challenges and demands they will encounter as managers. This program is structured in an accelerated format and most students are able to graduate in approximately two years. All credits earned in this online bachelor's degree in human resources can be applied toward earning an MBA at USF. This 120-credit program includes coursework that is divided between general education requirements, business and concentration courses, and electives. Major coursework covers a variety of topics, including writing for professionals, business driven technology, managerial communication, and organizational development. Transfer students can apply up to 64 credits of coursework that was earned at another accredited institution towards their degree. USF is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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7 |
Georgia Southwestern State University |
Value Score 6.12 |
GSSU offers a human resources bachelor’s degree online that prepares students for careers in a number of fields as a recruiting manager, corporate trainer, or diversity manager. The curriculum includes courses on a variety of topics, including business, ethical leadership, cultural diversity, and human behavior. Students can earn their degree in just two years of full-time study, although part-time enrollment is also an option. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. This online program does not include any on-campus requirements. All online applicants must be transfer students who have earned eligible credits from another accredited institution or who already have an associate degree in business. GSSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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8 |
Bellevue University |
Value Score 6.09 |
Bellevue offers an online bachelor’s degree in human resources that consists of the same coursework as the school's on-campus program. Earning a degree in human resource management prepares students to pursue a career in almost any industry. Therefore, courses in this program cover human resource theory that can be widely applied in any discipline. The 127-credit curriculum includes classes on a wide variety of topics, such as human resource planning, staffing practices, and employment law. The majority of coursework is business-related, although all students must complete the school's Kirkpatrick Signature Series as part of general education requirements. Applicants must have an associate degree in business or have previously earned at least 60 credits of coursework at another accredited institution to be considered. Bellevue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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9 |
Athens State University |
Value Score 5.89 |
Athens State offers a BS in human resource management that prepares students for a variety of employment opportunities in a number of fields as well as further study at the graduate level. The 124-credit curriculum includes traditional business coursework as well as more specialized classes in management and psychology. While all business and human resource management courses are available for distance learners, Athens State cannot guarantee that all required general education classes will be accessible in an online format. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program and complete at least 25% of coursework at Athens State to graduate. Applicants must have an associate degree in business or a related field, or transfer in credits from another accredited institution to be considered. Athens State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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10 |
Dickinson State University |
Value Score 5.89 |
DSU offers a cheap BBA with a major in human resource management that can be completed fully online with no on-campus time or residency requirements. This program emphasizes theories of human resource management, leadership, staffing practices, and more. Most course requirements are business-related, although students must also complete general education and elective classes. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 throughout the program to graduate. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. Transfer students must have an accredited AA or AS degree from an accredited institution. All applicants must have completed a multitude of general education classes, including english, math and science, prior to enrollment at DSU. Students over the age of 25 at the time of their application are exempt from these core education requirements. DSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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11 |
Friends University |
Value Score 5.84 |
Friends offers an online bachelor’s degree in human resources that prepares students for entry-level positions in human resources, future positions in management, or further study at the graduate level. The program's curriculum is fully aligned with the guidelines set by The Society for Human Resource Management. This 124-credit program includes coursework on a variety of topics, including business, psychology, sociology, as well as general education courses and electives. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and submit valid SAT or ACT test scores to be considered. Transfer students who have earned credits from accredited regional community colleges are also considered. At this time, only residents of Topeka, Kansas, and surrounding cities are able to enroll in this online program. Friends is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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12 |
Mount Mercy University |
Value Score 5.82 |
MMU offers an affordable BBA in human resources that is fully endorsed by The Society for Human Resource Management. Graduates of this human resources degree online program learn how to identify and comprehend laws that affect workplace labor, effectively use human resource metrics, and understand common compensation issues. Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Students can complete this program at an accelerated rate or on a part- or full-time basis. All course materials, such as lecture videos, notes, assignments and student discussion boards, are available via the school’s online learning platform. Applications are accepted throughout the year and students can begin enrolling in classes at the beginning of any five-week session. MMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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13 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul |
Value Score 5.80 |
CSP offers a BA in human resource management that can be completed online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. This 120-credit bachelor's degree in human resources online includes 40 credits of major coursework, with the rest of divided between general education requirements, general business courses, and electives. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered. Transfer students who have earned fewer than 20 credits of college-level coursework must submit high school transcripts along with college transcripts to apply. This program aligns with standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management. CSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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14 |
Saint Leo University |
Value Score 5.80 |
SLU offers an affordable bachelor’s in human resources online program that prepares students to pursue a career in human resources management or to continue their studies at the graduate level. This online BA in human resource management is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education and meets the curriculum standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management. This 120-credit program explores a variety of topics, including risk management, interviewing and counseling, industrial and organizational psychology, and more. SLU accepts applications on a rolling basis and classes begin six times throughout the year. Online classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED to be considered. Those who have received any other certification through an accredited institution, such as having graduated from a registered nursing program, are encouraged to submit a copy with their application. SLU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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15 |
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion |
Value Score 5.78 |
IWU offers a BS degree in management that includes a specialization in human resources. Students who decide to specialize in human resources will take classes focused on analysis and problem solving, application of cultural perspectives, and developing ethical solutions. Classes are available fully online with no on-campus requirements, although students have the option of meeting on-campus one night per week. Most students complete this online bachelor's degree in human resources in 18-20 months, although those who are enrolled on a part-time basis will require additional time. Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits of coursework prior to acceptance into the program's core coursework. Transfer and high school applicants are welcome to take a competency test that can allow them to earn up to 40 credits of college coursework. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED to be considered. IWU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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16 |
McKendree University |
Value Score 5.69 |
McK offers a bachelor’s degree in human resources online that has been verified and endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management. This program provides students with a broad understanding of talent management and core business principles. The curriculum includes general education requirements, and coursework on human resources topics like international business, organizational behavior, business strategy, and business ethics and social response. Each course lasts eight weeks and students can choose to enroll in either one or two classes at a time. This 120-credit program includes 40 credits of upper-level, major coursework. Students must earn at least 30 credits from McK to graduation, meaning they can transfer up to 90 credits from another accredited institution towards their degree. Applicants must submit high school transcripts and valid SAT or ACT scores to be considered. Transfer students are required to submit the transcripts from their most recent place of study. McK is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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17 |
Davenport University |
Value Score 5.64 |
DU offers a BBA in human resource management that emphasizes staffing, negotiation, organizational behavior, compensation, employment law and more. The curriculum has been recognized and endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management. This online bachelor’s degree in human resources prepares students for a variety of careers in employee relations, recruiting and staffing, and labor relations. This bachelor's degree in human resources online includes 120 credits of coursework split between general education requirements, major coursework, and electives. Major coursework covers a variety of topics, including international business, staffing organizations, strategic human resources, and organizational behavior. Students can complete this program on-campus or entirely online. Applicants must submit official transcripts and valid SAT or ACT scores to be considered. DU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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18 |
Concordia University-Wisconsin |
Value Score 5.61 |
CUW offers an online bachelor’s degree in human resources that prepares students to pursue careers in recruitment, risk management, departmental management, and more. This program includes 83 credits of major classes as well as 45 credits of general education requirements and electives. The curriculum includes courses on a variety of topics, such as student success strategies, organizational management principles, human resource management, and social psychology in the workplace. Coursework is offered entirely online and includes no on-campus requirements. CUW offers a number of scholarships and financial aid packages to qualifying students. Applicants must have a GED or high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. Transfer credits are also accepted upon faculty review. CUW is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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19 |
Huntington University |
Value Score 5.60 |
HU offers a BS in human resource management degree program that can be completed either on-campus or entirely online. Distance learners are required to meet on-campus one night per week to submit assignments and discuss course materials. This program provides students with general knowledge of human resource management that can be applied to several different fields. The 128-credit curriculum includes general business classes, specialization-specific courses, and a variety of electives. Major coursework covers a variety of topics, including business math, communication in organizations, managerial finance, and business law. Applicants must have previously earned at least 50 credits of college coursework to be considered. These credits can have been completed at an accredited four-year institution or through an associate degree from a community college. HU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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20 |
Geneva College |
Value Score 5.59 |
GU offers a bachelor of professional studies degree in human resources that includes coursework on the fundamentals of human resources, group dynamics, communication style, and more. Graduates of this bachelor’s degree in human resources online program are prepared for a variety of careers in managerial and executive leadership, hiring, compensation and conflict resolution. This 120-credit program includes 36 credits of coursework that cover the basics of human resource theory and application. This bachelor's degree in human resources can be completed entirely online with no on-campus requirements. Students can enroll on part-time, full-time, or on an accelerated schedule. GU accepts transfer credits with faculty approval. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Applicants must submit an application with three short essays, official high school transcripts, and valid SAT or ACT scores to be considered. GU is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Visit School Website |
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21 |
LeTourneau University |
Value Score 5.52 |
LETU offers a BS in business administration with a concentration in human resource management that prepares graduates to pursue careers as general managers, human resource administrators, project managers, and more. The 128-credit curriculum at LETU is fully endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management, and all graduates are prepared to pass SHRM’s National Human Resource Certification Exam. Major coursework in this bachelor's degree in human resources online covers a variety of topics, including managing innovation and change, staffing, compensation and benefits, and employment law. This program can be completed entirely online and includes no on-campus requirements. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. LETU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Visit School Website |
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22 |
Granite State College |
Value Score 5.41 |
GSC offers a BS in human resource management that teaches students how to combine business knowledge with the skills needed to enhance employee development and organizational success. Major courses in this online bachelor's degree in human resources cover a variety of topics, including management, diversity, and conflict resolution. All coursework can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format. Of the 120 required credits in this program, only 30 of them must be earned at GSC to graduate. Students can earn prior learning credits from employment or volunteer experiences, or by taken placement tests. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and students can begin their studies at the beginning of any term throughout the year. GSC is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Visit School Website |
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23 |
Peirce College |
Value Score 5.39 |
Peirce offers a BBA with a concentration in human resource management degree that meets the standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management. The 121-credit curriculum includes courses on a variety of topics, such as law and ethics, business practices, and benefits compensation and training. Students can complete all coursework entirely online or in a hybrid format. All course materials, including lecture videos, class discussion boards, and homework assignments are available through the school's online learning portal. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Transfer credits are accepted with approval from faculty. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and submit valid SAT or ACT test scores to be considered. Peirce is accredited by the Middle States Commission on HIgher Education. Visit School Website |
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24 |
Park University |
Value Score 5.38 |
Park offers a BS in business administration with a concentration in human resource management that provides students with a broad education that covers the fundamentals of a functioning business. Graduates typically find employment in production management, personnel management and marketing management. This 136-credit BS in business administration includes courses on a variety of topics, such as financial accounting, business law, marketing, employment law, and planning and staffing. Students must declare their major and concentration prior to completing 60 credits of coursework. Online courses are delivered asynchronously in accelerated eight-week terms, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students can begin classes at five different start dates throughout the year. Park is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
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25 |
Regis University |
Value Score 5.31 |
Regis offers a BS in human resource management that teaches students the skills needed to understand corporate culture and the impact of economic trends on personnel interaction and corporate ethics. This bachelor’s degree in human resources online program is fully endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management. This 128-credit BS in human resource management includes courses on a wide variety of topics, such as business finance, diversity in the workplace, management of human resources, and organizational behavior. Students can also apply the credits earned in this degree towards earning a master's in business for a total 152 credits. Prior learning credits can be earned from past experience in human resource management that was completed through employment or volunteer work. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be able to submit transferable credits from another accredited institution to be considered. Regis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit School Website |
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degree?
People who enjoy solving problems, like working one-on-one with others, and have an eye for detail can find a rewarding and lucrative career in human resource management. In this field, professionals spend their days managing a company’s compensation and benefits, hiring and onboarding new staff, or helping train and develop their organization’s workers. A bachelor’s degree in human resources earned online can open opportunities in nearly any industry or profession in locations across the country.
Career Paths
Educational Paths for Graduates of Online Human Resources Programs
Although an online undergraduate human resources degree can open entry level positions in the field, a master’s degree is becoming more commonplace. Students could opt to pursue a master’s in human resource management or a master’s of business administration with an emphasis in human resource management. The first program focuses on human resource management techniques while the second program is a general business degree that emphasizes human resource management. According to Payscale, human resource managers with a master’s degree earn 15% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
What Will I Learn in My Bachelor’s in Human Resources Program?
- Compensation: A study of the theories and practices of compensation, this course provides students with an overview of retention, appraisal, work environment, pay, and employer-employee relations. Students also consider workplace harassment policies.
- Employment Law: This course provides an overview of the basic legal concepts that undergird an employee’s relationship with their employer. Students consider general principles of law as well as federal and state employment statutes.
- Managing Human Resources: Students analyze the fundamental principles of human resource management, including the function of human resources, relevant court decisions, government regulations, and broadly accepted techniques in the field.
- Talent Acquisition and Development: In this course, students learn how to source and attract talented employees, assess candidates for the right fit, and work in partnership with hiring managers.
- Conflict Management: Looking at conflict management techniques in both unionized and nonunionized settings, this course considers workplace culture, bargaining, conflict negotiation coaching, and dispute resolution tactics.
Employment Outlook for Bachelor’s in Human Resources Graduates
Bachelor’s in Human Resources Salary
An online bachelor’s degree in human resources can open up a wide range of lucrative positions in a variety of industries. Job seekers may find more positions available in urban areas where clusters of government agencies and corporations have home office locations. Still, graduates of human resources degrees online find employment all over the country due to the sheer number of industries that require their skills. Those who concentrate in compensation analysis or job training may find their specializations give them access to more jobs at higher mean wages.
Industry | Percent of Industry Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | 0.29 | $46.69 | $97,110 |
Other Financial Investment Activities | 0.54 | $42.26 | $87,910 |
Software Publishers | 0.82 | $41.95 | $87,250 |
Monetary Authorities-Central Bank | 1.13 | $41.87 | $87,090 |
Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | 0.13 | $40.24 | $83,710 |
Human Resources Licensure and Certification
A career in human resources may not require certification, but obtaining a professional certificate demonstrates knowledge and skill in the field. Certification can also make applicants more attractive to prospective employers. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two levels of internationally recognized certification for human resources professionals working in any industry. For those who choose to emphasize talent development in their career track, the Certified Professional in Learning & Performance may be the most appropriate choice.
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional: Widely considered the fundamental standard for human resources professionals, this certification requires at least a bachelor’s degree and one year of human resources experience before taking the exam.
- Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional: SHRM offers this exam to strategic-level leaders in human resources. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree need four years of human resources experience to sit for this exam.
- Certified Professional in Learning & Performance: Offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), this certification provides credentials to talent development professionals. It requires five years of experience and passing both a knowledge and a skills exam.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees
Future human resources professionals need a bachelor’s degree to break into their field. That degree needs to come from an accredited institution in order to validate their program’s legitimacy. Schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in human resources online should hold accreditation first with a regional accrediting association. These accrediting bodies include the Western, Middle States and New England Associations of Colleges and Schools as well as the Higher Learning Commission and the Northwest Accreditation Commission.
Programs may also be nationally accredited by an organization such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). DEAC accredits online schools while AACSB accredits institutions offering business degrees. Neither of these national accrediting bodies should replace regional accreditation, long considered the premier standard in higher education. Instead, these and other national accreditation bodies supplement regional accreditation and focus on particular types of schools or programs.
Financing Your Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Program
An online bachelor’s degree in human resources offers an affordable education option for many students. Still, funding any higher education program requires considerable resources and ingenuity. Fortunately, federal loans, publicly funded grants, and private scholarships can help cover tuition and other educational costs. Learners earning their human resources degree online should begin their financial aid journey by filling out the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This document serves as an application for both federal grants and federally subsidized loans. Most institutions also use it the FAFSA to determine their aid packages. After completing the FAFSA, students can research private funding options such as human resources organizations and other scholarship providers.
Scholarships for Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Human Resources
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