This article features the top HR bachelor’s programs to help you in your school search.
Schools for Human Resources Ranked by Grad Rates
Human resources (HR) is a profitable and rewarding career. And human resources specialists are in high demand. Human Resources departments focus on an organization’s most important asset: its employees. HR professionals ensure that workers are satisfied, happy, and engaged. And they try to provide all the resources employees require to perform their jobs well.
HR can be a rewarding career for people who enjoy assisting others. Professionals in this field aid others in attaining employment satisfaction and fulfillment. HR professionals can work in many roles. Some of these include:
- Human Resources Manager
- Benefits Administrator
- HRIS Specialist
- Training Coordinator
- Training Manager
- Employee Relations Manager
- Human Resources Assistant
- Compensation Specialist
- Benefits Manager
- Payroll Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
How Much Can I Make in With a Human Resources Bachelors Degree?
Human Resource Professionals with a Bachelor’s degree earn a median annual pay of $70,720, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, HR professionals have a better job outlook than the national average for most other professions. The number of jobs is expected to increase by eight percent through 2031. So, if you’re looking for a stable career with excellent pay, a bachelor’s in human resources can help you get there.
How Can I Get an Entry-Level Role in Human Resources?
A bachelor’s degree in human resources can prepare students for a great job in human resources. HR professionals must be proficient in communication, business, finance, management, and human services. Human resources degrees can give you these skills and the credentials needed. Typical HR skills and competencies include:
- Active listening
- Data-Backed Decision Making
- Interpersonal Skills
- Corporate Communications
- Strategic Thinking
- Event Organizing
- Strong Verbal and Written Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Employee Training Activities
- Budget and Proposal Writing
- Conflict Resolution
- Analytical Capabilities
- Team Building Skills
- Administrative Skills
- Human Resource Development
- Critical Thinking Skills
Choosing a human resources degree program that leads to or improves a job in the sector may seem daunting. This is because there are so many bachelor’s human resources degrees. However, we’ve made your school search easier. We’ve created a list of the best bachelor’s degrees for human resources based on grad rates.
You may also like: 25 Best Online Human Resources Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
Methodology for the Best Schools for Human Resources
The top colleges for human resources on this list all offer degrees in HR or closely related disciplines. We looked only at the highest-quality colleges offering such degrees. Many of them completely comply with the Society of Human Resource Management criteria. As always, we ensured all the schools on our list are regionally accredited.
Overall graduation rate is essential when choosing where to earn a bachelor’s in HR management. This data indicates the percentage of full-time, first-time students who completed their program within 150% of the “normal time.” The grad rate gives insight into how students complete their human resources degrees on time. Extended enrollment can be expensive, so having support from faculty and staff to succeed and finish on time is vital.
Each school in our ranking has some of the highest grad rates in the country. We also considered things like student-to-faculty ratio and net tuition price to create our rating. These factors also play an important role in student success. Here is how we scored each school on our list:
Overall Grad Rate
More than 75%= 5 Points
75% to 70%= 3 Points
Less than 70%= 1 Points
Average Net Price
Less than $20,000 per year= 3 Points
$20,000 to $30,000 per year= 2 Points
More than $30,000 per year= 1 Point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Less than 11 to 1 = 3 Points
11 to 1 through 16 to 1 = 2 Points
More than 16 to 1 = 1 Point
Top 25 Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degrees Ranked by Grad Rates
| School Name | Grad Rate | Net Price | Student to Faculty |
| Houghton University | 65% | $24,502 | 12 to 1 |
| Merrimack College | 69% | $35,500 | 15 to 1 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 72% | $12,924 | 26 to 1 |
| St. John Fisher University | 73% | $27,325 | 11 to 1 |
| Dordt University | 74% | $26,662 | 14 to 1 |
| Geneva College | 71% | $19,895 | 11 to 1 |
| St. Joseph’s University – New York | 71% | $16,186 | 12 to 1 |
| University of St Thomas | 78% | $30,099 | 14 to 1 |
| University of Scranton | 79% | $35,913 | 12 to 1 |
| Marquette University | 81% | $33,566 | 13 to 1 |
| Baylor University | 82% | $46,039 | 16 to 1 |
| Bryant University | 84% | $40,310 | 13 to 1 |
| University of Miami | 84% | $34,492 | 13 to 1 |
| The Ohio State University | 88% | $19,474 | 18 to 1 |
| John Carroll University | 76% | $28,661 | 13 to 1 |
| Juniata College | 76% | $26,493 | 11 to 1 |
| Bradley University | 76% | $25,312 | 12 to 1 |
| Muhlenberg College | 82% | $30,920 | 9 to 1 |
| Saint Joseph’s University | 83% | $33,438 | 10 to 1 |
| University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus | 84% | $22,996 | 14 to 1 |
| University of Washington – Seattle Campus | 84% | $8,701 | 21 to 1 |
| Michigan State University | 82% | $8,738 | 16 to 1 |
| University of Minnesota -Twin Cities | 84% | $17,468 | 17 to 1 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | 84% | $11,803 | 15 to 1 |
| University of Richmond | 89% | $28,881 | 8 to 1 |
Ranking the Top 25 Human Resources Bachelor’s Degrees
#25 Houghton University
Houghton, New York
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Houghton University is a Christian liberal arts college in western New York. Founded in 1883, the school is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It has a 65% grad rate. Houghton serves over 1000 students and offers 54 degree programs, primarily to undergraduates. It’s ranked among the top human resources major colleges in the nation.
HU offers a BS in Human Resource Management degree. It is an online human resources program covering a variety of areas, including recruitment, training, and labor laws. There are no required classes or login times. This allows students to complete their human resources degree when it is most convenient. Both full and part-time program options are available. So it’s an excellent choice for working professionals. Featured courses for this human resource management program include:
- Work-Team Dynamics
- Employment Law
- Staffing & Performance Management
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 65%
Net Price: $24,502
Student to Faculty: 12 to 1
Score: 100
#24 Merrimack College
North Andover, Massachusetts
Bachelor in Business Administration – Human Resource Management
Merrimack College is a private Augustinian school. It boasts a 75% graduation rate. Founded in 1947, the college now has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,121. Among colleges with human resources major programs, Merrimack comes in second.
A BS Human Resource Management degree is offered through The Girard School of Business. It is designed to help students maximize employee performance and productivity. The curriculum fully aligns with the SHRM Curriculum Guidebook and Template. This ensures students receive a relevant and rigorous human resources education. Hands-on learning opportunities through semester-long internships give students valuable training and critical thinking skills. Graduates are successful in roles like labor relations specialist and human resources generalist. Some courses in this human resource management program include:
- Ethics and Social Responsibility
- Employment Law and Labor Relations
- Organizational Behavior
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Grad Rate: 69%
Net Price: $35,500
Student to Faculty: 15 to 1
Score: 97.5
See Also: 50 Most Affordable MBA Human Resources Degree Programs
#23 The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
UT Dallas is a public research institution with over 28,000 students across eight schools. Over 64% of students graduated with no student debt. That is well above the national average of 35%. UT Dallas is committed to providing their students with an excellent, innovative education. Among human resource colleges, it ranks third on our list.
An excellent Bachelor of Science in HRM is offered through the Naveen Jindal School of Management. It prepares students for a successful career in human resources. The curriculum aligns with the SHRM curriculum guidelines. Students take the SHRM-CP exam before they graduate. All students complete an internship and community service. This helps them gain valuable professional industry experience and critical thinking skills. Featured courses in this degree in human resources include:
- Organizational Behavior
- Compensation and Benefits Administration
- Performance Management
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Grad Rate: 72%
Net Price: $12,924
Student to Faculty: 26 to 1
Score: 95.0
#22 St. John Fisher University
Rochester, New York
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
St. John Fisher University is a private liberal arts college founded in 1948. It has a 73% graduation rate and a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university offers 35 undergraduate majors plus master and doctorate degrees.
SJU features an excellent HR management program. Human resource development opportunities are available through many of the school’s trusted partner programs. These include the NHRA and the Rochester Area Career Development Association. The program is designed to prepare students in human resource management, staffing, and critical thinking skills. Featured coursework for this degree in human resources includes:
- Rewarding and Maintaining Human Resources
- Leading Change
- Staffing Human Resources
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 73%
Net Price: $27,325
Student to Faculty: 11 to 1
Score: 92.5
#21 Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
Dordt University is a small Christian university in Iowa. It is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. They offer 90 different low-cost degree programs. The school boasts an impressive 74% grad rate, making it one of the best human resource management schools on our list.
The bachelor’s in human resource management degree is a Christ-centered program. Students have unique opportunities for internships like the Chicago Semester Program. They can also participate in the European Studies Program and a spring internship in Nicaragua. The HRM curriculum includes courses such as:
- Payroll Accounting and Employee Benefits
- Organizational Communication
- Business and Technical Writing
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 74%
Net Price: $26,662
Student to Faculty: 14 to 1
Score: 90.0
#20 Geneva College
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Resources
Geneva College is a Christian college offering a Christ-centered education. The grad rate is 71%, and over 93% of grads have jobs within six months of completing their degree. Students follow a customized degree plan created in partnership with an academic advisor.
The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Resources at GC is offered entirely online. It is designed for students who plan to be in leadership or management roles within their organization. Full and part-time schedules are available for this human resources degree. Featured courses for this degree in human resources include:
- Program Management and Evaluation
- Professional Ethics
- Introduction to Human Resources
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 71%
Net Price: $19,895
Student to Faculty: 11 to 1
Score: 87.5
#19 St. Joseph’s University – New York
Brooklyn, New York
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
St. Joseph’s University is an independent, coeducational college founded in 1916. The school has moved up in national rankings due to its impressive graduation and retention rates.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Resources at SJU offers online courses for flexibility. Students benefit from an SHRM-aligned program with a strong reputation in the field. Flexible scheduling allows students to fit classes in between work and other commitments. Online and evening courses are available. Courses in this bachelor’s degree in human resources cover topics like:
- Employee Benefits Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Process of Management
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 71%
Net Price: $16,186
Student to Faculty: 12 to 1
Score: 85.0
#18 University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Human Resource Management
The largest private university in Minnesota is the University of St. Thomas. It is a Catholic university that integrates social innovation and caring for the common good into everything they do. Student enrollment is more than 10,000. UST has an excellent grad rate of 78% and a 14 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.
A highly engaged faculty teach the human resource management degree at St. Thomas. Students get a solid foundation in effective personnel selection, incentives, training, and management. The small class size ensures students receive individualized attention throughout the program. Internships are available to help support professional goals and enhance a resume. The bachelor’s in human resources includes courses such as:
- Inclusive Leadership
- Organization and Development
- Employment Law
- Human Capital
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 78%
Net Price: $30,099
Student to Faculty: 14 to 1
Score: 82.5
#17 University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
The University of Scranton is a private Jesuit institution founded in 1888. As evidenced by the 79% grad rate, Scranton works hard to ensure students are both challenged and supported. It enrolls approximately 6,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The University of Scranton features an undergraduate HR program that can be applied to all industries. Faculty work to prepare students both academically and practically for success after graduation. All students complete an internship and service-learning component. This provides them with valuable hands-on training. Planning to pursue a master’s degree? Students can apply for the BS/MS accelerated program and complete both human resources degrees in just five years. The 131-credit curriculum includes courses such as:
- Principles of Management
- Compensation and Benefits
- Recruitment, Selection, and Staffing
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 79%
Net Price: $35,913
Student to Faculty: 12 to 1
Score: 80.0
Related: 20 Best Master’s in Human Resources (Campus-based)
#16 Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resources
Marquette University is a nationally and internationally recognized private Jesuit university. It was established in 1881 and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. MU has over 80 majors. The school boasts an impressive 81% grad rate.
MU offers an excellent BSBA in Human Resources. Students learn how to assist businesses in maximizing their most precious asset: their employees. Internships, networking events, and student clubs provide students with leadership and professional experience. Graduates are well prepared for the SHRM-CP exam to become certified HR professionals. This is one of the best human resources degrees on our list. Courses for the bachelor’s in human resources include:
- Talent Acquisition & Management
- Talent Development
- Employment Law
- Human Capital
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 81%
Net Price: $33,566
Student to Faculty: 13 to 1
Score: 77.5
#15 Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management
Baylor University is a top Texas Christian university and nationally ranked research institution. Networking events and mentoring programs contribute to the impressive 82% grad rate.
The Hankamer College of Business at Baylor offers a low-cost bachelor’s in HR management. It has extensive human resource development opportunities. Students can choose to complete an internship in management to gain professional work experience. Recent grads have accepted employment offers with companies like AT&T and Allstate. Featured major courses in this college program include:
- Negotiating and Conflict Resolution
- Human Resource Staffing & Employee Relations
- Compensation Management
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Grad Rate: 82%
Net Price: $46,039
Student to Faculty: 16 to 1
Score: 75.0
#14 Bryant University
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resources
Bryant University is a small, private university accredited by both the NEASC and AACSB International. Founded in 1863, BU has always focused significantly on business administration programs. With an outstanding grad rate of 84%, Bryant has a demonstrated commitment to their students.
The BS in Business Administration from BU is a great choice for students seeking careers in HR management. Students will gain an understanding of HR functions within an organization. They will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through an HR internship. And graduates are well-prepared for professional certification exams. These include the Senior Professional in HR and the Global Professional in HR. This makes it one of the best human resources degrees on our list. The curriculum comprises 122 credits and includes courses such as:
- Global Foundations of Organizations and Business
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Women and Leadership Strategies for Success and Professional Development
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Grad Rate: 84%
Net Price: $40,310
Student to Faculty: 13 to 1
Score: 70.0
#13 University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
The University of Miami offers over 180 different majors and programs. The current enrollment is around 17,000 students. UM is one of the country’s top research universities. Their 84% grad rate is a testament to their commitment to their students. It makes this one of the best human resources management schools on our list.
The BBA in Human Resource Management is a high-value program for students planning a career in human resources or personnel. Graduates know how to make strategic decisions, resolve ethical issues, and communicate professionally. Specialized courses in this college program include:
- Effective Leadership
- Compensation and Benefits Design
- Leading Change
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Grad Rate: 84%
Net Price: $34,492
Student to Faculty: 13 to 1
Score: 67.5
#12 The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
Ohio State is a large public research university founded in 1870. It is the third-largest campus in the country. 88% of traditional students graduate within six years of starting school. This means OSU has the highest overall graduation rate on our list, making it one of the best human resources schools in the nation.
The top-value BS in Human Resources at Ohio State prepares students for exciting roles in HRM. Students can participate in unique study abroad or internship opportunities. Student organizations like Human Resource Association keep students engaged in professional development. Graduates are prepared for roles in areas like compensation and benefits or employee and labor relations. Required courses cover areas like:
- Human Resources Management in Market Economy
- Human Resources Practices and the Law
- Training and Development
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 88%
Net Price: $19,474
Student to Faculty: 18 to 1
Score: 65.0
#11 John Carroll University
University Heights, Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resources
John Carroll University boasts a 76% grad rate. It is a private Jesuit university that was founded in 1886. Undergraduate students can choose from 70 academic programs. It has one of the best human resources programs on our list.
Boler College of Business at JCU has an affordable bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources. Graduates work in a variety of positions in business, government, and civic enterprise. All students complete professional work or volunteer experience before completing their program. This adds additional value to their human resources degree. Courses cover areas like:
- Organizational Behavior and Management
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Training and Management Development
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 76%
Net Price: $28,661
Student to Faculty: 13 to 1
Score: 62.5
#10 Juniata College
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Juniata College in Pennsylvania was founded in 1876. It has built a solid academic reputation. The grad rate is an impressive 76%. Of those 78%, 96% graduate in four years or less. Faculty are actively engaged in their student’s success. The unique two-advisor system gives each student additional resources and professional support. And an impressive 11:1 student to faculty ration makes this one of the best human resources degrees on our list.
JC offers an excellent BS human resources degree program. Students can choose an emphasis area of study in HR Management. Graduates gain accounting, marketing, HR, and communication skills. The human resources degree includes courses such as:
- Behavioral Analysis of Organizations
- Bargaining and Conflict Management
- Financial Management
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 76%
Net Price: $26,493
Student to Faculty: 11 to 1
Score: 60.0
#9 Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Bradley University is a private university founded in 1897. It boasts a 76% grad rate. In addition, the university is accredited by 23 specialized and professional accreditors. More than 5,400 students are enrolled at Bradley.
BU features a high-value HR management degree within its Management and Leadership program. Students learn what it takes to meet the HR challenges both large and small organizations face. The SHRM, Phi Chi Theta business frat, and Women in Business offer professional development. All students complete a capstone project in HR with a local business or nonprofit. Almost all graduates of this affordable human resource management program have jobs in the field within six months. Major courses for this human resources degree include:
- Human Capital in Organizations
- Employment Law
- Compensation Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 76%
Net Price: $25,312
Student to Faculty: 12 to 1
Score: 57.5
#8 Muhlenberg College
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Management and Organization Studies
Muhlenberg College is a small, Lutheran, liberal arts college in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1848, the college is associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. While the 82% grad rate is excellent, the nine-to-one student ratio makes MC truly stand out as one of the top HR schools on our list.
Muhlenberg offers a high-quality BA in Business Administration. Students can choose a concentration in Management and Organization Studies. The program emphasizes experiential and team-based learning. Students work together on projects sharing real-life applications of theory and practices. This program is an excellent option for HR professionals to move to a transformational role within their organization. The bachelor’s degree courses include topics like:
- Knowledge Management
- HR Global Issues
- Strategic Planning and Tactical Execution
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 82%
Net Price: $30,920
Student to Faculty: 9 to 1
Score: 55.0
#7 Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and People Management
Saint Joseph’s University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1851. There are over 100 undergraduate majors and minors to choose from. Saint Joseph’s has a low student-to-faculty ratio. It also has an impressive 81% grad rate for traditional students.
Saint Joseph’s offers a fantastic bachelor’s in human resources and people management. The program aligns with the guidelines set by the SHRM. Flexible course offerings include daytime, evening, and online courses. Networking and career development opportunities help students feel connected and valued. Students in their final year of study can sit for the SHRM Certified Professional Exam. Graduates are skilled in critical thinking, ethics, diversity, and making professional decisions. The curriculum includes courses such as:
- The Economics of Healthcare
- Negotiations, Writing & Conflict
- Diversity in the Workplace
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 83%
Net Price: $33,438
Student to Faculty: 10 to 1
Score: 52.5
Related: What is Workforce Diversity?
#6 University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resource Management
The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university established in 1787. The student body comprises almost 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The overall grad rate is 84%. The university offers many degrees, from certificates to PhDs.
The College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburg offers a unique HRM major. It teaches students to be managers of people and make good use of available data within an organization. Students learn how to collect and interpret data to help make strategic decisions for their organizations. Real-world projects help students navigate organizational challenges in workplace diversity and training. The curriculum aligns with SHRM requirements. Additionally, students are eligible to sit for the SHRM-CP exam. Some of the course offerings include:
- Sports Management
- Issues in Career Management
- Human Resource Analytics
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 84%
Net Price: $22,996
Student to Faculty: 14 to 1
Score: 50.0
#5 University of Washington – Seattle Campus
Seattle, Washington
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – HR Management
The University of Washington is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast, founded in 1861. It is ranked 5th in the nation in terms of spending on research and development ($1.41 billion in 2018). In addition, the undergraduate net price of $8,701 makes UW-Seattle the most affordable school on our list.
Through the Michael G. Foster School of Business, UW offers a B.A. in Business Administration with a focus on HR management. The program engages students through research, internships, and service learning. Graduates are prepared to sit for the SHRM and PHR exams. With a grad rate of 84%, most HR management students can complete and join the workforce without additional debt. Featured program courses include:
- Introduction to Strategic Human Resources Management
- Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Developing High Performing Individuals, Teams, and Organizations
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Grad Rate: 84%
Net Price: $8,701
Student to Faculty: 21 to 1
Score: 47.5
#4 Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
Michigan State University is a public university founded in 1855. It boasts an 81% graduation rate. They also have affordable tuition rates. And graduates have been hired by top companies like Amazon, Dow, and GM.
The Broad College of Business at MSU features one of the best bachelor’s in human resource management. Students learn to motivate others and create an overall culture of success within their organizations. Student organizations like the HR Association help develop professional communication skills and connect students. Courses include:
- Diversity in the Workplace
- Negotiations
- Personnel Training and Development
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 82%
Net Price: $8,738
Student to Faculty: 16 to 1
Score: 45.0
#3 University of Minnesota -Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science in Business – Human Resources and Industrial Relations
The University of Minnesota has more than 50,000 students and over 20,000 faculty and staff. It boasts an 84% grad rate, and 97% of first-year students return for their sophomore year. The school was chartered in 1851 and is the oldest and largest in the University of Minnesota system.
UM has a high-quality bachelor’s in HR management. Students learn how to design training programs and help employees reach their potential. The innovative curriculum keeps students involved through active discussions and relevant course material. Graduates know how to boost employee engagement and business culture. Featured program courses include:
- Union Organizing and Labor Relations
- Creating and Managing Diversity and Inclusion
- Compensation: Theory and Practice
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grad Rate: 84%
Net Price: $17,468
Student to Faculty: 17 to 1
Score: 42.5
#2 Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management
Rutgers University is an academic powerhouse. The university enrolls more than 71,000 students. In addition, it has almost 300 research centers and institutes around the state. Rutgers is the eighth-oldest college in the nation, founded in 1766.
Rutgers offers a high-quality bachelor’s in HR management. It is provided through the School of Management and Labor Relations. And it is taught by leaders in the field of HRM. Students can apply to earn academic credit for completing a paid or unpaid internship experience. Graduates have success working in roles like HR generalist, operations manager, and HR business partner. Students take major courses in areas like:
- Staffing
- Training and Development
- Compensation and Rewards
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Grad Rate: 84%
Net Price: $11,803
Student to Faculty: 15 to 1
Score: 40.0
#1 University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management
The University of Richmond is an excellent choice for a bachelor’s in HR management degree. It has an impressive grad rate of 89%. In addition, the student-to-faculty ratio of eight to one makes it the smallest class-size school on our list. U of R currently enrolls approximately 4,350 students.
U of R offers a top-notch Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies. The focus on HR management provides students with a strategic perspective. Students learn HR in a regional and global context. They gain valuable quantitative and IT skills in demand by top employers. Small class size helps keep students engaged while studying cutting-edge theory. Classes are offered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format. The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Organizational Psychology
- Leadership in the Global Environment
- Quality Management
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Grad Rate: 89%
Net Price: $28,881
Student to Faculty: 8 to 1
Score: 37.5
What are SHRM and PHR Certifications?
You will notice that many HR degree programs mention alignment with SHRM or the PHR exams.
Many human resources degree programs are aligned with the guidelines set by the Society for Human Resource Management. This means program graduates are prepared to sit for the SHRM certification exam. SHRM certification holders are much more eligible for HR careers than non-holders.
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) credential is also widely used in HR Management programs. It is a certification that displays human resource management competence. A PHR certification can help you get in the door and advance your career.
Related: 15 Best HR Associations for Human Resource Professionals
What Are the Top-Paying HR Careers for Bachelor’s Degree Holders?
You can be eligible for several great careers if you have a bachelor’s degree in HR. Here are some of the top-paying HR careers for human resources degree graduates:
Talent Acquisition Director – $206,332
Talent acquisition directors oversee recruitment to fill vacancies at a firm or organization. Responsibilities include recruiting people with the necessary skills and credentials. These professionals also develop trusted partner programs with applicants, colleges, and training organizations.
Human Resources Director – $174,971
Human resources directors are in charge of an organization’s entire HR department. They often work with CEOs to make high-level decisions. These professionals ensure their team is happy and fulfilling the company’s goals.
Compensation & Benefits Manager – $127,530
Compensation and benefits managers handle insurance, expenditures, employee leaves, and other benefits. They are also in charge of teaching employees about their salary and benefits.
HR Manager – $126,230
Human resource managers are in charge of an organization’s key administrative duties. They manage personnel HR and collaborate with executives to make high-level choices. These decisions typically regard corporate procedures and people.
Compensation Director – $117,485
A compensation director oversees the execution of a company’s compensation systems and incentives. They guarantee that wages, compensation packages, and employee benefits comply with corporate objectives. They also ensure that compensations follow state standards.
Administrative Service Manager – $113,030
Administrative service managers are in charge of staffing and organizing administration services. This might entail supervising receptionists, administrative assistants, help desk representatives, and others.
Change Management Specialist – $107,674
Change management specialists are in charge of assisting a company in undergoing a transition. This might be a new CEO, a merger or buyout, layoffs, or other changes. In addition, they may plan company-wide communications and meetings and evaluate morale.
Labor Relations Specialist – $77,010
Labor relations professionals assist employers in negotiating and administering contracts for employees. In addition, they research labor legislation and salary statistics. And they are typically involved in relevant employment-related politics.
HR Analyst – $69,001
Human resources analysts gather and evaluate quantitative data to inform HR decisions. For example, they may consider facts such as compensation, performance versus an objective, and employee volume.
Will a Business Administration Program With a Concentration in Human Resource Management Prepare Me to Work in HR?
You may run across schools that don’t have human resources degree programs. However, many schools have business programs with a concentration in human resource management. Such programs help students gain leadership skills while also learning best practices in HR. If you’re interested in working with people and helping businesses run smoothly, consider this type of degree.
This is especially true if you have your heart set on a college that does not offer an HR bachelor’s program. However, if the school provides any degree with a concentration in human resource management, it might be a terrific option for you.
A concentration in human resource management will teach you the foundations of business. You will receive key management and administrative training. But it will also give you train you in HR topics such as:
- Managing Employees
- Hiring and Firing
- Benefits and Compensation
- Training and Development
- Workplace Communication
- Problem-Solving
With a concentration in human resource management, you’ll be well-prepared for a career in human resources. You’ll be ready to work in a variety of settings, including corporations, non-profits, or government agencies.
Not only is a concentration in human resource management a great way to prepare for a career you’ll love, but it can also be lucrative. The average wage for a human resources manager is $126,230 a year. So programs with concentrations in human resource management can be some of the best human resources degrees to consider.
Below are three online schools offering a human resources concentration:
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a BS in Business Administration with an HR concentration. The program is 100 percent online and can be completed in as little as 3.5 years. This 120-credit program features multiple start dates per year. And LU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
New England College
New England College is a private non-profit institution in New Hampshire. This school offers a Business Administration degree with a Human Resource Management Concentration. This is also a fully online program that has multiple start dates each year. The program is taught by experts in the field. And it is taught in an accelerated format so you can graduate sooner.
South College
South College is a private for-profit college in Tennessee. It offers a Bachelor of Business Administration program with a Concentration in Human Resources. This program can be completed on campus or online. This excellent program is IACBE-accredited. SC is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Closing Thoughts
These top 25 HR degrees are among the best programs at human resources colleges in the nation. If you are looking for colleges for human resource opportunities, this list is a great place to start.
See Also: 20 Best Master’s in Human Resources (Campus-based)