Human resources (HR) degree programs provide training for a fast-growing career with high earning potential. HR departments are positioned for strong long-term growth thanks to the strategic value they provide to growth-oriented businesses.
This guide profiles some of the most affordable online human resources degrees available from accredited and reputable institutions. Use it to identify schools and programs where you can save money on a career-focused education.
Human Resources Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: Four years
Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, satisfactory academic performance that meets general first-year admission requirements
Top Skills Gained: Employer-employee relations, recruitment and retention, employment law, employee performance evaluation, regulatory compliance, conflict management and resolution, change management
Popular Concentrations: HR often functions as a concentration track within business administration, business management, or management and leadership programs
Popular Online Programs
Most Affordable Online HR Degrees 2026
Price Check
Each year, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation offers $400,000 in scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students studying human resources.
Why Choose an Online Human Resources Degree?
Earning an online bachelor's degree in HR can be the first step toward entering this field. Many accredited online schools offer HR either as a stand-alone major or as a concentration under a general business degree.
Typically, online HR programs require students to take the same courses as their on-campus counterparts, but learning online allows you to study on your schedule and may help you save money on tuition and other education costs. Some other advantages of getting your HR degree online include:
Work, make money, and advance your career while earning your degree.
Pay reduced tuition at some schools and choose from a broader selection of colleges.
Study in your home office, at your kitchen table, or wherever is most convenient for you.
Career Outlook for Human Resources Graduates
Multiple HR-adjacent career paths are poised for strong rates of near-term growth as employers increasingly turn to specialists to oversee workforce management and development programs. The following table profiles five common and growing career paths you can pursue with a human resources degree:
| Job | Annual Median Wage, May 2024 | Job Outlook (2024-34) |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist | $77,020 | 5% |
| Compliance Officer | $78,420 | 3% |
| HR Manager | $140,030 | 5% |
| HR Specialist | $72,910 | 6% |
| Training and Development Specialist | $65,850 | 11% |
Human Resources Licensing and Certification Requirements
In general, certification is voluntary for HR professionals; however, a certification can demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and experience in the field.
Certifications are different from certificate programs and licenses. Professional associations offer certifications, universities offer certificates, and state agencies provide licenses. Standard HR certifications include:
Certified Executive Coach: Offered by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, this credential can equip you to assess and empower corporate leaders to improve their performance.
Certified Compensation Professional: The WorldatWork's CCP credential can validate your experience and skills in compensation within single-country organizations. The Global Remuneration Professional certification provides similar validation for people working in multinational companies.
SHRM Certified Professional: The world's largest HR membership organization offers the SHRM-CP standard certification for HR-related professionals and people aspiring to work in HR.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional: The SHRM-SCP certification is for individuals with a work history of at least three years performing strategic-level HR duties. Alternatively, SHRM-CP holders who have held the credential for at least three years and are transitioning to a strategic-level role can also qualify.
Ways to Save on a Human Resources Degree
Few students pay the sticker price for their education, relying instead on financial aid packages that may include grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, employer reimbursement, and student loans.
The path to getting financial aid begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Fill out this form to find out what government-supported grants, loans, or work-study opportunities you may qualify to receive
Apply for scholarships.
Scholarships are privately funded student aid programs that require you to compete for their dollars. Some scholarships are merit-based, meaning you qualify based on your scholastic, athletic, or community service record. Scholarships for human resources majors specifically include:
Pamela Sue Schmidt Student Award for Outstanding Service to the Community
Get your employer to pay.
According to the SHRM, nearly half of all employers offered tuition assistance to their staff in 2022. Additionally, in 2024, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that 92% of U.S. employers offered some type of educational benefit to their workers. Check with your HR department about what funds might be available to you.
Study online.
As an online learner, you can cut major student expenses, including transportation and parking costs from your budget. You also gain access to many more schools, creating choice in your search for savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources Programs
An associate degree program in HR can prepare you for an entry-level position, but you need at least a bachelor's degree to become a manager. An MBA or an MS in human resources can help prepare you for a senior leadership position.
