Human Resources (HR) is one of the most important parts of any organization. It’s all about managing people. HR professionals handle everything from hiring and onboarding to employee training, compensation, workplace culture, and performance evaluation.
They make sure the right people are in the right roles and that everyone feels supported and motivated. Studying Human Resources gives you the skills to understand people, policies, and business goals, opening doors to careers such as HR manager, talent acquisition specialist, compensation analyst, training coordinator, or even a director of people operations.
Now, you don’t have to attend a traditional campus to earn your HR degree anymore. Technology is shaping education, and many reputable universities now offer fully online HR programs that are flexible, convenient, and designed for busy learners. You can take classes from home, study at your own pace, and balance your education with work or family life, all without compromising quality.
Of course, not every program is created equal. You’ll want to find one that’s accredited, affordable, and respected by employers, because your degree should be something that adds value to your career. Factors like tuition cost, faculty experience, accreditation, and how practical the coursework is can make all the difference in choosing the right one.
Below, you’ll find a list of the most affordable and reputable online Human Resources degree programs.
Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees
1. New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online HR program designed for people who want to understand how organizations attract, train, and keep great employees. The courses cover everything from staffing and performance management to labor laws and workplace ethics.
Students work on real-world HR problems instead of just memorizing theory. The program also follows SHRM standards, meaning it aligns with what employers look for. It’s fully online, flexible, and easy to fit around your schedule.
2. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a flexible and affordable online HR degree built for both beginners and working professionals. The program teaches you how to manage people, resolve workplace issues, and understand the laws that guide employment.
Students take courses like organizational behavior, labor relations, and HR information systems, all taught with real-world examples. One nice touch is UMGC’s use of open digital resources instead of costly textbooks, which helps cut expenses. You can start at several points during the year and study at your own pace
3. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University’s online master’s in Human Resource Management is built for people who want to move into leadership positions or specialize further in HR. The program focuses on understanding how human resources connects to the overall business strategy.
Students learn about talent development, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and HR analytics, all taught through a practical lens. The coursework encourages critical thinking and real-world application, preparing graduates to manage teams and solve workplace challenges.
Classes are flexible, fully online, and designed to fit around busy work schedules.
4. Lamar University
Lamar University’s online BBA in Human Resource Management blends business and people management skills. The program helps students understand how organizations operate while also focusing on key HR areas like recruitment, performance appraisal, employee relations, and workplace law.
Because it’s AACSB-accredited, the degree meets high business education standards. The online format offers flexibility, and the curriculum includes practical HR projects to prepare students for real workplace challenges.
5. National American University
National American University’s online HR degree gives students a solid understanding of how to manage, motivate, and support a workforce. The courses cover HR planning, compensation systems, training programs, and employment law, all important for real-life HR roles.
The program is fully online, so students can study from anywhere while balancing work or family responsibilities. It’s practical, affordable, and ideal for those looking to enter or grow in the HR field. NAU also offers career-focused advising to help students connect their studies with professional goals.
6. Waldorf University
Waldorf University offers a business degree that lets you specialize in human resources, giving you the best of both worlds: business strategy and people management. The program teaches employee relations, HR development, and compensation design, while also covering leadership and ethics. It’s fully online and flexible, with supportive faculty and accessible tuition rates.
The HR concentration helps students gain practical skills that translate directly into the workplace, whether you’re new to HR or advancing your career.
7. Colorado State University Global (CSU Global)
CSU Global’s online HR degree is all about preparing students for modern workplaces. The curriculum covers staffing, training, employee engagement, labor relations, and HR technologies. It’s affordable and fully online, allowing students to work while earning their degree.
The university also provides optional specialization tracks, such as organizational leadership or project management, to help you tailor your degree. Graduates leave ready for HR certifications and real-world careers in management and human resources.
6. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers one of the most affordable HR degrees online. The program mixes core business subjects with specialized HR courses like recruitment, performance evaluation, compensation, and workplace safety.
It’s ideal for students who want a degree that’s recognized and budget-friendly. The online classes are flexible, and professors bring real-world experience to the lessons, making it easier to connect theory to actual HR work.
7. Florida International University (FIU)
FIU’s online BBA in HR Management combines business strategy with people-focused training. The program helps students develop skills in recruitment, employee relations, and performance management, while also teaching how HR supports long-term business goals.
Courses are taught by experienced faculty, and online learners get access to FIU’s extensive career support and alumni network. The tuition is affordable, especially for in-state students, making it a great choice for those who want both quality and value.
Where Can You Work with an Online Human Resources Degree?
One of the best parts about studying Human Resources is how many doors it opens. Every organization, whether big or small, needs people who can find, train, and support their employees, and that’s exactly what HR professionals do. With an online degree in Human Resources, you can work just about anywhere people are employed.
You could build a career in corporate offices, helping companies hire new staff, manage benefits, and create a healthy work environment. You might work for government agencies, handling public sector recruitment and employee policies. HR experts are also in high demand in schools, hospitals, and nonprofits, where managing people well makes a huge difference in service delivery.
And as more companies move online, HR jobs are changing too. Many organizations now need professionals who can handle remote teams, digital recruitment, and data-driven employee management. Online HR programs often include courses that prepare you for these new realities, so you graduate ready to take on modern workplace challenges.
Job Outlook and Earning Potential
If you’re wondering whether a career in HR pays off, the answer is yes. Both in stability and income. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR specialist jobs are expected to grow by about 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than many other careers. That means there will be thousands of openings each year for people with HR degrees.
The pay is also solid. On average, HR specialists earn around $67,000 per year, while those who move up to HR manager positions can earn over $130,000 annually. Of course, your exact salary depends on your experience and where you work, but overall, HR offers both job security and room to grow.
Conclusion
Earning your degree in Human Resources online is a smart and practical move, especially if you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. The schools listed above make it possible to gain real HR knowledge without stepping into a classroom, and many of them are recognized by employers across the country. If you’re starting fresh or hoping to move up in your current job, an affordable online HR program can give you the skills and the confidence to get there.