Each day, the healthcare industry generates an incredible amount of data. Whether it be electronic health records, medical imaging, genomic sequencing, or remote patient monitoring, our well-being is broken down into thousands, even millions of pieces of information and analyzed by professionals.
And the “big data” explosion is only going to continue, as AI, telemedicine, and advanced hospital systems ensure a growing need for data-savvy health pros for years to come. So, how do those in the healthcare industry best position themselves for what is and will continue to happen?
A master’s in health informatics is one way. An interdisciplinary field that uses information technology and data science to improve healthcare, it provides the exact type of instruction those in the field need to add the necessary skills to their “toolkit.” Yet, many considering a return to school will be presented with one difficult question: “Can I afford it?”
Here, we will dive into the particulars of what an MS in health informatics may cost, as well as the avenues available to prospective learners to help mitigate costs and make pursuing an advanced degree more manageable. We’ll also explore what these degrees, such as an MS in Health Informatics from Bouvé College of Health Sciences and Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, can do for your long-term career goals.
What you can expect to spend for a master’s in health informatics
The cost of tuition for a master’s of science in health informatics will depend on a number of factors, including the school (public or private) and the length of time to completion. On average, however, learners can expect to pay:
- Lower-End Programs ($10,000–$25,000):
Typically found at public universities or offered entirely online, these programs are designed to be cost-effective. - Mid-Range Programs ($30,000–$60,000):
These programs often combine affordability with a balance of quality and flexibility. - Higher-End Programs ($60,000–$110,000):
Prestigious private institutions often fall into this category.
Investing in such programs must always be weighed against the long-term financial benefits and job security attaining a master’s can provide. As Jay Spitulnik, director of the Health Informatics Graduate Program at Northeastern, says, “There is a tremendous return on the investment that you put into this…you very seldom see jobs related to health informatics being eliminated because there’s just so much that makes these positions absolutely essential.”
When cost doesn’t equal excellence
Some may assume that the more costly a program is, the more reputable it will be. However, that just isn’t the case. Cost plays no factor in the credibility and, ultimately, effectiveness of a program to deliver on tangible career-altering results. What’s most important to focus on is:
- Accreditation: Programs that are accredited ensure a standard of quality is in place within them, such as faculty qualifications and student support, providing assurance that your degree will be recognized and valued by employers and other academic institutions.
- Curriculum Relevance: Employers are seeking employees who are up-to-date on current industry needs and standards, so a curriculum that aligns with that will likely be more beneficial than a high-priced but outdated program.
- Faculty Expertise: Having an experienced faculty with industry backgrounds who can provide practical insights is key, as it can enhance the learning experience.
- Alumni Success: How well are those who have graduated doing in real-world settings? The answer to that question can provide significantly better insight into the quality of the program as opposed to the cost.
Did you know
The Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University MS in Health Informatics costs $1,501 per credit (33 credits; estimated total tuition of $49,533; excludes fees; rates subject to change). The program’s focus on experiential learning, including co-ops, provides learners approximately 12 months of professional experience that aids in the development of knowledge, awareness, perspective, and confidence.
As Spitulnik explains, students who matriculate through the program usually see immediate real-world impacts on their careers. “Roles in the field commonly range from the mid-$60,000s up to $160,000, depending on role and experience,” says Spitulnik, citing recent market studies.
What additional costs can be expected?
Tuition is by far the biggest expense associated with master’s programs. However, there are other fees and expenses all should be considered before beginning the enrollment process. Those could include:
- Program fees
- Room and Board (for students planning to study on campus)
- Books and other supplies
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Research expenses (travel, materials, or conference presentations)
- Health insurance
Note: These costs will vary depending on the university.
Spotlight: Unique opportunities offered at Northeastern’s Vancouver campus
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Health Informatics program at its Vancouver campus is another prime example of a high-value graduate offering that balances cost, career readiness, and global perspective.
Priced at approximately CA $41,019, it is designed for domestic Canadian students looking to lead innovation in healthcare. Students beginning their MS in Health Informatics degree through the Vancouver campus in fall 2025 or spring 2026 are eligible to receive 25% off their total tuition.
Also, the HIMSS recognizes the program as an Approved Education Partner (AEP), having a comprehensive focus on interdisciplinary study of the design, development, adoption, and application of information, data, and technology-driven innovations in healthcare.
“Whether full-time or part-time, students can design their path,” said Marie Maloney, senior lecturer and associate program director. “Some take one course at a time using employer tuition reimbursement, while others complete the program in 18 months.”
Northeastern’s programs are known for their exceptionally strong job placement rates and industry alignment. Nearly 100% of graduates find employment within three months, signaling a strong return on investment.
What makes the Vancouver campus program unique is its location within one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech hubs. Students benefit from:
- Experiential learning opportunities with employers in healthcare, biotech, and IT.
- A flexible online model that offers some optional on-campus components.
- A curriculum jointly developed by the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and Bouvé College of Health Sciences, bridging tech and clinical expertise.
- The ability to build a global professional network through Northeastern’s international campus system.
This combination of moderate cost, employer-connected learning, and global flexibility makes the Vancouver-based MS in Health Informatics program an especially appealing choice for professionals aiming to advance their careers without plunging themselves into extreme debt.
Financial aid, scholarships, and other tools to help lower costs
There’s no reason why a professional should be paying “sticker price” for their master’s—not with so many financial aid options available. Whether it be scholarships, school-funded programs, or employer-reimbursement options, prospective students have multiple ways at their disposal to cut out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes as much as 50%. Here are some of the most common avenues for learners to explore:
- University-funded scholarships – Often merit- or service-based tuition discounts, these programs can cut costs anywhere from 10% to 50%, depending on the university. Some are awarded automatically upon acceptance to a particular program while others will require a separate application. Legacy scholarships, service-minded scholarships (e.g. Peace Corps or AmeriCorps alumni), and scholarships connected to underrepresented fields are a few common examples.
- Graduate assistantships – Often offered by academic departments, Graduate Assistantships (GAs) can provide full or partial remission of tuition, as well as a stipend in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. Assistantships often require 10 to 20 hours of work per week as a requirement, but can significantly decrease costs of pursuing a master’s.
- Federal aid – Prospective graduate students can apply for unsubsidized federal loans up to $20,500 per academic year. They can also apply for Graduate PLUS Loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to cover additional expenses.
- External scholarships – These awards can come from a variety of sources, such as:
- Veteran Affairs programs such as GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon.
- National Science Foundation (NSF GRFP) and private research fellowships.
- Professional associations like HIMSS, AMIA, and AHIMA, which offer scholarships specifically for health informatics students.
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement – These programs, offered by approximately 47% of employers, are designed to help professionals pay down the expenses associated with a return to the classroom. While commonly offered, it is estimated that only 2% of employees ever take advantage of their company’s program.
Closer look: What does Northeastern offer?
The MS in Health Informatics Bouvé College in Health Science at Northeastern University is designed for professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including nurses, pharmacists, physicians, programmers, project managers, and analysts.
Through coursework and research opportunities, they are taught to navigate and understand the relationships among information technology, patients, and the healthcare system. And it continues to evolve in line with new trends seen in the professional world.
“The program has adapted to the environment over time,” says Maloney. “Now we have courses on AI and machine learning available to students if that’s the way they want to go.”
It’s a program that has helped numerous students reach their potential and move outside their comfort zone, says Asayl Alzubali, MS in Health Informatics, ‘23.
“Northeastern is in the heart of the city in Boston,” explains Alzubali. “It’s a wonderful campus and there are a lot of opportunities here – not just opportunities to learn, but opportunities to meet different people, to network, to educate yourself and experience things that you might not have experienced before.”
Northeastern provides different avenues for prospective students to offset costs, including:
- Double Husky Scholarship: Open to Northeastern University alumni (any degree), it provides a 25% tuition discount to those enrolled in an eligible full- or part-time master’s degree, graduate certificate program, or doctorate degree. Students are automatically considered for the scholarship when admitted—no separate application required. For those offered other grant aid from the university, the scholarship of higher value will apply.
(Note: Those completing pass-through degrees—such as a PlusOne accelerated master’s program—do not qualify for the Double Husky Scholarship.) - Full-Circle Scholarship: Open to graduate applicants currently involved in or have completed a term of service with one of the following organizations:
- Parent and Family Scholarship: Parents and siblings of full-time undergraduate day students are eligible for the Parent and Family Scholarship. Even if the undergraduate day student is a senior, the tuition discount will be applied for as long as it takes to complete the desired graduate program.This discount applies to tuition only.
New, incoming students are eligible to apply for the Full Circle Scholarship. Currently enrolled Northeastern University students are not eligible. Those accepted will receive a 25% tuition discount applicable for the entire duration of the program. Those granted other scholarships or education awards from organizations (e.g., the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award), can apply those to program costs as well.
Can I afford to get an MS in Health Informatics?
The answer, simply put, is yes.
An MS in Health Informatics is a wise career investment, especially considering the changing landscape of the healthcare industry. And with the right mix of scholarships, assistantships, financial aid, and employer support, professionals can easily reduce their out-of-pocket costs by thousands, making a graduate degree far more accessible than it may initially appear.
Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University’s MS in Health Informatics—including its Vancouver campus offering—stands out as a high-impact, cost-conscious choice, one that offers an array of financial aid options and an excellent reputation for career placement upon completion of the program.
Add to that the program’s interdisciplinary curriculum and experiential learning model, and it’s clear why so many students view Northeastern as a launching pad into the fast-growing health informatics field.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, apply today or contact admissions for more information.
