At HealthInformaticsDegree.org, our mission is to provide reliable, research-backed guidance for students exploring careers in health informatics. Choosing the right degree program is a major decision influenced by a variety of personal and professional goals. Our annual rankings are designed to simplify that decision by highlighting programs that combine academic quality, affordability, and adaptability.
How We Evaluate Health Informatics Programs
Each year, we conduct an independent review of accredited health informatics programs across the United States. Our evaluation process focuses on delivering current, accurate, and unbiased data that reflects the real needs of today’s students.
Our rankings are compiled using both quantitative data and qualitative considerations to reflect the evolving landscape of healthcare technology education.
Exclusion Criteria
To maintain integrity and relevance, we exclude programs that:
- Do not report active enrollment to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Are unaccredited or lack recognition from a regional or national accrediting agency.
- Have been discontinued, paused, or announced for closure during the evaluation period.
Ranking Factors
Our scoring system weighs several critical aspects that contribute to a quality education in health informatics:
1. Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a program meets rigorous academic and professional standards. Priority is given to programs accredited by recognized organizations such as:
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
- Regional accrediting agencies (e.g., Middle States, SACS, WASC)
2. Affordability
We assess total program costs—including tuition, fees, and associated expenses—relative to the average cost of living in the region. Programs offering in-state tuition benefits or generous financial aid packages are rated more favorably.
3. Program Accessibility and Flexibility
We evaluate the availability of:
- Fully online and hybrid learning options
- Evening or weekend classes for working professionals
- Part-time tracks for non-traditional students
4. Curriculum Strength and Specialization
Programs that offer robust coursework in:
- Data analytics
- Healthcare IT systems
- Electronic health records (EHR)
- Health policy and ethics
- Data security and compliance (HIPAA, etc.)
Additionally, schools with optional tracks or specializations—such as public health informatics or clinical informatics—earn higher marks.
5. Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rates
Transparent, achievable admissions criteria are seen as student-friendly and inclusive. We review:
- GPA and standardized test requirements
- Acceptance rates that reflect both selectivity and accessibility
6. Faculty Expertise and Student Support
Programs are scored on:
- Faculty credentials and relevant industry experience
- Faculty-to-student ratio
- Academic advising and career support services
7. Career Outcomes and Alumni Success
When available, we consider:
- Graduation and job placement rates
- Internship and practicum opportunities
- Partnerships with healthcare systems and tech firms
Sources of Information
All data used in our rankings is sourced from authoritative and verifiable databases, including:
- U.S. Department of Education
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
- Official university websites and published program handbooks
We aim to update our data annually to reflect the most accurate information available. It’s important to note that programs are subject to change between rankings periods – we encourage confirming details on each school’s website directly.
Transparency and Your Feedback
At HealthInformaticsDegree.org, we’re committed to transparency and accountability in how we develop our rankings. If you have questions, corrections, or suggestions about our process, we welcome your input. Please reach out to us via our Contact Page — we value your feedback and strive to continually improve our methodology.
Your education is your investment. Our job is to help you invest wisely.