Bachelor of Science [BS] (Health Administration)
Field of Study:
$39,312 /Yr
George Mason University Bachelor of Science Health Administration Health Informatics is a four-year undergraduate degree combining healthcare management with health information technology. Students learn to design, implement, and optimize health IT systems. The program is full-time, on-campus at Mason’s Fairfax, Virginia campus. Minimum 3.0 GPA (60-65% Indian scale) and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 required for admission. Annual tuition is USD 39,312 (INR 37.39 Lakhs). Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 intakes available. This degree trains healthcare IT leaders and data specialists.
The program integrates health sciences, information technology, computer science, data science, and behavioral sciences into one curriculum. What distinguishes it is CAHIIM accreditation through 2027 and partnerships with major healthcare systems across the Washington DC region. The ideal applicant is analytically minded, enjoys working at the intersection of healthcare and technology, and seeks career growth in health systems. The program prepares students for roles in hospital IT departments, health IT consulting, clinical data analysis, and electronic health record (EHR) management.
- CAHIIM-accredited program ensures curriculum meets national health informatics standards and enhances graduate credential recognition.
- Hybrid and online learning options available alongside on-campus study, offering flexibility for working or international students with visa constraints.
- Washington DC region healthcare ecosystem provides internship and job placement opportunities with Johns Hopkins, MedStar, and federal health agencies.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 June 2026.
Indian applicants should initiate transcript evaluation (WES, NACES-recognized evaluators) and English proficiency tests immediately, as processing typically requires 4-6 weeks before submission. F-1 visa processing adds 2-3 weeks post-acceptance.
Also Check: George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Admission
George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Fees and Living Costs 2026
The total cost of study comprises tuition, mandatory student fees, and living expenses. Below is the complete fee breakdown for one academic year.
| Fee Component | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 35,388 | INR 33.67 Lakhs |
| Mandatory Student Fee | USD 3,924 | INR 3.73 Lakhs |
| Total Annual | USD 39,312 | INR 37.39 Lakhs |
| 4-Year Total (Tuition + MSF) | USD 157,248 | INR 1.49 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.28 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Tuition charged per credit; minimum 9 credits per semester required (approximately $1,500 per credit for undergraduates).
- Mandatory Student Fee covers campus recreation, technology access, student health insurance, and activities budget.
- Tuition and fees remain stable across all four years of enrollment, provided no concentration or program changes occur.
- International students are classified as out-of-state, making them ineligible for Virginia in-state tuition discounts.
Cost of Living in Fairfax for Health Administration Health Informatics Students
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (On or Off Campus) | USD 11,000 | INR 10.48 Lakhs |
| Food and Meal Plans | USD 6,200 | INR 5.90 Lakhs |
| Books and Course Materials | USD 2,400 | INR 2.29 Lakhs |
| Transportation | USD 1,500 | INR 1.43 Lakhs |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | USD 4,500 | INR 4.29 Lakhs |
| Total Cost of Living (Annual) | USD 25,600 | INR 24.39 Lakhs |
Key Insight: Total 4-year cost averages INR 2.48 Crores (tuition + living). Merit scholarships of USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 per year reduce this significantly for qualified applicants.
Also Check: USA Cost of Living for Indian Students
George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Admission 2026
Mason’s undergraduate program accepts students across two main intakes: Fall and Spring. The admission process is holistic, weighing grades, test scores, essays, and recommendations equally. Fall 2026 applications are currently open with priority deadline February 1 and final deadline June 1. Spring 2027 admission opens in September with deadlines in October and November.
| Requirement | Minimum | Indian Context |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA | 3.0 out of 4.0 | 60-65% in Class 12 (minimum); 70%+ strongly preferred |
| Class 12 Completion | Mandatory | All subjects, including Math and Science |
| Standardized Test | SAT or ACT Optional | SAT 1200+ or ACT 25+ if submitted improves chances |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 | IELTS preferred; each band equals roughly 20 iBT points |
| Transcripts | NACES-recognized evaluation (WES, ECFMG, NACES) | Costs USD 100-200; takes 4-6 weeks to process |
| Letters of Recommendation | At least 2, preferably 3 | Teachers or counselors familiar with academic performance |
English Language Proficiency Block
All international students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized testing. George Mason accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test (DET), and Cambridge exams.
- IELTS overall 6.5 (minimum bands: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0); IELTS can be retaken multiple times, and best score is considered.
- TOEFL iBT 80 (minimum: Reading 19, Writing 20, Listening 17, Speaking 18); test score valid for two years from test date.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) score 105+ or Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) Grade C or higher also accepted, preferred by some Indian applicants for faster results.
- Indian students typically require 8-12 weeks of preparation; IELTS Academic test available monthly at British Council and IDP centers across India.
George Mason University is ranked #39 in USA and #105 globally by US News Rankings 2024, indicating strong academic reputation and employer recognition for health informatics graduates.
Honest Take: Acceptance rate is 86.5%, making Mason accessible for Indian students with 70%+ grades and IELTS 6.5. However, health informatics as a major requires demonstrated interest through essays and specific mention of why health IT appeals to you.
Read More: George Mason University Ranking and Accreditation
George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Application 2026
Applications are submitted through the Common Application platform. Mason does not use its own application portal. All required documents must be uploaded or submitted by the deadline date. Incomplete applications are reviewed as-is without extension requests.
| Intake | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 01 February 2026 | 01 June 2026 | Open |
| Spring 2027 | 15 October 2026 | 01 November 2026 | Open |
- Application fee is USD 80 for international undergraduate applicants; non-refundable even if you withdraw or are denied.
- Personal Statement (250-500 words) describing your interest in health informatics, healthcare impact, and technology is mandatory.
- Transcripts must be official and evaluated by a NACES-recognized service before submission; unofficial copies are not accepted.
- Decisions are released rolling starting March 2026 for Fall applications; Spring decisions typically by December 2026.
Application Tip: Submit 2-3 weeks before the deadline to allow time for document processing. Many Indian applicants delay transcript evaluation; start WES evaluation in December for a June deadline.
Also Check: USA Student Visa Requirements for Indian Applicants
George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Scholarships 2026
Mason awards merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students automatically as part of the admission review. No separate application is needed. Scholarship amounts range from USD 1,000 to USD 20,000 per year, renewable for four years if you maintain a 3.0 GPA and satisfactory academic progress.
The "You Are Welcome Here" scholarship, exclusive to first-year international students, covers up to 50% of your annual fees. Selection is holistic, weighing your overall GPA, test scores (if submitted), personal statement, and demonstrated interest in health informatics. High achievers (90%+ in Class 12, IELTS 7.5+, strong essays) are considered for the maximum USD 20,000 award.
| Scholarship Type | Annual Award Range | INR Equivalent | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based (General) | USD 1,000 to USD 20,000 | INR 95,280 to INR 1,905,600 | GPA 3.0+, submitted test scores, strong essays |
| You Are Welcome Here | Up to 50% of annual fees (USD 19,656) | Up to INR 18.72 Lakhs | F-1 visa first-year international students |
| Graduate Assistantships | USD 8,000 to USD 15,000 (if pursuing MS) | INR 7.62 Lakhs to INR 14.29 Lakhs | GPA 3.5+, research or teaching interests |
An Indian applicant with 85% in Class 12 and IELTS 7.0 typically receives USD 10,000 to USD 15,000 annually. This reduces the annual cost to USD 24,312 to USD 29,312 (INR 23.15 to INR 27.90 Lakhs), making the 4-year total approximately INR 93 Lakhs to INR 1.12 Crores, a significant cost reduction.
Scholarship Reality: Merit scholarships are automatic and announced with your acceptance letter. Aim for IELTS 7.0+ and 80%+ in Class 12 for maximum awards. Limited funding means only top 20% of international applicants receive above USD 10,000 annually.
Check Out: International Scholarships in USA
George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Salary and Placements 2026
Graduates of Mason’s Health Administration Health Informatics program enter careers in clinical informatics, health IT project management, EHR optimization, and healthcare data analytics. Average starting salary is USD 65,000 to USD 75,000 (INR 61.93 Lakhs to INR 71.46 Lakhs) for entry-level positions such as Health IT Analyst, Clinical Informaticist, or Health Data Coordinator.
Mid-career salaries (5-7 years) reach USD 95,000 to USD 120,000 (INR 90.52 Lakhs to INR 1.14 Crores) for roles such as Health IT Director, EHR Manager, or Health Systems Consultant. Placement is strong within the DC healthcare ecosystem, with employers including MedStar Health, Johns Hopkins, Kaiser Permanente, the Veterans Health Administration, and private health IT consulting firms.
| Role | Experience Level | Gross Salary (USD) | Gross Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health IT Analyst / Clinical Informaticist | Entry (0-2 years) | USD 65,000 to USD 75,000 | INR 61.93 Lakhs to INR 71.46 Lakhs |
| EHR Specialist / IT Project Coordinator | Entry to Mid (2-4 years) | USD 75,000 to USD 90,000 | INR 71.46 Lakhs to INR 85.75 Lakhs |
| Health IT Manager / Informatics Lead | Mid (5-7 years) | USD 95,000 to USD 120,000 | INR 90.52 Lakhs to INR 1.14 Crores |
| Director of Health IT / Chief Information Officer | Senior (10+ years) | USD 130,000 to USD 180,000 | INR 1.24 Crores to INR 1.71 Crores |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Association of Health Data Analysts (NAHDA), Salary.com Health IT benchmark data 2024–2025.
Take-home salary varies by state income tax (Virginia: 5.75% top rate), federal tax (12-22% bracket for USD 65,000-USD 120,000), and health insurance deductions. Online calculators at paycheckcity.com provide state-specific estimates.
ROI Reality: 4-year cost of INR 2.48 Crores (unscholarshipped) is recovered in 3-4 years of entry-level salary, making this degree a strong financial investment for Indian students seeking healthcare IT careers.
Read More: USA Post-Study Work Visa and Salary Trends
USA Visa Pathway for Health Administration Health Informatics Students
International students study in the USA on an F-1 visa, which permits full-time enrollment and up to 20 hours per week of on-campus work. After graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work permit allowing full-time employment in your field for 12 months, extendable to 24 months for STEM fields. Health Informatics qualifies as STEM, granting up to 24 months of OPT.
- F-1 visa processing takes 2-3 weeks after receiving your I-20 form from Mason; your passport must be valid for the full duration of study plus six months.
- OPT is filed 90 days before graduation through USCIS; employer sponsorship is not required for the first 12 months.
- After OPT, you may apply for H-1B visa sponsorship (annual lottery, cap-exempt universities like universities can petition unlimited candidates).
- Green Card (permanent residency) timelines for Indian nationals in healthcare IT range from 8-12 years due to per-country visa quotas.
Visa Reality: 24 months of OPT post-graduation allows Indian graduates to build US work experience and salary before sponsorship. Many health IT companies (Optum, CVS Health, Allscripts) actively sponsor H-1B candidates for informatics roles.
Also Check: Complete USA Student Visa Guide for Indian Applicants
George Mason University Health Administration Health Informatics Ranking 2026
George Mason University is ranked #39 in the USA and #105 globally by US News National University Rankings 2024. The Health Administration and Public Health programs are part of Mason’s College of Public Health, which is well-regarded regionally but does not hold a separate USNWR subject ranking for health informatics specifically.
However, the program holds CAHIIM (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education) accreditation, the gold standard for health information management and health informatics education in the USA. This accreditation is reaffirmed through 2027 and signals to employers and graduate schools that the curriculum meets national standards. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification exam, a valued credential in health IT hiring.
| Ranking Agency | Overall University Rank | Health / Public Health Subject Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #39 (USA) | Not separately ranked | 2024 |
| US News Global Rankings | #105 (Global) | Not separately ranked | 2024 |
| CAHIIM Accreditation | N/A | Accredited (Reaffirmed 2027) | 2024 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86.5% | N/A | 2025 |
This rank indicates strong academic rigor. George Mason is classified as a Research University with high research expenditure, meaning undergraduate health informatics students benefit from faculty-led research opportunities in healthcare analytics and information systems innovation.
Honest Take: CAHIIM accreditation is more valuable for health informatics hiring than overall university rank. Employers in healthcare IT prioritize CAHIIM-accredited graduates and RHIA eligibility over University News rank, making this program’s credentials more relevant than the #39 ranking alone suggests.
Bachelor of Science Health Administration Health Informatics FAQs
Ques. Can I study the Health Informatics concentration part-time or online?
Ans. Yes, online and hybrid formats are available through Mason’s School of Integrative Studies and Center for Distance Education. However, some clinical and laboratory components require on-campus attendance. Full details are available on the program page at hap.gmu.edu. Many Indian students pursue part-time study while working on OPT post-graduation.
Ques. Will my health informatics degree qualify me for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Ans. Yes, health informatics is a STEM field in the USA. After 24 months of OPT, you can apply for H-1B sponsorship. Major healthcare IT employers like Optum, CVS Health, UnitedHealth, and Allscripts regularly sponsor health informatics graduates for H-1B roles. Competition is moderate due to strong job market demand.
Ques. What is RHIA certification and why is it important for my career?
Ans. RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) is a certification exam administered by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association). Graduates of CAHIIM-accredited programs like Mason’s are eligible to sit the exam. RHIA certification is valued by hospitals, health systems, and health IT consulting firms as proof of competency in health information governance, data security, and EHR management.
Ques. Are there internship opportunities in the health informatics program?
Ans. Yes, internships are built into the curriculum starting in year 2. Mason’s location near Washington DC provides access to internships at MedStar Health, Johns Hopkins, the VA, AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality), and health IT consulting firms. Many internships are paid (USD 18-24/hour) and convert to full-time offers post-graduation.
Ques. How long does it take to transition from F-1 OPT to H-1B work visa after graduation?
Ans. The timeline is approximately 12-18 months. You graduate, apply for 24-month OPT (approved within 2-3 months), work for 8-12 months on OPT, and then your employer files an H-1B petition in March for October start. The full process takes 12-18 months. Many Indian graduates remain on OPT during the transition, delaying H-1B filing to their second year on OPT.
George Mason University’s Bachelor of Science in Health Administration with a Health Informatics concentration is ideal for Indian students seeking a direct pathway into US healthcare IT careers with strong visa sponsorship odds post-graduation. The CAHIIM accreditation, STEM OPT extension, and proximity to major healthcare employers in the DC region make this program a strategic choice for international students.
Important Alert
- Priority Application Deadline for Spring Semester - Oct 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $39312 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Exp | $15324 |
| Health Insurance | $3582 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $34860 |
| 2023 | $37676 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision Deadline for Fall Semester | |
| Final Application Deadline for Fall Semester | |
| Priority Application Deadline for Spring Semester | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Non-Binding Early Action Deadline | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Enrollment Deposit Deadline for Spring Semester | Dec 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
- Completed online application and paid application fee
- Certified official, original transcripts
- Official scores from SAT or ACT
- Verification of English language proficiency
- Secondary School Report and counselor recommendations
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Application Deadline for Spring Semester (1st Oct 2026) Non-Binding Early Action Deadline (1st Nov 2026) Enrollment Deposit Deadline for Spring Semester (1st Dec 2026) | USD 39,312 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) Early Action Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (15th Nov 2026) Regular Decision Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 36,113 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Oct 2026) Application Deadline for Early Decision I (1st Nov 2026) Regular Decision Deadline (5th Jan 2027) Application Deadline for Early Decision II (5th Jan 2027) | USD 72,000 /Yr |
| ||
| USD 43,100 /Yr |
|
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