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2024 Best Human Resource Management Schools

451 Colleges in the United States
28,787 HR Degrees Awarded
$49,057 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in human resource management is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #45 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 451 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Human Resource Management Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 28,787 degrees in human resource management during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Human Resource Management School

Best Human Resource Management Schools The hr program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Human Resource Management rankings. We derive our Best Overall Human Resource Management School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Human Resource Management Degree Level

Associate Degrees in HR
Bachelor's Degrees in HR
Master's Degrees in HR
Doctor's Degrees in HR

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Human Resource Management Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.


 

Best Schools for Human Resource Management in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of hr degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in HR

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
379 HR Degrees Awarded
$65,696 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat Cornell University if you want to pursue a degree in human resource management. Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were roughly 379 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Human Resource Management degree recipients from Cornell University earn a boost of approximately $16,639 over the average income of human resource management majors.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Cornell University

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In MO

It's hard to beat Washington University in St Louis if you want to pursue a degree in human resource management. WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 24 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Washington University in St Louis

3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
59 HR Degrees Awarded
27.1% Growth in Graduates

University of Pennsylvania is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in human resource management. UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were approximately 59 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human resource management program at University of Pennsylvania get $42,834 more than the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of Pennsylvania

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
43 HR Degrees Awarded
$69,350 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in human resource management has to check out Northwestern University. Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 43 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Those human resource management students who get their degree from Northwestern University make $20,293 more than the typical hr graduate.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Northwestern University

5
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
36 HR Degrees Awarded
$108,703 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 36 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. Human Resource Management degree recipients from Vanderbilt University earn a boost of approximately $59,646 over the average earnings of human resource management majors.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Vanderbilt University

6
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
278 HR Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

Villanova is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Villanova. This university ranks 5th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 278 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent data year. Those human resource management students who get their degree from Villanova University make $35,526 more than the typical hr student.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Villanova University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
267 HR Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 267 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of Southern California

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
126 HR Degrees Awarded
$87,923 Median Starting Salary

UIUC is a very large public university located in the city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 126 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Human Resource Management degree recipients from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive an earnings boost of about $38,866 above the average income of human resource management graduates.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
278 HR Degrees Awarded
$60,856 Median Starting Salary

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were about 278 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human resource management degree program at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities get $11,799 above the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
217 HR Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were approximately 217 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human resource management major at George Washington University make $31,879 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human resource management from George Washington University

11
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MA
115 HR Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were approximately 115 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Harvard University

12
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
177 HR Degrees Awarded
$69,694 Median Starting Salary

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the city of East Lansing. This university ranks 2nd out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 177 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Human Resource Management degree recipients from Michigan State University get an earnings boost of about $20,636 above the average income of human resource management majors.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Michigan State University

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
157 HR Degrees Awarded
10.8% Growth in Graduates

Texas A&M College Station is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of College Station. This university ranks 3rd out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 157 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human resource management degree program at Texas A&M University - College Station get $19,238 more than the average college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Texas A&M University - College Station

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
465 HR Degrees Awarded
$44,903 Median Starting Salary

University of Oklahoma is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Norman. This university ranks 1st out of 32 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were about 465 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the hr program make about $44,903 for their early career.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 HR Degrees Awarded
4.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 48 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Human Resource Management degree recipients from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor earn a boost of around $12,290 over the average earnings of human resource management majors.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

16
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
67 HR Degrees Awarded
16.4% Growth in Graduates

Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were about 67 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the human resource management major at Georgetown University get $24,915 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Georgetown University

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
601 HR Degrees Awarded
$52,024 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers New Brunswick is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 601 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the human resource management degree program at Rutgers University - New Brunswick get $2,967 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In IN
70.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 24 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Indiana University - Bloomington

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
13th Most Popular In CA
60.7% Growth in Graduates

UCLA is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 28 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of California - Los Angeles

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
87 HR Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 87 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, hr degree recipients typically earn about $39,592 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in human resource management from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
77 HR Degrees Awarded
19.5% Growth in Graduates

Pepperdine is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Malibu. This university ranks 16th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 77 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Pepperdine in the most recent year we have data available. Human Resource Management degree recipients from Pepperdine University earn a boost of about $43,163 over the average income of human resource management graduates.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University

22
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
192 HR Degrees Awarded
$57,215 Median Starting Salary

Temple is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 11th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 192 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the human resource management major at Temple University earn $8,158 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Temple University

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 HR Degrees Awarded
$50,600 Median Starting Salary

Loyola Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. This university ranks 4th out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 42 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year. After graduation, hr degree recipients generally make about $50,600 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Loyola University Chicago

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
846 HR Degrees Awarded
15.0% Growth in Graduates

Colorado State University - Global Campus is a medium-sized public university located in the large city of Aurora. This university ranks 5th out of 33 colleges for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were about 846 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at Colorado State University - Global Campus in the most recent data year. Those human resource management students who get their degree from Colorado State University - Global Campus make $10,210 more than the typical hr graduate.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Colorado State University - Global Campus

25
SCU crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In CA
33 HR Degrees Awarded

SCU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Santa Clara. This university ranks 12th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 33 human resource management students who graduated with this degree at SCU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in human resource management from Santa Clara University

Rest of the Top Best Human Resource Management Schools

26
27
USFCA crest
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
28
29
30
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
31
32

33

34
Oakland crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
35
36
URichmond crest
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
37
38
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
39
40
41

42

43
St. Joe's crest
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
44
45
46
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
47
48
Webster crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO
49
50

 

Additional Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best Human Resource Management Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 451 different United States human resource management schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA
52 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
53 University of Scranton Scranton, PA
54 University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OH
55 Providence College Providence, RI
56 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
57 SUNY Empire State College Saratoga Springs, NY
58 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
59 Bellevue University Bellevue, NE
60 Wayne State University Detroit, MI
61 Clemson University Clemson, SC
62 Concordia University, Chicago River Forest, IL
63 Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL
64 Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL
65 University of North Texas Denton, TX
66 Bryant University Smithfield, RI
67 Benedictine University Lisle, IL

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Human Resource Management Schools award.

Rank College Location
68 Park University Parkville, MO
69 Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ
70 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI
71 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH
72 Rasmussen University - Minnesota St. Cloud, MN
73 University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX
74 Utah State University Logan, UT
75 University of St Thomas Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
76 Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT
77 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
78 Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, IN
79 American University Washington, DC
80 University of Houston Houston, TX
81 DePaul University Chicago, IL
82 University of Toledo Toledo, OH
83 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
84 Rasmussen University - Illinois Rockford, IL
85 Brigham Young University - Provo Provo, UT
86 Portland State University Portland, OR
87 Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ
88 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
89 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Winona, MN
90 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY

Human Resource Management by Region

View the Best Human Resource Management Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 21 majors within the Business, Management & Marketing area of study, Human Resource Management has other similar majors worth exploring.

HR Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration 19,084
Organizational Behavior Studies 3,921
Human Resources Development 2,315
Labor & Industrial Relations 1,789
Other Human Resources Management and Services 1,450
Labor Studies 171
Executive/Career Coaching 57

View All HR Concentrations >

Majors Similar to HR

Related Major Annual Graduates
Business Administration & Management 416,590
Accounting 99,265
Finance & Financial Management 57,778
General Business/Commerce 56,042
Marketing 52,916
Management Sciences & Quantitative Methods 43,382
Business Support & Assistant Services 19,119
Hospitality Management 17,689
Management Information Systems 13,680
Entrepreneurial Studies 11,319

View All HR Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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