Online learning has become the standard. It is effective, adaptable, and well-organized. Although it has many features, many of them are out of reach, especially if you wish to continue your education.
We showcase the institutions in the United States that provide the cheapest online master’s degree programs with their ranking. Multiple studies have found an increase in the number of students enrolling in graduate school in recent years.
Publications like Inside Higher Ed and Vox point to job (and salary) growth in fields that require advanced degrees as the main reasons for this increase.
Many individuals, however, don’t pursue a master’s degree because these programs can be expensive. In fact, people coming out of graduate school with a master’s degree hold an average of $30,000-$120,000 of debt.
There are, nevertheless, low-cost master’s degrees available. Online graduate programs, in particular, are gaining popularity because they allow students to continue working while attending classes.
If you’re thinking about going to graduate school but don’t want to get into too much debt, these 20 institutions can help!
How Much Does an Online Masters Degree Cost?
Because online master’s programs differ from traditional master’s programs, the financial costs may be greater. It’s crucial to know how much an online master’s degree will cost.
An online Master’s degree costs between $30,000 and $40,000 on average, however some programs cost more than $120,000. The cost of an online master’s degree varies, just like it does for on-campus programs, for a variety of reasons.
Private universities, for example, sometimes demand greater tuition than public universities. Because many of their resources are available online, online institutions usually give a pricing that covers tuition and book fees.
What is the Easiest Masters Degree to Get Online?
By looking at the phrase “easiest,” it is clear that determining whether one degree is simpler to obtain than another is a challenge. This is due to the fact that each online degree program has its unique set of characteristics.
In reality, no master’s degree is the most straightforward to obtain online. If you want to pursue a certain job and want to complete the program online, learn about the needed study method and follow it with devotion and sincerity. You’ll be able to get through it.
Can I Finish an Online Master’s Degree in A Year?
The Internet has given us many wonderful things, but the change it has sparked in higher education may be the most significant. Professionals who want to enhance their education and credentials don’t have to spend years attending evening sessions.
The quickest online Masters degree program takes less than a year to finish, and there are still accelerated online Masters degree programs that take only 15 or 18 months to complete. They can even continue working while pursuing their master’s degree.
In reality, reputable, prominent schools and universities offer one-year master’s degrees in nearly every field.
How long does a masters degree take online?
Especially at the graduate level, online programs range from one school to the next. Disparities in credit time requirements, offered specialities, term schedules, transfer and credit restrictions illustrate the differences.
These are the variables that might affect how much time you spend in the virtual school. If you work full-time or have other responsibilities, these considerations are critical.
Some institutions are more adaptable with their programs than others, and understanding which program may be adjusted to their specific needs is crucial to finishing their degree effectively.
The most important factor in determining how long it will take you to earn your degree is whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
A graduate degree can be completed in as little as 18 months for full-time students, but it might take up to five years for part-time students to satisfy all prerequisites.
As a full-time student, an online master’s degree usually takes approximately a year to finish. It might take 2 to 3 years for part-time students. Some colleges and universities offer accelerated programs that may be finished in as little as 12 to 18 months.
These accelerated programs move at a rapid pace that might be difficult for working students to keep up with.
Selection Criteria
Qualifying institutions are public or private non-profit/not-for-profit colleges and universities having well-developed graduate programs and a strong online presence for the purposes of this ranking.
This refers to institutions that offer at least 15 master’s degrees in total, with at least 10 of them available online.
Ranking Factors
To identify the colleges with the best cheap online master’s degrees, we primarily considered three factors.
First, we calculated eligible schools’ average tuition cost per credit using in-state and out-of-state tuition data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This measure of affordability accounted for 30% of each school’s final score.
We also considered each college’s focus on graduate education, both overall and specifically regarding online learning. To do this, we looked at the number of master’s degrees and the percentage of master’s degrees available online at each school.
High scores in both categories indicate a significant dedication of time, attention, and resources to online graduate education. These measures accounted for 60% of each school’s final score (30% x 2).
Lastly, we paid attention to “extra” features that enhance the online learning experience for students. Specifically, we looked at whether or not each school offers course credit for past experience and/or evening and weekend classes. These measures accounted for 10% of each school’s final score (5% x 2).
Note that after we had tallied all the results, we rated the final scores on a curve so that the college with the best cheap online master’s degrees (ranked #1) earned the maximum 100 points.
20. University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers nearly 20 online master’s degree programs through its eULM distance learning initiative. The programs offered are varied spanning from business and public administration to healthcare, human services, and the humanities.
In addition, more than 30% of ULM’s cheap online master’s degrees are targeted toward teachers and educational administrators. This includes four M.A. in Teaching degrees (which cover all grade levels plus special education) as well as three M.Ed. programs in educational leadership, technology, and curriculum/instruction.
But regardless of which degree you choose, you’ll have access to dedicated services for distance learners, such as specialized academic advising, an online orientation, and even an electronic Help Desk.
Distance learners can access course information for their online graduate program through the university’s myULM electronic portal.
Average Cost per Credit: $451
Score: 80.39
19. Prescott College
Prescott is probably not the first college that comes to mind when you think of affordable online masters programs. And for a good reason; the school is not known primarily for its adult education programs or flexible learning formats.
However, Prescott does have a well-deserved reputation as a defender of “the Liberal Arts, the Environment, and Social Justice.” But if those topics fit your interests, this may be the best online college for you.
Prescott’s online master’s degrees include programs you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, from social ecology and adventure education to social justice and community organizing.
Prescott has some of the best online master’s programs for students who are passionate about social and environmental issues.
Average Cost per Credit: $796
Score: 80.52
18. Faulkner University
As a Christian university, Faulkner’s affordable online master’s degrees (many of which take a religious bent) won’t appeal to everyone. But in addition to graduate programs in Christian Ministry, Biblical Studies, and Christian Counseling, the graduate school also provides secular degrees in business, education, and the humanities.
In any case, Faulkner’s appeal stems less from its range of programs and more from its depth of commitment to distance learning. In fact, online courses are just the most recent addition to its portfolio – the school also offers evening and weekend classes and maintains three “extended campuses” at sites throughout Alabama.
Between its low tuition rates and generous financial aid (96% of students receive assistance), Faulkner has some of the most affordable online graduate programs around.
Average Cost per Credit: $525
Score: 80.52
17. Mercy College
Interested in practical education in a high-demand field? If so, Mercy College probably has what you need. Its top online master’s programs cover all the “hot topics” in career-relevant training, from education and nursing to business and leadership.
Mercy also offers advanced degrees in burgeoning fields like Cybersecurity and Health Services Management. And working adults will be happy to hear that Mercy offers both weekend and evening classes as well as course credit for prior experience.
But the choices don’t end there. When it comes to online learning, you can pick the format that’s best for your schedule: pure (100%) online, blended, or web-enhanced.
In addition to financial aid, Mercy funds an enormous selection of in-house scholarships to offset the cost of its top online graduate degrees.
Average Cost per Credit: $828
Score: 81.03
16. University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberland’s list of accredited online master’s degrees reads like a “what’s what” of the most popular programs in America. Business, education, healthcare, information technology – UC has the supply to meet students’ demands.
Two particularly noteworthy graduate programs are the Ph.D. and PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Although not APA-accredited, the curricula are nonetheless designed to adhere closely to American Psychological Association standards while maintaining the convenience of a hybrid-online delivery format.
With so many great options to choose from, it’s no wonder that this university enrolls more than twice as many graduate students as undergrads.
At the University of the Cumberlands, you can pursue your cheap online master’s degree by taking both synchronous and self-paced classes.
Average Cost per Credit: $315
Score: 82.32
15. Wayland Baptist University
If you’ve never taken an online class before, you may be a little worried about what to expect. Fortunately, Wayland Baptist University goes above and beyond to provide the information, resources, and support you’ll need as a distance learner.
From frequently asked questions to an “Online Courses Checklist,” WBU’s website offers a treasure trove of useful information. Students can also get tips for how to succeed in an online class, learn how to register, and take tutorials on how to use Blackboard, the school’s digital learning portal.
Thanks to this comprehensive support, Wayland Baptist stands out as having one of the best online graduate programs for those who are new to distance education.
Nearly 80% of WBU’s master’s programs are also available as affordable online graduate degrees.
Average Cost per Credit: $540
Score: 83.61
14. University of the Southwest
There are just two online master’s degrees available at the University of the Southwest: business administration and education. But don’t let the lack of diversity fool you; these are some of the most complete degrees you’ll find at any online university.
The MBA, for example, combines a dozen different degrees into one. Students can choose from a list of ten pre-approved specialized areas, or they can create their own! Similarly, USW’s Master of Science in Education program is adaptable.
Early Childhood Education, Educational Administration, and Diagnostics are all degree choices, as well as two types of counseling and three distinct Curriculum and Instruction programs.
This university takes distance learning seriously and warns online master’s degree students that they should expect to spend 15-20 hours a week on each course.
Average Cost per Credit: $580
Score: 85.03
13. Tiffin University
The online programs of Tiffin University are all flexible, geared to individual job goals, and meant to “maximize personal and professional success.” Indeed, Tiffin offers many of the same benefits that distance learners seek, such as free application costs and flexible start dates.
And, in terms of program diversity, this university easily exceeds expectations. Tiffin University offers a Master of Criminal Justice and a Master of Humanities (with four and five specializations, respectively) in addition to approved online graduate degrees in conventional fields like business and teaching.
Students who want a career in law enforcement or a creative field will appreciate Tiffin’s top online graduate programs in criminal justice and the humanities.
Average Cost per Credit: $700
Score: 86.84
12. Concordia University-Wisconsin
Concordia is one of the few institutions that has fully embraced the notion of distant learning. The Wisconsin branch alone has nine satellite locations spread around the state, plus a tenth in Michigan!
CUW guarantees that even the most commute-restricted residents have access to a conventional learning environment by developing this network of campuses.
However, because the institution offers more than a dozen entirely online programs, individuals may get their degree without ever leaving their home.
Concordia’s reputation as a top online graduate school is greatly strengthened by the availability of weekend and evening sessions, as well as the ability to receive credit for life experience.
Concordia University offers some of the most affordable online master’s degrees for distance learners who also want to take on-campus classes.
Average Cost per Credit: $548
Score: 87.61
11. Bellevue University
One of the advantages of attending an institution like Bellevue is that virtually all of its degrees may be completed entirely online. What is the significance of this?
Not only does it show how much time and money the institution has put into online learning, but it also indicates a certain level of experience in the field.
After all, Bellevue didn’t overnight establish a digital learning environment, web-based curricula for all of its programs, and online versions of its student support services!
Fortunately, enrolling in one of Bellevue’s best online master’s degree programs grants you immediate access to all of these benefits, including the university’s distinctive “Cyber-Active Online Classroom” and online research library.
For optimum convenience, Bellevue’s inexpensive online graduate programs provide open enrollment and multiple start dates throughout the year.
Average Cost per Credit: $525
Score: 89.16
10. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University, like Bellevue, provides all of its graduate programs online. SLU also has a large number of regionally recognized online master’s programs. Yes, you can get your MBA or M.Ed., but you may also study a wide range of non-traditional courses, many of which are connected to the social and helping professions.
Criminal justice (with six possible concentrations), emergency and disaster management, social work, psychology, and religion are among the options. However, you may test the waters before committing to Saint Leo by downloading a free “online learning toolbox.”
This toolkit includes an online degree e-book and comparison guide that will help match you with the right program for your goals.
Participants in SLU’s cheap online master’s degree programs can watch free career webinars to prepare for their post-college job hunt.
Average Cost per Credit: $485
Score: 89.55
9. University of Maryland-University College
The University of Maryland’s University College stands out in our top inexpensive online master’s degree rating for its keen concentration on high-tech, 21st-century vocational preparation.
At UMUC, even the old standbys get a modern makeover. For example, educational programs emphasize instructional technology and e-learning.
Business degrees include topics such as cybersecurity, environmental management, and health informatics administration, which are all developing professions. Even cutting-edge graduate degrees in biotechnology, digital forensics, and data analytics have been pioneered by the institution.
In other words, if you want to train for a future-oriented career that practically guarantees job security for decades to come, UMUC is the place to be.
UMUC has perhaps the best online graduate degrees for tech-savvy professionals; it even offers a program in cloud computing architecture.
Average Cost per Credit: $559
Score: 90.71
8. Concordia University-Saint Paul
If you reside in the northern Midwest, you’re particularly fortunate to have access to not one, but two Concordia colleges. Concordia University in Wisconsin has previously been noted, but the Saint Paul campus merits its own mention.
CSP is known for its Concordia Partnership Advantage program, which helps to make its low-cost online graduate degrees even cheaper. Students who work for one of the university’s business partners are eligible for a $2,000 tuition reduction and preferential admission under the program.
Current participants include several Minnesota-based companies as well as national organizations like AT&T, Lifetime Fitness, and Best Buy.
CSP supports accredited online master’s programs in unique fields like forensic behavioral health and exercise science.
Average Cost per Credit: $420
Score: 92.65
6. Western Governors University
Since its founding in 1997, Western Governors University has been a pioneer in distant education, even before most people had heard of online courses. Since then, the institution has used this knowledge to create relevant, accessible programs for students who are unable to commute.
WGU’s distinctive competency-based approach to learning is one of the aspects that has emerged from this experience. WGU gives “competency units” when degree applicants demonstrate their expertise, rather than credit hours, as a measure of their progress in their online master’s programs.
This means that you can take tests and complete assignments on your own time, earning your degree just as fast as you can learn the material.
Offering high quality and accredited cheap online master’s programs is a central part of WGU’s mission as a university.
Average Cost per Credit: $276
Score: 93.94
5. National University
The majority of National University’s points come from the sheer number of programs it provides, which accounts for the majority of its points. In fact, the institution is so big that its programs are divided into six schools and colleges, ranging from health and engineering to professional studies and liberal arts to business and education.
While all of these programs are offered entirely online, National also has a large network of satellite campuses (28 to be exact) throughout California and Nevada that provide traditional classes.
This network also includes almost a dozen learning centres near military bases, where members of the armed services can take classes for a reduced tuition rate.
National University is proud to provide some of the best cheap online master’s degrees for military students and their dependents.
Average Cost per Credit: $406
Score: 94.58
4. Indiana Wesleyan University
Attending one of Indiana Wesleyan University’s online graduate programs has few drawbacks. IWU provides all the convenience and flexibility you could want, with low tuition rates, credit for prior experience, and evening and weekend programs.
Furthermore, all of its online programs are supported by a conventional, almost century-old institution that values education.
There are about 30 of these programs for graduate students, with topics ranging from accountancy to social work. In addition, Wesley Seminary at IWU offers a limited number of Christian-focused online degrees, such as the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a great source of top online master’s degrees for Christian students who want to focus their careers on their faith.
Average Cost per Credit: $515
Score: 94.58
3. Nova Southeastern University
When it comes to the sheer size of its graduate school, Nova Southeastern University takes the cake. It provides more than 50 approved online master’s degrees, but that’s just half of the total number of graduate programs it offers (on-campus and online).
Even better, NSU is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board’s “Electronic Campus” project, which authorizes programs individually based on “Principles of Good Practice.”
Around 69 per cent of the university’s online graduate degrees have already been approved by the SREB, and that number is expected to rise in the future.
To supplement its cheap online master’s programs, NSU offers evening and weekend classes at several regional campuses throughout Florida.
Average Cost per Credit: $931
Score: 97.16
2. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Penn State’s “World Campus” is an excellent example of online learning. PSU-World is backed by a big public university with more than 100 years of experience in higher education. It offers legitimate, respectable degrees at a low cost.
This web-based school may also offer top online master’s degrees in unusual disciplines like Applied Demography, Enterprise Architecture, Nutritional Sciences, and Renewable Energy/Sustainability Systems, thanks to its parent university’s extensive academic resources.
Regardless of the subject, you’ll appreciate the ease of asynchronous learning in an engaging virtual environment.
PSU-World’s accredited online graduate programs offer courses that are typically 12-15 weeks in length.
Average Cost per Credit: $805
Score: 99.87
1. Southern New Hampshire University
What does it take to create the finest cheap online master’s degree programs? Begin by generating 30-40 graduate degrees, then make the vast majority of them (over 80%) available online.
To make yourself stand out, vary up the kind of degrees you offer and include some unique options like Applied Economics and Creative Writing.
It also aids in the development of more sophisticated curricula in popular disciplines, such as an MBA program with 50 (yes, 50!) specialities. All of this is topped off with a slew of digital assistance facilities, including a virtual writing centre and online coaching available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, you may obtain all of these benefits – and more – simply by enrolling at SNHU!
SNHU provides the most diverse and comprehensive online graduate degree for MBA students, with 50 specialization possibilities.
Average Cost per Credit: $627
Score: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an online master’s program cost?
Master’s degrees typically cost between $30,000 and $40,000, however certain programs can cost up to $120,000. The cost of an online master’s degree varies, just like it does for on-campus programs, for a variety of reasons.
Private universities, for example, sometimes demand greater tuition than public universities.
Are Online Masters Worthwhile?
It depends on the university and the degree. An online Master’s degree is worth the while as you go through an accredited program and ensure that it meets the standards of potential employers.
How much does a Master’s degree increase your salary?
A starting income of $68,103 is predicted for a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, compared to $82,275 for a master’s degree in computer science, a difference of more than $14,000.
Is master better than MBA?
A bachelor’s degree in the same subject of study is generally required for master’s degrees, but an MBA student can earn a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business.
Applicants to MBA schools may need to achieve good scores on the standardized GRE and GMAT examinations.
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