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Online Master’s Most Affordable Online Masters Programs

Summary of work: More than 110 hours of research. Every online Master program in the US analyzed. 53 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 50 of the best programs identified.

Online Master’s Most Affordable Online Masters Programs

Our Picks

Overview

As the cost of education rises, it can be difficult to find affordable master’s programs. That said, there are many affordable programs that are still rewarding. While students should always look for schools with programs that best suit their needs first, considering price is still an important part of finding a beneficial program. The key is to find a program that will offer a return on investment within an acceptable time frame.

Students don’t need to worry that a less expensive school will offer a worse educational experience. Just because a particular program has high costs does not mean that the school is the best choice. In fact, many of the nation’s best programs in subjects such as business, English, and more are actually located at more affordable universities the myth that ivy leagues schools are the best option for every subject has since been debunked.

  • ? HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREES
  • ? WHAT MASTER'S DEGREE SHOULD I GET?
  • ? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREE?
  • ? IS A MASTER'S DEGREE WORTH IT?

All of this is to say that prospective master’s students shouldn’t rule out their ability to attend a rewarding graduate degree program. Financial constraints are definitely worth considering, but tuition assistance is often available in graduate programs and the investment often provides an excellent opportunity to learn with others in the field.

Our Methodology

Our Methodology

Most Affordable Online Masters


We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the 50 most affordable online masters programs.
Read about our methodology here.

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North Carolina State University

1010 Main Campus Dr. Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27695



NCSU provides affordable costs per credit for its more than 50 master's degree programs and includes financial assistance to help distance learners earn their degrees without breaking the bank. Whether it's aerospace engineering or statistics, graduate students receive an affordable and quality education on their schedule.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $437-$504 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,245-$1,312 per credit
2
402-472-4681WebsiteInstagram

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

305 Brace Labs Lincoln, NE 68588



UN Lincoln has close to 30 master's programs and 18 graduate certificates, providing students with affordable paths to earning their degrees while continuing their full-time employment. Students can complete many of the programs fully online and receive financial support such as scholarships, federal aid, grants and loans.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $323-$447 per credit; Out-of-State: $777-$1,193 per credit
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405-744-6368WebsiteInstagram

Oklahoma State University

Whitehurst Hall 301 Stillwater, OK 74078



OSU has more than 20 affordable graduate programs for online students, such as the Master of Science in Agricultural Education and the Master of Science in Health Care Administration. Distance learners are able to attend online classes at their convenience and also benefit from competitive tuition rates compared to students who attend classes on campus.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $230 per credit; Out-of-State: $360-$876 per credit
4
217-244-4637WebsiteInstagram

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

505 E Armory Avenue, Suite 156 Champaign, IL 61820



With 35 affordable graduate degree programs, UI Urbana-Champaign is a clear choice for professionals who want to earn their degrees online. Every program, including the sought-after engineering programs, features reasonable prices per credit hour for students who would rather complete the work online than attend in-person classes.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$250-$1,172 per credit
5
979-845-1060Website

Texas A&M University - College Station

750 Agronomy Road, Suite 1501 College Station, TX 77843



Texas A&M offers nine colleges of higher education for students who want to earn their master's degrees in agriculture, medicine, law and more. The university not only offers affordable rates to online students but also abundant discounted services to military members, veterans and their families.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $662-$1,205 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,163-$1,706 per credit
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765-494-2600WebsiteInstagram

Purdue University

610 Purdue Mall West Lafayette, IN 47907



Purdue University has 21 master's degree programs available in either online or hybrid formats and with affordable rates to assist the needs of every graduate student. Financial aid through Stafford and Graduate Plus is also available to help degree-seeking students if necessary.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $379-$1,139 per credit, Out-of-State: $700-1,302 per credit
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515-294-2331WebsiteInstagram

Iowa State University

2433 Union Dr. Ames, IA 50011



ISU has nearly 30 master's degree programs for online students to choose from, including 27 graduate certificate programs. The distance education courses are offered at affordable tuition rates, and the semester cost per credit is highly competitive with universities around the nation.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$517-$642 per credit
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205-348-0089WebsiteInstagram

University of Alabama

624 Paul Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35487



The University of Alabama has a combined 50 graduate degree and certificate programs offered through Bama By Distance. Alabama prides itself on the low tuition for the online graduate programs and offers financial assistance for every student, including military students and their families.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $394 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,113 per credit
9
303-315-2183Website

University of Colorado Denver

1380 Lawrence Street Denver, CO 80204



UC Denver has around 15 graduate degree programs and more than 20 certificate programs for online learners. These programs are offered at competitive tuition rates and provide an affordable way for online students to earn their degrees and certifications at a distance.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State:$377-$626 per credit; Out-of-State:$452-$731 per credit
10
352-392-1365WebsiteInstagram

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611



With close to 80 graduate degree programs available, the University of Florida caters to every student from every professional background. Each online program is highly affordable and flexible for students who are currently in full-time jobs and want to complete their degrees at their own pace.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $129 per credit; Out-of-State: $553 per credit
11
646-664-8544Website

CUNY School of Professional Studies

119 W 31 St New York, NY 10001



CUNY has nine fully online master's degree programs and six graduate certificate programs at affordable rates for distance learners. In fact, the graduate tuition rates are among the lowest in the Northeast when compared to other schools in the area.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $455 per credit; Out-of-State: $830 per credit
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800-424-9596WebsiteInstagram

Liberty University

1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24515



Liberty University's 60 online master's degree programs rank highly every year for their quality, affordability and accessibility. Graduate students pay some of the lowest tuition in the country and have access to financial assistance and online support services throughout their time in school.

School Type
Private
Tuition
Full-time: $415-$605 per credit; Part-time: $330-$615 per credit
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573-882-2491WebsiteInstagram

University of Missouri

136 Clark Hall Columbia, MO 65211



The University of Missouri provides scholarships, financial aid, military benefits and more to graduate students in any of its online master's degree programs. As an added bonus, online graduate students pay the school's in-state tuition costs no matter their residency.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $368 per credit; Out-of-Station: $1,006 per credit
14
334-844-4700WebsiteInstagram

Auburn University

182 S College St Auburn, AL 36849



Enrolling in Auburn University's distance and continuing education courses is an affordable way to earn a master's degree without attending classes on campus. Each of its six colleges of education provides competitively priced tuition and the convenience of completing the courses in a fully online learning environment.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $401 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,203 per credit
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Colorado State University

2545 Research Blvd Fort Collins, CO 80526



Graduate students in CSU's online master's degree programs pay affordable tuition to attend virtual classes and enjoy the freedom to complete the courses at their own pace. With 38 online graduate degree programs, CSU has a course for most any student regardless of their profession.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$500 per credit
16
325-942-2169WebsiteInstagram

Angelo State University

2601 W. Avenue N San Angelo, TX 76909



Angelo State University provides numerous financial aid and scholarship options to help graduate students attend any of the 15 online master's degree or seven graduate certificate programs. ASU provides low tuition costs as well as veterans assistance for active and former military members who want to earn their degrees online.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$220 per credit
17
304-293-5980Website

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV 26506



West Virginia University offers more than 20 graduate degree programs in an online format, all of which rank highly for affordability and flexibility. Many of the programs feature live online sessions with only a few requiring some type of residency; however, the residencies usually only last three to four days.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $578-$1,023 per credit; Out-of-State: $578-$1,555 per credit
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559-278-4073WebsiteInstagram

California State University Fresno

5241 N Maple Ave Fresno, CA 93740



Cal State Fresno gives graduate students a way to earn their MBA, public administration and other degrees in a convenient online learning format. These cohort programs are ranked highly for their affordability and academic excellence, providing thorough instruction to give students the skills to excel in their careers after college.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$417 per credit
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701-777-2784WebsiteInstagram

University of North Dakota

3264 Campus Road - Stop 9021 Grand Forks, ND 58202



The University of North Dakota offers more than 60 graduate degree and certificate programs to students from all walks of life, giving them affordable options for earning their degrees from a distance. UND keeps its graduate tuition low and provides financial assistance for anyone attending an of the highly ranked master's programs.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $394-$608 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,125 per credit
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907-474-7500WebsiteInstagram

University of Alaska Fairbanks

1790 Tanana Loop, Bunnell Building, Suite 131 Fairbanks, AK 99775



UAF designs its online programs for busy professionals who want to earn their graduate degrees or certificates without interrupting their careers. Whether it's justice administration, special education or any of UAF's online programs, students pay affordable tuition rates and have the flexibility to complete the courses around their schedules.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $489 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,028 per credit
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803-777-4243WebsiteInstagram

University of South Carolina

1705 College St Columbia, SC 29208



The University of South Carolina's 25 online master's degree programs are an affordable option for professionals who want to earn their degrees without attending on-campus classes. USC also has many different graduate certificate programs available at low costs for professionals in most any field.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$689 per credit
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Fort Hays State University

600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601



With more than 20 combined online and hybrid graduate degree programs available, FHSU provides a quality education at affordable tuition rates for distance learners. From an MBA in international business to a master's in school psychology, graduate students receive low costs per credit to further their education for career advancement.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$288 per credit
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Mississippi State University

365 Barr Avenue Mississippi State, MS 39762



Mississippi State University caters to online students, providing them with affordable rates and in-state tuition regardless of residency. Graduate students can complete any of the dozens of master's degree programs at their own pace and on their own schedule.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$475 per credit
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800-950-4723WebsiteInstagram

Emporia State University

1 Kellogg Circle Emporia, KS 66801



ESU provides more than 30 different graduate programs with 33 concentrations for students who prefer to take classes entirely online. The university offers these programs at affordable and competitively priced tuition rates and provides full faculty support, financial assistance and other services throughout the students' time in school.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $351 per credit; Out-of-State: $481 per credit
25
417-873-7879WebsiteInstagram

Drury University

900 North Benton Avenue Springfield, MO 65802



Drury University offers outstanding learning experiences for graduate students who enroll in the online master's degree and certificate programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, affordable tuition rates, an innovative curriculum and full faculty support to assist with their college education and to help them succeed academically and professionally.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$359-$699 per credit
26
606-539-4390WebsiteInstagram

University of the Cumberlands

6178 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769



The University of the Cumberlands offers more than 20 master's degree programs for professionals who are ready to take their careers to the next level. These programs are designed to be flexible and affordable thanks to competitive tuition and the school's commitment to the students' educational success.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$315-$500 per credit
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West Texas A&M University

2501 4th Avenue Canyon, TX 79015



West Texas A&M offers 13 completely online master's degree programs for distance learners as well as a few programs that are available online with some on-campus requirements. Regardless of the program, each one is designed with affordability in mind and provides low costs per credit for graduate students in most any profession.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$465 per credit
28
877-270-7838WebsiteInstagram

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

2801 S. University Avenue Little Rock, AR 72204



Graduate students looking for low costs per credit hour will find them at UA Little Rock. The university takes pride in offering affordable tuition for its graduate students and provides other benefits such as low military and veteran rates, financial aid assistance, scholarships and tuition waiver programs.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$383 per credit
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877-967-5464WebsiteInstagram

Wilmington University

320 N. DuPont Hwy New Castle, DE 19720



Wilmington University provides more than 20 online master's degree programs and certificate options for graduate students seeking greater education and career advancement. These online programs are available at low costs per credit and include innovative courses to challenge the students and to help them gain the skills to launch their careers.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$477 per credit
30
912-478-4636WebsiteInstagram

Georgia Southern University

1332 Southern Drive Statesboro, GA 30458



Georgia Southern University offers dozens of graduate degree and certificate programs for online students who are looking for affordable options as they pursue career advancement. All the programs featured at GSU include competitive tuition, an innovative curriculum and expert instruction from industry professionals.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$277-$527 per credit
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800-342-0471WebsiteInstagram

Georgia College

231 W. Hancock St Milledgeville, GA 31061



Georgia College offers numerous master's degree programs in an online format, including hybrid options for students who prefer to take a combination of online and on-campus classes. Whether it's criminal justice, public administration or another nationally accredited program, online students benefit from affordable tuition, graduate assistantships, scholarships and more.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$373 per credit
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Portland State University

1825 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97201



Portland State University's eight online master's degree programs are designed to be affordable and flexible for graduate students who are also busy professionals. Graduate students seeking the credentials to advance their careers in education, health care, supply chain management and more will receive high-quality, affordable instruction at PSU.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $356-$663 per credit; Out-of-State: $411-$719 per credit
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712-707-7388WebsiteInstagram

Northwestern College

101 7th Street SW Orange City, IA 51041



Many of Northwestern College's graduate programs are offered 100 percent online; this includes the master's of education degrees. Graduate students in any of the programs benefit from flexible class schedules and nationally recognized affordability, giving them the means to complete their degrees online while continuing their full-time employment.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$325-$470 per credit
34
605-355-3468WebsiteInstagram

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701



SD Mines Online offers three outstanding engineering master's degree programs for distance learners: construction engineering, engineering management and mining engineering and management. These programs are designed to be highly affordable and include scholarship options to provide further financial assistance to online students.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-State: $451 per credit; Out-of-State: $624 per credit
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800-831-0806Website

Morningside College

1501 Morningside Avenue Sioux City, IA 51106



Graduate students who want to earn their degrees online without breaking the bank should consider Morningside College. With 100 percent online courses in education as well as online offerings for nursing, graduate students are able to continue working while attending online classes at their own pace.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$280 per credit
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877-871-4594WebsiteInstagram

Georgia Southwestern State University

800 University Drive Americus, GA 31709



Georgia Southwestern State University takes an innovative approach to education, providing online courses for graduate students who can't participate in on-campus classes but want to pursue their graduate degrees. The university's master's programs, such as business administration and computer science, are affordable and designed to be flexible for working students.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$257-$385 per credit
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580-745-2372Website

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

425 W. University Boulevard Durant, OK 74701



SOSU's graduate students benefit from quality master's degree programs with personalized attention, affordable tuition and a student-first environment even in an online classroom. Many of the school's programs, such as the master's in sports administration, provide unique options and low tuition to rival other universities around the nation.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$265-$330 per credit
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864-663-7522WebsiteInstagram

North Greenville University

7801 N. Tigerville Road Tigerville, SC 29688



North Greenville University provides several graduate degree programs for on-campus and online students, such as master's in music education, business administration and medical science. These programs are highly affordable and include personalized instruction thanks to smaller class sizes.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$390-$450 per credit
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662-846-4700WebsiteInstagram

Delta State University

Highway 8 West Cleveland, MS 38733



Delta State University offers 10 fully online master's degree programs for graduate students who are looking for affordable, quality education from a distance. Online students in any of the school's programs, such as the Master of Arts in Teaching or the Master of Science in Nursing, receive expert instruction and low tuition rates.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$393-$457 per credit
40
318-797-5061Website

Louisiana State University Shreveport

One University Place Shreveport, LA 71115



LSUS offers as many as 15 fully online master's degree programs in such areas as nonprofit administration, educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. Many of the programs can be completed in as little as 10 months, and all of them offer competitively priced tuition to make earning a master's degree less of a financial burden.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$350-$373 per credit
41
301-687-7053WebsiteInstagram

Frostburg State University

101 Braddock Road Frostburg, MD 21532



Frostburg State University offers great value and an affordable education to graduate students who are furthering their education through online means. Combined with affordable tuition, FSU offers financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, graduate assistantships and other services.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $433 per credit; Out-of-state: $557 per credit
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240-684-2400WebsiteInstagram

University of Maryland University College

1616 McCormick Drive Largo, MD 20774



Graduate students have around 20 master's degree programs to choose from when deciding to further their education in an online learning environment. These programs are known for their affordability and provide full faculty support, mentorships and other services to help students succeed academically.

School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $458-$694 per credit; Out-of-state: $694 per credit
43
308-432-6060WebsiteInstagram

Chadron State College

1000 Main St. Chadron, NE 69337



Chadron State College has a dozen master's degree programs with several concentrations offered fully or partially online. Whether it's the educational administration program or the fully online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, graduate students benefit from in-depth training, flexible scheduling and affordable tuition.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$361 per credit
44
701-858-3350WebsiteInstagram

Minot State University

500 University Avenue West Minot, ND 58707



Minot State University is committed to providing a quality, affordable education to students regardless of their time zone. Students have a variety of graduate programs to choose from, such as the Master of Science in Information Systems, and benefit from low tuition rates and personalized attention from qualified instructors.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$370 per credit
45
318-357-5851WebsiteInstagram

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

175 Sam Sibley Dr Natchitoches, LA 71497



Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers more than 20 master's degree programs through the eNSU Global Campus. These programs are convenient, flexible and highly affordable, and online-only students never have to pay any out-of-state fees.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$475-$575 per credit
46
361-593-2808WebsiteInstagram

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

700 University Blvd. Kingsville, TX 78363



Texas A&M Kingsville offers the highest quality teaching and courses to bring out the best in graduate students regardless of their profession. Students in any of the six online master's programs enjoy affordable costs per credit and full academic and technical support throughout their time in school.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$588-$647 per credit
47
310-243-3645WebsiteInstagram

California State University Dominguez Hills

1000 E. Victoria Street Carson, CA 90747



CSU Dominguez Hills is nationally recognized for distance learning and offers five master's degree programs, including numerous graduate certificate programs, for online students across the nation. These programs are designed with affordability in mind and provide the necessary courses to help students advance their careers upon graduation.

School Type
Public
Tuition
$321-$600 per unit
48
507-354-8221WebsiteInstagram

Martin Luther College

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073



Martin Luther College offers three primary master's degree programs in an online format: theological studies, education and educational administration. These programs also include different areas of interest to hone the students' skills and are known for their affordability for distance learners who want to save money and complete the courses at home.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$315 per credit
49
888-506-6011WebsiteInstagram

Campbellsville University

1 University Drive Campbellsville, KY 42718



Campbellsville University offers more than 25 master's degree programs for distance learners who want to receive a quality education at their own pace. These programs, such as the MBA in marketing and the master's in educational administration, offer affordable tuition rates and provide in-depth training to help students gain the skills and the credentials to succeed in their careers.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$299-$525 per credit
50
800-451-7664WebsiteInstagram

Clarks Summit University

538 Venard Road Clarks Summit, PA 18411



Clarks Summit University offers four distinct master's degree programs in an online learning format and can be completed in as little as two years. The master's in arts, literature, education and counseling programs are customizable and affordable, appealing to graduate students who are currently working in their respective fields.

School Type
Private
Tuition
$365-$650 per credit