Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs Ranked for Students

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE MASTER'S PROGRAMS

By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley

Published: Sep 22, 2022
Updated: Oct 28, 2024

Key Takeaways

The online master’s degree is a cost-effective way to earn an advanced degree from a university in your state.
The online master’s degree program is an especially valuable option for working professionals who are interested in advancing in the careers without disrupting everyday work responsibilities.
A growing number of public colleges and universities now offer fully online master’s degree programs in a wide range of subjects including business administration, computer science, early childhood education, and more.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in 2025

Liberty University
+17
Lamar University
+17
Purdue University Global
+11
Aspen University
–2
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
+4
Stevenson University
+5
American Public University System
Post University
+7
Adams State University
+4
Chadron State College
–4

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

With our ranking methodology updates, come a number of big movers in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable online master’s degree programs.

Liberty University jumps 17 positions to move into the number 1 spot this year. The school has a long history of keeping tuition low for its students, having frozen their tuition rates for nearly a decade. Liberty is adding specialized master’s tracks in Spring 2025, including Public History, such as Digital Humanities, Archives Management, and Historic Preservation.

Lamar University also jumped 17 spots to move into the number 2 spot in our ranking. Lamar has expanded its STEM-designated programs. The school has also launched new specializations within its Master of Education in Teacher Leadership program, focusing on Gifted and Talented education, emphasizing the integration of AI tools in personalized learning.

Likewise, Purdue University Global, jumping 11 spots to number 3, has expanded their Master of Science in Information Technology and Master of Professional Studies programs, both offering more personalized tracks. These include concentrations in high-demand fields such as AWS Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain, enabling students to focus on industry-relevant skills.

Featured Programs

The length of time it takes to complete your online master’s degree will vary depending on your subject and concentration, but in most cases, it will take two to three years to earn an online master’s degree. Online graduate programs offer a great way to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

How We Rank the Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs

In most cases, the most affordable online master’s programs will be those offered by universities in your state. Online grad students who attend public universities enjoy access to in-state tuition rates just like traditional on-campus students.

That’s why we’ve ranked these online master’s programs by placing the highest weight on in-state tuition rates. The tuition price listed below may not reflect the lower rate extended to in-state residents. Click on each school to learn more about in state tuition discounts. Other factors included in our ranking are Influence–the measure of a school’s excellence based on the real-world impact of its professors, students, and alumni; and the percentage of full-time students enrolled in online degree programs at each institution.

Below is a mix of both public and private universities offering the most affordable online master’s degree programs on the higher education landscape.

Looking for a specific affordable master’s degree program? Check out our look at cheap degrees in our Affordable Degree Programs.

Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees for In-State Students

An Overview of the Master’s Degree

Can you earn a master’s degree online?

You can absolutely earn a master’s degree online. In fact, a growing number of highly regarded and fully accredited graduate schools are offering online learning opportunities. As demand increases among working adults for online master’s degree programs that are both flexible and affordable, graduate schools are making strides in serving the needs of online students.

Is an online master’s degree more affordable?

The online master’s degree program can be more affordable. The cost of tuition for online graduate programs is roughly equal to the cost of a traditional master’s degree program. However, you will save money on additional expenses like housing, transportation and certain campus fees.

Equally as important, the online master’s degree program makes it possible for you to complete your grad school education at your own pace. This means you can continue working while completing your online master’s program. The ability to earn a living while completing your advanced degree program can significantly reduce your dependency on federal financial aid, private student loans, and other sources of student debt.

Did you know that there on online master’s degree programs and numerous online master’s courses that you can take for free?

Is an online master’s degree respected?

The online master’s degree is highly respected as long as it is conferred by a graduate school with accreditation from the colleges and schools commission in your region. Many of the top graduate institutions offer fully online master’s degree programs that are nearly identical to traditional programs in content, curriculum, and credit requirements. In fact, in many schools, online and in-person courses will be taught by the same instructors. In other words, as long as you choose an excellent institution with regional accreditation, employers and colleagues will view your online master’s degree with respect.

More on the Cost of Grad School

How much does grad school cost on average?

The average cost of grad school is somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 per year for both private and public grad schools. However, you can pay as much as $100,000 per year to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious private grad schools. The most affordable online master’s programs may cost as little as $5,000 to $12,000 per year for in-state students.

How can I cut my grad school costs?

Financial aid, scholarships, and geographical considerations all offer ways to offset the sticker price of your online master’s degree program. Financial aid and scholarships are both central considerations as you look for ways to cut your grad school costs. Finding a grad school in state can also offer various opportunities for state-specific financial aid and tuition discounts.

Why attend an online grad school close to home?

Earning your advanced degree from a public college or university in your state will be your most affordable option. State schools typically offer deep tuition discounts for in state students, whether you take online courses or earn your advanced degree on campus. You may also be able to offset some expenses by earning your graduate degree online. While tuition for online grad school is generally in line with tuition for the traditional grad school experience, you may be able to save on housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

For more tips on getting an affordable online education, check out our Guide to Financial Aid in Higher Education

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs Ranked for Students

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Featured Programs

How We Rank the Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs

Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees for In-State Students

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

Career Outlook for degree at Lamar University

Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

Career Outlook for degree at American Public University System

Career Outlook for degree at Post University

Career Outlook for degree at Adams State University

Career Outlook for degree at Chadron State College

Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College

Career Outlook for degree at Southern Wesleyan University

Career Outlook for degree at University of West Alabama

Career Outlook for degree at Athens State University

Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Christian University

Career Outlook for degree at Waldorf University

Career Outlook for degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Career Outlook for degree at Luther Rice College & Seminary