Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs Ranked for Students
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.
Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in 2025
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
- #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
- #8 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
- #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #22 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #1 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate in Education
- #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2025
- #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #2 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology 2025
- #3 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #3 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
- #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #4 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
- #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #5 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025
- #6 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #7 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #7 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #14 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #18 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
- #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling 2025
- #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
- #5 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
- #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
- #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,340Expenses: $21,458Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #7 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025 #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
- #13 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #21 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
- #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
38%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
930/16
Career Outlook for degree at Lamar University
Cost of Degree: $8,642Expenses: $16,612Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #4 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
- #2 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #3 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #4 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
- #4 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
- #5 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #6 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2025
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #9 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #9 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #5 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #15 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
20%
Student body
66K
- #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2025
- #4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2025
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #17 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #16 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$5K
Student body
14K
- #6 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
- #8 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #14 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #22 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
34%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Cost of Degree: $5,220Expenses: $12,176Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University
Cost of Degree: $8,460Expenses: $20,278Starting Salary: $54,600Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025
- #4 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
55%
Student body
94K
Career Outlook for degree at American Public University System
Cost of Degree: $8,160Starting Salary: $67,000 - #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
32%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Post University
Cost of Degree: $7,054Expenses: $16,460Starting Salary: $46,500Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #9 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for degree at Adams State University
Cost of Degree: $10,425Expenses: $15,423Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Chadron State College
Cost of Degree: $6,383Expenses: $15,060Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College
Cost of Degree: $9,830Expenses: $13,470Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #10 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/21
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $13,746Expenses: $14,039Starting Salary: $46,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) #11 Best Online Master's in Biology
Other Rankings
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #15 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #15 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #17 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #19 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
38%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
930/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of West Alabama
Cost of Degree: $6,868Expenses: $12,972Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama #9 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
33%
Student body
31K
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #14 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Athens State University
Cost of Degree: $10,536Starting Salary: $42,400 Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
44%
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
870/18
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Christian University
Cost of Degree: $5,350Expenses: $15,448Starting Salary: $36,500Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryTuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
26%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Waldorf University
Cost of Degree: $5,220Expenses: $14,746Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary- #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/21
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $10,674Expenses: $15,896Starting Salary: $50,000Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #13 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024 #23 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025 #24 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
68%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Luther Rice College & Seminary
Cost of Degree: $7,332Starting Salary: $45,400 - #3 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #8 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #18 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
25%
Student body
9K
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