Best Online Graduate Programs
A bachelor’s degree is a good starting point but typically isn’t enough to get you into management, administration, or leadership positions.
Earning a master’s degree online can help professionals advance into management roles or change fields.
EDsmart has dug through the data trenches to bring you the best online graduate programs complete with information that matters. Although we pride ourselves in offering these rankings, any college ranking should be a starting point and not the end of your college search.
Similar Graduate Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Rankings
Schools are ranked based on four data points in three categories:
- Affordability (financial aid, net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Student Outcome (return on investment per Payscale.com)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website and Payscale.com.
Best Online Graduate Programs
1. WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Score: 100
Financial Aid: 93%
Average Net Price: $11,486
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 57%
ROI: $392,000
Founded in 1867, West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The student profile consists of just under 30,000 students, spread across a total of three campuses which are, Potomac State College, WVU Tech, and Morgantown campus. West Virginia University’s stellar reputation precedes itself on many levels.
Resources for students are in abundance, whether it be the $320 million in scholarships and aid dispersed in the 2016-17 academic years or its recognition as holding one of the highest research activity positions according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. The U.S. News and World Report’s 2019 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools ranked several of West Virginia University’s programs in the top 100.
Prospective students do not have to reside in West Virginia to enroll, as WVU has over 600 online courses and programs whether one is interested in earning a degree or certificate, with 23 of them being offered online.
2. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
Score: 97.8
Financial Aid: 91%
Average Net Price: $14,478
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 54%
ROI: $361,000
The institution was established in 1883, the 550-acre campus was created six years before the state of North Dakota itself. The University of North Dakota offers over 225 academic programs and is the only educational establishment in the entire state that offers graduate, law, and medical schools. They pride themselves on preparing graduates for a lifetime of success, as statistics show that 85% of UND graduates are employed in positions that are related to their field of study.
UND holds over 30 accreditations with various organizations, including a full accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As of 2019, there are approximately 14,000 students enrolled in the various programs that UND offers. UND also offers 59 exclusively online degree programs. Four of the 59 are accelerated programs, where students can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years, entirely online. Students can enroll three or more times per year in online degree programs. UND also offers self-paced online courses that can be completed in 3-9 months.
3. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Score: 97.2
Financial Aid: 96%
Average Net Price: $12,165
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 52%
ROI: $133,000
Southeast Missouri State University, established in 1873 and located in Cape Girardeau, offers both in-person and online studies. It is a comprehensive university that holds several accreditations both nationally and internationally from organizations such as the Network of International Business Schools, and the National Association Of Schools Of Art & Design. There are currently over 40 online degree programs offered through Southeast Online, including a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Criminal Justice. There are plenty of financial resources available for online students, including FAFSA, work-study, loans, and scholarship opportunities.
4. SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY
Score: 96.8
Financial Aid: 91%
Average Net Price: $19,577
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 51%
ROI: $629,000
Established in 1885, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines) is located in Rapid City, in the Back Hills of South Dakota. They offer a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. One of their primary intentions is to focus on preparing their students to excel in the areas of science, research, and engineering to benefit society post-graduation.
SDSMT offers 3 online graduate programs, which are Construction Engineering and Management (CEM), Engineering Management (EM), and Mining Engineering & Management (MEM). These three courses are designed for those wanting a specialization in STEM. You’ll be taught by highly trained professionals prepared to teach you the essential skills needed to excel in your choice of career.
5. HOLY NAMES UNIVERSITY
Score: 96.6
Financial Aid: 100%
Average Net Price: $21,890
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 43%
ROI: $225,000
Holy Names University, founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1868, is located in Oakland, California. Its wooded, 60-acre campus offers spectacular panoramic views of the Bay. On-campus or online, students will find small, interactive classes and faculty who understand their goals and recognize their strengths. Each program is designed to encourage leadership and exploration of current approaches to today’s challenges.
Available graduate programs include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Counseling and Forensic Psychology, Master of Arts in Educational Therapy, Master of Education, Master of Music, and Master of Science in Nursing. Earning a graduate degree from Holy Names University will educate you to succeed in such competitive professions.
6. WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Score: 95.8
Financial Aid: 95%
Average Net Price: $11,817
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 43%
ROI: $216,000
Home of the Hilltoppers, Western Kentucky University, located in Bowling Green, coins itself as a place of beauty and friendliness. They have regional campuses located in Glasgow, Owensboro, and Elizabethtown-Fort Knox. According to US News, WKU is considered one of the top public schools and one of the best colleges for veterans in the United States. They are also within the top 5 most affordable online colleges for Master’s degrees in Social Work, Teaching, and Education technology.
WKU offers more than 30 master’s degrees that can be 100% completed online. Some of the graduate degrees that can be obtained online are Master’s degrees in Public Health, Science in Recreation, Sports Administration, and Science in Instructional Design, to name a few. Western Kentucky University is accredited by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
7. WAYNE STATE COLLEGE
Score: 95.2
Financial Aid: 95%
Average Net Price: $12,626
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 51%
ROI: $100,000
Wayne State College, located in Wayne, Nebraska, was established in 1910. They were voted #1 Best Online College in Nebraska by the SR Education Group in 2019. WSC offers more than 90 programs of study throughout four colleges with extracurricular activities such as student organizations that online students can participate in as well, including the International Club, PRIDE, Native American Student Alliance, Latinos United, and the Interfaith Action Group.
The colleges within WSC include the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Business and Technology, the School of Education and Counseling, and the School of Natural and Social Sciences. Wayne State College offers several graduate degree courses that can be completed online, including a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Organizational Management, and a Master’s in Student Affairs and College Counseling.
8. INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Score: 95.2
Financial Aid: 91%
Average Net Price: $19,247
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 56%
ROI: $195,000
Founded in 1875, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a research-based, teaching-focused, student-centered learning community. IUP has grown from one building sitting on 12 acres of land to 65 buildings spread across 354 acres of land. There are affiliate campuses located in Punxsutawney, Northpointe, and Pittsburgh East. Their distance learning curriculum offers both assignments that can be completed online, as well as textbooks and assignments that are mailed to the student to study.
9. WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
Score: 95
Financial Aid: 88%
Average Net Price: $13,541
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 48%
ROI: $282,000
Wichita State University, or WSU, was founded in 1895. Originally operating as an all-female school, the university transitioned a few times before finally becoming Wichita State University in the year 1964. The main campus is in Wichita, Kansas, with four satellite locations nearby. WSU prides itself on encouraging creativity, insight, and passion that leads to innovation and entrepreneurship within its students. Wichita State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA).
Prospective students have several options as far as online graduate studies, including a Master’s in Health Administration, Special Education, Criminal Justice, Arts Leadership and management, and many more. Graduates attending one of their many programs have the opportunity to specialize in the career they wish to pursue.
10. GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Score: 95
Financial Aid: 90%
Average Net Price: $16,264
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 50%
ROI: $227,000
Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern University focuses on learning both in and beyond the classroom. They promote student growth and life success. Some of their practices center around the faculty members’ desire to develop a fertile learning environment, promote a free exchange of ideas amongst the students, hold students to a high degree of academic expectations, and individual responsibility for students’ academic success and achievement. The student-to-faculty ratio at GSU is 21:1.
Georgia Southern University has received several acknowledgments, including a number one rank in, The Best Schools for Military Students 2019 by Best for Vets College; and 2018 Top Online Schools for Exercise Science by The College Affordability Guide. Georgia Southern University offers an affordable and flexible online curriculum in business, healthcare, and education. There are six colleges under the umbrella of Georgia Southern University that offer online graduate degrees. Some of the online degrees offered include a Master of Accounting, a Master of Science in Applied Economics, and a Master’s in Instruction Technology.
Further Reading: Top 10 Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges
11. DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Score: 94.4
Financial Aid: 97%
Average Net Price: $12,669
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 40%
ROI: $81,700
Established in Cleveland, Mississippi, in 1924, Delta State University, located in the Mississippi Delta, offers both in-person and online curricula. Delta State has approximately 3,000 students from every state, as well as 50 countries. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1 both in-person and online, Delta focuses on the success of their students as well as giving their students the one-on-one time that they may need to flourish to their full potential.
Within its curriculum, Delta prides itself on principles that support individuality, the arts, innovation, respect for people and ideas, and commitment to health and leadership, to name a few. When it comes to choosing an online graduate program, the options are incredibly diverse. Whether one wants to study nursing, art, or even commercial aviation, there is a place for you. Delta has a total of 15 fully online degrees, which include areas of study such as business, education, and social sciences.
12. SIMPSON UNIVERSITY
Score: 94.4
Financial Aid: 99%
Average Net Price: $27,613
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 57%
ROI: $58,800
Simpson University, located in Redding, California, is a Christ-centered learning community. They are the only Christian university north of Sacramento. Their mission and values focus on developing the students’ minds, faith, and character in hopes that it would lead the student into meaningful work and service to others. There is also a chapel on campus that is open to the students to attend religious services or to enter for meditation and fellowship when they so desire. There are four graduate degree programs offered at SU, which include a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Education, a Master’ of Arts in Ministry Leadership, and lastly, a Master of Divinity.
13. EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
Score: 94
Financial Aid: 92%
Average Net Price: $15,402
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 48%
ROI: $137,000
Initially beginning as a private preparatory school for teachers in 1893, the university went through a few name changes and policy changes until it eventually became East Stroudsburg University in the year 1983. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg offers 57 undergraduate programs, 21 master’s, and 2 Doctoral programs. There are three graduate degrees offered exclusively online by SU. The online programs include Master’s degrees of Science in Health Education, Arts in Professional & New Media Writing, and Education in Reading.
Resources:
- Quickest Online Master’s Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs
- CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Programs
