The Most Affordable Online Master's Programs [2025 Guide]
For many people in the current U.S. workforce, one thing is certain: if a bachelor's degree is what it takes to start a career, then a master's degree is the key to advancing that career.
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Online master's degree programs have gained significant popularity in recent years. These programs offer a flexible and cost-effective way for students to advance their education and careers. Many universities now provide high-quality online master's degrees across various fields of study.
The rise in online graduate program enrollments reflects the growing demand for accessible higher education options.
Students can now pursue advanced degrees while balancing work and personal commitments. This flexibility, combined with potential cost savings, makes online master's programs an attractive choice for many aspiring professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Online master's degrees offer flexibility and potential cost savings for students
- Various affordable online MBA programs are available from reputable institutions
- Online degree programs can enhance career prospects without geographic limitations
- Most Affordable Colleges Offering Online Master's Degrees
- Choosing the Right Online Master's Program for Your Goals
- How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?
- Is an Online Graduate Degree a Good Investment?
- Top Master's Degrees for Career Success
- Common Questions About Affordable Online Master's Programs
- Key Insights
If you're already neck-deep in a full-time job or have other personal responsibilities, it may be difficult to hit the pause button to earn your master's degree. Fortunately, masters' are more accessible now than ever before.
Through easy-to-use online formats, they're offered by more universities nationwide than ever before. These programs afford unprecedented flexibility and convenience, ultimately redefining the true college experience for millions of students across the country.
Before enrolling, make sure to see if the degree program you're interested in functions fully online or operates in a hybrid format.
Online master's programs are ranked according to each school's average net price gathered from College Scorecard.
Online Master's Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Colleges Offering Online Master's Degrees
Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Admission Rate: 4%
Average SAT Score: 1553
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,761
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $78,898
In-state Tuition and Fees: $58,416
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $58,416
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $12,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $124,080
University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, FL
Admission Rate: 23%
Average SAT Score: 1397
Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,673
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,359
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,381
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,659
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $71,588
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Location: Atlanta, GA
Admission Rate: 17%
Average SAT Score: 1480
Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,379
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $29,148
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,764
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $32,876
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,672
Median Earnings (10 years): $102,772
Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Admission Rate: 7%
Average SAT Score: 1553
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,643
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $78,415
In-state Tuition and Fees: $60,480
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $60,480
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $10,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $87,555
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Location: Raleigh, NC
Admission Rate: 47%
Average SAT Score: 1370
Undergraduate Enrollment: 25,109
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,852
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,128
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $30,869
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,121
Median Earnings (10 years): $68,758
San Diego State University
Location: San Diego, CA
Admission Rate: 39%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,810
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,482
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,174
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,054
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,909
University of Florida-Online
Location: Gainesville, FL
Admission Rate: 65%
Average SAT Score: 1331
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,650
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,518
In-state Tuition and Fees: $3,876
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $16,579
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $71,588
Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Admission Rate: 6%
Average SAT Score: 1554
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,570
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $81,138
In-state Tuition and Fees: $62,688
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $62,688
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $97,800
Georgetown University
Location: Washington, DC
Admission Rate: 12%
Average SAT Score: 1507
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,343
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $81,515
In-state Tuition and Fees: $62,052
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $62,052
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $103,494
University of North Florida
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Admission Rate: 71%
Average SAT Score: 1104
Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,866
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,984
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,389
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,793
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,531
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,343
Southern Methodist University
Location: Dallas, TX
Admission Rate: 52%
Average SAT Score: 1444
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,044
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $79,885
In-state Tuition and Fees: $61,980
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $61,980
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $78,354
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Location: Carson, CA
Admission Rate: 89%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,903
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $14,958
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,060
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,940
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,807
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,162
Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, KS
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1051
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,066
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,598
In-state Tuition and Fees: $5,430
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,870
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,928
Texas A & M International University
Location: Laredo, TX
Admission Rate: 48%
Average SAT Score: 1006
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,459
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,313
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,846
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,382
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,386
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, TX
Admission Rate: 95%
Average SAT Score: 1011
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,060
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,113
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,234
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $21,474
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $17,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,073
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Location: Edinburg, TX
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1020
Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,420
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,988
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,538
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,333
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $12,950
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,620
Wayne State College
Location: Wayne, NE
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,057
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,752
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,786
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,786
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,075
Lamar University
Location: Beaumont, TX
Admission Rate: 84%
Average SAT Score: 936
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,075
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,570
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,690
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,482
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,652
Southeast Missouri State University
Location: Cape Girardeau, MO
Admission Rate: 86%
Average SAT Score: 1055
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,010
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,420
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,015
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,585
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,030
Wilmington University
Location: New Castle, DE
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,210
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,155
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,030
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,030
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,844
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Location: Little Rock, AR
Admission Rate: 61%
Average SAT Score: 1089
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,802
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,300
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,366
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,957
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,265
Midway University
Location: Midway, KY
Admission Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: 1113
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,187
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $40,723
In-state Tuition and Fees: $25,050
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $25,050
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,301
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,246
Purdue University Global
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,339
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $13,945
In-state Tuition and Fees: $10,134
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $14,445
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,078
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,596
Choosing the Right Online Master's Program for Your Goals
Assessing Program Credentials
When looking at online graduate programs, it's crucial to check their accreditation status. Regional accreditation is key for many important aspects of your education. It can affect your ability to get financial aid, transfer credits, and even your job prospects after graduation. Some fields also have specific program accreditations that may be needed for getting licensed or can give you an edge in the job market.
Exploring Different Online Master's Options
The world of online learning offers many choices for advanced degrees. You can find programs in various fields, from business to education to healthcare. Some are fully online, while others mix online and in-person classes. Many schools now offer specialized programs that focus on specific areas within a field. This lets you tailor your degree to your career goals. When picking a program, think about how it fits with your schedule, learning style, and career plans.
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?
Paying for Your Online Graduate Studies
Online master's degrees can offer cost savings compared to traditional programs. Students can avoid relocation and commuting expenses. Many online programs also allow students to keep working while studying.
Tuition rates vary widely. Some schools charge the same for online and on-campus programs. Others offer lower rates for online students. In-state tuition is often cheaper than out-of-state rates, even for online programs.
Many online master's degrees charge a technology fee. This covers online learning platforms and tech support. The fee is usually a few hundred dollars per semester.
To fund your degree, look into these options:
- Federal loans
- Private loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Fellowships
- Work-study programs
Federal loans often have lower interest rates than private loans. Scholarships and grants don't need to be repaid. Fellowships provide funding and work experience. Work-study jobs offer part-time income.
Are Online Master's Degrees Affordable?
Online master's programs can be more budget-friendly than on-campus options. Students save on housing and transportation costs. The flexible schedule also makes it easier to keep working.
Still, graduate tuition isn't cheap. Average in-state graduate tuition was over $11,500 per year in 2022-23. Out-of-state and private school rates are often higher.
Some schools offer more affordable options:
- Columbia Southern University: ~$4,155 per year
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: ~$13,404 per year
These rates are much lower than average. Always check the total program cost, not just per-credit prices. Some degrees require more credits than others.
To make your degree more affordable:
- Apply for financial aid
- Look for schools with flat-rate tuition
- Transfer credits if possible
- Choose an accelerated program
Accelerated online master's degrees can save time and money. Some programs take just 6-18 months to complete.
Remember to factor in all costs when budgeting. Beyond tuition, consider:
- Books and materials
- Technology fees
- Exam or certification costs
An online master's degree can be a smart investment. With careful planning, it's possible to earn a graduate degree without breaking the bank.
Is an Online Graduate Degree a Good Investment?
Online master's programs can offer significant benefits for career growth and earning potential. Many students find these degrees lead to better job prospects and higher salaries. A master's holder typically earns over $240 more per week than someone with a bachelor's degree.
The value of an online master's depends on several factors:
- Time commitment: Programs usually take 1-2 years
- Flexibility: Many offer part-time or accelerated options
- Cost: Often more affordable than on-campus programs
- Career goals: Advancement opportunities vary by field
Key considerations for potential students:
- Retention rates
- Acceptance rates
- Career services offered
- Career development support
- Rolling admissions policies
These factors can impact the overall experience and outcomes. Students should carefully weigh the pros and cons based on their personal situation and career aspirations. An online master's can be a smart choice for those seeking to boost their credentials while maintaining work-life balance.
Top Master's Degrees for Career Success
Advanced Nursing Practice
Nurses with advanced degrees are in high demand. These professionals offer primary and specialized care to patients. They learn to assess health issues, make diagnoses, and create treatment plans. Many focus on specific patient groups. The need for these experts is growing due to an aging population and expanded roles in various healthcare settings.
Digital Security Expert
As cyber threats increase, so does the need for digital security experts. These professionals protect company data and computer systems. A graduate degree teaches advanced threat analysis and how to design better protection software. With more frequent and smarter cyberattacks, the job market for these experts continues to expand.
Numbers and Data Specialist
Experts in math and statistics help solve problems across many industries. They use their skills to support organizations through complex analysis. Graduate programs often focus on specific types of math modeling and research areas. Financial math and discrete math are popular choices.
Medical Support Professional
These healthcare team members perform patient exams and handle minor medical procedures. Their graduate studies include advanced medical training and research across various specialties. They also complete hands-on clinical rotations in different healthcare departments.
Communication Disorder Expert
These specialists help people with various speech and language issues. They work on managing, overcoming, and preventing communication problems. Graduate programs in this field cover advanced speech science research. Students also learn about clinical treatments for both developmental and acquired language disorders. The field is growing due to better detection methods and an increase in health conditions that affect communication.
Common Questions About Affordable Online Master's Programs
Which schools offer the cheapest online master's degrees?
State universities often provide low-cost options for in-state students. Veterans may get tuition discounts at some schools. Many institutions have scholarships available. The most budget-friendly choice depends on your situation. Check with financial aid offices about:
- In-state tuition rates
- Military discounts
- Scholarship options
- Loan programs
Always explore multiple options to find the best fit for your educational and financial needs.
Key Insights
- Public vs Private Institution Costs
- Public universities generally dominate the lower price ranges, with 8 of the top 10 most affordable schools being public institutions
- Private universities cluster at the higher end, with schools like Duke ($30,785), Georgetown ($35,965), and Southern Methodist University ($40,849) having the highest net prices
- Geographic Trends
- Texas and Florida schools show strong affordability
- Florida has 3 institutions in the top 10 most affordable schools
- Texas has 4 institutions among the most affordable options
- California shows mixed results with both very affordable (CSU-Dominguez Hills at $4,058) and moderate (San Diego State at $12,721) options
- Online vs Traditional Programs
- Online programs tend to be more affordable
- University of Florida-Online ($6,072) is slightly less expensive than its traditional counterpart ($6,275)
- Purdue University Global ($4,765) is among the most affordable options
- Elite Institutions
- Prestigious universities generally have higher net prices but with some notable exceptions:
- Stanford stands out with a relatively moderate net price ($10,851) despite its elite status
- Other elite institutions like Duke ($30,785), Johns Hopkins ($20,820), and Georgetown ($35,965) have significantly higher net prices
- Price vs Outcomes
- Interesting variations in value proposition:
- Lower-priced schools often show lower graduation rates (e.g., Purdue Global: $4,765 net price, 27% graduation rate)
- Higher-priced elite institutions generally show better outcomes (e.g., Stanford: 97% graduation rate, $124,080 median earnings after 10 years)
- Some schools offer strong value propositions, like Georgia Tech with a moderate net price ($14,588) and strong outcomes (91% graduation rate, $102,772 median earnings after 10 years)
- Cost Range Distribution
- The spread is significant: from $4,058 (CSU-Dominguez Hills) to $40,849 (Southern Methodist University)
- Most schools cluster in the $10,000-$20,000 range
- There's a notable jump in prices for elite private institutions
- Affordability vs Selectivity
- Most affordable online schools tend to have higher acceptance rates
- However, there are exceptions like Stanford, which combines relatively moderate net price with high selectivity (4% acceptance rate)
- Less selective schools (>80% acceptance rate) generally offer lower net prices
These insights suggest that while prestigious private institutions generally cost more, there are excellent value propositions available at public universities and online programs. Location plays a significant role in affordability, with some states (particularly Florida and Texas) offering multiple affordable options. The data also shows that a higher price doesn't always correlate with better outcomes, and some institutions manage to balance affordability with strong academic performance and career outcomes.
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