Best Online Master's Programs
Online master's programs offer a flexible path to advanced education.
Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
These graduate degrees cover many fields, from business to psychology. Students can learn new skills and grow their knowledge without leaving home.
Many schools now offer online versions of their master's degrees. These programs often cost less than on-campus options. They also let students study at times that fit their schedules.
Benefits of online master's degrees:
- Flexibility to balance work and study
- Access to programs from schools far away
- Chance to use new technology for learning
- Often lower costs than on-campus programs
Online master's degrees can boost careers. They may lead to better jobs and higher pay. Employers often value the extra skills and knowledge from these programs.
Some popular online master's degrees include:
| Field | Common Degrees |
|---|---|
| Business | MBA, Finance, Marketing |
| Education | Teaching, Leadership, Counseling |
| Technology | Computer Science, IT Management |
| Healthcare | Nursing, Public Health, Healthcare Admin |
Students should pick a program that fits their goals. It's smart to check if the school and program have good ratings. This helps ensure the degree will be worth the time and money.
Online learning takes self-discipline. Students must manage their time well. They need to stay motivated without in-person classes. But for many, the rewards are worth it.
As more people choose online education, these degrees become more accepted. They offer a way to grow professionally while keeping current jobs. This makes them a good choice for many working adults.
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.Rankings
Schools are ranked based on four data points in three categories:
- Affordability (average net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Student Outcome (Median Earnings--6 years)
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 College Scorecard.
Best Online Master's Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Admission Rate: 17%
Average SAT Score: 1449
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,921
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,711
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,989
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $37,550
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,200
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Admission Rate: 18%
Average SAT Score: 1473
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,448
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $32,139
In-state Tuition and Fees: $16,736
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $55,334
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $83,648
Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Admission Rate: 25%
Average SAT Score: 1309
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,691
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,308
In-state Tuition and Fees: $5,656
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,786
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,675
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location: Champaign, IL
Admission Rate: 45%
Average SAT Score: 1440
Undergraduate Enrollment: 34,031
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,636
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,714
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $33,686
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $81,054
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
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
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Location: Columbus, OH
Admission Rate: 53%
Average SAT Score: 1386
Undergraduate Enrollment: 45,140
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,133
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,485
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $36,722
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,976
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,409
New York University
Location: New York, NY
Admission Rate: 12%
Average SAT Score: 1527
Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,136
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $76,563
In-state Tuition and Fees: $58,168
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $58,168
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $82,509
Northern Illinois University
Location: Dekalb, IL
Admission Rate: 71%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,408
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,534
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,662
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,662
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,162
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,808
University of the Cumberlands
Location: Williamsburg, KY
Admission Rate: 83%
Average SAT Score: 1049
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,609
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,278
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,875
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $9,875
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,911
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,036
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Admission Rate: 69%
Average SAT Score: 1190
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,760
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $33,714
In-state Tuition and Fees: $24,400
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $24,400
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $17,832
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,871
Herzing University-Minneapolis
Location: St. Louis Park, MN
Admission Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 808
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,953
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,750
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,750
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,909
Clarks Summit University
Location: Clarks Summit, PA
Admission Rate: 65%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 376
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $35,824
In-state Tuition and Fees: $29,700
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $29,700
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,034
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,818
Maranatha Baptist University
Location: Watertown, WI
Admission Rate: 75%
Average SAT Score: 1117
Undergraduate Enrollment: 571
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $29,409
In-state Tuition and Fees: $18,810
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,810
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,143
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,593
Carolina University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Admission Rate: 52%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 350
Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Average Cost of Attendance: $27,373
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,050
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,050
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,287
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,864
Limestone University
Location: Gaffney, SC
Admission Rate: 89%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,551
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $42,472
In-state Tuition and Fees: $26,300
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $26,300
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $27,639
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,999
Southern New Hampshire University
Location: Manchester, NH
Admission Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 138,138
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $36,121
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,380
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,380
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,082
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,318
How Fast Can You Get a Master's?
Most master's degrees take about two years to finish. Students usually need to complete 30-60 credits. Online programs often let students move at their own pace. Some online options pack classes into a shorter time. These fast-track programs can wrap up in one year or less. This quick path appeals to busy adults who want to advance their careers.
Is an Online Graduate Program Right for You?
Benefits of Web-based Master's Studies
Online master's programs offer flexibility for busy adults. Students can often keep working while earning a degree. This can help with costs. Many online programs cost less than on-campus options. Students don't pay for housing or commuting.
Web-based degrees can boost careers. They may lead to promotions or higher pay. Some fields value online degrees as much as traditional ones. This can help in a tough job market.
Drawbacks of Online Master's Programs
Online learning requires self-discipline. There's less face-to-face time with teachers and classmates. This can make networking harder. Some employers still prefer traditional degrees.
Technical issues can disrupt classes. Students need reliable internet and computer skills. Group projects may be tricky to coordinate online.
Picking the Best Online Master's Degree for Your Goals
Program Structure
When looking at online master's degrees, think about how the classes are set up. Many schools offer flexible options for busy adults. You can choose part-time classes if you need to balance work and family. Full-time or fast-track programs may help you finish quicker. Some degrees mix online and in-person learning.
Look at whether courses are:
- Live (synchronous)
- On-demand (asynchronous)
- A mix of both
Consider how this fits your schedule and learning style.
Quality Assurance
Make sure the school is recognized for meeting education standards. Check if it's approved by groups that oversee college quality. This matters for:
- Getting financial aid
- Transferring credits
- Having your degree valued by employers
You can look up schools in official databases to confirm their status.
School Type Differences
Be aware of the pros and cons of different school types:
| Nonprofit Schools | For-Profit Schools |
|---|---|
| Often lower costs | May have higher fees |
| Focus on education | May focus on profits |
| Credits usually transfer | Credits may not transfer |
| Established reputations | Reputations vary |
Think about how these factors might affect your education and future plans.
Common Questions About Online Master's Programs
Are online master's degrees respected?
Yes, if they come from accredited schools. Accreditation means the program meets education standards. Employers view accredited online degrees as equal to on-campus ones.
Is an online master's the same as in-person?
Accredited online programs offer equivalent quality to traditional classes. The main difference is the format, not the content or rigor.
How do I know if an online program is accredited?
Check the school's website or contact them directly. You can also look up accreditation status on official accrediting agency websites.
Learn More About Higher Education Options
Master's Degree Expenses
Master's programs often cost over $50,000. Students can find savings through online and public university options. Costs vary widely between schools and programs. Some factors affecting price include:
- Tuition rates
- Technology fees
- Application fees
- Books and materials
Value of Advanced Degrees
Advanced degrees can boost earning potential, but their worth extends beyond salary. Benefits include:
- Expanded knowledge and skills
- Career advancement opportunities
- Personal growth and fulfillment
- Contributions to society
Each person must weigh these factors against the investment required.
Choosing Between MBA and Specialized Master's
When deciding between an MBA and a specialized master's degree, consider:
- Career goals
- Industry demand
- Program costs
- Time commitment
MBAs offer broad business knowledge, while specialized degrees provide focused expertise in a specific field. Research job markets and talk to professionals to determine the best fit.
Resources:
- Quickest Online Master's Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Online Master's Programs
- CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Programs
