- Introduction
- Search Online Master’s Degree FAQs
- Browse FAQs by Topic
- Admissions & Application Process
- Cost, Financial Aid & Loans
- Master’s Degrees & Fields of Study
- Choosing & Comparing Master’s Programs
- GRE, GMAT & Test Requirements
- Accreditation & Program Legitimacy
- Program Types & Formats
- Career Outcomes & ROI
- Browse Dedicated FAQ Guides
- Continue Your Master’s Degree Research
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
- Expert Reviewed By Soumen Chatterjee
Choosing an online master’s program can raise questions about admissions, cost, financial aid, accreditation, testing requirements, program formats, career outcomes, and whether graduate education fits your goals.
OMC brings together answers from across the site so you can browse common questions by topic or search OMC’s broader FAQ library. Answers are drawn from OMC’s researched guides, program data, and authoritative sources such as federal education, labor, and financial-aid agencies where applicable. Each answer also connects you to a more detailed resource when you want to explore the topic further.
Use the search tool below to find a specific question, or browse the categories to explore answers related to the stage of graduate-school research you are working through.
Featured Online Programs
OnlineMastersColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Search Online Master’s Degree FAQs
Browse FAQs by Topic
Not sure what to search for? Browse frequently asked questions by topic to find answers related to choosing, evaluating, and paying for an online master’s degree.
Admissions & Application Process — Explore questions about applying to master’s programs, admission requirements, prerequisites, and the application process.
Cost, Financial Aid & Loans — Find answers about graduate-school costs, financial aid, student loans, scholarships, and ways to pay for a master’s degree.
Master’s Degrees & Fields of Study — Explore questions about specific master’s degrees, academic fields, specializations, curriculum, requirements, and degree-specific considerations.
Choosing & Comparing Master’s Programs — Explore questions about affordability, program length, admissions flexibility, rankings, and other factors students may consider when evaluating master’s programs.
GRE, GMAT & Test Requirements — Explore questions about GRE and GMAT requirements, test-optional programs, and graduate admissions testing.
Accreditation & Program Legitimacy — Understand accreditation, how to evaluate whether a program is legitimate, and what accreditation can mean when choosing a school.
Program Types & Formats — Find answers about online, hybrid, synchronous, asynchronous, self-paced, cohort-based, full-time, and part-time master’s programs.
Career Outcomes & ROI — Explore questions about salaries, career opportunities, employment outcomes, and the potential value of earning a master’s degree.
Admissions & Application Process
Admissions requirements can vary by university, degree, and program. Browse questions about eligibility, prerequisites, application requirements, prior education, GPA expectations, and the steps involved in applying to a master’s program.
Most online master’s applications follow a similar core path: confirm you meet the program’s basic eligibility (usually a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution), gather your transcripts and any required test scores, submit a personal statement or statement of purpose, secure letters of recommendation if requested, and complete the university’s application form by its deadline. Specific requirements vary by program and school.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Programs Admission Requirements
Core factors across most online master’s programs include undergraduate GPA, relevance of your bachelor’s degree or professional background, statement of purpose quality, strength of recommendation letters, and — where applicable — standardized test scores or professional experience.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Programs Admission Requirements
International applicants typically face the same requirements as domestic students, plus additional ones — most commonly English proficiency testing (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) and credential evaluation of foreign transcripts
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Programs Admission Requirements
It’s common and doesn’t have to derail your application — many programs offer bridge courses, let you complete prerequisites separately before enrolling, or accept relevant professional experience as a substitute. Contact the admissions office directly about your specific situation.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Programs Admission Requirements
Address it directly in your personal statement — name the specific circumstances (work, family, health, an early wrong-major choice) and pivot to what’s changed since then.
Read the full breakdown → Online Master’s Programs Accepting Low GPA
It means the university reviews and decides on applications continuously rather than by one fixed deadline, so you can apply and hear back at different points throughout the year.
Read the full breakdown → Online Master’s Programs With Rolling Admissions
A statement of purpose focuses on your motivation, goals, and fit for the specific program, while a personal statement is broader — more about who you are as a person beyond your academics.
Read the full breakdown → Statement of Purpose for Grad School
Cost, Financial Aid & Loans
The cost of a master’s degree can depend on tuition, program length, required credits, fees, and other expenses. Explore frequently asked questions about graduate-school costs, financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and other ways students may pay for a master’s degree.
How much does a master’s degree cost overall?
Typically between $30,000 and $120,000+ in total tuition, depending on institution type, field of study, and program format — roughly $30,000–$45,000 at public in-state universities, up to $120,000+ at private institutions. Online programs often run 10–30% less than on-campus equivalents.
Read the full breakdown → How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost
What are the cheapest master’s degrees to earn?
Degrees in education, social work, criminal justice, and library science at public in-state universities are consistently among the most affordable, often totaling $15,000–$30,000 in tuition. Competency-based programs can bring total tuition below $15,000.
Read the full breakdown → How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost
Are online master’s degrees cheaper than on-campus programs?
In most cases, yes — online programs often charge lower per-credit tuition and eliminate campus fees, housing, and commuting costs. Some private universities charge the same rate regardless of format, so it’s worth comparing total cost of attendance, not just tuition.
Read the full breakdown → How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost
Does FAFSA cover graduate school?
Yes. You list your preferred schools on the FAFSA form, even if you haven’t applied or been admitted yet.
Read the full breakdown → FAFSA for Graduate School
What types of aid are available through FAFSA?
Federal grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans.
Read the full breakdown → FAFSA for Graduate School
What’s the difference between federal and private student loans ?
Federal loans generally offer stronger borrower protections, income-driven repayment options, and potential loan forgiveness. Private loans can be useful but typically come with fewer of those protections.
Read the full breakdown → How Do Student Loans Work
Can I use employer tuition reimbursement for an online master’s degree?
Yes — most employer tuition reimbursement policies cover online programs as long as they’re from an accredited institution and meet the employer’s relevance and quality requirements.
Read the full breakdown → Employer Tuition Reimbursement for Graduate School
Is employer tuition reimbursement taxable?
The first $5,250 per calendar year is tax-free under IRS Section 127. Anything above that is treated as taxable income.
Read the full breakdown → Employer Tuition Reimbursement for Graduate School
Can you get a Pell Grant for graduate school?
No — Pell Grants are only available to undergraduate students.
Read the full breakdown → Grants for Graduate School
How do I find scholarships for graduate school?
Research online scholarship databases, your university’s financial aid office, professional organizations in your field, and government programs — look at merit-based, need-based, and field-specific options.
Read the full breakdown → Scholarships for a Master’s Degree
Master’s Degrees & Fields of Study
Master’s degrees can vary considerably by field, specialization, curriculum, and professional focus. Explore frequently asked questions about specific graduate degrees, fields of study, specializations, academic requirements, and other considerations that can help you understand different master’s degree options.
Is an MA easier than an MS?
No — this is one of the most persistent misconceptions about graduate degrees. MA and MS programs are rigorous in different ways; an MA often demands more independent research and writing depth, while an MS leans more quantitative.
Read the full breakdown → MA vs MS
Is an MBA the same as an MS in Business?
No. An MBA is a professional generalist degree covering broad management and leadership skills across business functions, while an MS in Business is typically a specialized, technical degree in one area, like finance or analytics.
Read the full breakdown → MA vs MS
Is a master’s degree higher than a Ph.D.?
No. A Ph.D. is the highest academic credential; a master’s sits between a bachelor’s and a doctorate. “Higher” doesn’t necessarily mean better for your specific career goals, though.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s vs PhD
Can you get a Ph.D. without a master’s degree?
Yes. Direct-entry Ph.D. programs are common in many disciplines and admit students straight from a bachelor’s degree, often awarding a master’s along the way after coursework and qualifying exams.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s vs PhD
What is a non-degree program?
An educational path that doesn’t lead to a degree or certificate — typically designed to provide specific knowledge or skills rather than fulfill a full program’s requirements.
Read the full breakdown → Matriculated vs. Non-Matriculated Student
What is the most versatile master’s degree?
The MBA is generally considered the most versatile — its general management, financial literacy, and strategic thinking skills apply across healthcare, technology, finance, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship.
Read the full breakdown → What Master’s Degree Should I Get
What master’s degrees are in the highest demand?
Based on current BLS projections and employer hiring trends, the highest-demand fields include nursing (especially nurse practitioner tracks), computer science and cybersecurity, data science and analytics, health administration, and education.
Read the full breakdown → What Master’s Degree Should I Get
What are the easiest master’s programs to switch into from any bachelor’s degree?
Several flexible programs routinely accept applicants from varied academic backgrounds, including the MBA, MPA, MFA, and MSW.
Read the full breakdown → Can You Get a Master’s Degree With Any Bachelor’s Degree
Can you really get a master’s degree without a bachelor’s?
Yes, though it’s uncommon — some universities offer alternative admissions pathways that evaluate professional experience or academic readiness instead of requiring a bachelor’s degree.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Without Bachelors
Choosing & Comparing Master’s Programs
Choosing a master’s program can involve weighing cost, time to completion, admissions requirements, flexibility, and other priorities. Explore frequently asked questions about affordable, accelerated, one-year, no-GRE, and other types of master’s programs, along with factors that can help you evaluate and compare your options.
Do online master’s programs require the GRE?
No. Many universities now offer online master’s programs that don’t require GRE scores, particularly in professional and applied fields.
Read the full breakdown → Online Master’s Programs With No GRE
Are no-GRE programs less rigorous?
No. Removing the GRE requirement doesn’t reduce academic rigor — programs maintain the same curriculum, faculty, and accreditation standards.
Read the full breakdown → Online Master’s Programs With No GRE
Can you really complete a master’s degree in one year online?
Yes. Many universities offer accelerated graduate programs that can be completed in about 12 months, particularly in education, business, and communication.
Read the full breakdown → One-Year Online Master’s Programs
Are fast online master’s degrees respected by employers?
Yes — as long as the program is from an accredited institution. Employers focus on accreditation, not how quickly the program was completed; your diploma doesn’t indicate the pace.
Read the full breakdown → Fastest Online Master’s Degree
Are self-paced master’s degrees legitimate?
Yes. Many accredited universities offer self-paced or flexible online graduate programs that maintain the same academic standards as traditional degrees.
Read the full breakdown → Self-Paced Master’s Degrees
Are self-paced programs easier?
Not necessarily — they offer flexibility but still require students to meet the same graduate-level academic standards.
Read the full breakdown → Self-Paced Master’s Degrees
Is an accelerated MBA as respected as a traditional MBA?
Yes — the degree itself is identical. An MBA from the same institution carries the same accreditation and diploma regardless of whether it was completed in 12 months or 24.
Read the full breakdown → Best Accelerated Online MBA Programs
GRE, GMAT & Test Requirements
Testing requirements can vary by university and program. Explore frequently asked questions about GRE and GMAT requirements, test-optional admissions, score expectations, and when standardized test scores may be required as part of a master’s program application.
Are GRE scores still required for most online master’s programs?
The trend has shifted substantially toward test-optional policies. A growing majority of online MBA, education, social work, and public administration programs no longer require the GRE.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Programs Admission Requirements
Do some universities waive the GRE only for certain applicants?
Yes — some universities offer conditional GRE waivers for applicants who meet specific criteria, such as a strong undergraduate GPA, relevant professional experience, or prior graduate coursework.
Read the full breakdown → Online Master’s Programs With No GRE
Can work experience replace GRE scores?
Some programs evaluate professional experience as part of a holistic admissions review, especially in MBA and leadership programs.
Read the full breakdown → Online Master’s Programs With No GRE
Is the GMAT harder than the GRE?
Neither is objectively harder — difficulty depends on your individual strengths. The GMAT is often seen as tougher for Data Sufficiency and its no-calculator Quant section, while the GRE’s vocabulary demands can trip up other test-takers.
Read the full breakdown → GMAT vs GRE
Do online master’s programs accept the GMAT?
Online MBA and business master’s programs broadly accept the GMAT, and many prefer it — but outside of business, it’s rarely accepted.
Read the full breakdown → GMAT vs GRE
How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?
Both are valid for five years from the test date. If you tested more than five years ago, you’ll need to retake it if your target programs require a score.
Read the full breakdown → GMAT vs GRE
What is a good GRE score for graduate school?
It depends entirely on your target programs. The GRE is scored on a 130–170 scale for both Verbal and Quantitative sections; competitive scores for most graduate programs fall in the 155–165 range.
Read the full breakdown → GRE Topics
What is a good GMAT score?
It depends on the specific business schools you’re targeting — most test-takers score between 400 and 600, with an average around 556. Compare against your target programs’ typical admitted scores.
Read the full breakdown → GMAT Study Guide
Accreditation & Program Legitimacy
Accreditation can be an important consideration when evaluating a university or master’s program. Explore frequently asked questions about institutional and programmatic accreditation, how to check a school’s accreditation status, and what accreditation can mean for academic quality, financial aid, transfer credits, professional requirements, and employer recognition.
What is accreditation in higher education?
Accreditation is a review process used to evaluate whether a college or program meets recognized academic and institutional standards.
Read the full breakdown → Accreditation
Is regional or national accreditation better for an online master’s degree?
Regional (institutional) accreditation is better in almost all cases — it provides broader employer recognition, smoother credit transfer to other accredited institutions, and eligibility for professional licensure in regulated fields.
Read the full breakdown → Regional vs National Accreditation
Do online degree programs need to be accredited?
There’s no legal requirement, but attending an unaccredited program means you won’t qualify for federal financial aid, your degree may not be recognized by employers or licensing boards, and your credits likely won’t transfer.
Read the full breakdown → Regional vs National Accreditation
Is accreditation required for federal financial aid?
Yes. To qualify for federal financial aid — including Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and GI Bill benefits — a school must be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Read the full breakdown → Regional vs National Accreditation
What is programmatic accreditation and do I need it?
Programmatic (specialized) accreditation evaluates a specific academic program rather than the institution as a whole. You need it if your field requires it for professional licensure or certification.
Read the full breakdown → Regional vs National Accreditation
How do I check if a school’s accreditation is legitimate?
Search for the school in the U.S. Department of Education’s database (ope.ed.gov/dapip) or the CHEA database (chea.org/search-institutions) — both list accredited institutions and their recognized accrediting agencies.
Read the full breakdown → Regional vs National Accreditation
Does an accredited online master’s degree look different on a diploma than an on-campus degree?
No. At the vast majority of accredited universities, the diploma and transcripts for an online master’s degree are identical to those issued for on-campus completion.
Read the full breakdown → Accredited Online Master’s Programs
What if my program loses its accreditation while I’m enrolled?
This is rare but serious. Students already enrolled are usually allowed to complete their degree under a “teach-out” arrangement, though it can still affect degree recognition going forward.
Read the full breakdown → Accredited Online Master’s Programs
Do employers treat accredited online master’s degrees differently from traditional ones?
Employer perception has shifted substantially — most large employers now treat accredited online degrees the same as on-campus degrees, provided the institution holds regional accreditation.
Read the full breakdown → Accredited Online Master’s Programs
Program Types & Formats
Master’s programs can differ in how they are delivered, scheduled, and completed. Explore frequently asked questions about online and hybrid learning, full-time and part-time study, synchronous and asynchronous courses, self-paced and cohort-based programs, and other program formats that can affect the graduate-school experience.
Can you transfer from an online school to attend in person?
Yes, in most cases — it’s also possible when the school offers hybrid options. If you’re at an accredited institution, credits typically carry over when switching formats.
Read the full breakdown → Online vs. In-Person Classes
Is asynchronous learning better than synchronous?
It depends on your preferences and the program. Asynchronous learning offers flexibility and self-pacing, which tends to work better for students balancing work and other commitments; synchronous sessions offer more real-time interaction.
Read the full breakdown → Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning
What is the difference between asynchronous and self-paced?
Asynchronous means no live sessions, but most programs still run on fixed academic terms with weekly deadlines. Self-paced goes further — students control how quickly they move through material, sometimes finishing early or taking longer as needed.
Read the full breakdown → Asynchronous Online Master’s Programs
Can I complete an asynchronous master’s while working full-time?
Yes — this is the primary reason most students choose asynchronous programs. Without scheduled class times, you can complete coursework during evenings, weekends, or whatever window fits your work schedule.
Read the full breakdown → Asynchronous Online Master’s Programs
Do asynchronous programs have deadlines?
Almost always, yes. Most use weekly submission deadlines for assignments and exams within fixed-length terms — you choose when during the week to do the work, but you can’t skip the week entirely.
Read the full breakdown → Asynchronous Online Master’s Programs
Is a competency-based master’s harder than a traditional program?
Not inherently harder or easier — but different. Competency-based programs require you to demonstrate mastery at a defined standard for every unit, rather than passing with a low average across a term.
Read the full breakdown → Competency-Based Online Master’s Programs
How long do self-paced master’s programs take?
Most programs require 18–30 months, depending on pacing and credit requirements.
Read the full breakdown → Self-Paced Master’s Degrees
What is the difference between async and cohort online programs?
Asynchronous programs let you complete coursework on your own schedule with no required live sessions. Cohort-based programs move a fixed group of students through the curriculum together on a set schedule.
Read the full breakdown → Compare Programs
Can I switch from part-time to full-time enrollment?
At many programs, yes — some schools allow students to adjust their course load each term, effectively moving between part-time and full-time status.
Read the full breakdown → Online MBA Programs: Part-Time
Career Outcomes & ROI
Career and financial outcomes can vary considerably by degree, occupation, industry, experience, and location. Explore frequently asked questions about salaries, career opportunities, employment outlook, return on investment, and factors to consider when evaluating the potential career value of a master’s degree.
How much more do master’s degree holders earn?
On average, about 18% more than bachelor’s degree holders — roughly $240 more per week, or $12,500+ more per year, based on BLS median data. The premium varies widely by field.
Read the full breakdown → Is a Master’s Degree Worth It
Is a master’s degree worth it if my employer won’t pay for it?
It can be, but the math changes — without employer tuition support, program affordability and expected salary premium matter even more. Aim to keep total debt below your expected first-year salary increase.
Read the full breakdown → Is a Master’s Degree Worth It
What are alternatives to a master’s degree?
Depending on your field: professional certifications (PMP, CPA, AWS, Google), graduate certificates, coding bootcamps, industry-specific licenses, and focused professional training.
Read the full breakdown → Is a Master’s Degree Worth It
Which master’s degrees have the highest ROI?
Nursing (MSN/NP), computer science, engineering, and business (MBA) consistently rank among the highest ROI — strong salary premiums combined with high employer demand and, in some cases, licensure requirements.
Read the full breakdown → Is a Master’s Degree Worth It
What is the average employment rate for master’s degree holders compared to bachelor’s degree holders?
Master’s degree holders have a lower unemployment rate (approximately 2.0%) than bachelor’s degree holders (approximately 2.2%), per BLS data. That gap widens significantly in specific licensed fields.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Degrees With the Highest Employment Rates
Can a master’s degree hurt employment chances in some fields?
In rare cases, yes — in fields where a master’s is uncommon or unnecessary for entry-level roles, holding one can make candidates appear overqualified, leading to fewer callbacks.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Degrees With the Highest Employment Rates
How does licensure or certification affect employment rate?
Licensure is the single strongest predictor of employment rate for master’s degree holders — fields requiring it (nursing, PA, SLP, OT, social work, accounting/CPA) consistently show the highest employment rates.
Read the full breakdown → Master’s Degrees With the Highest Employment Rates
Is a fast-growing degree always a good investment?
No — growth rate tells you demand is expanding, but it doesn’t account for program cost, salary levels, saturation risk, or personal fit.
Read the full breakdown → Fastest Growing Master’s Degrees
What’s the difference between high-demand and fast-growing degrees?
“High demand” means a large volume of current job openings (nursing, education, business). “Fast-growing” means the rate of change is high — how quickly demand is expanding, regardless of current volume.
Read the full breakdown → Fastest Growing Master’s Degrees
Browse Dedicated FAQ Guides
Some questions are covered in greater depth through dedicated OMC FAQ guides. Browse these guides by topic when you want a more focused explanation of a particular graduate-school question.
Choosing a Master’s Degree
- Explore → Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?
- Explore → What Master’s Degree Should You Get?
- Explore → What’s a Master’s Degree?
- Explore → What Comes After a Master’s Degree?
- Explore → What Is a Terminal Degree?
- Explore → What Is the Difference Between Undergraduate and Graduate Study?
- Explore → Does Graduate Mean Master’s Student?
- Explore → Master’s or Masters?
Admissions & Getting Into a Master’s Program
Program Structure, Requirements & Time
Cost, Salary & Career Value
- Explore → How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost?
- Explore → What Is the Average Salary With a Master’s Degree?
- Explore → Is a Master’s Degree in Accounting Worth It?
- Explore → How to Get Promoted
Career & Education Requirements
- Explore → Do You Need a Master’s to Work in a Library?
- Explore → What Degree Do You Need to Be a Principal?
- Explore → What Is a Provost?
Continue Your Master’s Degree Research
Finding an answer may lead to another question about careers, academic fields, or how graduate-school options compare. Explore related OMC resources when you’re ready to continue your research.
Explore →Master’s Degree Resources
Browse guides and tools covering graduate education, financial planning, careers, admissions, and other aspects of earning a master’s degree.
Explore →Online Master’s Programs by Subject
Browse master’s fields and subject areas when you’re ready to explore academic options.
Explore → Online Master’s Degree Rankings
Compare ranked master’s programs based on factors such as affordability, program length, admissions requirements, and other priorities that may shape your decision.
Explore →Master’s Degree Career Resources
Explore career paths, occupations, salary information, and career outcomes associated with graduate education.
Compare →Compare Master’s Programs, Degrees & Universities
Browse side-by-side comparisons of universities, degrees, program types, and career paths.