Edited By Gabriel D.
Review & Contribution By Dr. Edmund Moyer
Many professionals seek to enhance their career opportunities through further education, often by pursuing a master’s degree. Online master’s programs offer the advantage of studying from home, and applicants can apply to schools across other states without incurring out-of-state fees. However, selecting the right program can be challenging. To make it easy for you, we have created a list of the Best Online Master’s Programs by considering various factors such as accreditation, tuition fees, financial aid, admission and program requirements, graduation rates, and more.
Table Of Contents
What Are the Best Online Master’s Programs?
Here is a list of the best online master’s programs:
Which universities offer the Best Online Master’s Programs?
Here is our list of the accredited universities that offer the best online master’s programs:
- Colorado State University
- Penn State World Campus
- University of Illinois Springfield
- Arizona State University
- University of Florida
- University of Nebraska
- Creighton University
- Sam Houston State University
- North Carolina State University
- Liberty University
- Lamar University
- Fort Hays State University
- University of Missouri
- University of Houston
- University of Massachusetts
- Central Michigan University
- University of Wisconsin
- Northeastern University
- Golden Gate University
- University of Alabama
Featured Online Master’s 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 Masters Programs
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®.
Universities that offer the Best Online Master’s Programs – Details
The best online master’s program details contain the name of the schools that offer various online master’s programs for 2025. We have considered several factors in determining which schools provide the best online master’s programs. We created a custom methodology that allocates points for each factor, both positive and negative. We considered hundreds of schools by getting the data from the Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System, and we applied our methodology on these schools’ data. Using the results of this methodology, we determined the rankings for each school in the list. Here are the program details of the top 20 best online master’s programs.
Colorado State University (CSU) is a regionally accredited university that offers a wide range of online master’s programs that are ranked top by various organizations. CSU offers online master’s programs in the areas of Agriculture, Arts and music, Communications, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Health and human Sciences, Natural Resources & Environment, Statistics, etc.
- In-State Average Tuition fees – $12351/year
- Application fee – $25
11. Lamar University
Factors that determine which programs are the Best Online Master’s Programs
When selecting a graduate program, several important factors should be considered to make an informed decision that aligns with personal and professional goals. Some factors to consider include accreditation, cost, entrance exam requirements, career prospects, personal circumstances, and program reputation.
Accreditation: Accreditation is crucial because it ensures that the program meets certain quality standards and may be required for professional licensure or certification. It is important to research the accrediting organization for each program to ensure that it is recognized and respected in the field of study. It is always advisable for students to read the Accreditation Guide before admission.
Cost: The average cost of a master’s degree can vary greatly depending on the program and the institution. Some programs may offer financial aid or scholarships to help offset the cost. It is important to research the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the program and to consider the potential return on investment in terms of future earning potential.
Entrance Exam Requirements: Some graduate programs require applicants to take standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. It is important to research the entrance exam requirements for each program and to prepare accordingly.
Career Prospects: Some graduate programs may lead to higher-paying careers than others. It is important to research the career prospects for the field of study and to consider how the program will prepare students for their desired career path. Several programs can lead to highly paid careers, including marketing, nursing, education, engineering, etc.
Program Flexibility: Personal circumstances such as a student’s schedule, work commitments, and career goals should also be considered when selecting a graduate program. Some programs may offer flexible scheduling or online options to accommodate students juggling work and school.
Program Reputation: The reputation of the program and institution should also be considered. It is important to research the program’s faculty, alumni, and reputation within the industry to ensure that it aligns with goals and values.
The MBA program is an example of a graduate program that encompasses many of these factors. MBA programs are typically accredited by organizations such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and may require the GMAT or GRE as an entrance exam. The cost of an MBA program can vary greatly depending on the institution, but many programs offer financial aid and scholarships. MBA programs are also known for leading to high-paying careers in finance, consulting, and management. Additionally, many MBA programs offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working professionals.
The Best Online Master’s Programs that provide the Best Career Prospects and Best Return on Investment
Online master’s programs are increasingly popular among professionals seeking to enhance their career opportunities and skills. Here are the Best Online Master’s Programs:
Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA program offers a broad range of business knowledge and skills, including finance, accounting, marketing, and management. It’s a versatile degree that can lead to various career paths, such as consulting, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership.
Master of Education (M.Ed.): This program is designed for educators seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in teaching and learning. It covers areas such as curriculum development, educational leadership, and technology integration and can lead to roles such as curriculum specialist, instructional designer, and school administrator.
Master of Science in Computer Science (MS in CS): An MS in CS program provides in-depth knowledge and skills in computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. It prepares graduates for roles such as software developer, data scientist, and IT consultant.
Master of Public Health (MPH): An MPH program that promotes health and prevents disease at the community and population level. It covers topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health and can lead to careers in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, and research institutions.
Master of Social Work (MSW): An MSW program prepares graduates for careers in social work, such as clinical practice, community organization, and policy advocacy. It covers areas such as human behavior, social justice, research methods, and practice skills.
degree by subject
Find Best Online Master’s Programs by Subject
FAQs about Best Online Master’s Programs
Q: What is a master’s degree?
A Master’s degree is a graduate-level program typically offered by accredited universities. Master’s programs expose students to an in-depth view of the chosen subject. A graduate can expect to have a deep understanding of the subject and qualify to apply for senior professional roles within that industry.
Q: Can I finish my master’s degree 100% online?
Q: How long will it take to finish an online master’s degree?
Q: Why Online Master’s Programs?
Q: How do I pay for an Online Master’s Program?
Q: How Do I Choose the Best Online Master’s Program?
Q. Is it easier to get into an online master’s program?
Additional Resources for Students Looking for Online Master’s Programs
As online education trends grow, it is essential to comprehend the various aspects of this learning mode. Online master’s students specifically need to be aware of the diverse factors that affect their education, such as the advantages of attending online colleges, the benefits of pursuing an online master’s degree, the distinctions between synchronous and asynchronous learning, and the pros and cons of online versus in-person learning. Moreover, students should also recognize the opportunities to earn monetary compensation through online classes.
- Online College Courses: Online courses provide flexibility and convenience, enabling students to learn at their own pace and schedule. These colleges are a great option for those who cannot attend a traditional college due to time, location, or financial constraints.
- Sync vs. Async Learning: Synchronous learning involves attending classes in real-time, while asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials and lectures at any time. Online master’s students must understand the difference between the two and choose a learning style that suits their needs.
- Online vs. in-person: Online learning offers several advantages over in-person learning, including flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. However, in-person learning provides hands-on experience, face-to-face interaction with professors and peers, and networking opportunities.
- Online colleges that pay you to attend: Online colleges that pay you to attend are a great option for students who want to earn money while pursuing their education. These colleges offer opportunities to complete surveys, participate in research studies, or provide feedback on products or services while learning. Students can earn extra cash and gain valuable experience while still having the flexibility and convenience of online learning.
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