Compare Online Master’s Programs: Tuition, Format & GRE Requirements (2026)

Asynchronous means there are no required live sessions. Students access lectures, assignments, and coursework on their own schedule within weekly or monthly deadlines. Fully async programs are the most flexible option for working professionals and students in different time zones. 

A cohort-based program moves a fixed group of students through the curriculum together on a shared schedule. Most cohort programs include required live video sessions and have set start dates — typically once or twice per year. The structure provides stronger peer accountability and networking but less schedule flexibility than async programs.

Programmatic accreditation is field-specific recognition granted by a subject-area accrediting body — separate from a university’s regional accreditation. Examples include AACSB for business programs, CCNE and ACEN for nursing, CACREP for counseling, ABET for engineering and computer science, and CSWE for social work. Some employers and licensing boards require graduation from a programmatically accredited program. 

Regional accreditation is the foundational institutional credential that every legitimate U.S. university must hold. It is granted by one of seven regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education — including HLC, SACSCOC, MSCHE, and NECHE. A degree from a regionally accredited institution is recognized by other universities for transfer purposes and by employers as a legitimate credential. 

A GRE or GMAT waiver means the program does not require standardized test scores as part of the application. Some programs waive the requirement automatically. Others offer waivers based on professional experience, undergraduate GPA, or professional certifications. Programs listed as Optional in this tool consider applications with or without test scores — strong candidates often apply without them successfully. 

Rolling admissions means applications are reviewed and decisions are made continuously throughout the year, rather than at a single fixed deadline. Students can apply and receive a decision within weeks, and start dates are typically available every term or every 8 weeks. Rolling admissions programs are the most accessible option for students who want to start quickly without waiting for a fall or spring cohort.

Per-credit tuition means students pay a fixed rate for each credit hour they complete. Total program cost is calculated by multiplying the per-credit rate by the number of credits required to graduate. Most online master’s programs use this model. A program charging $500 per credit with a 36-credit requirement costs $18,000 in base tuition before fees.

Flat-rate tuition means students pay a fixed amount per term regardless of how many credits they take. This model is used by competency-based programs like Western Governors University and rewards students who can move quickly through material. A student completing more credits per term effectively pays less per credit than one moving at a slower pace.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill through which participating universities and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs jointly cover tuition costs that exceed the GI Bill’s standard cap. Eligible veterans may attend participating programs at little or no out-of-pocket tuition cost. Participation and funding amounts vary by institution — some cover full tuition, others cover a partial amount.

Transfer credits are graduate-level course credits earned at a previous institution that a new program accepts toward its degree requirements. Accepting transfer credits reduces the number of courses a student must complete, lowering both total cost and time to graduation. Most programs cap transfer credits at 6 to 12 hours. Credits are typically only accepted from regionally accredited institutions and must be relevant to the degree program.