Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs

Arizona State University offers over 70 online master’s degree programs in behavioral health, science, journalism, computer science, criminal justice, MBA, and more. The strongest options for online master’s degrees are in education and engineering. To apply for online graduate programs, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is needed for one’s bachelor’s degree. The application process is online and costs $70. Financial aid is available for more than 80% of graduate students. Tuition for online graduate programs varies based on the specific master’s degree, with costs ranging from $12,376 to $34,290

Wilmington University has over 20 online master’s degree programs, covering fields like accounting, business administration, criminal justice, nursing, education, information technology, etc. The most extensive choices are in education, business, and nursing. To apply for a master’s degree program, a $35 fee and a completed application form online are needed. Requirements include providing transcripts and having an interview with an admissions specialist. Graduate tuition varies based on the program and location, ranging from $300 to $696 per credit hour. More than 90% of graduates felt well-prepared for the workplace.

UTPB, a state university within the University of Texas System, offers unique accelerated programs. They provide ten online master’s degree programs, seven delivered in seven-week sessions to speed up degree completion. The remaining master’s programs follow a 15-week semester format. Online master’s programs at UTPB cover accounting, business administration, education, kinesiology, English, public administration, and more. Admission typically requires submitting transcripts and GRE scores. Tuition costs range from $8,684 to $10,848 for residents, depending on whether they live on or off campus.

Lamar University offers over 20 online master’s degree programs, including eight business master’s degrees, two in criminal justice, three in nursing, and two in health sciences. The standout programs are business and education, each offering 11 degrees. In addition to the general state university admission requirements, each master’s program has specific criteria. For instance, education program applicants need a valid teaching certificate and two years of experience. Admissions are done online, with a $25 application fee. In-state students pay $10,586, while out-of-state students are charged $22,826.

Nelson University, established in 1927, is a private Christian institution in Waxahachie, Texas. It was formerly known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). Nelson University offers over 70 majors across three core colleges and provides associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside academic excellence. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Nelson University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA. The campus fosters a supportive, faith-based community, with caring Christian professors guiding students toward purposeful futures. The average tuition at Nelson is $8,280.

NC State University consistently offers affordable master’s degree programs with nearly 100 options. These cover various fields, from aerospace engineering to business administration, clinical education, and more. Their specialty lies in education, with 18 online education master’s degrees in various focus areas. These programs are available in 100% online formats or as hybrids, combining online and on-campus classes. To apply for an online master’s program, one pays a $70 application fee and applies online, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and GRE scores, for some programs. Tuition for North Carolina residents is $9,459 annually, while nonresidents pay $29,433.

Wayne State University has 17 online master’s degree programs with a mix of online and on-campus classes. The top online programs are education, business (MBA), and information technology. They also offer master’s degrees online in theater arts, library science, and dance. To apply, one pays a $50 fee and completes the application online. Admission requirements vary by program but generally include GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters. The College Career Center helps online graduate students with resumes, cover letters, and internships. Tuition is $33,180 for in-state students and $51,497 for out-of-state students.

Fort Hays State University Virtual College has 13 online master’s degree programs. Programs in counseling and music performance need some campus attendance. Most master’s degrees are based on online learning. Business studies offer the most options, with the MBA program providing 12 specializations, including finance, healthcare, marketing, management information systems, international business, and more. Other master’s degrees are in education, liberal studies, nursing, and professional studies. To apply, one pays a $40 fee, online application, transcripts, exam scores (if needed), and recommendation letters. Tuition is $319.45 per credit hour.

Southeast Missouri State University offers 27 online master’s degree programs. They excel in Education, with eight programs like teacher leadership, elementary education, information science, healthcare administration, and more. Additionally, there’s an online MBA with ten business specialties. A $30 fee is required for application. For education programs, a current teacher’s license, transcripts, and GRE scores are needed. Tuition varies, ranging from $364.70 to $657.70 per credit hour.

Midway University’s Graduate School offers online degrees in business administration (MBA), nursing  (MSN), and education (M.Ed.). Classes are in eight-week semesters, allowing for quicker degree completion. To apply, one can pay $40 online or with a paper application. Admission requirements vary by the program but generally don’t need GRE scores. They require official transcripts, proof of a bachelor’s degree, three recommendation letters, and a conference with a graduate adviser. Tuition varies from $849.33 to $950 per credit hour, depending on the specific online master’s degree.

Alabama State University offers highly-ranked online master’s degree programs. They lead in education with 14 specializations. Some programs require on-campus attendance, but most are entirely online. There are also online master’s degrees in business (with specializations like operations management and marketing), public health, information technology, and nursing. To apply, one pays a $65 fee and provides supporting documents like a resume, statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores (GRE, GMAT, or MAT), depending on the specific program. Tuition varies from $18,678 to $28,566 for graduate students.

Valdosta State University offers online programs leading to degrees like M.Ed., MS, MA, MAT, MBA, or MIIS. They have 28 online master’s degree programs, with 20 focusing on education. They also offer degrees in healthcare administration, information science, public administration, and library science. Online master’s students have access to support like degree counseling, digital research resources, and help with finding internships. To apply, one pays a $35 fee and applies online with official transcripts. Some programs require GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores. Tuition is $385 per credit hour.

Georgia Tech has been offering distance education since the 1940s. They provide over 100 online master’s degrees and specializations, with a strong reputation in engineering and mathematics, offering 37 online engineering master’s degree options. They also excel in business, computing, design, liberal arts, and sciences. To apply, prospective online graduate students pay a $75 fee and submit their application online with transcripts and three recommendation letters. Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores. The average graduate tuition is $20,625.

Wisconsin’s e-Campus offers 61 online master’s degree programs. They cover various areas like business, education, engineering, and more, leading to degrees like MS, MA, MBA, and others. Some programs are hybrid, combining online and on-campus learning. One pays a $50 fee and applies online or by mail. General admission requirements include having a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, with additional requirements set by each program. Tuition is $675 per credit hour for graduate students.

The University of Florida offers almost 80 master’s degree programs through distance learning. They specialize in engineering, agricultural and life sciences, pharmacy studies, allied health professions, and veterinary studies. Most programs are entirely online, but some that involve labs, fieldwork, or internships may require attendance. A $30 fee is paid for application, and each program has application requirements, including GRE, GMAT, or the Fundamentals of Engineering exam scores. Some College of the Arts programs don’t require GRE scores, so it is best to check with the relevant department for specifics. Graduate tuition is $15,769 annually.

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is known for its strong online master’s programs, often ranking among the nation’s best. They offer 29 online master’s degrees in education, criminal justice, communications, and more. One can apply with a $45 fee and submit the required documents, including transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.8, a resume, a statement of intent, writing samples, and recommendation letters. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores, while others don’t. Tuition and fees for graduate students are $8,666 for Texas residents and $16,010 for out-of-state students.

At UI Online, students can pursue one of 37 accredited master’s degrees. These online programs have the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts. Notable programs online include engineering and computer science, but UI Online also offers degrees in education, business administration, social work, library science, and information science. To apply for an online master’s program, a $70 fee and an online application are submitted—one should have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. While the GRE is not a general requirement, some online programs may request test scores. Other application materials include transcripts, a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, and a program essay. Graduate tuition ranges from $13,776 to $29,760 annually.

ECU offers a variety of online master’s programs, with 31 options in fields like arts, business administration, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing, public health, social work, and more. To apply, prospective graduate students can do so on the ECU website for a $75 non-refundable fee. Graduate tuition and fees range around $7,622- $20,771.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) provides various options with its 24 online master’s degrees. They have a long-standing tradition in agriculture education, dating back to their founding in 1890. OSU’s six graduate colleges offer degrees in agriculture, business (including an MBA), and engineering/information technology.To apply for an online master’s program at OSU costs $50, and applicants must have completed a bachelor’s or first professional degree and provide transcripts. Some programs may require GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores and up to four recommendation letters.Graduate tuition is $233.80 per credit hour.

Liberty University (LU) offers a wide range of 100% online master’s programs with affordable tuition. They have over 200 programs; the most popular ones include criminal justice, public health, education, and business administration. To apply for a master’s program at LU, one can do so online on their website with a non-refundable $50 fee. The graduate tuition fee varies depending on the program, ranging from $565 per hour for full-time students to $615 per hour for part-time students.