For individuals aspiring to higher incomes and lower unemployment rates, the value of an online master’s degree program is increasingly evident. With weekly salaries for master’s degree holders averaging $1,574 and an impressively low 2.6% unemployment rate, earning an advanced degree is generally a wise investment.
Yet, knowing which online program is right for you can be challenging. After all, how can you ensure an affordable program is reputable? What qualities should you seek to determine a top-notch education that aligns with your budget? Which factors should you examine closely to make this decision?
In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the most affordable online graduate programs, offering a cost-effective gateway to lucrative career prospects.
We’ll also provide an insightful cost breakdown, dissect the factors influencing tuition rates, and detail various financing options, from out-of-pocket payments to federal loans and work-study opportunities. Plus, we’ll offer tips on selecting the right online master’s degree program to match your career aspirations and financial goals.
Cost Breakdown for an Online Master’s Degree Program
Earning your graduate degree online offers a unique advantage in that it can be completed remotely, anywhere in the world, and at your own pace.
This makes online education feasible for working professionals and those with other significant responsibilities — like raising a family or caretaking — but it does come with its own set of costs. These include the following:
- Tuition: Tuition fees for online master’s programs can vary significantly, but they are typically assessed per credit hour or term. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per credit, and the total program cost depends on the number of credits required for completion.
- Fees: In addition to tuition, online students may incur fees for various services such as tech support, academic resources, and library access. Sometimes, these fees can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost.
- Personal Technology: To participate effectively in an online program, students need a computer, hardware (often including a webcam and microphone), and reliable Wi-Fi. Costs will depend on the quality and specifications of the equipment you choose.
- Books and Learning Materials: Online students will need textbooks and course materials, which can vary in cost depending on the program’s requirements and whether digital or physical materials are preferred.
Budgeting for these components is essential when choosing an online master’s degree program. Still, it’s also important to remember where you’ll save money by earning your graduate degree in a virtual environment.
Online students often enjoy significant savings compared to their on-campus counterparts by avoiding commuting and housing expenses. This degree of flexibility enables many online students to maintain part- or full-time employment when pursuing their degrees, helping to balance the overall financial impact.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Master’s Degree Program
With an unemployment rate sitting at a mere 2.6% for graduate degree-holders, significantly lower than the national average for other education levels, pursuing your master’s degree online is a wise investment.
However, not all online master’s degree programs are priced the same, and certain factors can cause tuition prices to fluctuate. Here’s a breakdown of the critical factors that impact tuition rates for online institutions:
- Public vs. private institution: Public colleges and universities, often funded by state governments, typically offer the cheapest online master’s degree programs. These institutions receive subsidies, making education more accessible to in-state residents. In contrast, private online institutions are more expensive and rely heavily on tuition revenue.
- Nonprofit vs. for-profit: Nonprofit online institutions prioritize education over profit, resulting in more reasonable tuition rates. For-profit institutions often have higher tuition costs as they aim to generate revenue for shareholders.
- Student residency status: In-state residents usually benefit from significantly lower tuition rates at public institutions. Out-of-state and international online students pay higher rates, as they don’t contribute to the state’s tax base that supports the university.
- Student military status: Active-duty military personnel and veterans may receive tuition discounts, scholarships, or access to government-funded programs like the GI Bill, making education more affordable for this group of online learners.
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- Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
- 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
- All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
- Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
- Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded
Our Methodology
We ranked 256 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. using 17 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.
We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.
We scored schools based on the following metrics.
Student Outcomes:
- Graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Median earnings 10 years after graduation
- Pell Grant recipient graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Retention rate
- Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate
Affordability:
- Average in-state tuition rate and fees
- Median federal student loan debt
- Student loan default rate
- Percentage of students who take out loans
- Student Experience:
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Socioeconomic diversity
- Program’s coursework (excluding student orientations, field experiences and labs) is available 100% online
- Proportion of undergraduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning courses
Credibility:
- Fully accredited
- Nonprofit status
Application Process:
- Acceptance rate
- Uses Common App
We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.
Find our full list of methodologies here.
Most Affordable 50 Online Master’s Degree Programs
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How to Choose the Online College or University that’s Right for You
Step 1: Clarify what you want
Deciding to seek higher education is an excellent way to take your career to the next level or pivot to a new field, and the path to success starts with gaining clarity on several crucial factors before committing to an online master’s program.
First, determine your area of study. While this decision may be relatively straightforward for those planning to stay in their current field, it may require more thought from those seeking a new career. After all, a master’s degree in accounting will prepare you for a vastly different future than a master’s degree in psychology, computer science, criminal justice, or any other field.
Next, consider the program type: a traditional master’s degree program, executive program, or specialized track. Assess the program’s delivery format and schedule to ensure it fits your lifestyle. Addressing these vital components will prepare you for a more rewarding and tailored education journey.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Once you’ve clarified your educational goals, it’s time to research schools and programs that are well-equipped to help you achieve those objectives. First, check for institutional and programmatic accreditation to ensure you’re eligible for federal funding.
Then, consider the following questions to help guide your research:
- Does the online master’s program align with your career objectives?
- What is the curriculum structure, including core and elective courses?
- Is the faculty experienced in online teaching?
- Are there opportunities for networking and student support services?
- Are there hybrid programs available that allow online students to take some classes on campus?
- How affordable is the school compared to your other options?
You can gather this information by exploring school websites, attending virtual or in-person open houses, contacting program coordinators, speaking with current students, and examining program reviews and rankings.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Now that you have shortlisted your preferred online graduate programs, you can begin preparing for the application process. Ensure you meet all application requirements, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and a resume.
If your selected programs require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores, consider enrolling in a test prep program to improve your scores. A strong test score can boost your competitiveness as an applicant, and test prep programs for both the GRE and the GMAT can help get you there with test-taking strategies and structured study plans.
Step 4: Select your program
Two strategies exist when applying to online graduate schools: a focused approach that prioritizes one or two ideal schools and a broader approach that casts a wider net for increased acceptance chances. Each has its merits, depending on your priorities.
For those with multiple acceptance letters, deciding on which online master’s program you will attend requires thoughtful consideration. Now is an excellent time to revisit factors like program fit, faculty expertise, financial aid, and career prospects post-graduation. You can also seek insights from current students, attend program webinars, and evaluate each program’s curriculum and support services.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Paying for your online master’s degree can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Prioritize scholarships and grants, as they don’t require repayment and can significantly offset expenses. Federal loans should be your next choice due to their lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms compared to private loans. Additionally, explore work-study options, as these opportunities will help you secure employment while completing your online master’s program.
By strategically combining these financial resources, graduate students can make their educational investment more accessible and financially manageable.
How to Pay for an Online Master’s Degree
Out-of-pocket
For some online students, paying for their tuition out-of-pocket is a money-saving endeavor that can benefit them for years to come. Students can use their personal savings to avoid costly student loans with interest rates if available.
Many online master’s degree programs also provide flexible payment plans that allow students to break their total tuition into manageable installments, making higher education financially feasible.
Federal student loans
Federal student loans are another option to finance your online degree and are generally more favorable than private education loans. Federal loans offer flexible repayment terms and typically come with lower interest rates.
Graduate students commonly receive two types of loans after submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
While federal student loans provide accessible and cost-effective financing options, avoiding overborrowing and pursuing other financial aid is essential to avoid incurring significant debt.
Private education loans
While private education loans are an option to fund your education, they should generally be used as a last resort. These loans often come with high interest rates and inflexible repayment terms, making them a costly choice compared to federal loans or personal savings.
It’s advisable to exhaust all other financial aid options before considering private loans, as they can lead to significant debt burdens and financial strain after graduation.
Scholarships
Scholarships are an excellent option to offset the cost of your online education. Scholarships are often awarded for various reasons, including merit-based, need-based, and subject-specific opportunities. These opportunities are available from multiple sources, including universities, private organizations, and government entities.
Explore your chosen institution’s scholarship programs to find scholarships for your studies. The financial aid office of your graduate school can connect you with opportunities ideal for your background and needs.
Grants
You can also leverage grants as a source of financial aid for your education. Grants, like scholarships, do not require repayment but differ in their origin; grants are often government-funded, while scholarships come from various organizations and institutions.
Graduate students are not eligible for federal grants like the Pell Grant, as it’s predominantly awarded to undergraduates. However, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is available for qualifying graduate students and grants up to $4,000 annually. State-specific and institutional grants might also be an option, depending on your chosen online master’s program and location.
Work-study
Work-study programs can help graduate students fund their online education with part-time employment opportunities that align with their field of study. While work-study opportunities are often awarded based on financial need, graduate-level positions for online learners might involve virtual research, teaching assistantships, or administrative roles.
These programs allow students to gain practical experience and earn money to cover educational costs. Even better, work-study options for online graduate students are designed to be flexible, accommodating your study schedule while providing valuable skills and financial support.
Employer tuition assistance
Those currently employed can explore employer tuition assistance, a valuable benefit where employers partially or fully cover educational expenses. This support not only eases the financial burden but also supports career development.
To discover if your employer offers this benefit, contact your HR department. Some employers may require students to pursue degrees related to their current roles, while others have more flexible policies.
Applying for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process for graduate students involves a few key steps.
First, you must create an FSA ID and gather your financial documents, including tax returns and bank statements. Next, complete the FAFSA form online, providing personal and financial information. Then, specify the graduate schools you are planning to apply to. After submission, review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy.
The SAR will then be sent to your chosen schools to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans. Be sure to adhere to deadlines and keep your information up-to-date for a smooth financial aid process.
Learn more about the FAFSA
For those seeking a comprehensive resource on navigating the FAFSA, check out Intelligent.com’s Ultimate FAFSA Guide.
This guide offers invaluable insights into the types of funding available, a step-by-step how-to list for completing the form, and tips on handling questions related to family size and immigration status.
Student loan forgiveness and repayment
Amid ongoing debates and legislative efforts surrounding student loan forgiveness in the United States, current and prospective college students must consider their financial future responsibly. Making a well-informed plan for loan repayment is essential to ensure financial stability after graduation.
College counselor Dana Marvin emphasizes this significance: “First, take out what you need and nothing more.” She continues, “For example, if you’re eligible to take out a loan for $12,500 per year but only need $8,000, there’s no need to take out a loan for that extra funds. Remember, every dollar you take out in a loan will not only be paid back, but with interest!” While federal loans can be helpful, it’s essential to avoid overborrowing to set yourself up for financial success in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions: Affordable Online Master’s Degrees
What are the cheapest accredited online master’s programs in the U.S.?
According to our research, Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, is the most affordable private non-profit institution for master’s degrees, with per-credit tuition rates ranging from $295 to $485.
Among public universities, Texas A&M International University, based in Laredo, Texas, has the lowest in-state tuition rate, at $77 per credit hour. Meanwhile, the lowest out-of-state tuition rate for a public college can be found at Purdue University, based in West Lafayette, Indiana, where tuition for non-resident students starts at $450 per credit hour.
However, students should be mindful that several factors determine how much a master’s degree program costs overall. Because tuition is assessed on a per-credit basis, students must multiply their per-credit tuition rate by the total number of credits required by the program to determine the total cost of the program. A master’s program with a cheaper per-credit tuition rate but requires more credit hours may actually be more expensive than a program with a higher tuition rate with fewer total credits.
It’s also important to factor in financial aid when determining which program costs the least. Even if a program has a higher sticker price, gift aid like scholarships, grants, and fellowships can significantly reduce costs and make programs more affordable.
For the most accurate information about which online master’s degree program will be most affordable for you, contact the school’s financial aid office to speak to a financial aid counselor.
Can I get financial aid for low-cost online master’s programs?
To determine eligibility for most forms of financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use the information from this application to determine how much financial aid students can receive in the form of need-based scholarships, grants, work-study funding, assistantships, and federal student loans.
Students in low-cost online master’s programs can also apply for merit-based aid, such as scholarships for academic achievement, extracurricular activities or professional development or fellowships to support their academic endeavors or research.
Do cheap online master’s degrees provide career opportunities?
Earning an online master’s degree can help individuals prepare for career opportunities by deepening their level of expertise in their chosen field, learning new skills they can apply to advanced roles, or making them eligible for the professional credentials necessary for certain positions.
For example, to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), individuals must have a Master of Social Work (MSW). Once students complete this degree and obtain their social work license, they will have a wider range of opportunities for clinical social work jobs in hospitals, in-patient and outpatient treatment facilities, private practices, and more. Similarly, a master’s degree is required to advance from being a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner, or from a classroom teacher to a principal or school administrator.
What is the average cost of the cheapest online master’s degree?
The cost of an online master’s degree varies based on the total number of credits a program requires, the school’s status as a public or private institution, and whether a student is considered in-state or out-of-state at a public college.
Among the schools on our list, the average per-credit tuition rate at private non-profit colleges is $1041. Private colleges charge all students the same tuition rate, regardless of where they reside, because they don’t receive government funding to subsidize their operations.
Because public universities do use state taxpayer dollars to fund operations, they charge in-state students lower per-credit tuition rates. The average in-state tuition rate for the public colleges on our list is $510 per credit hour, while the average out-of-state tuition rate at these schools is $1018 per credit hour.
How long does it take to complete an affordable online master’s degree?
The time it takes to complete an online master’s degree depends on the total number of credits the program requires and the pace at which a student progresses through the program.
Most master’s degrees require between 36-60 total credits. Programs that require fewer credits can typically be completed in 1-2 academic years for full-time students, while those that require more credits usually take 2-3 years of full-time study. Enrolling in a master’s degree program on a part-time basis may mean students take additional time to complete their degree, as they are taking fewer credits each term.
Students who want to earn their master’s degree faster can explore accelerated degree programs, which condense credit loads into a shorter time frame.