2019 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs

Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Midway University in Kentucky is a liberal arts college with 1,200 students currently enrolled. Midway's online classes are offered in accelerated eight-week semesters. Graduate students at Midway can choose from an online MEd, MBA, or MSN, each offering specialties including healthcare administration, sport management, and nursing education. Online master's programs can be completed in 30 to 48 credit hours and the cost per credit starts at $250.

University of Central Arkansas is a public research institution in Conway providing affordable online master's programs. UCA is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and offers 18 master's degrees in the fields of business, education, health and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. The flexible 8- or 16-week classes have regular assignments and deadlines, but students can work at their convenience to complete the coursework. Select master's programs at UCA qualify for a flat rate of $325 per credit hour, regardless of whether the student lives in-state.

Columbus State University in Georgia offers a number of online degrees from a wide range of disciplines. They offer many graduate programs including the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science with concentrations in Cybersecurity, Software Development, and Modeling and Simulation. Likewise, their Master of Science in Nursing offers concentrations in Leadership, Nurse Educator, and Informatics. Students who live outside of Georgia should visit the Program State Authorizations and Approvals page on the CSU website before enrolling to be sure the programs will meet the requirements of the state in which they reside. Tuition for Columbus State University's online master's programs starts at $329 per credit hour.

Fort Hays State University offers over 30 exclusively online master's programs and is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Their online graduate degrees include an MA in History, an MS in Counseling, an MS in Education, an MS in Nursing, and an MBA with several different specialties including finance, human resources, information systems, and marketing. Fort Hays State's virtual college offers a wealth of online support services including free tutoring and an online writing center. Online master's programs are highly affordable, with a cost per credit of only $287.75.

Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution in Cape Girardeau that is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and gives non-traditional students the opportunity to earn an online master's degree. Nearly half of the university's 27 master's programs focus on teaching and education, but other options include an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis, an MBA in Health Administration, and an MS in Technology Management. Asynchronous classes allow working adults to complete coursework around a busy schedule, studying whenever is convenient for them. Online graduate students pay $347.25 per credit hour regardless of residency.

The University of Central Missouri's online programs include 38 online master's programs and hundreds of online courses. Master of Science degrees are offered online in such disciplines as industrial management, kinesiology, occupational safety management, nutrition and more. There are also hybrid options, which allow students to gain hands-on instruction along with virtual courses. The professors who teach the online programs are the same faculty members who teach the on-campus programs. Tuition rates for online and hybrid graduate programs is $348.50 per credit hour.

Valdosta State University in Georgia offers affordable online master's programs in healthcare administration, public administration, special education, and library and information science. There are several services and tools available to distance students including eLearning workshops, online exam proctoring, and Blackboard Collaborate which allows students and faculty to communicate over web conferencing. Tuition for VSU's online master's programs is $293 per credit hour and most programs require 36 credit hours to complete.

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb is a public research institution offering students the chance to earn an online master's degree from the comfort of their own home. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and have 14 different online master's degree programs in fields such as nursing, education, and public health. Online students can utilize student resources like the writing center by booking an online session. NIU does not charge out-of-state tuition, so cost per credit hour is determined by program rather than residency. The instructional charges for graduate programs start at $357 per credit hour.

Columbia Southern University is a private online school with accreditation from the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. They offer several master's degree programs, most of which require 36 credit hours for completion. The Master of Business Administration degree has six areas of concentration, while the Master of Public Administration degree has two. Other master's degrees are offered in criminal justice administration, organizational leadership, public administration, and public health. Transfer students are encouraged to enroll and can apply up to 18 transfer credits towards their major. The LifePace Learning program allows working students to progress at their own pace and take between four and 18 weeks to complete each course.

Accredited and affordable, Missouri State University provides excellent service and support to long-distance students. Tuition is the same for resident and non-resident online students. Blended and fully online certificate and degree programs are available, including a wide selection of fully online master's degrees. These include an MS in Project Management, an MA in Communication, and several options in education. MSU offers distance students an array of services that include career counseling, student checklists, assistance with financial aid, and technical support.

University of North Alabama offers online degrees to self-motivated, independent students who want to pursue a distance education. They utilize the Quality Matters (QM) quality assurance program to assist staff and faculty with providing these students with the best possible curriculum and classes. Graduate programs include a number of different master's degrees, such as family studies, nursing, and criminal justice. The Master of Professional Studies is 33 to 36 credit hours in length, with thesis and non-thesis options. Free advising, academic planning, and online registration help distance students with the enrollment process. The cost per credit for graduate programs is $326.

With over 140 programs in its catalog, Southern Utah University offers a wide range of degrees in traditional and online formats. SUU Online offers master's degrees in interdisciplinary studies, music technology, cyber security & information assurance, and more. Its 100% online Master of Sports Conditioning and Performance degree has three annual application deadlines and allows students up to six years for completion, while its Master of Accountancy program offers tuition waivers to a select number of qualified students each year. SUU faculty and staff are offered design, technical and institutional support during the online class creation process.

University of the Cumberlands offers over 30 different degree programs, 20 of which are fully online master's degrees. These include a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Arts in Christian Studies, and a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance. The Master of Business Administration program can be completed in as little as 18 months with its eight-week "bi-term" courses. Online classes are offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats, allowing each student the flexibility to complete coursework around their work or family schedule. UC faculty and staff work hard to ensure that each of their online classes meets the high academic and professional standards set by their 125-year-old institution.

With low tuition and over 80% of its students receiving financial assistance, Jacksonville State University is an excellent choice for discerning students. The school offers many different online master's degree programs, ranging in subjects from computer science and sport management to nursing and public administration. Many of the degrees are internationally accredited, and some offer a choice of concentrations to choose from. Distance students receive support in the form of tutoring, tech help, and a guide for online students.

Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in 1993, Aspen University has decades of experience successfully teaching distance students. All four of Aspen's schools -- the School of Nursing, the School of Business and Technology, the School of Education, and the School of Professional Studies -- offer online master's degrees. The Master of Science in Nursing has several focus areas to choose from, as well as an RN to MSN bridge program. The Master of Business Administration, Master in Education and Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs also offer multiple specializations. With a generous refund policy and an optional monthly payment plan, Aspen University provides extra ease and value to its online programs.

Delta State University is a public institution based in Cleveland, Mississippi, but their distance education programs give students from outside the area the opportunity to earn a master's degree online. The school offers 20 different master's degrees in the fields of business, science, education, nursing, and more. DSU is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and partners with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements to authorize degrees for out-of-state students. With no out-of-state fees, Delta State's master's programs cost $393 per credit hour for part-time students.

The University of Alabama's Bama By Distance program offers students the chance to earn a master's degree online from this renowned public research university. Students can choose from 33 fully online master's programs in communication and information sciences, education, engineering, and nursing. The school's accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and they work with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement to ensure out-of-state students degrees are authorized in their state. Graduate tuition for online students is $394 per credit hour, the equivalent of in-state tuition for on-campus students.

Concordia University - Saint Paul is a Christian liberal arts college with a diverse online learning community. Their online master's programs offer students a flexible opportunity to earn an advanced degree from an affordable private college that is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. They offer 18 different master's degrees, including an MA in Special Education, an MA in Human Resources Management, and an MS in Information Technology Management. Across all programs, CSP focuses on helping students gain real-life skills that will make them competitive in the job market. The cost per graduate credit hour for their master's programs starts at $395.

University of North Dakota is a regionally accredited college with over 225 academic programs in its catalog. Its distance education department dates back to 1911, when it offered correspondence-by-mail courses. Now, it offers 68 online degree programs, including master's degrees in disciplines as diverse as social work, aviation, and public health. Master's programs take between two and four years to complete, with credit requirements varying between 30 and 40+ credits. Many have thesis and non-thesis options.

Founded in 1967, military-friendly Auburn University at Montgomery provides distance students with a range of academic services. These include use of the Blackboard online platform for all web-based courses, online proctoring that allows distance students to take exams from within their own homes, and downloadable AUM phone apps. AUM Online offers master's degrees from five different campus colleges. These include a Master of Teaching Writing, a Master of Business Administration, a traditional Master's in Childhood Education, a Master of Science in Nursing, and numerous other graduate programs. Success tips and an online quiz help prospective students decide if an online education is right for them.

The University of North Carolina Greensboro is a public research institution offering 11 different online master's programs. These include an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, an MM in Music Education, and an MS in Nursing Administration. Instructors aim to use real-world content in their coursework, providing students with valuable insight and marketable skills in their chosen field. The school is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Cost per graduate credit hour starts at $511.66.

Grantham University in Kansas is known for their distance learning programs, which include 16 different master's degrees that can be earned fully online. Accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), GU offers master's programs in the fields of business, health, information technology, and nursing. Their eight-week courses have frequent start dates, which makes online learning even more flexible for their students. GU knows that many of their online students are working adults with family responsibilities, so they aim to provide focused support for their students, ensuring they achieve their academic goals. Cost per graduate credit hour is $325.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a four-year liberal arts college that offers a number of online master's degree programs. Students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS), or a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). Within the Master of Science programs, students can major in Curriculum and Instruction, Nursing, Special Education, Counseling, and Educational Leadership. Their MS in Special Education program is particularly diverse, offering five licensure options in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Physical/Health Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, and Emotional/Behavioral Disorder. Currently, their MS in Curriculum & Instruction has a 100% related job placement, making this program a great choice for students seeking reliable job placement after college.

The online master's programs offered at American Public University can be completed in 36 to 48 credit hours, which equates to about 12-15 classes. They are currently offering 37 master's programs, including Public Health, Legal Studies, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, and Entrepreneurship. Each program culminates with a capstone course, integrative practicum, thesis, or internship. American Public University also offers dual degree programs, which allow students the ability to earn two master's degrees in 60-69 credit hours, or 20-23 courses. The cost per credit is $350 and most degrees can be completed in two years.

Western Governors University offers master's degree programs from four colleges: Business, Teachers, Information Technology, and Health Professions. They offer students a variety of degrees, including a Master of Business Administration, an M.S. in Management and Leadership, and an M.S. in Data Analytics. Their master's degrees for already-licensed teachers have a number of specializations, including several middle-grades and secondary science and math programs, English language learning, special education, learning and technology, curriculum and instruction, and many more. For most programs, tuition is less than $8,000 per year. Most programs can be completed in two years and there are many scholarships available for qualified students.