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10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees for 2025

10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees for 2025

Several colleges and universities across the United States offer low-cost online master's degrees to help students affordably reach their career goals.

After earning a bachelor's degree, some students decide to continue their higher education to earn a master's degree. Having a master's degree can help you further your career and is even a requirement for licensure for some career paths.

Unfortunately, master's degrees are often expensive and don't always qualify for the same financial aid options that undergraduate degrees do. Despite this, there are several options for online master's degrees that aren't too pricey. Keep reading to discover the most affordable master's degree online in the U.S.

How Much Does a Master's Degree Cost?

The cost of a master's degree can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • The school you choose: Tuition rates can vary wildly between schools, with public schools often, but not always, having lower rates.
  • Your program: Many schools have different tuition rates for different majors. Education degrees are often the least expensive, while Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees often cost the most.
  • Credit requirements: Most master's degrees require around 30 credits, but some require up to 40. If you have already taken some graduate-level coursework, that will reduce the number of credits you need.
  • State of residency: Public universities often offer lower tuition rates to in-state residents.
  • Financial aid: The amount of aid you qualify for can have a significant impact on your tuition costs.

According to the Education Data Initiative (EDI), the average cost of a master's degree in the U.S. is $62,820. However, there are many high-quality but cheap online master's degrees for students looking to lower their costs.

Most Affordable Master's Degree Programs Online

Earning a master's degree doesn't have to put you into debt. Below, we've highlighted the most affordable master's degree online in the United States.

1. University of the People

The University of the People is a private, nonprofit online university based in Pasadena, CA. It offers three online master's degrees: an MBA, a Master of Science (MS) in information technology, and a Master of Education (MEd).

The university is unique because it does not charge for tuition. Instead, it charges a $60 application fee and an assessment fee of $350 per course for the MEd and $400 per course for the MBA and MS degrees. As a result, the MEd costs just $4,610 in total, while the other two degrees cost $4,860 in total.

Note that because the university does not charge tuition, students can not use FAFSA aid to pay their course fees. However, scholarships are available.

Average in-state tuition: Free

Average out-of-state tuition: Free

Financial aid: The University of the People offers institutional scholarships and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

2. Rogers State University

At Rogers State University, students can earn an MBA online. Several concentrations are available, including accounting, business analytics, healthcare management, and sport management.

RSU, a public university, is located in Claremore, OK. It charges a tuition rate of only $172 per credit hour to Oklahoma residents for a total of $6,192 for 36 credits. Note that this total does not include fees or other costs, like textbooks.

Average in-state tuition: $172 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $455 per credit

Financial aid: RSU offers institutional aid options. It also accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and private sources.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers online master's programs in fields like business, criminal justice, nursing, and sociology. FSU is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) in Fayetteville, NC.

North Carolina is home to a number of universities with affordable master's degrees, but Fayetteville State is the most affordable. Tuition here is just $191 per credit for in-state residents, with the exception of the MBA program, which is $224 per credit for residents.

Average in-state tuition: $191 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $805.75 per credit

Financial aid: FSU offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

Over a dozen graduate degrees are available online at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Some of the most affordable include:

  • MS in computer science: $195 per credit
  • MS in analytics: $297 per credit
  • MS in cybersecurity: $335 per credit
  • MS in management: $601 per credit

Georgia Tech, located in Atlanta, is a public research university. All other online master's degrees here, which are primarily in engineering fields, cost $1,138 per credit. Most programs do not charge an additional rate to out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $914.86 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $914.86 per credit

Financial aid: Georgia Tech accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional scholarships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University is a public HBCU in Winston-Salem, NC. It offers an online MBA as well as a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling and nursing online.

In-state residents pay a tuition rate of $215.11 per credit hour before additional fees and costs. Out-of-state residents pay significantly more, at a tuition rate of $800.37 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $215.11 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $800.37 per credit

Financial aid: WSSU accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional aid like scholarships and assistantships, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Augusta University

Students at Augusta University can find over two dozen master's degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice, education, kinesiology, and public health.

Augusta University, a public research institution, is located in Augusta, GA. It charges $236 per credit for most online graduate programs, with a few, like the MBA, having a slightly higher tuition rate.

Average in-state tuition: $236 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $236 per credit

Financial aid: Augusta University offers institutional aid programs. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University offers a handful of online degrees to graduate students. CU is a private religious institution in Fayette, MO.

Tuition varies by program, with education programs costing $275 per credit hour. Other options include an MS in math ($390 per credit), an MS in information technology management ($400 per credit, an MS in nursing ($400 per credit), and an MBA ($400 per credit).

Average in-state tuition: $347.14 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $347.14 per credit

Financial aid: CMU offers institutional scholarships and accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.

Accreditation: HLC

8. Cameron University

Five online master's degrees are available through Cameron University. Areas of study include behavioral science, business administration, education, and organizational leadership.

Cameron University, located in Lawton, OK, is a public institution. It charges Oklahoma residents $279 per credit for most online graduate programs; the exceptions are the MBA and MS in organizational leadership, which are $345 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $279 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $652 per credit

Financial aid: Cameron University accepts FAFSA and private student aid. It also offers institutional scholarships and aid programs.

Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research institution in Orlando, FL. It offers a variety of online master's degrees in fields like data science, educational leadership, engineering, and social work.

Tuition for most online graduate programs at UCF is $288.16 per credit for in-state students. However, there are a few exceptions, like the Master of Social Work (MSW) at $487.45 per credit and the Master of Science in healthcare informatics at $772.69 per credit. These special tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $288.16 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,073.31 per credit

Financial aid: UCF accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Northeastern State University

Through Northeastern State University, students will find a number of online master's degree programs. Areas of study include business administration, education, healthcare, and social sciences.

NSU, a public university, is based in Tahlequah, OK. Its graduate school charges an in-state tuition rate of $290.92 per credit for most programs and just $1 more per credit for out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $290.92 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $291.92 per credit

Financial aid: NSU offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the most affordable online master's degrees in the U.S., our methodology focused on:

  • Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
  • Affordability: We dug deep to find the lowest tuition options for students.
  • Program reputation and quality: Every program comes from an accredited public or nonprofit school, ensuring that students receive a quality education
  • Online offerings: Each institution offers several online learning options for students.

How To Make an Online Master's Degree Affordable

There are two primary ways you can make your master's degree more affordable: choose an affordable school and apply for financial aid.

Tuition rates vary by school. While the schools on this list are highly affordable, you may be able to find more affordable options in your home state, especially if you look at financial aid.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines eligibility for federal and state aid programs. While many of these programs don't cover grad programs, some do. You can also pursue financial aid through your school and through private scholarship programs.

Most In-Demand Online Master's Degrees

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most in-demand degrees are:

  • Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse practitioners are in high demand, with the BLS expecting a 40% growth by 2033. You can become a nurse practitioner through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
  • Master of Science in health sciences: An MS in health sciences can lead to careers like physician assistant, which are expected to see a 28% growth in the next decade.
  • Master of Science in computer science: The BLS predicts that jobs for computer and information research scientists will increase 26% over the next 10 years. An MS in computer science or a related field, like computer engineering or software development, can help you land this role.
  • Master of Science in counseling: An MS in counseling can lead to a career as a substance abuse, behavioral health, or mental health counselor. The BLS expects these jobs to grow 19% by 2033.
  • Master of Science in public health/Master of Public Health (MPH): With a master's degree in public health, you can pursue a career in epidemiology. The BLS expects jobs in epidemiology to increase by 19% over the next decade.

FAQs About Affordable Master's Degrees Online

Finding a master's degree that won't break your budget isn't always easy. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable master's degrees online to help you out.

Is an Online Master's Degree Worth It?

Most students pursue master's degrees to help them reach their career goals. This makes a master's degree worth it for many. Additionally, some career paths require a master's degree. For example, to be a nurse practitioner or licensed clinical counselor, you usually need at least a master's.

For many students, especially those who are working professionals or who have children to care for, online learning is far more convenient than learning in person. Most online courses are asynchronous, meaning that while you have due dates, you log on at the time that works best for you.

Are There Free Master's Degrees?

The closest there is to a free online master's degree is through the University of the People. The university does not charge tuition but rather charges a small fee per course. This makes it far less expensive than many other schools.

However, it is still possible to earn your master's degree for free with the right financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA and explore options through your school and private organizations to see what you qualify for.

What Is the Fastest Master's Degree To Get?

Most master's degrees take about two years of full-time study to earn. However, some schools offer accelerated options that take only a year. MBAs are a common type of degree offered in an accelerated format.

Some schools also offer accelerated bachelor's degree to master's degree programs. These allow you to start taking graduate courses during your bachelor's degree and then finish both programs in five years total.

Earn Your Master's Degree Online

Reach your career goals by exploring the cheap online master's degree featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid. You can use the list below to see affordable online master's degree programs that are available in your state.

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