Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees
Grad school is a major step for career growth, but it can be difficult to complete your studies while working full time. Online master’s programs offer flexibility, affordability, and access to top schools, letting you study from anywhere without relocating or pausing your career.
Additionally, a master’s degree can open doors to promotions and higher pay. The median annual salary for master’s holders is $105,860 compared to $88,770 for bachelor’s holders, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Explore this page for the best affordable online master’s programs, growing career fields, and tips on choosing the right degree.
Affordable Online Master’s Degrees
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UW educates about 54,000 students through campus and online programs. The school offers 14 online master's degrees. Most programs run fully online. Some programs offer part-time curriculums and evening classes. Students can earn a master's in 1-6 years, depending on the program.
UW offers online engineering programs in areas such as aerospace and mechanical engineering. UW's MS in civil engineering program offers concentrations in construction engineering and energy infrastructure. A master of pharmaceutical engineering provides advanced training in device design. Enrollees also study clinical drug development and new drug applications.
Learners can enroll part time in the master of sustainability transportation program. Other online master's degrees include library and information science and clinical informatics. Online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
19%
$17,004
94%
$30,477
- Acceptance Rate
 - 48%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 53,083
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UF offers dozens of online master's degrees. Most programs run asynchronously. Degree-seekers can pursue traditional master's degrees online, including business and education. The school also offers unique majors such as gerontology and sustainable design.
Enrollees can customize some master's programs with concentrations. The MS in pharmaceutical sciences offers 13 concentrations. Options include precision medicine and managed care pharmacy systems. The MA in mass communication offers eight concentrations. Options include social media and digital strategy. Educators seeking to advance their careers can earn a master in reading education or music education.
UF also offers online master's programs in sports management and veterinary forensic science. Some programs accept transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
57%
$10,770
97%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
 - 30%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 55,781
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Tampa-based USF enrolls about 11,000 graduate students. Learners can pursue several master's degrees online, including many in the education field. Options include gifted education and physical education.
Students interested in healthcare careers can pursue a master of public health with seven specializations. USF also offers an MS in health informatics and MS in medical sciences. Each offers a concentration. Degrees in behavioral and community sciences include an MA in gerontology and an MS in child and adolescent behavioral health.
USF's MS in pharmaceutical nanotechnology offers several concentrations, including biomedical engineering. Other online degrees include an MBA and MS in cybersecurity. Some online programs require on-campus internships or clinical experiences. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
66%
$ 8,350
90%
$19,048
- Acceptance Rate
 - 49%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 49,708
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UNC-Chapel Hill offers online master's degrees through several professional schools. Students complete most programs asynchronously in about two years.
Business students can choose an MBA or master of accounting. A master's in clinical laboratory science offers tracks in molecular diagnostic science and medical laboratory science. A master's in radiological science prepares students for national certification as a radiologist assistant. UNC-Chapel Hill also offers an MA in digital communication.
Online students can access research and public service opportunities. They receive one-on-one mentoring and close interactions with faculty. UNC-Chapel Hill offers several annual start dates. Students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Each professional school sets its own admission requirements. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. UNC-Chapel Hill offers GMAT/GRE waivers or exemptions.
29%
$10,552
96%
$28,844
- Acceptance Rate
 - 17%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 31,949
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UT Dallas offers online master's degrees focused on business and management. The online professional MBA (PMBA) offers 15 concentrations. The part-time PMBA offers a fully online curriculum. The PMBA FLEX allows learners to take virtual or on-campus courses. Learners can alternate as needed.
All MBA students complete 53 credits. Courses cover accounting, financial management, and strategic management. Students can customize the degree with elective courses or a concentration.
Enrollees can complete an MS in management science at their own pace. This degree combines business principles and technical coursework in areas such as cybersecurity and business analytics. UT Dallas also offers an MS in accounting and an MS in marketing.
Students can earn a master's in 18-24 months. Veterans and their dependents receive in-state tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a strong GPA. Applicants submit GMAT or GRE scores.
36%
$15,088
87%
$29,252
- Acceptance Rate
 - 85%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 31,570
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
FIU offers dozens of online master's degrees. Students can earn some degrees in less than a year. FIU offers most degrees fully online. Learners can major in areas such as business and criminal justice.
The 10-month master of accounting prepares students for the CPA exam. The program offers taxation and assurance tracks. The MS in engineering management offers several tracks, including enterprise systems. Educators can advanced their careers with master's degrees in music education and special education. Programs such as the executive MPA and Florida's first MS in internet of things offer a hybrid curriculum.
Online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Most programs don't require GRE or GMAT scores.
65%
$ 911
91%
$2,003
- Acceptance Rate
 - 64%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 55,687
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of California-Riverside
- Riverside, CA
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UC Riverside offers a master of engineering online for working engineers. Students can complete the degree entirely online in just 13 months. Learners can enroll part time. Enrollees study business and technical engineering competencies. They also develop advanced managerial and leadership skills.
The 36-credit degree offers seven concentrations. Options include bioengineering and data science. Learners complete four core courses, including engineering management. Students use elective credit for specialized courses in their concentration. A concentration in materials at the nanoscale explores the latest research in nanostructured materials. Students apply their knowledge to a design project.
Learners pay the same tuition regardless of residency. UC Riverside offers three start dates. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. Prospective students submit GRE or Fundamentals of Engineering scores.
84%
$11,700
87%
$26,802
- Acceptance Rate
 - 69%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 26,809
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UGA offers several online master's programs. Students can complete most degrees entirely online. Educators can advance their careers with the M.Ed. in educational psychology. The degree offers a specialization in applied cognition and development. Learners can also specialize in gifted and creative education. The M.Ed. in workforce education enrolls educators who want to teach career and technical education at public schools and technical colleges.
MFA enrollees can choose a concentration in screenwriting or narrative nonfiction. This program runs primarily online. However, enrollees must complete eight-day residencies at the beginning of each term. UGA offers other online programs, including an MS in financial planning.
Online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Applicants need a minimum 2.6-3.0 GPA. Most programs make GRE or MAT scores optional.
20%
$ 8,878
94%
$25,186
- Acceptance Rate
 - 43%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 40,607
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Atlanta, GA
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Georgia Tech enrolls about 40,000 students. The school offers 10 fully online and three hybrid master's degrees. The programs focus on STEM fields. Enrollees can complete the online master's degrees in 2-3 years. Engineering students can pursue fully online programs. Options include an MS in aerospace engineering and an MS in electrical and computer engineering.
Georgia Tech offers several professional master's degrees. Options include applied systems engineering and manufacturing leadership. These programs include asynchronous lectures and real-time web-conferencing. Students attend three week-long residencies at Georgia Tech's Atlanta campus. IT students receive advanced training in the MS in analytics, MS in cybersecurity, and MS in computer science.
Learners can complete the MS in operations research in 12-16 months. Enrollees study operations research methodology and best practices. Students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
62%
$14,064
98%
$29,140
- Acceptance Rate
 - 17%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 45,296
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
UW's graduate school offers 18 online master's degrees. Students can complete the programs in 2-4 years. Most degrees run asynchronously entirely online. Learners can choose programs such as an MS in applied biotechnology and an MS in nutrition.
UW offers several options for working engineers. The master's programs in civil and environmental engineering explore engineering solutions for environmental challenges. Enrollees develop communication, leadership, and project management skills. Engineers may also consider master's degrees in polymer engineering, manufacturing systems engineering, and power engineering.
An MS in pharmaceutical sciences focuses on psychoactive pharmaceutical investigation. Enrollees explore psychoactive drugs as therapeutics in clinical settings. The MS in educational psychology trains teachers how to apply analytics in educational settings. Some programs offer part-time enrollment for working professionals. All learners pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.
27%
$10,728
94%
$24,054
- Acceptance Rate
 - 49%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 49,886
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Louisiana Tech University
- Ruston, LA
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Established in 1894, Louisiana Tech enrolls 11,000 students. Learners can pursue online master's degrees in fields such as engineering and business. The online MS in engineering and technology management builds advanced skills in risk modeling analysis. Concentration options include management of technology and engineering management.
MBA students choose a hybrid or fully online option. Learners study financial management and marketing management. They also explore how to analyze accounting when making decisions. The master's in health informatics trains enrollees on healthcare compliance and consumer health informatics. Learners complete research for projects and independent studies.
Louisiana Tech's MA in English develops technical writing skills. Enrollees can focus on studying British and American literature. All online learners pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. Applicants need a minimum 2.5-3.2 GPA. Some programs require GRE or MAT scores.
28%
$ 5,416
81%
$10,147
- Acceptance Rate
 - 66%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 11,037
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Purdue runs a system of campuses throughout Indiana. The university's virtual college educates working professionals and nontraditional learners. Students can choose from several online master's degrees, including business and aeronautics. Purdue also offers hybrid programs.
Business students can earn an online MBA, an MS in finance, or an MS in accounting. Nurses can enroll in a dual program to earn a master's degree in nursing and an MBA in 2.5 years. Purdue offers several online master's degrees in engineering. Options include nuclear engineering and civil engineering. The MA in teaching prepares learners for teaching careers. However, the degree doesn't lead to licensure in every state.
Other online master's degrees include the MS in information technology and MS in cybersecurity management. In-state students pay a more affordable tuition rate. Purdue offers military tuition discounts. Multiple start dates give learners flexibility. Applicants need a minimum 3.0-3.25 GPA. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores.
47%
$ 9,718
91%
$28,520
- Acceptance Rate
 - 53%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 50,884
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Illinois offers about 60 online master's degrees. The school's business programs typically accept students with post-bachelor's work experience. The MS in management runs fully online. The program trains social workers with academic and practice experience.
Illinois' master of engineering offers majors in bioengineering and electrical and computer engineering. The MS in health informatics offers a course-only degree and a traditional research option. The research option qualifies enrollees to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator exam. Students interested in healthcare careers can also pursue a master's in veterinary science or a master of public health.
Another online option includes a master's in foundations of e-learning in higher education. Enrollees learn how to design and implement e-learning across organizations. Some programs require campus visits. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Other admission requirements vary by program. Illinois requires or recommends GRE or GMAT scores for some programs.
84%
$14,891
93%
$29,176
- Acceptance Rate
 - 45%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 57,006
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Boca Raton-based FAU enrolls 30,000 students in about 170 programs. Students can pursue online master's degrees in fields such as education and business. FAU Online offers fully online and hybrid programs. Students can complete an affordable master's degree online in 15-24 months.
FAU's master's in nursing program offers two concentrations. Learners choose from advanced holistic nursing or nursing administration and financial leadership. The school's master of health administration uses a cohort model. Learners can complete the program in 15 months.
Enrollees pursuing leadership roles can earn an MBA or master of educational leadership. FAU also offers many engineering programs online, including an MS in biomedical engineering. Online learners pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requirements vary. FAU waives GRE and GMAT scores for some programs.
65%
$ 5,467
81%
$16,695
- Acceptance Rate
 - 81%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 29,592
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
 - 4 year
 - Campus + Online
 - Accredited
 
Founded in 1851, FSU offers some online master's degrees. Coaches designed the MS in athletic coaching to give sports professionals research- and science-based expertise. Coaches learn best practices in areas such as sport psychology and physical education.
The U.S. Navy co-developed the MS in systems engineering. The course-only degree develops enrollees' technical skills and prepares them for licensure. Engineers study design considerations for systems engineering. Full-time students can earn the degree in 18 months. Part-time enrollees complete the degree at their own pace.
The master's in civil engineering runs fully online. Recent graduates and working engineers can apply. Students choose from a concentration in structural engineering or construction and infrastructure engineering. Learners can complete the degree in 3-4 semesters. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.
58%
$10,662
94%
$26,657
- Acceptance Rate
 - 25%
 
- Students Enrolled
 - 44,161
 
- Institution Type
 - Public
 
Price Check
Master’s degrees are costly, ranging from $9,000-$15,000 at public schools to $15,000-$46,000 at private ones in the 2021-2022 academic year — approximately $11,000-$53,000 in 2025 dollars. Choosing affordable programs or applying for scholarships, fellowships, and grants can reduce costs.
What Is a Master’s Degree and Who Should Earn One?
A master’s degree is an advanced credential that builds specialized knowledge in a chosen field, such as a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), or master of business administration (MBA), and typically follows a bachelor’s degree.
Earning a master’s can help deepen expertise, boost earning potential, and qualify for leadership roles. A master’s can be particularly advantageous if it leads to high-demand fields like nursing, computer science, and engineering.
Top Careers for Master’s Degree Graduates
A master’s degree can lead to a high-paying, in-demand career in a field like healthcare, technology, and business. Top roles with high demand and pay include computer and information research scientists and nurse practitioners.
Computer scientists are in demand due to the rapid growth in digital innovation and increasing reliance on digital infrastructure across all industries. For nurse practitioners, an aging population and shortages of primary care providers are driving demand.
| Job | Projected Growth, (2024-2034) | Annual Median Salary, May 2024 | 
|---|---|---|
| Computer and information research scientists | 29% | $140,910 | 
| Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary | 2% | $104,070 | 
| Healthcare social workers | 6% | $68,090 | 
| Instructional coordinators | 1% | $74,720 | 
| Nurse practitioners | 35% | $129,210 | 
| Operations research analysts | 21% | $91,920 | 
| Speech-language pathologists | 15% | $95,410 | 
| Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | 17% | $59,190 | 
How to Choose the Right Graduate Program for You
Choosing an online master’s program can feel overwhelming, but focusing on key factors like cost, program length, and class format can help you find one that fits your goals and budget.
Cost
Master’s degrees are a major investment, so weigh the price against potential returns like higher salaries and promotions. Keep in mind that public schools are typically more affordable than private ones.
Financial Aid
Scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance can lower the cost of a degree. Some schools and programs offer more aid than others, so look for one that fits your financial needs.
Program Length
The length of your program comes with tradeoffs. Full-time programs let you graduate faster (1-2 years) but require more time each week. Part-time programs offer flexibility for work or other commitments but take longer to finish (3-5 years).
Class Format
Online master’s programs use synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid formats. For the best results, pick one that fits your learning style and schedule.
Accreditation and Licensure
Accreditation ensures your program meets quality standards. If your field requires licensure, make sure the program fulfills those requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Programs
Grad school provides advanced education beyond a bachelor’s degree through academic and professional programs. The most common graduate degrees are master’s and doctorates, though some schools also offer graduate certificates and diplomas.
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