Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees 2026
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 $95,680 compared to $80,236 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
California State University, Northridge — Best Online Graduate Programs for International Students
- Northridge, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Designed to Support International Students Through Fully Online Graduate Programs Without a Student Visa
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offers global access to 18 online master's degree programs. International students can enroll in CSUN's online graduate programs without needing to travel to the U.S. or get a visa. Popular graduate programs include engineering, communicative disorders, and assistive technology.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $813-$995
Out-of-State | $813-$995
Why Students Choose CSUN:
- Global Access: International students can earn a CSUN degree from anywhere, with no travel or visa required.
- Personal Support: A dedicated program team helps with admissions, registration, and course management from day one.
Know Before You Enroll:
- International students may be required to submit TOEFL/IETLS scores or proof of English proficiency.
- Each online graduate program follows a cohort format, so you’ll take classes and progress through the program with the same group of classmates.
- CSUN does not offer financial aid or scholarships to international students.
59%
$ 7,176
73%
$16,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,729
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida — Most Graduate Degree Offerings
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: 90+ Online Master's Degree Programs to Choose From
UF Online stands out for its extensive catalog of master's degree programs, with 96 in total. They span fields including agriculture, business, education, engineering, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Each of the 14 colleges offering online graduate degrees provides multiple options, offering a wide range of choices to suit your professional goals. UF Online also provides tuition waivers, scholarships, and grants to make a graduate degree more affordable.
Cost per Credit
In-State | $449-$1,208
Out-of-State | $449-$1,208
Why Students Choose UF Online:
- Large Selection: Choose from over 90 graduate degree programs in the arts, sciences, business, and more.
- Affordability Support: Tuition waivers, scholarships, and grants are available to support students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Tuition varies by program, and out-of-state students usually pay higher rates than in-state students.
- Some classes may be asynchronous (self-paced) or synchronous (live online), depending on the program.
59%
$10,770
98%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,311
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Top STEM Master's For Working Professionals
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers Many STEM Graduate Degrees Designed For Professionals Balancing Work With Tech Career Goals
Illinois Online offers 51 master's degrees designed around providing a work-life balance. More than 20 are in STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, and digital agriculture. Illinois Online's engineering graduate programs stand out for their specialization options and real-world focus, helping you strengthen leadership, management, and technical skills.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $363-$1,186
Out-of-State | $363-$1,186
Why Students Choose Illinois Online:
- Career-Focused Learning: Programs emphasize real-world applications to boost management, leadership, and technical skills.
- STEM Variety: Choose from over 20 online graduate programs in STEM.
- Flexible Pace: Complete your degree entirely online, with options to finish some graduate programs in as little as one year through full-time study.
Know Before You Enroll:
- The online engineering graduate programs are significantly more expensive than other graduate programs. They cost $1,186 per credit hour, compared to $538 for most others.
- Be prepared for a heavy workload if you plan to finish your degree in one year.
59%
$15,545
95%
$30,348
- Acceptance Rate
- 42%
- Students Enrolled
- 59,238
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Most Flexible Programs For Clinical, Lab, and Public Health Careers
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Provides Flexible Online Programs Built for Working Professionals in Business, Public Health, Lab Sciences, and More
UNC Online offers 15 online master’s degree programs across various fields, including business, health, data science, and public affairs. Designed for working professionals, these programs often emphasize flexible scheduling and study paces. Some of the most flexible include laboratory science, nursing, and public health, which offer part-time and full-time options.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $598
Out-of-State | $1,634
Why Students Choose UNC Online
- Flexible Learning: Choose part-time or full-time study options to fit your work schedule.
- Digital Campus: Access grades, assignments, and materials all in one place.
- Student Support: Get help from advisors, mentors, career services, and tech support.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Some programs are only offered full time, while others are offered both part time and full time.
- Some programs may include in-person or proctored online exams or require attendance for synchronous courses.
- The cost per credit hour may vary depending on your chosen program.
25%
$10,552
97%
$28,844
- Acceptance Rate
- 15%
- Students Enrolled
- 32,680
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Best Hispanic-Serving Online Grad Programs
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Hispanic-Serving Institution Offering Bilingual Support and Culturally Embedded Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers over 35 online graduate programs in flexible 8- and 16-week formats. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), UTRGV stands out for its focus on bilingual education and cultural inclusion. Programs like the M.Ed. in bilingual education, M.Ed. in reading and literacy, and the MA in Spanish translation and interpreting integrate Spanish-English fluency into the program.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444-$472
Out-of-State | $444-$472
Why Students Choose UTRGV:
- Bilingual Focus: UTRGV builds Spanish-English fluency and cultural understanding into several programs to help expand your career opportunities and bridge cultural gaps.
- Flexible Graduate Options: Choose from over 35 online graduate programs, offered in 8- and 16-week formats.
- Funding Opportunities: Apply for institutional scholarships, grants, and assistantships for graduate students, including awards of up to $2,000.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Only six online graduate programs are available in the traditional 16-week format.
- Accelerated eight-week programs typically take 10-12 months to complete.
67%
$ 6,948
81%
$14,499
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,881
- 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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