While an online master’s degree is generally a good long-term investment, an increasingly competitive job market and rising tuition costs make finding an affordable online school with respected accreditation and a solid reputation is especially important. To help make the process simpler and easier, we put together a ranking of the best accredited online universities with the most affordable master’s degrees online.
This is more than a ranking of the cheapest online master’s degree programs. Online universities with the cheapest tuition are not always the most affordable options in the long run. The cheapest online master’s degree may not be worth anything at all if its not from an accredited online school that employers recognize and trust. That’s why for this ranking of the cheapest online universities for online master’s degrees we only considered accredited online colleges with a broad selection of online master’s degrees and a good reputation.
#1. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit, online college established by the governors of several western states. This unconventional institution measures student progress based on demonstrated competency rather than credit hours and is transforming the way online and adult education is done.
Online Master’s Programs
WGU offers more than 25 accredited, online master’s degrees, including numerous specializations in Science Education and Nursing. Tuition is set a a flat rate ranging from $2,890-3,250 per term, with students able to complete as many competency units during that time as they are able.
Accreditation
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Western Governors University<<<
#2. Sullivan University
Sullivan University is a private university founded in 1962 as a career college. Today Sullivan offers everything from associate’s to a doctorate of pharmacy, as well as some of the most affordable online master’s degrees around.
Online Master’s Programs
Sullivan University offers six accredited, online master’s degrees, as well as three MBA concentrations. Tuition runs from $283-375 per credit depending on the program.
Accreditation
Sullivan University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#3. Capella University
Capella University is a private university dedicated to reaching underserved adult student populations with affordable online degrees. Based in Minneapolis, Capella offers a number of accredited, online Master’s degree programs.
Online Master’s Programs
Capella University offers perhaps the largest number of online master’s degrees of the schools on our list, including the highly sought Master of Public Administration and MS in Nursing. Capella charges between $375 and $614 per credit hour for tuition, depending on the program.
Accreditation
Capella University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Capella University<<<
#4. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas. FHSU is the fourth-largest of the six Kansas Board of Regents universities, but the fastest-growing, with some of the most economical accredited online master’s degrees in America.
Online Master’s Programs
FHSU offers 11 fully online, accredited master’s degrees, including Nursing and Education. At only $241 per credit hour, it is among the most affordable online master’s degrees we could find.
Accreditation
Fort Hays State University Virtual College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Fort Hays State University<<<
#5. Baker College Online
Baker College is a private career college originally inspired by the automotive boom of the 1910s. Today Baker offers exceptionally affordable and respected online master’s degree programs.
Online Master’s Programs
Baker College offers a dozen accredited online master’s degrees, including programs in Information Systems and Business. At only $375 per credit hour, Bakers master’s degree programs are affordable and convenient.
Accreditation
Baker College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Baker College Online<<<
#6. Walden University
Walden University was founded in 1970 as progressive education experiment for working adults. Today Walden’s online Master’s programs provide affordable degrees while helping students work toward positive social change.
Online Master’s Programs
Walden University offers many degrees in fields such as Criminal Justice, Health and Nursing, and Public Policy and Nonprofit Management. Tuition ranges between $410 and $700 per credit hour depending on the program.
Accreditation
Walden University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Walden University<<<
#7. Kaplan University Online
Kaplan University is a private university system named for Stanley H. Kaplan, founder of Kaplan Test Prep. Kaplan includes 10 campuses and some of the most affordable online degree programs in the United States.
Online Master’s Programs
Kaplan University offers 20 accredited, online master’s degrees, most of them Master of Science in fields such as Accounting, Finance, and Criminal Justice. Tuition is an economical $441 per credit hour.
Accreditation
Kaplan University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Kaplan University<<<
#8. Liberty University Online
Liberty University has grown tremendously in its short existence into the largest private university in the nation. Founded in 1971 by Rev. Jerry Falwell, Liberty continues its commitment to conservative evangelical values and high quality educational opportunities.
Online Master’s Programs
Liberty Online offers more than 20 accredited, online master’s degrees, most with many specializations for added value. At $465 per credit hour, Liberty probably has most programs a student might be interested in, at an affordable rate.
Accreditation
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Liberty University Online<<<
#9. Saint Leo University Online
Saint Leo University operates as a highly-ranked liberal arts university, with a grounding in Benedictine education. The university is a leader in online learning and a top-ten military-friendly school with a reputation much larger than its small size.
Online Master’s Programs
Saint Leo University offers 18 accredited, online master’s degrees, including numerous specialized MBAs, at $470 per credit hour.
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Saint Leo University Online<<<
#10. Colorado State University-Global Campus
Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) is an independent, 100% online, fully accredited public campus in the Colorado State University System. CSU-Global is ranked #99 by U.S. News & World Report for “Best Online Graduate Business Degree Programs.”
Online Master’s Programs
Colorado State University-Global Campus offers several accredited online master’s degrees in management, criminal justice, healthcare, and more. CSU-Global charges $500 per credit hour, still a solid bargain for a respected master’s degree.
Accreditation
Colorado State University-Global Campus is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from CSU-Global Campus<<<