Best Online Master's Degree Programs

1. East Carolina University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7535	79%	66%	79%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

2. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11673	45%	82%	68%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

3. Texas A & M University-College Station

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10173	58%	82%	76%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

4. Florida International University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11106	58%	63%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

5. Ball State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9512	77%	67%	91%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

6. University of North Dakota

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12058	81%	61%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

7. Sam Houston State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8016	83%	54%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

8. Missouri State University-Springfield

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6250	88%	56%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18083	59%	85%	64%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

10. Saint Leo University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7296	72%	49%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

11. Webster University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13500	57%	58%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

12. University of Arizona

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13271	85%	65%	91%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

13. University of South Florida-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10428	48%	75%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

14. Western Kentucky University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12140	97%	48%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

15. Kansas State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11277	95%	65%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

16. University of South Carolina-Columbia

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14137	69%	77%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

17. University of Central Florida

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8872	44%	72%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

18. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8460	70%	65%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

19. University of Southern Mississippi

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8896	97%	49%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

20. Northern Arizona University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11121	85%	57%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

21. The University of Alabama

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10780	83%	71%	79%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

22. Mercy College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16806	82%	44%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

23. Central Michigan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$17150	70%	61%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

24. Texas A & M University-Commerce

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6578	43%	43%	91%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

25. Central Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11537	85%	58%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

26. Concordia University-Saint Paul

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8550	98%	51%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

27. Tiffin University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13000	69%	39%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

28. University of Missouri-Columbia

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10478	81%	71%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

29. Arkansas State University-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6422	80%	53%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

30. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8577	80%	70%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

31. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9686	82%	44%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

32. Kennesaw State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7334	75%	46%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

33. Emporia State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8577	85%	50%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

34. Troy University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8506	88%	47%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

35. Auburn University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11504	81%	79%	72%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

36. Old Dominion University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13128	89%	53%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

37. Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12871	81%	70%	79%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

38. Murray State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9114	82%	55%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

39. Georgia College & State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7314	80%	64%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

40. Purdue Global-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9992	60%	82%	65%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

41. Iowa State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10990	92%	74%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

42. Brenau University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13254	58%	46%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

43. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$15646	83%	71%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

44. Indiana State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7742	90%	41%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

45. Eastern Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12704	96%	54%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

46. South Dakota State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9217	90%	56%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

47. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7128	80%	46%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

48. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$19983	61%	84%	71%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

49. University of Arkansas

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8841	77%	66%	76%	No	Yes	AP Credits

50. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7381	85%	56%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

There are many different types of online master's degree programs available. These programs vary in the degree awarded, the subject area, specialty area, format, and more. For instance, there are differences between a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and other master's degrees. Even within a specific field, there are different degrees available, such as different types of master's degrees in business. There are also full-time and part-time programs, thesis and non-thesis programs, programs with available concentration areas, and more. Below we break down a few of the more common types of online master's programs available.

Master of Arts (MA)

Online MA degrees are widely available online in a range of subject areas, especially in the liberal arts, including subjects like education, the social sciences, and business. Although it may vary by subject, these degree programs may provide a broader, more well-rounded education that may include additional courses outside of, but related to, the specific subject area. These programs are usually less quantitative in nature, but still may provide students the option to complete a thesis or choose a non-thesis path, depending on the subject. Some of these degree programs may also offer additional concentration areas for students to further focus their studies. A few examples of available online MA degrees include those in areas like:

• English
• Education
• Management
• Executive leadership
• Clinical mental health counseling
• History
• Sociology

Master of Science (MS)

Online MS degree programs are typically more technical and quantitative in nature and are more commonly available in the sciences and other quantitative fields. These programs tend to be more specialized with subject-specific courses. In general, these programs may be likely to prepare or lead to a doctoral degree and may more commonly require a thesis or final project of some sort compared to an MA. However, there are still MS degree programs that offer thesis and/or non-thesis tracks. Students can also further focus their studies in some degree programs through different concentrations. Some examples of available online MS degrees include those in areas such as:

• Information technology
• Computer science
• Finance
• Engineering management
• Nursing
• Immunology
• Communication

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Online MBA degree programs are common and typically allow students to focus their studies in a particular area of business through concentrations. These online degree programs usually require core business-related courses and then additional concentration courses in a focused area. This broader approach to business may help give students more flexibility in career choices by giving them general business knowledge in addition to specialized knowledge. Graduates may take on more leadership- or management-related positions in their business to advance their careers. Online MBA programs may provide concentrations in areas like:

• Marketing
• Supply chain management
• Business analytics
• Accounting
• Project management
• International affairs
• Healthcare management

One of the main objectives of an online master's program is to be flexible for students. These online programs come in a range of formats to help meet students' individual needs and preferences. Therefore, the way that these programs work varies greatly by school, program, and subject area. In general, many of these online programs can be completed fully online. Some programs may offer part-time formats and/or provide synchronous and/or asynchronous courses for flexibility. There are also some online programs that allow students to complete their program in a cohort format to maximize peer interaction. Depending on the subject area, there are some online master's programs that may require a few in-person residencies to give students hands-on training and/or face-to-face interaction with faculty members. It is fairly common for online master's programs to provide various resources to online students, including technical support services and/or academic advising.

Determining whether to earn your master's degree or not can be a big decision. Students trying to weigh the importance of a master's degree and how it can help their career may want to conduct some research in their particular field of expertise. While it depends on the subject area, employer, location, and more, in general, graduates with their master's degree will make more money than their bachelor's degree counterparts. For example, according to PayScale.com, those with an MS degree had a median annual salary of $78,926, as of 2020, compared to those with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a median salary of $71,008.

Sometimes a master's degree may also be required or preferred in different subject areas. For instance, some states require that teachers earn a master's degree after securing a teaching position. Many business-related positions may also prefer applicants that have an MBA or other advanced degree. In general, the additional skills and knowledge gained in a master's degree program typically qualify students to move into more advanced positions that take on more responsibilities.

Online vs. On-Campus Master's Degrees

The biggest difference between online and on-campus master's degree programs is typically flexibility. Online programs are usually designed for working adults, so many offer courses in the evenings or other self-paced and asynchronous formats. In terms of difficulty and expectations for courses, these are usually the same whether online or on-campus. Employers also typically view online degrees as the very same as on-campus programs as long as they are accredited and from an established academic institution. Online students also usually have access to many of the same resources as on-campus students, such as library access, career assistance, writing centers, and more.

How to Choose an Online Master's Program

Finding the right online master's degree program for you can feel overwhelming. While some criteria vary based on the type of degree, in general, students can follow a few common steps to help narrow their search. Students may want to begin by determining the subject area they wish to study. Then, based on the subject, students may need to compare the differences between available degrees within the subject, such as an MS vs. an MBA. Some subjects may also need students to explore possible concentration areas. There are also some online programs that may have minimal on-campus requirements, so students should consider any in-person requirements and/or the location of the institution.

In addition to these program-specific criteria, students should examine the institution as a whole. Students need to check for accreditation, both at the institution- and program-level, as degrees from accredited schools are preferred. Most students also need to research the cost of a program and any available financial aid options that may be available. Finally, students should look for resources available to online students that meet their personal needs.

Online Master's School Accreditation

Students should always try to earn a degree from an accredited school and/or program. Accreditation is usually favorable with employers and also helps students qualify for financial aid and/or transfer credits more easily. Accreditation at the institution-level may be awarded from groups like the New England Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission, and indicates that schools have met academic standards for the various degree programs they offer.

Some master's degree programs may have additional program-level accreditation that is subject-specific. This means that the program has met academic standards specific to the subject area to better prepare students for careers in the field. For example, some online master's degree programs in the business field may be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

Requirements for Online Master's Programs

Requirements for online master's degree programs vary by program and school. In general, students in these programs may take some core courses along with some electives and/or concentration courses. As mentioned, some programs may conclude with a thesis, final project, capstone, or other culminating experience of some kind. Some online programs may have some hands-on experience requirements, such as fieldwork/clinical hours.

Admissions requirements for these online programs also vary by subject and school. Most online master's programs require students to hold a bachelor's degree and may have a minimum GPA requirement. Depending on the program, students may need to undergo an interview process and/or submit a range of documents with their application, such as official transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays/personal statements, resume, and more. Many programs also require entrance exam scores, such as the GRE or GMAT.

How Long to Get an Online Master's Degree?

The answer to how long does it take to get a master's degree varies greatly by the type of degree, as well as the formatting of the degree. Traditionally, master's degree programs are designed to be completed in about 2 years. Some online master's programs may take a little more or a little less time. For example, some online master's degrees may take up to 3 years to complete, while there are some online master's programs that can be completed in as little as 1 year.

Cost of Online Master's Degree Programs

The cost of an online master's degree program varies greatly. Tuition and fees may vary by school, program, residency status, and more. Although it varies by school, students may end up paying a little more for tuition for the convenience of an online master's but may save money in other areas, such as housing or transportation. It is also fairly common for students to pay more money at well-known, prestigious institutions than traditional public or private schools. Longer programs that require more credit hours, such as 40 credits vs. 30 credits, will also usually cost more money due to the extra credits.

When considering the price of an online master's program, students should be sure to check for any additional fees. This may include lab, library, or technology fees. Students may also need to buy books and/or other supplies. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid may also play a role in determining the overall cost of a program.

What you can do with an online master's degree varies greatly by the subject field. For example, what you can do with a master's in law is very different from what you can do with a master's in nursing or education. In general, earning a master's degree in one's field of choice helps advance one's career. Graduates with their master's are often qualified for more advanced leadership, technical, and/or administrative positions. A few examples of different positions that commonly require a master's degree include:

Job Title	Median Annual Salary (2019)*
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners	$115,800
Economists	$105,020
Instructional Coordinators	$66,290
Epidemiologists	$70,990
Mathematicians and Statisticians	$92,030
Occupational Therapists	$84,950
Political Scientists	$122,220
School and Career Counselors	$57,040
Anthropologists and Archeologists	$63,670

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Job Outlook for Online Master's Degree Graduates

The job outlook for those with a master's degree is generally positive as a master's degree typically provides students with more career options through career advancement and/or expertise in another area of study. However, the specific job outlook for different positions vary by industry, location, and other factors. Some examples of job outlooks for positions that usually require at least a master's degree include:

Job Title	Job Outlook (2019-2029)*
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners	45%
Economists	14%
Instructional Coordinators	6%
Epidemiologists	5%
Mathematicians and Statisticians	33%
Occupational Therapists	16%
Political Scientists	6%
School and Career Counselors	8%
Anthropologists and Archeologists	5%

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Paying for a graduate degree may be challenging, but there are several ways for students to earn additional help paying for school. Graduate students are not necessarily required, but should still begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps determine if they are eligible for any federal or state financial aid in the form of loans and/or grants. However, graduate students are no longer considered dependents and the form does not take into account a student's parents' income.

Outside of state and federal aid, students can also explore a wide range of work study or scholarship options. Work study opportunities, such as research or graduate assistant positions, are more common for students enrolled in on-campus programs. However, scholarships are widely available, do not need to be repaid, and are available for an array of reasons, including merit, financial need, special talents/interests, and more. These scholarships may be available from schools and/or subject-specific departments, professional organizations related to the degree subject, and other outside organizations. A couple of examples of scholarships available to online master's degree students include:

• School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Scholarships- Available to online Master of Education students at the University of San Diego, SOLES offers multiple scholarships for students to compete for.
• Master Your Future Scholarship- This scholarship program awards more than 20 master's students a year with a $2,500 award at Western Governors University.