25 Most Affordable Christian Colleges Catholic with Online Master’s Degrees

25. Assumption College

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website

Assumption College (AC, est. 1904) is affiliated with the Assumptionists and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. Founded by the Augustinians of the Assumption as a men’s college, it became coed in 1969. The college is recognized in three categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list: Regional Universities North; Best Value Schools; Best Undergraduate Teaching. Notable AC alumni include Brian Kelly, currently head coach of the football team at Notre Dame.

AC has four affordable online/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Arts in Health Advocacy (MAHA)
• MA in Rehabilitation Counseling (MARC; part-time only)
• MA in School Counseling (MASC) with two tracks: Guidance; School Social Work/ Adjustment Counseling
• Master of Business Administration with multiple tracks: Healthcare Management; Part-time MBA; CPA Accelerated Full-time or Part-time) – additional concentrations on-campus only

Program requirements range from 36 to 60 credits, with minimum timelines from 14 months to three years. In-person practicums are required for some programs, as may be a capstone. Several online graduate-level certificate programs are also available, and some of the above master’s can be combined with a bachelor’s for a dual-degree option with an expected five-year completion.

24. Thomas More College

Crestview Hills, Kentucky

Website

Thomas More College (TMC, est. 1921) is affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 50 degree programs in total. As of Oct 2018, the institution is officially known as Thomas More University (TMU). Originally founded as a women’s teachers college by Benedictine Sisters, the college became coed in 1945, with a history that includes location and name changes. While it incorporates Catholic Intellectual Tradition, students of all faiths are welcome. The university has recognition from Money Magazine (Best College Buys), PayScale ROI Report (#1 in state for return on investment) and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities South). Notable TMU alumni include NBA basketball players Rick Hughes and Larry Staverman.

TMC has four of the least expensive online/ blended/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Arts in Ethical Leadership (MAEL; 100% online; no GMAT)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT; blended) with two tracks: Traditional – Teaching Certification; Alternative Certification – Temporary Provisional Certificate Holders
• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 100% online; no GMAT if GPA >= 2.75)
• Master of Education (MEd; hybrid)

Program minimum timelines range from 18 to 24 months, and credit requirements are 33 and up. The MAT Traditional track includes a 15-week, unpaid, supervised teaching experience conducted during the day on weekdays.

23. University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Website

University of Scranton (Scranton, est. 1888) is affiliated with the Jesuits and offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally a men’s college, it started admitting female students in 1938. In addition to being recognized by The Economist and Brookings Institute for the positive impact on earnings for students graduating from the university, it has received rankings and accolades from several publishers, including: Barron’s; Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money); Princeton Review (Best Colleges, various other categories); Huffington Post (friendliest schools); U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities North; Best Undergraduate Teaching; Best Value Schools; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – excluding MBA). Notable Scranton alumni include journalist/ editor William Connolly (co-author of New York Times Style Guide) and actor/ Pulitzer-winning playwright Jason Miller (played Father Damien in The Exorcist, 1973).

Scranton has six of the cheapest online master’s programs, plus options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA; no GMAT) with eight concentrations: Accounting; Business Analytics; Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP); Finance; Healthcare Management; Human Resources; International Business; Operations Management
• Master of Accountancy (MAcc) with two tracks; accounting majors; 12-credit Bridge option for non-accounting majors
• Master of Health Administration (MHA) with two specializations: Health Informatics; Global Health
• Master of Science in Finance (MSF) – optional 3-day residency, during graduation week
• MS in Health Informatics (MSHI)
• MS in Human Resources Management (MHRM)

Program requirements range from 30 to 44 credits, and minimum timelines are as little as 12 months. A thesis, capstone project and/or in-person practicum/ field work may be required. Online dual degree options include the MBA-MHA, and several online graduate-level certificates are available.

22. Cabrini University

Radnor, Pennsylvania

Website

Cabrini University (Cabrini, est. 1957) is affiliated with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and offers cheap online  bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a women’s college, Cabrini became coed by 1982, but female students still outnumber male students roughly 2-to-1. The university ranked as a Best Value School in PayScale’s College ROI list, and in the Regional Universities North category of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list.

Cabrini has five affordable online/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Accounting (MAcc)
• Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MACCJ; requires undergrad attendance in or graduation from Cabrini)
• Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA)
• MEd in Educational Leadership (EL)
• Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS)

Program requirements range from 30 to 36 credits, with a minimum timeline of 12 to 24 months. A thesis, internship or other capstone may be required.

21. College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, Minnesota

Website

College of Saint Scholastica (CSS, est. 1912) is affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters and offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a women’s college, the college has been coed since 1969 but female students still outnumber males (roughly 70 to 30 percent). It’s academic offering is ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list in the following categories: Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Notable CSS alumni include the current and previous mayors of Duluth, Minnesota – Emily Larson and Don Ness, respectively.

CSS has five low-cost fully or partially online master’s programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Rural Healthcare (RH)
• Master of Education (MEd) with five optional concentrations: Certificate in Computer Science Education; Certificate in Culturally Responsive Practice; Educational Technology; Certificate in Literacy Instruction; Professional Studies (focus electives)
• Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics (MSADA)
• MS in Health Information Management (MSHIM)
• MS in Health Informatics (MSHI)
• MS in Project Management (MSPM)

Program requirements range from 33 to 40 credits, with minimum timelines of up to two years. Online courses are delivered in an accelerated 8-week format. Alternatively, nearly a dozen inexpensive online graduate-level certificate programs are also available.

20. Siena Heights University

Adrian, Michigan

Website

Siena Heights University (SHU, est. 1919) is affiliated with the Dominican Sisters and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – 50+ majors in total. Founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, it serves students at nearly a dozen locations in the state, including online, and integrates the Dominican tradition with its academic offering. Sienna’s academic offering has recognition from Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money 2018) and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans). Notable SHU alumni include U.S. House of Representatives member Darrell Issa.

SHU has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs, plus options:

• Master of Arts in Health Care Leadership (MAHCL)
• MA Higher Education Leadership (MAHEL)
• MA Organizational Leadership (MAOL)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with optional Specialization in Health Administration

Program requirements are a minimum of 36 credits and may include a thesis, project and/or an in-person practicum/ internship. The inexpensive online MBA degree does not require a BBA for admission.

19. Ohio Dominican University

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Ohio Dominican University (ODU, est. 1911) is affiliated with the Dominican Order and offers affordable online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – nearly 50 degree programs in total. Originally founded as a women’s college, it became coed in 1964 but still has a larger female student population (roughly 57% to 43%). Designated a Military Friendly School by Victory Media over multiple years, it also ranks in several categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list, including: Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs. Notable ODU alumni include YouTube fitness personality Meg Gallagher, aka Meg Squats.

ODU has six of the cheapest online master’s programs, plus options:

• Master of Arts in English (MAE)
• MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA-TESOL) with two tracks: with or without Multi-Age Licensure
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with six concentrations: Accounting; Data Analytics; Finance; Leadership; Risk Management; Sport Management
• Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
• MEd in Educational Leadership (EL)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)
• MS in Sport Management (MSSM)

NOTES: Program requirements range from 36 to 42 credits, and minimum timelines run from 16 to 24 months. Some programs may require completion of foundation courses if a student is lacking them. In-person requirements such as practicums/ internships are necessary for some of the above master’s degrees, as maybe a thesis and/or capstone project. The cheap online MEd degrees offer a range of add-on Endorsements and Licensures. See ODU site for details.

18. Bellarmine University

Louisville, Kentucky

Website

Bellarmine University (BU, est. 1950) is affiliated with the Roman Catholic and offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. The university is named after Saint Bellarmine, an Italian Jesuit Cardinal born in the 16th century. Bellarmine’s academic offering is recognized by several publishers of college review lists, including: Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU); Forbes Magazine; QS World University Rankings (QS); Washington Monthly; U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities South; Best Value Schools; Best Undergraduate Teaching). Notable Bellarmine alumni include Joseph Clayton, who has held CEO roles at Sirius Satellite Radio and DISH Network.

BU has three affordable, fully-online master’s degree programs, plus options:

• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with two emphasis areas: Literacy Specialist Endorsement, Grades P-12; Teacher Leadership, Grades P-12
• Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education Leadership and Social Justice (HELSJ)
• Master of Health Science (MHS) with two Tracks: Health Promotion and Social Change; Healthcare Leadership

Program requirements range from 30 to 36 credits, with minimum timelines of one to two years. GRE scores are not required for some programs. The inexpensive online MHS program offers additional tracks on-campus only.

17. Xavier University

Cincinnati, Ohio

Website

Xavier University (Xavier, est. 1831) is affiliated with the Jesuit and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a men’s college, it is one of the oldest Jesuit/ Catholic educational institutions in the country, officially accepting women in 1969. The university has recognition from Forbes Magazine (Top Colleges 2019), Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (100 Best Values in Private Colleges) and U.S. News & World Report, with the latter ranking them in multiple 2019 Best Colleges categories, including: Best Undergraduate Teaching; Most Innovative Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Master’s-level colleges Midwest. Notable alumni include former U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner, and co-founder of Adobe Systems, Charles Geschke.

Xavier has eight low-cost online/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd) in Coaching Education and Athlete Development (CEAD; has two residencies: 1-week professional development; final research presentation)
• MEd in Montessori Education (ME)
• MEd in Special Education (SE)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
• MS in Health Economics and Clinical Outcomes Research (MS-HECOR)
• MS in Nursing (MSN) with three tracks: General Studies; Forensics; Education
• MS Special Education (MSSE)

Of the above, Nursing and Criminal Justice (MSN/ MSCJ) can be combined as part of a dual-degree option. Program requirements range from 30 to 54 credits, with minimum timelines from 18 months to three years. A capstone, research project and/or in-person practicum/ clinical hours may be part of a program’s curriculum.

16. Marywood University

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Website

Marywood University (MU, est. 1915) is affiliated with the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including 30+ master’s programs alone. Originally founded as a women’s college, it is has been coed since 1989. U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges review list categories (2019) that the university appears in include: Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Value Schools; Regional Universities North. Notable Marywood alumni include MSNBC news presenter Colette Cassidy and author/ playwright Jean Kerr.

MU has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degrees, plus options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with three concentrations: Finance and Investment; General Management; Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA; full- or part-time) with six concentrations: General Public Administration; Nonprofit Management; Homeland Security and Disaster Management; Health Services Administration; Social Work; Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (MSHEA; fully online)
• MS in Criminal Justice (MSCJ; fully online)
• MS in Special Education (MSSE) with two Certification concentrations, each of which has several additional track option: PreK-8; 7-12

Program requirements range from 30 to 36 credits for graduation. Some programs have a choice of thesis, practicum or project/ internship. The MSSE may not yet offer all track options online. Marywood’s affordable Master of Social Work (MSW; 60 credits) is primarily online but also has both blended and hybrid courses in its curriculum, and has dual-master’s tracks. It’s Master of Science in School Leadership (MSSL; 36 credits) is “low-residency.”

15. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania

Website

Gwynedd Mercy University (GMU, est. 1948) is affiliated with the Religious Sisters of Mercy and offers affordable online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 40 programs in total. Originally founded as a women’s college, it is one of over a dozen educational institutions in the U.S. that were founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. Coed since 1973, the university serves students at this main campus, two satellite campuses, and online. The university ranks in the Regional Universities North category of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list. As well, it is in the top 15% of 4-year schools in the country for salary, according to College Scorecard (2019). Gwynedd has a bit of history related to pop culture icon James Bond (aka Agent 007). Novelist Ian Fleming – who wrote the original spy books that became the famous movies – loved birds and chose the fictional spy’s name after bird expert/ ornithologist/ author James Bond, who lived on family estate grounds owned by his father that later become part of the university’s campus.

GMU has six of the cheapest online master’s programs, plus options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with four concentrations: Health Care Administration; Strategic Management and Leadership; Transportation Leadership; International Business
• Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with Curriculum and Instruction (CI) Certification
• MSEd with two tracks: with Certification; without Certification (Master Teacher Program)
• MS in Special Education (MSSE) – Pre-K-8
• MS in Educational Administration (MSEA) with K-12 Principal Certification
• MS in Counseling (MSC; 30 credits) with three 30- to 33-credit concentrations: School Counseling; Clinical Mental Health; College Counseling and Student Affairs

Program requirements range from 30 to 63 credits, with minimum timelines of up to 22 months, and online course lengths of seven week. Education/ counseling degrees have in-person practicums, and some of the education/ teaching degrees require at least five years of relevant work experience. Additional concentrations may be available online for some of these programs. There are also a number of inexpensive online graduate-level certificate programs available.

14. Clarke University

Dubuque, Iowa

Website

Clarke University (Clarke, est. 1843) is affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a women’s college, it became coed in 1979. The university ranks in the categories of Best Value Schools and Regional Colleges Midwest, in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list. Notable faculty of Clarke include George R.R. Martin, who taught English and journalism, but who is best known for his “Game of Thrones” novels that inspired the hit TV series, which ended an 8-season run in 2019.

Clarke has four affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Education (MAE; for licensed teachers)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL)
• Master of Social Work (MSW; no GRE)

Program requirements mostly run from 32-36 credits, with 64 for the MSW with non-Advanced Standing. Minimum timelines are up to three years.

13. Rivier University

Nashua, New Hampshire

Website

Rivier University (Rivier, est. 1933) is affiliated with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 50 degree programs in total. Originally a women’s college, it became coed in 1991. The university is ranked in the Regional Universities North category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list.

Rivier has four low-cost online master’s programs, plus concentration options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with four Concentrations: Healthcare Administration; IT Management; Management; Marketing
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with three Concentrations: Nursing Education; Leadership in Health Systems Management; Family Nurse Practitioner
• MS in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS)

Program requirements range from 36 to 43 credits and minium timelines run from 12 months to five years. Typical online course lengths are seven weeks, with some 14-week courses. In-person, local practicums are required in some of these programs.

12. Newman University

Wichita, Kansas

Website

Newman University (Newman, est. 1933) is affiliated with the Adorers of the Blood of Christ and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degree programs. Now named for Cardinal Newman, it was originally a women’s college and became coed in 1965. It serves students at this main campus, several learning centers, and online. U.S. News & World Report recognizes the university’s academic offering in two categories of their 2019 Best Colleges review list: Regional Universities Midwest; est Online Graduate Education Programs. Notable Newman alumni include children’s book author Clare Vanderpool.

Newman has four inexpensive online master’s programs:

• Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
• Master of Arts in Theology
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with five concentrations: Business Analytics; Finance; Healthcare Administration; Leadership; Supply Chain Management
• Master of Science in Education (MSED) with three Emphasis options (excluding licensure options): ESOL Curriculum and Instruction; Reading Specialist Curriculum and Instruction; Building Leadership

Program requirements range from 30-36 credits, while typical completion timeline is 12-24 months. Some courses may utilize video conferencing technology. A thesis is required in some programs.

11. Salve Regina University

Newport, Rhode Island

Website

Salve Regina University (SRU, est. 1934) is affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a women’s college, it went coed in 1973. It has received accolades from Money magazine, Arbor Day Foundation (Tree Campus USA 2015), Architectural Digest (50 Most Beautiful Colleges) and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities North; Best Value Schools), amongst other publications. Notable alumni of Salve include musician Kristin Hersh of the band Throwing Muses and actor Mike Lombardi (Rescue Me).

SRU has six inexpensive, fully online master’s programs, plus concentration options:

• Master of Arts in Humanities (includes choice of elective courses or one of three 4-course concentration options: Humanitarian Assistance; Public Humanities; Religion, Peace and Justice
• Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
• Master of Business Administration (includes choice of two elective courses or one of five 3-course concentration options: Cybersecurity Issues in Business; Entrepreneurial Enterprise; Health Care Administration and Management; Nonprofit Management; Social Ventures
• Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security (MSAJHS; includes choice of four elective courses or one of three Concentrations: Cybersecurity and Intelligence; Digital Forensics; Leadership in Justice
• MS in Health Care Administration and Management (MSHCAM) with Cybersecurity concentration
• MS in Innovation and Strategic Management (MSISM)

Minimum program requirement is 36 credits. Students have between five to six years to complete these inexpensive online master’s degrees. Alternately, some dual-degree bachelor’s/ master’s options and 10 graduate certificate programs are also available entirely online.

10. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

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Saint Leo University (SLU, est. 1889) is affiliated with the Order of Saint Benedict and offers affordable online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. The first institution of its kind in the state, it serves students of all faiths at this main campus, nearly three dozen regional learning centers, and online. According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education, it ranks high for diversity in terms of numbers of bachelor’s degrees granted to minority students. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university in several categories of their 2019 Best Colleges review list, including: Regional Universities South; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Value Schools – South; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans; Best Online MBA Programs. Thanks to its history in being one of the first American institutions offering distance programs to military personnel, it has also received a number of accolades for its offering to military personnel and veterans, including being ranked as a Best for Vets: Colleges (2019, Military Times) and Military Friendly School Gold (top 10 2019-20, Victory Media). Notable SLU alumni include actor Lee Marvin and actor/ entertainer Desi Arnaz Sr (who was married to Lucille Ball and co-created the TV series I Love Lucy).

SLU has 13 of the cheapest online/ hybrid master’s degree programs, plus concentration/ track options:

• Master of Arts in Creative Writing (MACW)
• MA in Theology
• Master of Accounting (MAcc)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with multiple concentration: General; Accounting; Cybersecurity Management; Data Analytics; Health Care Management; Human Resource Management; Marketing; One-Year International and Experiential; Project Management; Social Media Marketing; Sport Business; Supply Chain Global Integration Management
• Master of Education (MEd) with concentrations: Educational Leadership; Exceptional Student Education; Reading; Instructional Leadership; Instructional Leadership and Reading
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice with specialization: General; Behavioral Studies Specialization; Corrections; Criminal Investigations; Critical Incident Management; Forensic Science; Legal Studies
• MS in Cybersecurity
• MS in Emergency and Disaster Management (MSEDM) with two concentrations: General; Fire Science Administration
• MS in Human Services Administration (MSHSA)
• MS in Instructional Design (MSID)
• MS in Psychology (MSPsy)
• MS in Software Engineering (MSSE)
• Master of Social Work (MSW) with two tracks: Advanced Standing Program – Full Time or Part Time; Two Year Program; Three Year Program

A master’s thesis may be required for some of these affordable online degree programs, or alternately some form of capstone experience. A recent program addition, the MPA is offered from a collaboration of SLU and Notre Dame de Namur University (also Catholic).

9. Wheeling Jesuit University

Wheeling, West Virginia

Website

Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU, est. 1987) that was affiliated with the Jesuits (until 2019) but is still a Roman Catholic institution. It offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over a dozen programs in total. The university enjoys recognition from Forbes Magazine, Princeton Review, Washington Monthly College Guide, and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities South; Best Value Schools; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs). Notable WJU alumni include basketballer Haywood Highsmith (Philadelphia 76ers) and country music artist Lionel Cartwright.

WJU has four affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree programs, plus options:

• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
• Master of Arts in Education Leadership (MEL) with two tracks: School and System Leadership; Instructional Leadership
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) with three tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner; Nursing Education Specialist; Nursing Administration

Program requirements range from 33 to 36 credits, with minimum timelines of at least 12 months. Some graduate-level online certificate programs are available as well. The MEL has some residency requirements, while the MSN has in-person practicum requirements. An MSN option for holders of a non-nursing bachelor’s degree is on-campus only.

8. Removed by editor

Mobile, Alabama

Website

Spring Hill College (SHC, est. 1830) is affiliated with the Jesuits and offers cheap online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. The college has a double milestone of being the state’s oldest college and the first catholic institution in the South. It is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in two categories of their 2019 Best Colleges review list: National Liberal Arts Colleges; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Notable SHC alumni include; Alexis Herman, who was the Secretary of Labor under U.S. President Clinton’s administration; Miller Hutchinson, credited with inventing the first electric hearing aid.

SHC has seven inexpensive online/ blended/ hybrid master’s degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with three focus options: Early Childhood Education; Secondary Education; Elementary Education
• MA in Theology
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – concentration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (other concentrations available on-campus only)
• Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) with six in-person weekend meetings
• Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with multiple tracks including dual-degree options: RN with BSN to MSN; RN with non-nursing bachelor’s to MSN; RN with diploma or associate’s degree in nursing to MSN
• Master of Theological Studies (MTS) with six in-person weekend meetings

Some of these programs have in-person meeting, clinical or internship requirements. Total credits required for degree completion range from 30 to 48 credits, and timeline can be up to three years (part-time programs). Online graduate-level certificate programs may be available for some of the same topics, and a primarily on-campus MLA (Master of Liberal Arts) degree is available with some online/ hybrid courses.

6. Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, Iowa

Website

Briar Cliff University (BCU, est. 1930) is affiliated with the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. The University was founded as a women’s college and has been officially coed since 1966. U.S. News & World Report recognized BCU’s academic offering in multiple categories of their 2019 Best Colleges review list, including: Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Colleges Midwest; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.

BCU has three low-cost online master’s degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Management (MAMgmt) with three concentrations: Human Resource Management, Leadership, Sports Management
• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Family Nurse Practitioner

All of these low cost degree programs have online coursework, but may have in-person clinical/ internship requirements. Some offer a choice between thesis or non-thesis tracks. Credit requirements range from 33 to 51 credits.

5. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Standish, Maine

Website

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC, est. 1912) is affiliated with the Religious Sisters of Mercy and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. The college was originally founded as a women’s college by the Sisters of Mercy but has been coed since 1970. Accolades/ rankings for the college include a Green Colleges designation from Princeton Review and Best Colleges category rankings from U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities North; Best Online Graduate Education Programs). Notable SJC alumni include Hulu CEO Randy Freer.

SJC has six of the most affordable online/ hybrid master’s degrees, plus options:

• Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• Master of Arts in Theology with multiple specialization/ track options: Advanced Diaconal Studies; Pastoral Theology; Sacred Theology; Master of Divinity – regular or Accelerated tracks
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with two tracks: Foundational MBA; Leadership MBA
• Master of Health Administration (MHA) with optional Catholic Health Leadership track
• Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with five specializations: Adult Education and Training; Catholic School Leadership; Health Care Educator; School Educator (K-12); School Leadership
• MS in Nursing (MSN) with four specializations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Nursing Administration (NA); Nursing Education (NE)

Program requirements range from 30 to 42 credits and may include in-person practicums. Some affordable online graduate-level certificate programs are available. Dual degree options include MSN/MBA and MSN/MHA.

4. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Winona, Minnesota

Website

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMU, est. 1912) is affiliated with the De La Salle Christian Brothers and offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a men’s college, it has been coed since 1969, after merging with a women’s college. The university has earned various “best colleges” recognition from the likes of Forbes magazine, Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities Midwest; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Value Schools), amongst others. Notable SMU alumni include former Nebraska governor Mike Johanns, also an U.S. Senator.

SMU has 15 low-cost online/ hybrid master’s programs plus options:

• Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL)
• MA in Health and Human Services Administration (MA-HHSA) with two Specializations: Human Services; Healthcare Administration
• MA in Human Resource Management (MAHRM)
• MA in International Development (MAID)
• MA in Organizational Leadership (MAOL)
• MA in Public Administration (MAPA) with two focus options: Government; Nonprofit
• MA in Special Education (MASE) with three tracks: Without Licensure; Additional Licensure; Initial Licensure
• Master of Business Administration with three Emphasis options: Data Analytics; Social Media Management and Marketing; Sustainability and Environmental Management
• Master of Education (MEd) in Learning Design and Technology (LDT)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Accountancy (MSAcc)
• MS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (MS-BIDA)
• MS in Cybersecurity (MSCyb)
• MS in Project Management (MSPM)
• Master of Social Work (MSW) with Advanced Standing track available for BSW degree holders

Program requirements range from 30 to 65 credits while minimum timeline is from 12-24 months, depending on available part- or full-time options. A capstone project may be required, as might in-person clinical/ internship hours.

3. Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Website

Viterbo University (Viterbo, est. 1890) takes third place amongst affordable online master’s programs offered by Catholic colleges. It is affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It was originally founded as a women’s religious teacher prep college by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and has been coed since 1970. The university ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list in the category of Regional Universities Midwest. Notable Viterbo alumni include Jackie Harvey, who is a columnist for the satire news site The Onion.

Viterbo has three of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs plus track options:

• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with two tracks: Generalist; nine tracks of Licensures and Certificates
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – concentration in Health Care Leadership (2×2.5 days on-campus)
• Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences (MSNS)

Program requirements range from 30 to 34 credits and may include a Capstone/ research project. Additional concentration/ track options for some master’s degrees may be available on campus only. Education licensures/ certificates are also available online separate from the MAEd program.

2. Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Cromwell, Connecticut

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Holy Apostles College and Seminary (Holy Apostles, est. 1956) is second in our list of Catholic colleges with lowest-cost online master’s degrees. It is affiliated with the Society of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs — nearly 20 academic programs in total. Originally founded as a men’s seminary, women have been admitted since 1972. The college is a member of the Cardinal Newman Society.

Holy Apostles has three affordable online master’s programs, plus concentration and track options:

• Master of Arts in Theology with eight concentrations: Apologetics; Bioethics with two tracks (NCBC Certification; non-NCBC); Church History; Dogmatic Theology; General Studies; Moral Theology; Sacred Scripture; Thomistic Studies
• MA in Philosophy (MAPhil) with five concentrations: Christian Wisdom; Ethics; General Studies; History of Philosophy; Systematic Philosophy
• MA in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) with six concentrations: Catechetical Ministry; General Studies; Marriage and Family Studies; Pastoral Counseling; Spiritual Direction; Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Each of these cheap online degrees typically requires 36 credits and has a Capstone requirement, which may include a comprehensive exam. While program timelines are roughly 16 months and up, students can take up to six years to complete an online master’s degree. Several online graduate certificates are also available.

1. Marian University

Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

Website

Marian University (MU, est. 1936) ranks in first place in our list of Catholic colleges offering affordable online master’s degrees. It is affiliated with the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes and offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a women’s college, it has been officially coed since 1970, yet women make up nearly 3/4 of the student population. While a Christian college serving students at multiple campuses or learning centers plus online, it is dedicated to diversity and welcomes students of all backgrounds, with inclusion initiatives in place. Its programs have earned it ranking spots in two of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list: Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs).

MU’s MPath program has seven of the cheapest online/ hybrid master’s degree programs, plus focus/ track options:

• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with License and two Focus options: Special Education; Teacher Education
• MAEd with two focus options: At Risk and Alternative Education; Educational Technology
• Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology (MSIOP)
• MS in Management (MSMgmt)
• MS in Professional Practice (PP) with Public Safety focus
• MS in Nursing with two Tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (hybrid); Nurse Educator
• MS in Thanatology

These affordable online master’s programs fall into three categories: Flexible (12 start dates/ year, with new courses every four weeks); 7-week Accelerated (six start dates); 15-week Semester (three start dates). Credit requirements for graduation range from 30 to 46 and may include a thesis or alternative. Minimum timelines range from 15-19 months. Some programs may require a brief visit to campus, and in-person internships/ practicums/ clinicals are a requirement in some of these programs.