25 Most Affordable Private Nonprofit Colleges with Online Master’s Degrees

This article is part of our AffordableSchools Guide to Online Master Degree Colleges series.

In this ranking, we focus specifically on affordable online master’s degree programs offered by private nonprofit colleges and universities.

Methodology

College data is obtained from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center, both maintained by the U.S. Dept of Education.

• Step 1: Query NCES for private nonprofit U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs.
• Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS, of colleges offering online master’s programs.
• Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
• Step 4: For each institution, add any mandatory graduate fees to the graduate in-state tuition (which is an average of all programs at a given institution), to determine approximate yearly tuition+fees cost.
• Step 5: Sort ascending by estimated in-state cost.
• Step 6: Manually verify that an institution actually has online/ hybrid master’s degree programs. Filter out colleges that have less than three such programs.

NOTES: Tuition is subject to change. Check a school’s site or with their admissions department for costs and other online degree details before applying. Colleges designated in NCES as a “women’s college” and that are private have not been included in this ranking. Please see our earlier list of the 20 Most Affordable Women’s Colleges with Online Master’s Degrees.

25. Thomas University

Thomasville, Georgia

Website

Thomas University (Thomas, est. 1950) offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 40 programs in total. Based north of Tallahassee, it was originally founded by a religious organization, which gave up control in 1976. It serves both traditional and adult students at this and satellite campuses (Georgia and Florida), plus online. The student-to-faculty ratio is a low 10:1, with average class size (across all study levels) being 12 students. Online classes are delivered using the Canvas platform.

Thomas has 11 affordable online/ hybrid master’s/ specialist degree programs, plus options:

• Educational Specialist (EdS) in Teacher Leadership (TL)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with two concentrations: Accounting; Human Resources
• Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• MEd in Middle Grades Language Arts (MGLA)
• MEd in Middle Grades Mathematics (MGM)
• MEd in Secondary English (SE)
• MEd in Secondary Mathematics (SM)
• MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
• MEd in Teacher Leadership (TL)
• Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (CRMHC)
• MS in Nursing (MSN) with two tracks: main, for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing; RN-MSN, for RNs with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing.

NOTES: Program requirements range from 36-60 credits for graduation. Some of these programs have online or primarily online courses and an in-person clinical/ practicum requirement. Hybrid programs follow a cohort model, and the MEd programs have synchronous online classes. The MSN program (both tracks) has an on-campus requirement of 1/2 day per month. Alternately, the MBA and MSN (either track) are offered together as a dual-degree option.

• In-state: $12,490 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $12,490 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 1,601
• #grads: 483
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

24. Claremont Lincoln University

Claremont, California

Website

Claremont Lincoln University (CLU, est. 2011) offers cheap online master’s level degree programs. While it was originally founded to provide a learning environment for all faiths, it is currently secular as of 2014, although its vision statement mentions living by the Golden Rule — a concept that is echoed across most religions. The interfaith aspect is incorporated into the academic programs. It currently offers affordable master’s degrees exclusively, and no GRE/ GMAT score is required for admission. While programs are online, CLU has two Weekend Gathering events per year where students and faculty can meet – “for an intentional time of networking, socializing, and collaborative learning.”

CLU has three of the cheapest online master’s programs with some concentration options:

• Master of Arts in Social Impact (MASI)
• MA Organizational Leadership (MAOL) with seven concentrations: Civic Engagement, Ethics, Human Resources, Healthcare, Higher Education, Professional Studies, Technology Management
• MA Peace and Social Justice (MAPSJ) with a concentration in Interfaith Action

Each of these low cost degree programs consists of 30 credits and requires completion of what CLU calls a Capstone Action Project (CAP) – a self-directed “change management program that [students] can use to facilitate positive change in any context.” A typical CAP incorporates mindfulness, dialogue and collaboration, relevant to the program in question, and after which the plan is implemented. Courses are delivered online through Canvas and are asynchronous, although some require collaboration online in small teams. Program timelines are a minimum of 15 months.

• In-state: $12,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $12,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 107
• #grads: 107
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

23. Brandman University

Irvine, California

Website

Brandman University (BU, est. 1958) is a member of the Chapman University System and offers affordable online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It serves both traditional and non-traditional students (average age: 36 years) at over two dozen locations in California and Washington state – including a number of military bases – plus online, offering both course-based and competency-based programs. In addition to enjoying Military-Friendly School status from G.I Jobs Magazine, and Best For Vets: Colleges by Military Times, it is also ranked in multiple categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list, including: Most Innovative Schools; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA.

BU has over 20 low-cost online/ hybrid master’s and specialist degree programs, plus multiple concentration/ focus/ track options:

• Educational Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology (SP) and Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (MAEP) with PPSP Credential
• EdS in School Psychology with three concentrations (Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, CTEL)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MA in Educational Leadership and Administration, PASC (MAELA)
• MA in Counseling and PPSC in School Counseling
• MA in Education (MAEd) in Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
• MAEd in Educational Administration (EA)
• MAEd in Educational Leadership (EL)
• MAEd in Instructional Technology, focus in Teaching the 21st Century Learner
• MAEd in Leadership, focus in ECE
• MAEd in Teaching and Learning
• MA in Organizational Leadership (MAOL)
• MA in Psychology (MAPsy) with four concentrations: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy and PCC, Professional Clinical Counseling
• MA in Special Education with five concentrations: Advanced Methodology, Autism, Behavior Analysis, Early Childhood Special Education, Teaching and Learning
• MA in Teaching (MAT), Elementary Education with 2042 Multiple Subject Credential
• MAT, Mild/ Moderate Credential
• MAT, Moderate/Severe Credential
• MAT, Preliminary Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential
• MAT, Preliminary Mild/ Moderate and Moderate/ Severe Credential
• MAT, Secondary Education with 2042 Single Subject Credential
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with 10 concentrations: Accounting, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, e-Business Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Administration, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing, Organizational Leadership
• MPA with two concentrations (Organizational Leadership, Public Administration)
• MS in Human Resources (MSHR)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

Programs require 30-69 credits for graduation. Those on the upper end of that range typically have multiple (in-person) practicum requirements.

• In-state: $11,880 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $11,880 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 7,812
• #grads: 4,135
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

22. Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts

Website

Endicott College (EC, est. 1939) offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 80 academic programs in total. Originally founded as a women’s college, it has been coed since 1994. Situated near Boston, the picturesque campus has accumulated stories of being haunted. The college ranks in several categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Coolleges review list, including: Best Colleges for Veterans; Most Innovative Schools; Regional Universities North; Regional Universities North; Best Value Schools; Best Undergraduate Teaching. Notable alumni for EC include Olympic figure skater Aimee Buchanan and MTV personality Susie Castillo.

EC has 13 inexpensive online master’s programs, plus concentration and/or track options:

• Master of Education (MEd) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA; 36 credits)
• MEd in Athletic Administration (AA; 39 credits)
• MEd in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (AABA; 39 credits)
• MEd in Higher Education Leadership (HEL; 36 credits)
• Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies (MS-HSS; )
• MS in Information Technology (MSIT; 36 credits)
• MEd in Integrative Learning (IL; 36 credits)
• MEd in International Education (IE; 36 credits)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 42 credits) with 14 Concentrations – a top-20 MBA program nationally
• MEd in Montessori Integrative Education (MIE; 36 credits)
• MS in Nursing – Nursing Administration (MSN-NA; 33 credits)
• MEd in Organizational Management (OM; 36 credits)
• MEd in Special Education and ABA (48 credits) with two tracks: Moderate Disabilities; Severe Disabilities

Of the above low cost programs, three offer a “5th year” (dual-degree track): MEd-ABA; MEd-AABA; MS-HSS. Some require no GRE or GMAT score for admission, and some offer a choice of fully online courses or a mix with in-person delivery. Program completion times vary. See school site for details.

• In-state: $11,835 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $11,835 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 4,795
• #grads: 1,451
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

21. Indiana Institute of Technology

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Website

Indiana Institute of Technology (IIT, est. 1930) offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. Originally founded as a for-profit men’s technical college, it changed status to non-profit in 1948 and had its first female graduate in 1958. It currently serves students online and 15 locations in Indiana and Kentucky. It ranks in four categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 edition of their Best Colleges college review list, including: Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA. Notable IIT alumni include Ronald Ostrowski, a aerospace engineer and designer on several Boeing aircraft, including the 747, 767 and 777, amongst others.

IIT has six affordable online master’s programs, plus concentration options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with five concentrations: Accounting; Health Care Management; Human Resources; Management; Marketing
• Master of Science in Engineering Management with two concentrations: general; Information Systems Management
• MS in Management (MSMgmt) with general and Information Systems concentrations
• MS in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)
• MS in Psychology (MSPsy)

The above affordable degree programs require 33-42 credits for completion, including projects or other capstone experiences. Several dual-degree options are available, both dual-master’s and bachelor’s/ master’s degree pairs.

• In-state: $11,556 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $11,556 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 7,871
• #grads: 798
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

20. National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

Website

National Louis University (NLU, est. 1886) offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – 60 degree programs in total. Original founded as a prep school for female kindergarten teachers, the university serves students at six locations in the Chicago area, one location in Florida, one in Poland, plus online. In recognition of the university’s diversity (51% visible minority students), U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) ranked it on their top 25 list of most diverse national universities (2013). For 2019, USNWR also ranked the university in the National Universities category of the Best Colleges review list. Washington Monthly has ranked them a Best Bang for the Buck – Midwest, while Money magazine found that its graduates were very positive about contributing to society (ranking in the top 10 nationally). Notable NLU alumni include documentarian/ political activist David Steiner and hip-hop artist Asheru.

NLU has 10 of the cheapest online master’s programs plus concentration options:

• Master of Arts in Psychology (MAPsy)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 39 credits) with four concentration options: general; Accounting; Entrepreneurship; Nonprofit Management
• Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Administration (34 credits; 21 months)
• MEd or Education Specialist (EdS) in Learning Sciences Education (LSE; 30-33 credits) with two Learning Technologies majors: for Coaches; for Teachers (the latter being the major for students taking the EdS program)
• MEd in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (TLA; 32 credits) with general or Teacher Leader Florida tracks
• MEd or EdS in Teacher Leadership (TL; 33 or 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development (MS-HRMD; 36 credits)
• MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MSIOP; 36 credits incl. capstone)
• Master of Health Services Administration (MHA; 36 credits)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)

For current education degree holders, there are several online Endorsement programs.

• In-state: $11,364 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $11,364 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 4,918
• #grads: 3,035
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

19. Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School

Lansing, Michigan

Website

Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School (WMU-Cooley, est. 1972) is affiliated with Western Michigan University and offers cheap online master’s and doctorate level degree programs. Note that while WMU is a public institution, WMU-Cooley (previously Thomas M. Cooley Law School) is a private law school with an official affiliation with WMU, with Cooley classes being offered at this main campus and some WMU campuses, plus online. Notable Cooley alumni include U.S. President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.

WMU-Cooley has four of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate Law and Finance (CLF)
• LLM in Homeland and National Security Law (HNSL)
• LLM in Intellectual Property Law (IPL)
• LLM in Tax Law (TL)

The courses for some of these affordable online degree programs have a requirement that students log-in synchronously during broadcast. Program requirements are 36 credits for graduation.

• In-state: $11,140 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $11,140 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 1,279
• #grads: 1,279
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

18. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, Maryland

Website

Capitol Technology University (CTU, est. 1927) offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It was originally founded as a radio engineering college and currently focuses on offering technology- and analysis-related programs in eight fields of study to students, both on-campus and online. Students range from 16-61 years of age, and over half of undergrads (60%) are from “traditionally underserved populations.” The university’s efforts have been recognized by the NSA/DHS, receiving a “Center of Academic Excellence” designation for info assurance/ cybersecurity programs. Deemed a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs, Capitol also ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list in the category of “Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate.”

CTU has 10 inexpensive online master’s programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with optional 2+2+1 triple-degree track
• Master of Science in Aviation (MSAv)
• MS in Aviation Cybersecurity (MSAC)
• MS in Computer Science (MSCS) with two focus areas: Data Science; Software Engineering
• MS in Critical Infrastructure (MSCI)
• MS in Cyber Analytics (MSCA)
• MS in Cybersecurity (MSCyb)
• MS in Engineering Technology (MSET)
• MS in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS) Policy and Risk Management (PRM)
• Technical MBA in Business Analytics and Data Science
• Technical MBA in Cybersecurity

Programs range from 30-39 credits. Culminating experiences might be fixed or a choice between a thesis, capstone project or internship.

• In-state: $11,070 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $11,070 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 736
• #grads: 305
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

17. Lasell College

Newton, Massachusetts

Website

Lasell College (LC, est. 1851) offers cheap online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees programs – over 50 academic programs in total. While originally founded as a female seminary, LC is currently unaffiliated and is coed, with male students accepted since 1997. It has taken a Carbon Commitment, with a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. It ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list (Regional Universities North; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA), and in previous years in Washington Monthly’s College Guide. Notable LC alumni include actress/ fashion model Nancy Donahue and painter Elizabeth Gardner, whose painting La Confidence was reinterpreted by artist/ director James Herbert for the music video of the song Low, by the band R.E.M.

LC has eight lower-cost online master’s degrees, plus multiple concentration options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Communication (MSC) with three concentrations: Health Communication; Integrated Marketing Communication; Public Relations
• MS in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) with four concentrations: Emergency and Crisis Management; Homeland Security and Global Justice; Violence Prevention and Advocacy; Self-Designed Option
• MS in Marketing (MSMktg)
• MS in Management (MSMgmt) with four concentrations: Human Resources; Hospitality and Event Management; Management;
• MS in Nutrition for Human Performance (MSHP)
• MS in Project Management (MSPM)
• MS in Rehabilitation Science (MSRS)
• MS in Sport Management (MSSM) with four concentrations: Sport Tourism and Hospitality Management; Sport Leadership; Parks and Recreation; Athletic Administration

Programs are 36 credits, and minimum timelines range from 12-24 months. Affordable online courses are 8- or 16-weeks and may be capped at roughly 23 students each. GRE and/or MAT scores are not necessary for some programs, and there may be a choice between a thesis, internship, project or other capstone. Alternately, nearly a dozen online graduate-level certificate programs are offered.

• In-state: $10,960 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $10,960 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 2,055
• #grads: 324
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

16. Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Website

Aurora University (AU, est. 1893) offers affordable online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 40 majors and minors in total. Originally founded as a seminary, the university currently serves students at this campus and two learning centers in Illinois, and the George Williams College campus in Wisconsin, plus online. It ranks in the Regional Universities Midwest category of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list.

AU has five cheap online master’s programs, plus two dual master’s degree options:

• Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MAME)
• Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES) with two specializations: Sports Performance; Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with optional Leadership Series courses as electives
• Master of Publication Administration (MPA) with optional Leadership Series courses
• Master of Social Work (MSW) with five specializations: Faith-Based Social Work; Forensic Social Work; Health Care; Leadership Administration; Professional Educator License in School Social Work (PEL)

Program requirements range from 30-60 credits, excluding any Bridge courses for students not meeting admission requirements. Online course lengths vary from 8-16 weeks, and in-person clinical/ internship experiences may be part of a curriculum. Alternately, two online dual-degree options are available: the MSW/MBA and the MSW/MPA.

• In-state: $10,800 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $10,800 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 5,833
• #grads: 1,900
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

15. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

Bellevue University (BU, est. 1966) offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. The university serves at this campus and online, being one of the first institutions nationally to offer online degrees (1996). Its online MBA program is the first of its kind in the U.S. In addition to receiving “military-friendly” accolades from Victory Media and Military Times, it ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list in two categories: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; est Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA. It has the added designation of being a “National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity” collectively from the NSA and Dept. of Homeland Security. Notable BU alumni include Thomas Bohn, an MLB athlete who last played outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies.

BU has 26 of the least expensive online/hybrid master’s programs, plus concentration/ track/ specialization options:

• Master of Arts in Business and Professional Communication (MABPC) with seven concentrations
• MA in Human Services (MAHS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA; Non-cohort tracks) with 22 concentrations – Cohort track has no concentrations
• Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
• Master of Professional Studies (MPS)
• Master of Project Management (MPM)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc) with optional concentrations (Finance; Tax)
• MS in Acquisition and Contract Management (MSACM)
• MS in Business Analytics (MSBA)
• MS in Clinical Counseling (MSCC)
• MS in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) with three concentrations: Databases; Software Development; Security
• MS in Cybersecurity (MSCyb)
• MS in Data Science (MSDS)
• MS in Human Resource Strategic Management (MSHRSM)
• MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MSIOP)
• MS in Instructional Design and Technology (MSIDT)
• MS in Intelligence and Security Studies (MSISD) with two specializations: Comparative Politics; International Relations
• MS in Justice Administration and Crime Management (MSJACM)
• MS in Leadership and Coaching (MSLC)
• MS in Management (MSMgmt) with five concentrations
• MS in Management of Information Systems (MSMIS) with five concentrations
• MS in Organizational Performance (MSOP) with up to six optional business/ professional certifications
• MS in Security Management (MSSM)
• MS in Strategic Finance (MSSF) with dual-degree options for an extra 18 credits
• MS in Strategic Marketing (MSSM)

These inexpensive online degree programs range from 30-60 credits for completion, with 36 credits being the most common requirement. Some programs may have a choice of thesis or capstone, or neither, and some have in-person internship/ practicum requirements.

• In-state: $10,770 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $10,770 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 8,655
• #grads: 2,911
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

14. Kettering University

Flint, Michigan

Website

Kettering University (KU, est. 1919) offers cheap online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as an automobile trades school, it was owned from 1926-1982 by General Motors, under the name General Motors Institute. The university has earned ranking spots on college review lists from Business Insider, Forbes, Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest), Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck), Victory Media (Military Friendly Schools) and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities Midwest; Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate; Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA). According to PayScale.com’s ROI Report, KU’s graduates are tops in the state for starting salary and potential. Some of its notable alumni include high ranking executives of General Motors and Ford Motors, as well as venture capitalist Bob Kagle (investor in Instagram).

KU has six low cost online master’s programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM)
• MS in Lean Manufacturing (MSLM)
• MS in Operations Management (MSOM)
• MS in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM)
• MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) with a Focus area in Advanced Mobility

These inexpensive online degree programs require 40 or more credits for graduation, with online courses delivered asynchronously for maximum study flexibility. Some dual-degree options are offered such as the MBA+MSEM and MBA+MSOM. GRE/ GMAT scores are not required for some programs. Alternately, KU also has five online graduate-level certificate programs, some of which are add-ons to specific degrees listed above.

• In-state: $10,680 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $10,680 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 2,311
• #grads: 422
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

13. Logan University

Chesterfield, Missouri

Website

Logan University (Logan, est. 1935) offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. In addition to recognition from MSNBC for the university’s “beautiful campus,” it has won dozens of local and regional awards in a wide range of categories, from topical categories to sustainability initiatives. The campus’ homebase of Chesterfield is considered the safest place in the state, based on FBI data.

Logan has three affordable online master’s programs:

• Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI; 36 credits; no GRE)
• MS in Nutrition and Human Performance (MSNHP; 36-39 credits) with four Concentration options: Sports and Fitness Nutrition; Nutritional Wellness; Health Education and Promotion; Registered Dietitian – choice of thesis or internship in some options
• MS in Sports Science and Rehabilitation (MSSSR; 38-40 credits incl. Clinical Internship)

NOTE: The university’s programs are delivered on a trimester system of 15-week semesters.

• In-state: $10,060 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $10,060 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 1,371
• #grads: 1,245
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

12. Urbana University

Urbana, Ohio

Website

Urbana University (Urbana, est. 1850) is a member of the Franklin University System and offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. Originally founded as a seminary, the university serves students of both Urbana and Franklin universities (since 2017). In addition to this main campus (and official Franklin branch campus), Urbana has a number of learning centers plus an online offering. The university ranks in the Regional Colleges Midwest category of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list. Notable alumni of UU include Harlem Wizards basketballer Eric jones and MMA fighter Jan Finney.

Urbana has 13 cheap online master’s programs incl. concentrations, plus any Emphasis options:

• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration (MACJA; 30 credits; 14 months; no GMAT/ GRE)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 36 credits) with Emphasis options
• Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA; 36 credits)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA; 40 credits; 17 months)
• Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS; 36 credits; 20 months)
• MS in Accounting (MSAcc; 30 credits incl. capstone; 17 months)
• MS in Business Psychology (MSBP; 36 credits; 14 months)
• MS in Health Informatics (MSHI; 32 credits; 12 months)
• MS in Human Resource Management (MSHRM; 40 credits incl. capstone; 16 months)
• MS in Nursing (MSN; 38 credits incl. clinical experience; 18 months)
• MS in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP; 41 credits incl. capstone and clinical experience; 27 months)
• MS Instructional Design and Learning Technology (MS-IDLT; 32 credits incl. capstone; 16 months; no GMAT/ GRE)
• MS Marketing and Communication (MSMC; 40 credits incl. capstone; 16 months; no GMAT/ GRE)

Clinical experiences for any of the above programs are conducted in-person. Length varies by program.

• In-state: $9,450 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $9,450 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 1,623
• #grads: 115
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

11. Park University

Parkville, Missouri

Website

Park University (Park, est. 1875) offers cheap online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 90 programs in total. The university was originally founded on a work-exchange basis in return for free tuition. In fact, students helped build what is currently the oldest building at this main campus. Currently, Park serves students at multiple campuses and learning centers, including a number of Airforce bases – plus online. Park ranks in multiple categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list: Regional Universities Midwest; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA; Best Online Graduate Education Programs. It has also has recognition from Washington Monthly, Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges) and PayScale.com (ROI Report – 2nd nationally amongst private institutions). Notable Park alumni include Olympic sprinter Maurice Green.

Park has seven inexpensive online master’s programs, plus concentration options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with 11 concentrations, including generalist
• Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership (MACL) with Organizational emphasis
• MA in National Security Studies (MANSS)
• Master of Education (MEd) in Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning (OLAL)
• Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA) with 10 Concentrations, including General
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) with six concentrations
• Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) with concentration in Business Analytics

Most online courses run in 8-week sessions, with minimum program timelines of 15 months, and between 30 and 36 credits required for graduation. Completion of a thesis or capstone is required in some programs. Alternately, nearly a dozen online graduate-level certificate programs are available as well.

• In-state: $9,036 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $9,036 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 11,457
• #grads: 1,596
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

10. Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, California

Website

Touro University Worldwide (TUW, est. 2007) is a member of the Touro College and University System and offers cheap online associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. The Touro College System serves students in the U.S., Germany, Israel, Russia and online. Touro University Worldwide (TUW), the online division, is headquartered in California. While Touro was originally founded (1970) with a focus on college-level education for the American Jewish community, and is currently Jewish-sponsored, its student base is relatively diverse, with about 34% of students from the African-American, Hispanic/ LatinX and Asian communities, collectively. It is also military friendly in terms of offering tuition discounts to personnel (military, DoD, Reserve, Veterans) and eligible family members. Touro College is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in their 2019 Best Colleges review list in the categories of Regional Universities North and Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Notable alumni of sister institution Touro College include boxers Boyd Melson and Dmitry Salita.

TUW has nine low-cost online master’s programs plus concentration options:

• Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution (MADR; 36 credits incl. capstone)
• MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MAIOP; 36 credits) with choice of three Concentrations: Coaching and Consulting; Human Resource Management; Occupational Health Psychology
• MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT; 54 credits) with choice of three tracks: Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical or Non-Clinical; Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC)
• MA in Psychology (MAPsy; 36 credits) with choice of three Concentrations: Media Psychology; Educational Psychology; Health Psychology
• MA in Public Administration (MAPA; 36 credits incl. capstone; no GMAT/ GRE)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 36 credits incl. capstone; no GMAT/ GRE) with 10 Concentration options
• Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS; 36 credits) with two Concentration options (Health Education; Public Health)
• MS in Human Resource Management (MSHR; 36 credits incl. capstone)
• MS in Human Services (MSHS; 36 credits incl. capstone; no GMAT/ GRE)f

Some of these affordable online degree programs can be completed in one year if taken on a full-time basis (typically two courses per term).

• In-state: $9,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $9,000 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 1,355
• #grads: 817
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

9. McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland

Website

McDaniel College (MC, est. 1867) offers cheap online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. The college serves students at this campus and in Budapest, as well as online. U.S. News & World Report categories (2019 Best Colleges) that the college appears in include National Liberal Arts Colleges and Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Notable MC alumni include Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Wendy Ruderman; Alonzo Decker, co-founder of Black & Decker (power tools).

MC has six affordable online master’s degree programs, plus any available track options:

• Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI; 34.5 credits) with Administration or Generalist specializations and a choice of one of three Capstone options
• MS in Educational Leadership (MSEDL; 34 credits incl. 1cr Capstone), with separate Certification program for existing master’s holders
• MS in Gerontology (30-36 credits; choice of Thesis or Capstone tracks)
• MS in Public Administration and Policy (MSPAP; 36 credits)
• MS in School Librarianship (MSSL; 37 credits incl. Practicum)
• MS in TESOL (MS-TESOL; 36 credits; choice of Thesis or Portfolio tracks)

Coursework is online for the above inexpensive degree programs, although some may have separate in-person requirements, such as for an internship/ practicum. Alternately, a number of online graduate-level certificate programs are also offered, particularly in Education and health topics.

• In-state: $8,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $8,820 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 2,819
• #grads: 1,229
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

8. Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

Website

Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) offers affordable online associate’s through doctorate level degree programs – including over 120 online degree programs. It serves students at multiple campuses and learning centers in the state, and in New Jersey and Maryland, plus online. Forbes magazine, Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities) have all recognized the university in their college review lists. Notable WilmU alumni include: professional soccer player Anthony Allison; former NRA president John Sigler.

WilmU has 20 of the cheapest online master’s programs plus dozens of concentration options collectively. Some of these include:

• MS Accounting
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with nine concentrations
• Master of Education (MEd) in Career and Technical Education (9-12)
• MEd in Instruction with two concentrations
• MEd in Reading
• MEd in School Leadership (with or without certification)
• MEd in Skilled and Technical Sciences (non-licensure)
• MEd in Special Education: Instruction (hybrid)
• Master of Science (MS) in Administration of Human Services (AHS)
• MS in Administration of Justice (MSAJ) with three concentrations
• MS in Applied Family Science (MSAFS)
• MS in Applied Technology in Education (MSAT)
• MS Cybersecurity with two concentrations
• MS Homeland Security with four concentrations
• MS Information Systems Technologies (MS-IST) with four concentrations
• MS Management (MSMgmt) with 10 concentrations
• MS in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice (Combined Accelerated Option)
• MSN/ DNP Nurse Practitioner to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Accelerated)
• MSN – Nursing Leadership with three tracks
• MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MS-TESOL)

Please see the WilmU site for concentration/ track options, as well as for details on credit requirements and program duration. Some dual-degree options are available as well.

• In-state: $8,438 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $8,438 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 14,170
• #grads: 5,730
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

7. University of Western States

Portland, Oregon

Website

University of Western States (UWS, est. 1904) offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. The university, situated in one of the country’s (and the world’s) most environmentally-friendly cities, has a primary focus on healthcare- and health-sciences-related academic programs, serving students on campus and online. It is one of the oldest institutions of its type in the country.

UWS has three inexpensive online/hybrid master’s programs, delivered by the College of Graduate Studies:

• Master of Science Sports Medicine (MSSM; 38 or 60.5 quarter credits)
• MS Sport and Performance Psychology (MS-SPP; 90 quarter credits)
• MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC; 90 quarter credits)

NOTES: While coursework is online, any lab or internship requirements are conducted in person. UWS programs are based on a quarterly system. The timeline for these programs runs 6-12 quarters.

• In-state: $8,348 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $8,348 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 1,050
• #grads: 1,002
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

6. Stevenson University

Stevenson, Maryland

Website

Stevenson University (SU, est. 1947) offers cheap online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 20 online degree programs. The university, originally affiliated with the Catholic Church, was established as a women’s college. It is currently coed and caters to students of all backgrounds, serving them at two campuses and online. Stevenson’s academic offering has earned them ranking positions in several categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list, including: Best Value Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities North; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.

SU has 12 lower-cost online master’s programs, plus concentration/ track options:

• Master of Arts in Community-Based Education and Leadership (MACBEL)
• MA in Teaching (MAT) with six STEM content areas
• Master of Forensic Science (MFS) with two concentrations: Biology; Chemistry
• Master of Science in Business and Technology Management (MSBTM) with two tracks: Emerging Technology; Innovative Leadership
• MS Communication Studies (MSCS)
• MS Crime Scene Investigation (MSCSI)
• MS Cyber Forensics (MSCF)
• MS Forensic Accounting (MSFA)
• MS Forensic Investigation (MSFI)
• MS Forensic Studies (MSFS)
• MS Healthcare Management (MSHM)
• MS Nursing (MSN) with three Concentrations: Nursing Education; Nursing Leadership/ Management; Population-Based Care Coordination

These inexpensive online degree programs are 33-36 credits in total and online courses run in 8-week sessions. Some online certificate programs are also available.

• In-state: $8,040 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $8,040 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 3,876
• #grads: 479
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, Florida

Website

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide (ERAU, est. 1926) offers affordable online associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. This is the online/ distance division (est. 1970) of ERAU, which has physical campuses in Florida, Arizona and Asia. Collectively, ERAU offers several unique programs in the broad area of aerospace. In addition to ranking in Forbes Magazine’s America’s Top Colleges 2018 list, the university ranks highly and in multiple categories of U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges review list, including: Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities South; Best Value Schools; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – excluding MBA; Best Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans – excluding MBA. Not surprisingly, ERAU’s notable alumni list includes numerous astronauts as well as military personnel, amongst others.

ERAU has 20 cheap online/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Aviation Maintenance
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Aviation
• Master of Entrepreneurship in Technology
• Master of Science in Aeronautics
• MS in Aerospace Engineering
• MS in Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability
• MS in Cybersecurity Management and Policy
• MS in Engineering Management
• MS in Human Factors
• MS in Human Security and Resilience
• MS in Information Security and Assurance
• MS in Leadership
• MS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• MS in Management
• MS in Management Information Systems
• MS in Occupational Safety Management
• MS in Project Management
• MS in Unmanned and Auto. Systems Eng.
• MS in Unmanned Systems
• Master of Systems Engineering

Credit requirements for the above low cost online degree programs range fromm 30-36. Some of these degrees offer customization options in the form of specialization choices. See the ERAU site for details.

• In-state: $7,680 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $7,680 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 14,519
• #grads: 4,062
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

4. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Website

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU, est. 2001) offers cheap online bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. The university serves student at this campus and a learning center in Philadelphia, plus online. While not an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University), nearly half of undergrad students are African-American. It has taken on a special mission to support “the academic success of members of groups historically underrepresented in applied science and technology fields.” One Harrisburg success metric shows that 52% of undergrads and 28% of grads are women (typically 18% and 14%, respectively, nationally for science and tech programs). Similarly, over 40% of faculty are women. In addition to receiving a “STEM University of the Year” accolade from Corporate LiveWire, it ranks in the Regional Universities North category of the 2019 Best Colleges review list from U.S. News & World Report (USNWR). Previously, USNWR ranked HU as a top college for internship rates.

HU has nine inexpensive online/ hybrid master’s programs:

• Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) with four Concentrations: Individualized; Natural Language Processing; Machine Learning; Forecasting
• MS in Biotechnology (MSBio) with four Concentrations: Individualized; Biomanufacturing; Biotechnology Business and Management; Medical Biotechnology
• MS in Computer Information Sciences (MSCIS) with two Concentrations: Computer Science; Cyber Security
• MS in Information Systems Engineering and Management (MS-ISEM) with seven Concentrations: Individualized; Analytics; Digital Government; Digital Health; Entrepreneurship; Information Security; Software Engineering and Systems Development
• MS in Learning Technologies (LTMS)
• MS in Healthcare Informatics (MSHI)
• MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS)
• MS in Next Generation Disruptive Technologies (MS-NGDT)
• MS in Project Management (MSPMGT)

These inexpensive online degree programs require 36 credits for graduation. The university points out that while courses are online, most of its master’s programs have a one-weekend-per-month residency requirement, making them hybrid in nature. Some of these programs offer a choice of part-time or full-time tracks. HU also has a Master’s in Human-Centered Interaction Design at its Philadelphia campus that incorporates some online and some hybrid classes but is primarily on-campus. You can verify with HU Admissions that a specific master’s degree is available fully online or in hybrid form, and any other details.

• In-state: $7,200 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $7,200 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 3,997
• #grads: 3,488
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

3. Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website

Western Governors University (WGU, est. 1997) offers cheap online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs, and earned third place in our least-expensive private online master’s degrees ranking. The university serves students entirely online, but has affiliate headquarters in a number of states. The university has received “innovative school” accolades from Fast Company magazine and U.S. News & World Report (USNWR; #10 in 2019’s Most Innovative Schools list). It has also ranked highly for teacher education as per both USNWR and NCTQ (National Council on Teacher Quality). Notable people associated with WGU include the dozen-plus U.S. Governors who collaborated on the formation of the institution, and a number of top-ranking military personnel.

WGU has 80+ low cost online master’s programs across four colleges: College of Business; Teachers College; College of Information Technology; College of Health Professions. Some of the topic areas include:

• Business and Accounting, including MBA
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Education (for not-yet- and currently-licensed teachers) – Special Education, Leadership, English language learning, Mathematics, Sciences, Curriculum and Instruction, etc.
• Healthcare and Nursing, including MSN tracks, Informatics
• Leadership and Management – multiple areas
• Technology

Degree types include MA, MBA, MEd, MS, MSN. As there are too many inexpensive online master’s degree choices to list here, please see WGU’s site for details.

• In-state: $6,790 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $6,790 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 98,627
• #grads: 26,242
• Has housing: No
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

2. Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee

Website

Cumberland University (CU, est. 1842) offers affordable online associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 programs in total – and places second in our list of low-cost, private, nonprofit online master’s degrees. Located near the cultural hub of Nashville, TN, the university serves students on-campus and online. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Cumberland in their 2019 Best Colleges review list category of Regional Universities South. Cumberland counts amongst its notable alumni many who found success in education (college presidents) and politics, as well as literature/ writing. This includes screenwriter Wendell Mayes, who wrote scripts from 1957 to 1992, two of which were Death Wish (1974) and Love and Bullets (1979), and both of which starred actor Charles Bronson.

CU has three of the cheapest online master’s programs, plus specialization options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 36 credits)
• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd; 30 credits)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN; 36 credits) with two Specializations: Nurse Educator; Nurse Executive Leadership and Administration

Program completion times range from 12 to 18 months,l with the trimester system having two 8-week terms per semester. Online Endorsement options (Tennessee) are also available for the MEd program.

• In-state: $5,800 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $5,800 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 2,314
• #grads: 343
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

1. North American University

Stafford, Texas

Website

North American University (NAU, est. 2007) takes first place in our ranking of the most affordable private nonprofit online master’s colleges. It offers online bachelor’s and master’s level degrees programs. To match the diversity of the university’s homebase of Houston (ranked the #1 American city to live and work in by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance), students have opportunities to participate in internships/ volunteer opportunities in different languages. Business Insider ranked the university in two of their recent lists: top 10 schools for coding; 100 best schools.

NAU has five of the most affordable online/ hybrid master’s programs, plus concentration/ track/ emphasis options:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA; 30 credits) with two Emphasis options: Business Analytics; Leadership and Change Management
• Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction (CI; 30 credits; thesis or non-thesis options) with four Concentrations: Science Education; Educational Technology; Mathematics Education; English Language Arts Education
• MEd in Educational Leadership (EL; 30 credits; leads to Texas Principal Certificate)
• MEd in School Counseling (SC; 36 credits)
• Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS; 30 credits; 16+ months) with four Concentrations: Computer Networking; Cyber Security; Data Analysis; Software Engineering

Program minimum completion times vary from 10 to 16 months. Some of these programs wave GRE and/or GMAT score requirements.

• In-state: $5,777 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• Out-of-state: $5,777 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
• #students: 568
• #grads: 228
• Has housing: Yes
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Other Rankings of Interest:

• 20 Tuition-Free Colleges
• The 25 Largest Public Colleges with Online Bachelor’s Programs
• The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
• 25 of the Oldest American Colleges and Universities
• The 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Accounting Degrees
• The 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Public Administration Degrees
• The 20 Most Affordable Online Colleges
• These 30 Colleges are Reversing the Rise in Tuition
• Top 25 High-Admission Colleges by Graduation Rate – Private, Nonprofits