Management skills are broadly applicable in nearly any sector or industry, and that’s true of public agencies and nonprofit organizations as well. With over 1.5M nonprofits in the United States (as per the National Center for Charitable Statistics), it’s not surprising that they are collectively one the largest employers in the country. This means there are opportunities for leadership and management career roles for qualified people – particularly those with a relevant Master’s level degree.
This ranking looks at hybrid and online master’s degrees that build the necessary skills and knowledge for management roles amongst public or non-profit agencies, and general organizational management. Students who complete such an online degree may be qualified for some of the following job titles or areas of employment:
- Administrative Services Manager
- Association Program Director
- Board Member/ Board Chair
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Executive Director
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Chief Program Officer (CPO)
- Community Engagement Director
- Community Relations Liaison
- Community Relations Officer
- Conference Services Director
- Corporate Partnerships Manager
- Director of Advancement
- Director of Development
- Director of Outreach
- Executive Director
- Executive Leader
- Fundraising Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Management Consultant
- Non-Profit Managers or Community Service Manager
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Program Director
- Public Administrator
- Training and Development Specialist/ Manager
- Vice President of Programs
Methodology
College data is sourced 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 public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs in “Non-Profit/ Public/ Organizational Management”.
- 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 one or more online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit, public or organizational management.
NOTE: Tuition is subject to change and the costs listed here are based on institutional averages. Verify all costs before applying to any college/ university.
Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Nonprofit, Public or Organizational Management
25. University of Denver
Denver, Colorado

University of Denver (DU, est. 1864) is a private, nonprofit institution originally founded as a seminary. It is situated near the Rocky Mountains where they intersect with the Great Plains, serving students on-campus and online. Female students were admitted in the early 1880s, and African American students near the end of the 19th century – facts which align with the university’s mission of diversity and inclusion.
DU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public/ organizational management related topics: a Master of Nonprofit Leadership (MPL) with four concentrations and four certificate options: Executive Leadership and Governance; Mission-Driven Operations and Management; Philanthropy and Resource Development; Social Enterprise, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This program is specifically geared to the nonprofit sector. Students will gain skills in organizational change, fundraising strategies, and critical thinking, amongst others.
The MPL is 48 credits, typically takes 18 months or longer, and no GRE or GMAT score is necessary. Sample core courses include: Leading Nonprofit/ Nongovernmental Organizations; Healthy Nonprofit/ Nongovernmental Organizations; Legacy and Trends of Nonprofit Organizations and Civil Society.
- In-state: $47,823 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $47,823 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Value Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Playwright/ screenwriter Neil Simon; entrepreneur Peter Morton, Hard Rock Cafe chain founder; actor/ comedian Sinbad (David Adkins)
- #students: 11,434
- #grads: 5,669
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
24. Juniata College
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Juniata College (JC, est. 1876) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. It serves students online and on-campus, the latter of which boasts an observatory and art museum.
JC offers affordable bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public/ organizational management related topics: a best-value Master of Arts (MA) in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL). This online master’s degree program develops leadership skills for nonprofit or public sector work, including marketing, fundraising, fiscal management, advocacy, social change, etc. This high-value online master’s degree program has two track options (30 credits or 42 credits), depending on the amount of relevant experience gained by the student. For students with no work or volunteer experience, an internship is required for graduation. Students in both tracks must complete either a thesis or capstone project. Sample core courses include: Foundations of the Nonprofit; 21st Century Leadership; Leading and Managing the Nonprofit Organization.
- In-state: $25,625 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $25,625 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fiske Guide to Colleges; Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Peterson’s Guide to Competitive Colleges; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (National Liberal Arts Colleges, Best Value Schools); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Nobel-Prize-winning atomic physicist William Phillips
- #students: 1,495
- #grads: 10
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
23. Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Bay Path University (BPU, est. 1897) is a private, nonprofit institution and a member of the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield. Founded as a women’s college, it is currently co-ed at the graduate level.
BPU offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: an affordable online Master of Science (MS) in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy (NMP). This 36-credit master’s degree program builds skills in board governance, financial analysis, strategic planning, volunteer management and other areas of the nonprofit sector.
The typical study timeline is 12-24 months while working full-time. Students have a choice of fully online or blended courses, and an optional Strategic Fundraising Certificate is available (limited start dates). Sample core courses include: Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector; Foundations of Philanthropy; Financial Management in the Nonprofit Sector; Capstone: Advanced Management Seminar.
- In-state: $23,317 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $23,317 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North; Most Innovative Schools; Best Online MBA Programs)
- Notable alumni:
- #students: 3,298
- #grads: 1,351
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
22. Gratz College
Melrose Park, Pennsylvania

Gratz College (GC, est. 1895) is a private, nonprofit Jewish institution – the oldest of its kind in North America, and with a history that influenced Jewish congregational education in this continent.
GC offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: an inexpensive online Master of Science in Nonprofit Management (MSNPM). This 36-credit online master’s degree program covers various aspects of management of the nonprofit sector, including principles of behavior, economics, ethics, social interactions, etc., with case studies to prepare students to work with various organizations: community service, education, hospitals, religious entities, social services, etc. An option is available for a grad certificate in Jewish Nonprofit Management. Sample core courses include: Theory and Future of Nonprofits; Nonprofit Law; Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations; Capstone/Applied Research Project.
- In-state: $17,042 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,042 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from:
- Notable alumni: Linguist/ political activist Noam Chomsky
- #students: 247
- #grads: 165
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
21. Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, Texas

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU, est. 1895) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Though founded by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence, graduate studies have been coeducational since 1942 and undergrad studies since 1969.
OLLU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs – over 45 in total. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a best-value online Master of Science (MS) in Nonprofit Management. This 36-credit online master’s degree program (12 courses) covers the topics important to managing a nonprofit organization, including accounting and finance, fundraising and grant writing marketing, social media, strategy and much more. Sample core courses include: Becoming an Effective Executive Director; Marketing for Nonprofits; Talent Volunteer and Diversity Management in Nonprofits. Completion of a Professional Project is required. The program can be completed in a minimum of four semesters.
- In-state: $16,818 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,818 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West)
- #students: 3,212
- #grads: 1,870
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20. Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, Illinois

Concordia University-Chicago (CUChicago, est. 1864) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and is a member of the Concordia University System.
CU-Chicago offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Not-for-Profit Management (NPM). The core MBA program is one year online (minimum). NPM specialization courses (12 credits) are: Introduction to NFP Organizations; Financial Management of NFP Organizations; Topics in Board Governance and Management of Volunteers; Fund Development and Management. Alternatives: MBA with dual specialization or a certificate in Not-for-Profit Management. Note: This MBA has multiple other specializations, all of which are offered online (some require additional credits).
- In-state: $15,360 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,360 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools)
- Notable alumni: Actor/ comedian Paul Walter Hauser; composers Carl Schalk and Richard Hillert
- #students: 5,755
- #grads: 4,297
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
19. North Park University
Chicago, Illinois

North Park University (NPU, est. 1891) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of America. It provides educational programs integrated with a Christian worldview, serving students on this main campus, three learning centers, and online.
NPU offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 60 degree programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA). The affordable online master’s degree program, delivered by the School of Business and Nonprofit Management, prepares people to lead both small and large nonprofit organizations, including building skills in financial decision-making, fundraising, governance, regulations, reporting, strategic management and more. The curriculum includes Nonprofit Financial Management (NFM) courses, and students have access to North Park’s Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, as well as the potential to earn a CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional) credential. Sample core courses include: Organizational Behavior and Ethics; Nonprofit Financial Management; Nonprofit Marketing Analysis and Consumer Behavior. Alternatives: two online grad certificate are available: Nonprofit Management; Nonprofit Governance.
- In-state: $13,248 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,248 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Former NBA Portland Trailblazers basketballer Mike Harper
- #students: 2,937
- #grads: 908
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
18. Johnson and Wales University-Online
Providence, Rhode Island

Johnson and Wales University (JWU, est. 1914) is a private, nonprofit institution and a member of the Johnson and Wales University System. The Online division delivers distance and online programs. JWU also serves students on three other campuses in Florida, North Carolina and Colorado.
JWU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has three low-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics:
- Master of Science in Nonprofit Management (MSNM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Nonprofit Management
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Management
The 30-credit online MSNM can be completed in under two years, with courses that run eight weeks each. It covers a wide range of topics necessary to lead or manage a nonprofit organization, including budgeting and financials, decision making, program evaluation, resource development, social and ethical responsibilities, etc. Sample online courses include: Theory and Practice of Nonprofit Management; Personnel Deployment in Nonprofits; Public, Private and Nonprofit Collaboration. Alternately, students who wish to earn an MBA (36-42 credits) or an MPA can take a concentration in Nonprofit Management (36 credits).
- In-state: $13,008 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $13,008 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Celebrity chefs Graham Elliot, Tyler Florence, Anna Olson, Chris Santos
- #students: 1,172
- #grads: 484
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
17. Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Central Michigan University (CMU, est. 1892) is a public institution originally founded as a teachers college. Through learning centers and partnerships, it serves students online and at over 30 locations in the USA and Canada.
CMU offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 70 graduate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a best-value Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization in Nonprofit Management. This is a 37-credit online master’s degree program, and builds on skills relevant to both public service and non-profit organizations. Sample specialization courses include: Grant Writing and Management; Board Governance and Executive Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations; Strategic Leadership. Students who do not have relevant experience are required to take an Internship in Government and Politics, in place of a specialization course.
- In-state: $12,870 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $18,942 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actors Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumber), Tim Allen (Home Improvement) and Larry Joe Campbell (According to Jim)
- #students: 23,257
- #grads: 5,453
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
16. Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University (ORU, est. 1965) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Protestant Church. It has a “whole person” approach to education, which includes spirit, mind and body, and incorporates Christian principles into its programs.
ORU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL). This is a 30-credit affordable online master’s degree program aimed particularly at people intending to seek roles as a Non-Profit Managers or Community Service Manager. though other careers are possible as well. Sample core courses include: Organizational Culture and Change; Ethical Leadership and Governance; Leading Innovation and Technology; Human Capital and Talent Development. A Capstone Project must be completed and presented.
- In-state: $12,506 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $12,506 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Actress/ host Kathie Lee Gifford; Pastor Joel Osteen
- #students: 3,919
- #grads: 538
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
15. Cairn University-Langhorne
Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Cairn University-Langhorne (Cairn, est. 1913) is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational Christian institution. It serves students on-campus and online, and incorporates a Christian view into its educational programs. Its commitment to diversity is reflected in its student body, with over a quarter of undergrads representing ethnic minorities and international students (35% for graduate students).
Cairn offers top-value bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics:
- Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (MSNL)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Non-Profit Management (NPM)
The MSNL is a 39-credit low-cost online master’s degree program typically taking two years, and which develops non-profit leadership skills such as “financial management, fundraising, decision making, and organizational effectiveness.” Sample courses include: Nonprofit Innovation; Best Practices in Nonprofit Organizations; Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations; Capstone: Nonprofit Strategy Practicum.
The MBA-NPM is a 42-credit top-value online master’s degree program with an estimated 20-month timeline. It offers eight predefined emphasis options, plus custom options on approval: Entrepreneurship; Human Resources; Innovation; Leadership; Non-Profit Management; Organizational Culture; Organizational Development; Strategic Planning and Management (SPM). Note: the Entrepreneurship and the SPM options both required some time spent on campus. Sample courses include: Creating and Leading Strategic Organizations; Financial Management; Capstone Project.
- In-state: $12,384 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $12,384 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities North)
- Notable alumni: Christian hip-hop artist Emmanuel Lambert, Jr.
- #students: 1,060
- #grads: 290
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
14. Hope International University
Fullerton, California

Hope International University (HIU, est. 1928) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. It serves students at three campuses and online with educational programs that incorporate a Christian worldview.
HIU offers economical associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public/ organizational management related topics:
- Master of Science in Management (MSM) with two concentrations: Non-Profit Management (NPM); Customized
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with two concentrations: Non-Profit Management (NPM); Customized
Both affordable online degree programs offer the same four concentrations, each of which has two relevant options (listed above). The MSM focuses on building management skills and includes “leadership, ethics, environmental economics, communication, marketing, finance, research, and strategic management.” The MBA also builds management skills and includes “leadership, ethics, analysis, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, research and information technology, environmental economics, financial analysis, and strategy.” Sample concentration courses for either degree include: Human Resource Management; Fundraising; Contemporary Issues for Non-Profit Management.
- In-state: $12,065 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $12,065 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West)
- #students: 1,373
- #grads: 505
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
13. Indiana Wesleyan University-National and Global
Marion, Indiana

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU, est. 1920) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. IWU serves students on-campus, at over a dozen learning centers in three states, and online. The National and Global (NG) division offers programs that include online master’s degrees. While IWU is Christ-centered, it welcomes diversity amongst its students.
IWU offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 90 programs in total. IWU-NG has one of the least expensive online/hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/public organizational management related topics: a low-cost Master of Public Administration (MPA) with two relevant specializations: Non-Profit Leadership (NPL); Public Management (PM). (A third specialization, Criminal Justice, is on-campus only.) This is a 36-credit best-value online master’s degree program (12 courses), including 12cr (four courses) for the specialization choice. While it focuses primarily on administration, social responsibility, civic engagement, policy analysis, etc., the specializations customize the studies. Sample NPL courses include: Non-profit Management and Leadership; Non-Profit Development and Advancement; Non-profit Fundraising and Financial Management. Sample PM courses include: Introduction to Public Management; Quality and Productivity Improvement in Government; Human Resource Management in the Public Sector. Completion of a Capstone project is required.
- In-state: $11,392 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,392 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools)
- Notable alumni: Vampire/ fantasy novelist Laurell Kaye Hamilton; MLB pitcher Brandon Beachy (Atlanta Braves, LA Dodgers)
- #students: 10,778
- #grads: 4,203
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
12. Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, North Carolina

Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR, est. 1825) is a private institution affiliated with the North Carolina Synod/ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It serves students on three campuses and online.
LR offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. This is a 36-credit, non-cohort online master’s degree program that covers topics such as communication, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, organizational behavior. The low-cost online master’s degree program is self-paced and the typical timeline is at least four semesters. Sample concentration courses include: Creativity and Innovation in Organizations; Funding Social Enterprise; Managing Human Resources in the Non-Profit; Business Practicum. Students have a choice of synchronous streaming or on-demand video courses.
- In-state: $10,350 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,350 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Best Value Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Actor Burgess Jenkins (Remember the Titans); stand-up comedian Tom Segura
- #students: 2,557
- #grads: 858
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11. Texas A and M University-College Station
College Station, Texas

Texas A and M University-College Station (TAMU, est. 1871) is a public institution (first in Texas) and a member of the Texas A and M University System. It serves students at three campuses (including Qatar) and online.
TAMU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – around 400 programs in total. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a hybrid Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) with two tracks: Nonprofit Management; Public Management (additional track on-campus). This is a 39-credit top-value online master’s degree program that combines online courses with a one-week residency per year (two weeks total; timeline of 2-3 years).
Sample NPM track core courses include: Fiscal Management for Nonprofits; Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector. Sample PM track core courses include: Budgeting in Public Service; Public Management. Completion of an Applied Capstone Project is required. Note: students who take the equivalent grad certificates can transfer up to 12 credits towards the MPSA degree.
- In-state: $9,065 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,585 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fiske Guide to Colleges; Forbes Magazine; Fortune Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Money Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Public Affairs – Public Management and Leadership); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Singer/ songwriter Lyle Lovett (once married to actress Julia Roberts); actor/ comedian Rip Torn (cousin to actress Sissy Spacek)
- #students: 67,929
- #grads: 14,864
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, Ohio

Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It serves students at five campuses and online
MVNU offers economical associate’s through master’s level degree programs. It has two low cost online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics:
- Management of Science in Management (MSM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentration in Organizational Management
The MSM is a 30-credit cheap online master’s degree program of with 10 courses, one of which is selected from the four available MBA concentrations – in this case Organizational Management. Sample MSM courses include: Ethical Leadership; Organizational Behavior; Strategic Management.
The MBA is a 36-credit online master’s degree program consisting of nine core business courses and three concentration courses: Strategic Programming in Human Resource Management; Operations Management; Change Management. Students who are undergrads at MVNU can take advantage of the MBA 4+1 option to earn the MBA in one year.
- In-state: $9,024 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $9,024 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Money Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- Notable alumni:
- #students: 2,222
- #grads: 394
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida

University of Central Florida (UCF, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It serves students on four campuses, 10 regional campuses, and online.
UCF offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 220 degrees at all levels. It has one cheap online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM). This is a 36-credit low-cost online master’s degree program offered through UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education. Topics covered include ethics, grant management, program evaluation, resource management, etc.
Sample core courses include: Volunteerism in Nonprofit Management; Nonprofit Resource Development; Nonprofit Financial Management; Capstone. Alternatives: 18-credit online grad certificate programs in Nonprofit Management or Fundraising; dual degree with an MPA (Master of Public Administration).
- In-state: $8,872 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $28,657 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (10 Most Innovative Colleges); USA Today; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actress Cheryl Hines; Blair Witch Project horror filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez
- #students: 66,059
- #grads: 9,206
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
8. University of Maryland-University College
Adelphi, Maryland

University of Maryland-University College (UMUC, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Maryland. It serves students at campuses and learning centers in the USA, Europe and Asia, and online.
UMUC offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – more than 90 programs in total. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: Master’s in Management with a specialization in Nonprofit and Association Management (13 other online specializations available). This is a 36-credit cheap online master’s degree program that allows up to six transfer credits. It helps build skills in recruiting and managing volunteers; managing finances and generating revenue; developing strategies, etc.
Sample specialization courses include: Nonprofit and Association Organizations and Issues; Nonprofit and Association Financial Management; Marketing, Development, and Public Relations in Nonprofit Organizations and Associations. A Capstone must also be completed for graduation.
- In-state: $8,514 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $12,132 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Diverse: Issues In Higher Education; INSIGHT Into Diversity; Military Times (Best for Vets)
- Notable alumni: Former NFLer Ray Lewis; former NBA basketballer Jalen Rose
- #students: 59,379
- #grads: 13,775
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
7. Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware

Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves commuter students at nearly a dozen locations in Delaware and New Jersey, plus online.
WilmU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degree programs – including over 120 online programs. It has two affordable online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics:
- Master of Science in Management (MSM) with a concentration in Non-Profit Management (has 10 other online options)
- MBA with concentration in Non-Profit Management (has 11 other online options
The MSM-NPM is 36 credits and combines business management with topics relevant to leading a nonprofit agency, including “leadership, administrative governance, and fundraising.” Sample MSM-NPM concentration courses include: Leadership Development and Change Management; Leadership and People; MSM Internship (or an elective).
The cost-effective online MBA-NPM is also 36 credits and has a similar focus. Sample concentration courses include: Organizational Behavior and Ethical Leadership; Financial Management; Fund Development and Fundraising in the Human Service Environment. Either an MBA Internship or an elective course must be completed.
- In-state: $8,438 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $8,438 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities); Washington Monthly;
- Notable alumni: John Sigler, former NRA president; professional soccer player Anthony Allison
- #students: 14,170
- #grads: 5,730
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
6. Troy University
Troy, Alabama

Troy University (Troy, est. 1887) is a public institution founded as a teacher training college. It serves students on four campuses and online.
Troy offers cheap associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including 70 online programs alone. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid master’s degree program in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Nonprofit Management (NM) – other online options available. This is a 36-credit affordable online master’s degree program (12 courses) with a 24cr core and 12cr for NM courses. It builds skills for both public administration and leadership of nonprofit agencies. Sample PM courses include: Performance Measurement and Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations; Foundations of Nonprofit Organizations; Grant Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations. Completion of a Capstone is required.
- In-state: $8,362 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,868 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Miss USA/ Miss Michigan contestant Jill Dobson (Fox News correspondent); multiple contestants on Big Brother and Survivor reality TV series
- #students: 17,521
- #grads: 3,521
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Metropolitan State University (Metro State, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. It has catered to non-traditional students since the start, and serves students at four campuses/ learning centers, plus online.
Metro State offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two cheap online online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics:
- Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MNLM)
- Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPNA) with a focus area in Nonprofit Management (NPM)
While both programs cover topics relevant to leading nonprofit agencies, the MNLM is more comprehensive, while the MPNA also builds skills for leading and administrating public organizations. Both degrees are 40-credit online master’s degree programs requiring completion of a Capstone project. Sample NPM courses common to both include: Practical Research for Public Administration and Non-profit Management; Nonprofit Governance and Management; Economic Reasoning for Public Administrators and Nonprofit Managers.
- In-state: $8,161 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,633 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- Notable alumni: Motivational speaker and Purple Heart award recipient John Kriesel
- #students: 8,148
- #grads: 831
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, Texas

University of Houston-Downtown (UHD, est. 1974) is a public institution and a member of the University of Houston System. It serves students from this main campus, three learning centers, and online. As of Fall 2018 figures, Hispanic/LatinX students comprised half the student population, while African American students made up 21%. Adult students also made up over half of enrollment numbers.
UHD offers cost-effective bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 50 degree programs alone. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in nonprofit/ public organizational management related topics: a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management (MANPM). The budget friendly master’s degree program is designed for both working administrators and recent graduates and helps build a variety of skills broadly relevant to all types of nonprofit management: entrepreneurship; ethics; evaluation; finance; fundraising and grant writing; human resources; law; marketing; revenue generation; social media and more. This is a 36-credit affordable master’s degree program with 18cr of core course. The remainder of credits consists of electives and a 6cr Internship Project. Sample courses include: Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations; Ethical Issues in Nonprofit Organizations; Principles of Nonprofit Marketing.
- In-state: $8,096 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,666 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Lightweight world champion boxer Juan Diaz; restaurateur Ghulam Bombaywala (guest on Oprah TV show)
- #students: 13,919
- #grads: 1,512
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3. Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, Indiana

Grace College and Theological Seminary (GCTS, est. 1937/ 1948) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. It offers education programs integrated with a Christ-centered worldview, and serves students on campus and online.
GCTS offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It comes in third in our list of affordable online master’s degrees for public, nonprofit or organizational management and has one relevant program: a Master of Science (MS) in Nonprofit Management. This is a 36-credit online master’s degree program that is 100% online and covers not only the expected principles of management for nonprofit leaders such as staff recruitment and training, fundraising, advocacy and strategic planning, etc., but also technology such as donor management software, marketing through social media, and more. Sample online master’s courses include: Foundations of Nonprofit Management; Obtaining and Managing Resources for Nonprofit Organizations; Marketing, Communication and Special Topics for Nonprofit Organizations. Two Integrative Application Project courses are also part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $7,888 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,888 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Author and Passion Movement founder Louie Giglio
- #students: 2,156
- #grads: 394
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
2. Greenville University
Greenville, Illinois

Greenville University (Greenville, est. 1892) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It incorporates Wesleyan Christian principles into its academic offering, and serves students on campus and online.
Greenville offers economical bachelor’s and master’s level degrees programs. It is second on our list of affordable online master’s degrees in public/ nonprofit/ organizational management and has one relevant program: a Master of Science in Management (MSM). This 24-month master’s degree program is 100% online and “focuses on the human side of organizations (businesses and non-profits).” It covers topics/ skills necessary to organizational management such as communication, setting and achieving organizational goals, problem-solving, management theory, leadership, operational challenges, strategy and more. The curriculum consists of 11 3-credit courses (eight weeks each), for a total of 33 credits require for graduation. Sample online master’s courses include: Strategic Management; Group and Team Dynamics; Emerging Trends in Organizational Management. Completion of a Capstone Experience is required.
- In-state: $7,812 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $7,812 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities Midwest)
- Notable alumni: In-N-Out Burger chain co-founder Esther Snyder
- #students: 1,235
- #grads: 250
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1. Arizona State University-Skysong
Scottsdale, Arizona

Arizona State University (ASU, est. 1885) is a public institution governed by the Arizona Board of Regents. ASU is a highly prestigious, world-class university with far too many accolades to list here in entirety, but which include #1 for innovation (three years running), elite scholars, graduate and undergraduate programs – especially in STEM, high athletic academic rates, top faculty, and more. Skysong represents the graduate and global division, as well as advanced research projects.
ASU offers cheap bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It ranks first in our list of affordable online master’s degrees in public, nonprofit or organizational management, and has one relevant program: a Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MNLM), delivered by ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community. This is a 33-credit online master’s degree program consisting of 11 courses, each of which runs 7.5 weeks. It is designed for people who are already working professionally in the nonprofit sector or wish to do so. Topics covered include fundraising and fiscal management, leadership, management of human resources (including volunteers), program evaluation, etc. Graduates typically find careers in fundraising, organization management, program development, volunteer management/ advocacy. Sample courses include: The Nonprofit Sector; Financial and Resource Management; Social Entrepreneurship; Capstone: Integrative Seminar.
- In-state: $6,342 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $6,342 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Colleges for Veterans; #1 Most Innovative; Best Graduate Education; Top 10 Universities for Patents)
- Notable alumni: Fashion entrepreneur Kate Spade; Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!; actors Nick Nolte and David Spade; singer Linda Ronstadt; Autism spokesperson and animal behaviorist Mary Temple Grandin; golfer Phil Mickelson
- #students: 31,702
- #grads: 7,356
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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