Enrollment in online courses continues to increase every year, and a growing number of universities offer classes that don’t require classroom time. Taking online courses can provide many advantages like cutting out commutes, allowing for greater time flexibility, and bringing the classroom into the comfort of your own living room. An online Master’s degree could be a good option for adults who have demanding schedules or who appreciate technology as a way to engage with learning in new and innovative ways.
The universities and colleges in this list were determined by comparing tuition costs for schools that meet these criteria:
- Offer at least five online Master’s degree programs
- Offer Master’s degree programs that can be completed 100% online
- Have regional accreditation, the highest level of accreditation
While most of the schools listed also have in-classroom opportunities and campus resources as well, a few are entirely online institutions.
50. Western Kentucky University
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Tuition
The lowest estimated tuition cost is $17,640.
Online Master’s Programs
Western Kentucky University offers twenty-three online Master’s degree programs with the additional option of receiving a specialized certificate in conjunction with completing a Master’s program. Programs include library media education and social responsibility & sustainable communities.
Accreditation
Western Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
49. Northcentral University
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Tuition
The lowest estimated tuition cost is $17,280 for a Master’s degree in Education.
Online Master’s Programs
Northcentral University is an entirely virtual university that offers online Master’s degrees within four fields: education, business, psychology, and marriage & family therapy.
Accreditation
Northcentral University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
48. National University
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Tuition
The lowest estimated tuition cos is $17,280.
Online Master’s Programs
National University offers more than seventy programs that are 100% online. The online Master’s degree programs include many options such as human behavior, digital journalism, and cyber security & information assurance.
Accreditation
National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.
47. Capitol Technology University
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Tuition
The estimated lowest cost program is $17,070 for Master of Science in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
Online Master’s Programs
Capitol Technology University (previously named Capitol College) offers seven online Master’s degree programs that are largely based in science and technology. Courses include live, interactive sessions in accelerated eight-week or sixteen-week sessions.
Accreditation
Capitol Technology University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools.
46. Central Michigan University
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Tuition
The lowest estimated tuition cost is $16,895.
Online Master’s Programs
Central Michigan University offers a variety of online Master’s degrees that span the fields of education, science, and business. Programs options include principalship and teacher leadership.
Accreditation
Central Michigan University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
45. University of Nebraska at Kearney
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Tuition
Several online Master’s programs have an estimated cost of $16,884.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Nebraska at Kearney offers interactive online classes using discussion forums, email, chat groups, and supplemental multimedia materials. Their twenty online Master’s programs include school counseling and Spanish education.
Accreditation
University of Nebraska at Kearney is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
44. Ohio University
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Tuition
$16,440 is the estimated cost for the lowest cost online Master’s program for a Master of Arts in Organization Communication.
Online Master’s Programs
Ohio University offers fifteen fully online Master’s degree programs as well as some additional programs that require a certain amount of in-person learning. Programs offered include recreation and sport sciences, organizational communication, and civil engineering.
Accreditation
Ohio University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
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42. Ball State University
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Tuition
Online Master’s degree programs range from $16,200 to $19,308.
Online Master’s Programs
Ball State University offers twenty online Master’s degree programs that are affordably priced. While most of the programs can be completed online, there are some specialty concentrations that require blending or onsite courses. Some of the online Master’s programs include journalism, public relations, and executive development.
Accreditation
Ball State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
41. Eastern Michigan University
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Tuition
The lowest cost online Master’s degrees available are from the Graduate School of Engineering, estimated at around $16,199.
Online Master’s Programs
Eastern Michigan University offers nine online Master’s degree programs within several fields of study including dietetics, online teaching, and educational assessment.
Accreditation
Eastern Michigan University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
40. University of New England
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Tuition
The lowest cost online Master’s program is $15,960, which is estimated cost to receive a Master of Science degree in Education.
Online Master’s Programs
University of New England offers education degree programs that are completed 100 percent online. Many of the online Master’s degrees offered are in various areas of education.
Accreditation
University of New England is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.
39. University of Wisconsin-Stout
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Tuition
The estimated tuition is $15,750 for a Master of Science in Career & Technical Education, the lowest cost online Master’s program.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Wisconsin-Stout is the first university in Wisconsin to become certified for excellence in its distance education programming. There are sixteen online Master’s programs including a Master of Fine Arts in Design.
Accreditation
University of Wisconsin-Stout is regionally accredited by North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
38. Indiana State University
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Tuition
The estimated tuition of the lowest cost online Master’s degree program is $15,206 for a Master of Science in Electronics and Computer Technology.
Online Master’s Programs
Indiana State University has sixteen different online Master’s degree programs available that include health sciences, history, and human resources. They also offer a variety of certificate and licensure programs for people who need additional education for their fields.
Accreditation
Indiana State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
37. Colorado State University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $14,820 to receive a Master of Agriculture online degree.
Online Master’s Programs
Colorado State University is a nationally recognized research institution that offers more than twenty online Master’s degree programs. The lowest cost program is in Agriculture, but there are many programs available including financial risk management and systems engineering.
Accreditation
Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
36. Eastern Kentucky University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition for several Master’s of Education degrees is $14,700.
Online Master’s Programs
Eastern Kentucky University offers eighteen different online Master’s programs of a wide variety that include Adult, Juvenile and Community Corrections leadership, Construction Management, and Nursing Administration.
Accreditation
Eastern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
35. A. T. Still University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $14,600 for Master’s degrees in several health-related Master’s degree programs.
Online Master’s Programs
As a founding institution of osteopathic healthcare, A.T. Still University offers several options for online Master’s degrees in healthcare. These include Master’s degrees in public health, human movements, and health administration.
Accreditation
A. T. Still University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
34. Indiana Wesleyan University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $14,487 for several Master’s of Education online degrees.
Online Master’s Programs
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian university that offers more than eighty online programs that include a Master of Education in K-12 Online Learning.
Accreditation
Indiana Wesleyan University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
33. Arizona State University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $14,460 for a Master of Engineering degree.
Online Master’s Programs
Arizona State University offers forty online Master’s degrees that have a wide range including a Master of Advanced Study in American Media and Popular Culture and a Master of Science in Biomedical Diagnostics. The courses are all designed to make all of the ASU resources available to anyone, anywhere.
Accreditation
Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
32. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $14,336 for several of the lowest cost online Master’s degrees available.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers over twenty online Master’s degree programs that students can take self-paced and semester-based. All online degrees are taught by the same professors teaching those courses on-campus. Degrees options include translation and interpreting, computer science, and global studies in education.
Accreditation
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
31. University of North Dakota
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $14,254 for a Master of Public Administration Master’s degree.
Online Master’s Programs
University of North Dakota offers affordable options for twenty-two online Master’s degree programs that include aviation, school counseling, and early childhood education. There is an option to enroll anytime for independent study at your own pace or courses that follow semester schedules.
Accreditation
University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
30. Kansas State University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $13,950 for a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communications, the lowest cost online Master’s degree offered.
Online Master’s Programs
Kansas State University has been providing affordable resources to meet the needs of professionals and students for 45 years. They offer more than twenty-five online Master’s degree courses that include agribusiness, gerontology, and food science. In addition to online resources, KSU has partnerships within twenty countries around the world.
Accreditation
Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
29. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
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Tuition
The estimated cost of the lowest price online Master’s degree is $13,950 for several Master of Education degrees.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers more than forty online degree and certificate programs. Twelve of the degrees offered are to receive a Master of Education degree within a wide variety of education fields.
Accreditation
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.
28. Troy University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $13,800 for the lowest cost Master’s program.
Online Master’s Programs
Troy University Online Learning offer fifteen online Master’s programs, with degrees ranging from strategic communication to international relations. The courses are largely asynchronous, meaning that there is no need to be at the computer at a particular time. They offer a broad amount of student support and advising to those completing online degrees.
Accreditation
Troy University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
27. Southwestern College
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Tuition
There are online Master’s programs at Southwestern College with estimated tuition costs as low as $13,461.
Online Master’s Programs
Southwestern College offers six-week classes that are geared toward working adults, military members, and people hoping to improve their career skills. There are ten online Master’s degree programs that are within business and education fields.
Accreditation
Southwestern College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
26. University of Nevada, Reno
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Tuition
Estimated tuition costs runs around $13,760 – $16,770.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Nevada, Reno offers more than 200 online courses per year that are used by over 22,000 students within 4,500 courses. Their Master’s degree programs include equity and diversity in education, literacy studies, and behavior analytic psychology.
Accreditation
University of Nevada, Reno is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
25. Georgia Southern University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition cost for the lowest cost program at Georgia Southern University is $13,740.
Online Master’s Programs
Georgia Southern University offers flexible online Master’s programs in business, healthcare, and education. GSU offers both 100% online and blended online and onsite coursework. Their Master’s degree programs include applied economics and education with a wide variety of concentrations.
Accreditation
Georgia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
24. University of Colorado Denver
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Tuition
University of Colorado Denver offers Master’s degree programs with an estimated cost as little as $13,690.
Online Master’s Programs
The University of Colorado Denver offers over 450 online courses, and they also provide the opportunity for students to mix online with onsite courses. Advantages of taking courses with University of Colorado Denver is that courses are available 24/7 and online courses offer the opportunity to receive accelerated degrees.
Accreditation
University of Colorado Denver is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
23. University of Illinois Springfield
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Tuition
The estimated tuition cost is $12,730 for the lowest-cost Master’s degree online program, which is in Computer Science.
Online Master’s Programs
The University of Illinois Springfield offers ten online Master’s degree programs that are entirely online including degree programs in legal studies and environmental studies, among others.
Accreditation
The University of Illinois Springfield is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
22. University of West Florida
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Tuition
Tuition at The University of West Florida is estimated to be around $11,744 – $16,422 based on individual programs.
Online Master’s Programs
The University of West Florida offers over 500 online courses that lead to both Master’s degrees and credit-earning certificates. There are out-of-state tuition waivers available for online students that can lead to them paying the in-state tuition costs. Their Master’s degree programs include computer science and educational leadership.
Accreditation
The University of West Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
21. Stephen F. Austin State University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition runs about $13,296 – $15,942 depending on the program.
Online Master’s Programs
Stephen F. Austin State University has more than twenty online degree programs. There are Master’s degrees available in the areas of public administration, resource interpretation, and more.
Accreditation
Stephen F. Austin State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools. Individual programs also have accreditation by their national bodies related to each specific field.
20. Emporia State University
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Tuition
The estimated tuition amount at Emporia State University can range from $12,690 to $15,228 depending on the program.
Online Master’s Programs
Emporia State University offers more than thirty-one different graduate degree programs with thirty-three concentrations. These include art therapy counseling, biology, and forensic science. ESU’s distance programs seek to use innovative technology to accommodate students who are juggling work, family, and school responsibilities.
Accreditation
Emporia State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
19. Columbia College
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Tuition
Tuition at Columbia College’s lowest cost Master’s degree program is estimated at $12,42o.
Online Master’s Programs
Columbia College offers 800 online classes. Although many degrees can be completed online, Columbia College has campuses at thirty-six campuses nationwide, which can provide the opportunity for onsite classes. Courses function within eight-week sessions and are flexible for each student’s schedule.
Accreditation
Columbia College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
18. Old Dominion University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is within the range of $12,360 – $16,068, depending on the program
Online Master’s Programs
Old Dominion University offers nearly thirty online Master’s degree programs including midwifery nursing, dental hygiene, and aerospace engineering. There are various tools to communicate with other students and staff such as email and discussion boards. There is a good deal of freedom with pace for completing coursework, but it does include scheduled assignment and exams to encourage student success.
Accreditation
Old Dominion University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
17. Western Governors University
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Tuition
The estimated tuition cost of Western Governors University’s lowest cost online programs is $12,140.
Online Master’s Programs
Western Governors University is a completely online university that offers about thirty different Master’s degree programs. With a mission to expand access to education through offering online degrees, WGU has become a national university that serves more than 50,000 students from all 50 states. WGU Master’s programs include healthcare management and teaching.
Accreditation
Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
16. University of South Dakota
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Tuition
Estimated tuition can range from $12,002 – $14,935
Online Master’s Programs
The University of South Dakota has nineteen Master’s degree programs that are offered online. These include Master’s programs in organizational leadership and public health. The university offers the option of registering for courses without applying for admission.
Accreditation
University of South Dakota is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
15. Dakota State University
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Tuition
The estimated cost of tuition at Dakota State can range from $12,002 – $13,202.
Online Master’s Programs
Dakota State University offers six Master’s degree programs offering several options in science and business administration including education technology and health informatics. With a slogan of “Technically, we’re better” Dakota State promises students a tech-infused learning environment with information technology skills that give their students an advantage.
Accreditation
Dakota State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
14. Saint Joseph’s College
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Tuition
The estimated cost of Saint Joseph’s College lowest cost programs is $11,880.
Online Master’s Programs
Saint Joseph’s College offers six Master’s programs, with the lowest cost degrees available in Education. One of the benefits of an online degree at Saint Joseph’s is that students can begin a program during any month of the year and complete them at their own pace with guidance from an advisor.
Accreditation
Saint Joseph’s College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.
13. American Public University
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Tuition
The estimated tuition for a Master’s program at American Public University is $11,700 – 16, 400, depending on the program.
Online Master’s Programs
American Public University offers more than thirty online Master’s degree programs. Geared toward the working professional and offering veteran-focused advising, some of the courses offered by APU include Cybersecurity Studies, Homeland Security, and Military History.
Accreditation
American Public University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
12. University of Missouri
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Tuition
Estimated tuition cost for a full online Master’s degree is $10,809 – $15,870.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Missouri offers over twenty-five programs that are 100% online. Among the unique list of courses at MIzzou Online are Agroforestry, Gerontology, and Biomedical Sciences. They offer 900+ online programs that are designed to offer the same quality as their onsite courses.
Accreditation
University of Missouri is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
11. University of Alabama
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $10,620 for several of the lowest cost Master’s degrees available.
Online Master’s Programs
Referred to as Bama By Distance, University of Alabama‘s distance learning program offers a variety of non-traditional formats that include online courses, video conferencing, and evening and weekend times. There are over twenty courses offered entirely online including Law & Taxation and Human Environmental Services.
Accreditation
The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
10. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
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Tuition
Estimated tuition of its lowest cost Master’s degree program is $10,537.
Online Master’s Programs
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers nineteen online Master’s degree programs with additional concentrations in several of them. Some of their unique offerings include degrees in Homeland Security, Curriculum & Instruction, and Adult Education.
Accreditation
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
9. University of Central Missouri
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $10,515 – $13,626 per program.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Central Missouri has fourteen Master’s degrees that include Aviation Safety, Kinesiology, and Library Science & Information Services. The online instructors are the same as those teaching courses in the university classrooms.
Accreditation
University of Central Missouri is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
8. Lamar University
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Tuition
The estimated tuition at Lamar University is $10,512 for its lowest cost Master’s program, which is degrees in Education with several different options for concentrations.
Online Master’s Programs
Lamar University has ten different online Master’s degree programs, including many in education and an accelerated Nursing degree. The university seeks to provide alternative venues for working adults who have educational goals of continued learning with higher-level degrees.
Accreditation
Lamar University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
7. Mississippi State University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition ranges from 9,675 – 12,309, depending on the program.
Online Master’s Programs
Mississippi State University offers sixteen online Master’s degree programs that include forestry and food science, nutrition, & health performance. One benefit is that all distance students pay the in-state tuition rate. MSU’s Distance@State program also provides a SmarterMeasure survey to assess learner readiness and the degree to which distance learning would be a good fit for those considering it.
Accreditation
Mississippi State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
6. Liberty University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition ranges from 9,600 to 18,000. The lowest-cost degree at the Master’s level is a Master of Theology.
Online Master’s Programs
Liberty University has over fifty online Master’s degree programs with an even greater number of concentrations and specialities within each degree option. Many of the degrees are religiously affiliated including degrees in Christian Ministry, Religion, and Pastoral Counseling. Liberty also offers many other degrees including Studio & Digital Arts, Public Health, and Public Policy.
Accreditation
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
5. California State University-Dominguez Hills
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Tuition
The lowest estimated cost is $9,570 for a Master of Science in Quality Assurance.
Online Master’s Programs
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers five low-cost online graduate degree programs. With a goal of providing accessible and transformative educaiton, the online Master’s degree programs include a program in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping.
Accreditation
California State University-Dominguez Hills is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.
4. University of Arkansas
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Tuition
Estimated tuition is $9,000 – $13,142. One of the lowest cost programs offered is the Master of Science in Operations Management.
Online Master’s Programs
University of Arkansas offers sixteen online Master’s programs in a wide variety of fields including a Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education, and Master of Education in Education Technology.
Accreditation
The University of Arkansas is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
3. Southeast Missouri State University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition ranges from $8,790 – 19,188. The lowest cost degree is in Organizational Management. Some of the online Master’s programs charge the in-state fee for all students. For education degrees, NEA Members receive an additional 5% discount on top of the in-state tuition.
Online Master’s Programs
Southeast Missouri State University has eight online Master’s program options which include Technology Management, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Criminal Justice. Programs are time-flexible, and students are not required to online at the same time as professors or other classmates. Most classes are last for 16 weeks.
Accreditation
Southeast Missouri State University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its business programs are accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, which groups them within the top 5% or worldwide business programs.
2. Amberton University
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Tuition
Estimated tuition costs are around $8,712 for most of the Master’s programs.
Online Master’s Programs
Amberton University offers distance-learning courses that have the same learning outcomes and expectations as their classroom courses. The costs and requirements are the same for both online and in-classroom courses, and all of their professors teach e-Courses. Amberton offers twelve Master’s degree programs including Human Resources Training & Development and Family Studies.
Accreditation
Amberton University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
1. Fort Hays State University
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Tuition
Estimated range: $8,045 – 15,080
Online Master’s Programs
Fort Hays State University offers thirteen online Master’s programs including Education, School Psychology, and Business Administration. The lowest cost degree is a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance.
Accreditation
The Virtual College at Fort Hays State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
