Whether you’re a licensed teacher seeking to enhance your skills and salary, hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field and aspire to become a teacher, or aim to pursue advanced roles in educational administration and instructional design, an online master’s degree in education can assist you in achieving your career goals in a format that accommodates your busy schedule.
Finding a high-quality, reasonably-priced online education master’s program from an accredited university has become easier than ever before. To assist you in getting started, we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable online education master’s programs for this year. Keep reading to discover an online master’s in education program that suits your budget and career objectives, as well as additional tips on obtaining financial assistance to pay for graduate school.
50 Most Affordable Online Education Master’s Programs in 2024
When searching for a program, it’s crucial to consider factors such as academic rigor, learning flexibility, and student support. However, for many students, affordability is the most important factor when selecting an online master’s in education program. With this in mind, we’ve ranked schools based on providing the most affordable tuition rates without compromising on quality. Schools are ranked based on key metrics and data supplied by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). You can learn more about how we ranked schools by clicking “About the Ranking” button below.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduates per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Radnor, Pennsylvania
Cabrini University is a private institution that offers a fully online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. This program is designed to prepare students for a career in educational administration at the preschool through grade 12 level. Once enrolled, students complete core courses on the theory and practice of education and courses to prepare for certification as a school principal through Cabrini's PreK-12 Principal Certification Program. In addition, students complete 180 hours of practical experience. Prospective students apply online; financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $740/credit
- Mode: Online, Hybrid
- Accreditation: MSCHE
2
Portales, New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University offers a fully online Master of Education with an Emphasis in Career and Technical Education for those who wish to pursue a career as a teacher in a vocational or technical field. An in-person option for this 36-credit degree is also available. Students delve into graduate-level pedagogy, teaching methods, and research skills and prepare to teach at the high school, community college, or higher education level upon graduating. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must specify their area of emphasis as part of the online application.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education with Emphasis in Career and Technical Education
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $303/credit
- Mode: Online, In person
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Stephenville, Texas
The Master of Education in Educational Administration at Tarleton State University is an in-person or online program that prepares students for careers in educational administration at the K-12 level. This 30-credit MEd is designed for maximum flexibility, including availability at three Texas campuses as well as fully online. Learners study not only the fundamentals of educational administration but also the multicultural and community-sensitive factors that go into building a successful relationship between students, teachers, and the community. Applicants must have an accredited bachelor's degree. Students seeking a Principal Certificate in Texas must take an additional three-credit principal practicum course.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education in Educational Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $247.01/credit (in-state); $667.01/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online, In person
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, TEA
4
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
5
Jonesboro, Arkansas
6
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
7
Carrollton, Georgia
8
Westfield, Massachusetts
9
Odessa, Texas
10
Magnolia, Arkansas
11
Las Cruces, New Mexico
12
Hays, Kansas
13
Worcester, Massachusetts
14
Greensboro, North Carolina
15
Commerce, Texas
16
Wilmington, North Carolina
17
Pembroke, North Carolina
18
Durant, Oklahoma
19
Dahlonega, Georgia
20
Charlotte, North Carolina
21
Kingsville, Texas
22
Chicago, Illinois
23
Alpine, Texas
24
Sioux City, Iowa
25
Cullowhee, North Carolina
26
Durham, North Carolina
27
Greenville, North Carolina
28
Milledgeville, Georgia
29
Victoria, Texas
30
Ruston, Louisiana
31
Wichita Falls, Texas
32
Nacogdoches, Texas
33
Boone, North Carolina
34
Kennesaw, Georgia
35
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
36
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
37
Bozeman, Montana
38
Columbus, Georgia
39
Lake Charles, Louisiana
40
Livingston, Alabama
41
Statesboro, Georgia
42
Ashland, Ohio
43
Marshall, Texas
44
Kearney, Nebraska
45
Valley City, North Dakota
46
Pensacola, Florida
47
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
48
Stillwater, Oklahoma
49
Conway, Arkansas
50
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Where to Get Funding for Your Online Master’s in Education
Students working towards an online education master’s degree can secure funding from a variety of places, including the government, the school where they’ll earn their masters, and their employers. The options below detail some of the most common ways to fund your degree.
1
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for education master’s students.
You can find plenty of educational funding in the form of scholarships, grants, and fellowships if you plan to study education. For instance, the Leon Bradley Scholarship Program offered by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators provides $3,500 to qualified students. Start your search for scholarships, grants, and fellowships early with our STEPS financial aid guide and our Resources, Scholarships and Support Services for Education & Teaching Majors guide.
2
Look into Student Loan Forgiveness for teachers
Qualified teachers can receive up to $17,500 of loan forgiveness for their unsubsidized loans. Applicants must work full-time for at least five academic years at a school that serves low-income students. Requirements vary based on whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, so be sure to review the eligibility information carefully before applying.
3
Ask about a tuition reimbursement program from your employer
If you’re employed by a private school, you may be eligible for a tuition reimbursement program that can help cover educational expenses. Employers can provide up to $5,250 annually tax-free (amounts exceeding this are not tax-free) to cover expenses such as tuition, textbooks and supplies, and required fees. Even if your employer does not advertise this benefit, it’s worth asking them if it’s an option.
4
Take advantage of work-study
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicates if you qualify for work-study funds. If you do, apply to in-person or virtual part-time jobs at your university and receive at least the federal minimum wage. In some cases, you can request work-study positions that directly relate to your master’s degree, thereby gaining valuable experience before graduating. Indiana University Southeast provides a solid example of what to look for in work-study opportunities.
5
Take on a research or teaching assistantship
You may qualify for a research or teaching assistantship within your school of education. Compensation for these positions varies across universities. Some provide stipends to help cover costs, while others provide tuition remission or specific scholarships. These positions tend to be highly competitive, so begin researching them early. The Graduate School at the University of Kentucky provides an example of a school offering these positions.
5 Key Factors That Can Impact the Affordability of Your Online Master’s in Education
If you’re seeking ways to keep your expenses low before pursuing additional funding sources, it’s essential to understand that several factors can influence the actual cost of your degree. In this section, we examine a few common factors that students should take into account.
Public vs. Private
Whether you attend a public or private university can have a huge impact on how much you pay for your online Master in Education. According to CollegeBoard, students enrolled in public institutions as of the 2020-2021 academic year paid an average of $8,950 while those studying at private schools paid an average of $29,670.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Status
Because public schools receive state funding for resident learners, attending one of these institutions in your home state can save serious dollars. During the 2020-2021 school year, resident students paid an average of $10,560 while non-resident students paid an average of $27,020 during the same year.
Online Student Tuition Rate
Some schools have lower online tuition rates than those charged for on-campus students. In the case of private schools, the institution may reduce the advertised price for online students. Finally, public schools sometimes let online learners pay the resident tuition rate regardless of where they live.
School-Based Funding
Many schools provide department-specific scholarships and other types of funding to students enrolled in education master’s programs. Some of these are awarded based on merit while others focus on supporting students with financial needs. Review the Laverne I. & Marvin L. Colness “Pay it Forward” Scholarship offered at the University of Minnesota Duluth as an example.
Fees
Students don’t always consider fees outside of tuition when creating a budget. While online learners avoid many campus-based costs such as parking passes, facilities usage, gym memberships, and campus-based housing, they still incur some added feels. Technology and student service fees are common for online students.
