Are you a teacher who wants to expand your skills? Are you considering teaching as a career, but don’t have the required training? Perhaps it’s time to consider one of the cheapest online MAT programs on our ranking list.
MAT stands for Master of Arts in Teaching. It’s a degree that helps you become an effective leader in the classroom and in your school district.
In this database, you’ll find 203 MAT programs from 67 schools. You can choose your concentration and study to become a high-quality teacher that has a real impact on the future of students in your area.
A master’s degree of any kind is a significant challenge, but these online programs make learning more convenient and accessible. In addition, many have a surprisingly low price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,700
Least Expensive: North Carolina A&T State University ~$6,990
Most Expensive: University of Southern California ~$59,971
We have created the most reliable list of degree rankings. By focusing on the total cost and avoiding complex formulas, you can find accurate information on affordable online MAT programs. If you need the lowest-cost option, look at programs above the dividing line. These are “Best Buys,” all priced below the average cost.
Cheapest Online MAT Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $6,990.00 $25,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | (NC) | $8,539.00 $30,304.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
4 | Morningside College | (IA) | $10,540.00 | All Students |
5 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $10,608.00 $31,422.00 $10,608.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
6 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $10,628.00 | All Students |
7 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $10,795.00 $9,475.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $10,803.00 | All Students |
9 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,808.00 | All Students |
10 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $10,830.00 | All Students |
11 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $11,492.00 $34,041.00 $11,492.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
12 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $11,634.00 | All Students |
13 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $11,700.00 $15,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $11,740.00 $10,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
15 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
16 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $12,111.00 $42,614.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $12,117.00 | All Students |
18 | California State University-Fresno | (CA) | $12,237.00 $24,117.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $12,421.00 | All Students |
20 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $12,755.00 | All Students |
21 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $12,810.00 $18,030.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
23 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $12,960.00 $20,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Mississippi University for Women | (MS) | $13,110.00 | All Students |
25 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
26 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $13,730.00 $12,050.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
28 | Maranatha Baptist University | (WI) | $13,735.00 | All Students |
29 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $14,079.00 $19,821.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Dickinson State University | (ND) | $14,187.00 | All Students |
31 | Delta State University | (MS) | $14,354.00 | All Students |
32 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,397.00 | All Students |
33 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $14,530.00 | All Students |
34 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
35 | Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $14,976.00 | All Students |
36 | Maranatha Baptist University | (WI) | $15,070.00 | All Students |
37 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $15,360.00 | All Students |
38 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $15,552.00 $24,372.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $15,599.00 | All Students |
40 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $15,675.00 | All Students |
41 | Delta State University | (MS) | $15,789.00 | All Students |
42 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,829.00 | All Students |
43 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $15,870.00 $20,220.00 $14,850.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
44 | Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
45 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | (IN) | $16,050.00 | All Students |
46 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $16,110.00 | All Students |
47 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $16,170.00 | All Students |
48 | Stevenson University | (MD) | $16,335.00 | All Students |
49 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $16,360.00 | All Students |
50 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
51 | University of Louisville | (KY) | $17,430.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
52 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students |
53 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $17,640.00 $11,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
54 | Bemidji State University | (MN) | $17,775.00 | All Students |
55 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $17,783.00 $24,653.00 $16,133.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
56 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $17,836.00 | All Students |
57 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $18,000.00 | All Students |
58 | Asbury University | (KY) | $18,050.00 | All Students |
59 | Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $18,295.00 | All Students |
60 | Concordia University, St. Paul | (MN) | $18,480.00 $14,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
61 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $18,525.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilkes University | (PA) | $18,890.00 | All Students | |
Georgia State University | (GA) | $18,910.00 | All Students | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $19,680.00 | All Students | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $20,020.00 $12,475.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Western Governors University | (UT) | $20,450.00 | All Students | |
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $20,628.00 | All Students | |
University of Mississippi | (MS) | $20,844.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $20,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $20,916.00 $9,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $20,995.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $21,000.00 | All Students | |
Lindenwood University | (MO) | $21,210.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $21,375.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $22,325.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $22,500.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $22,660.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $22,759.00 $14,125.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $23,112.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $23,520.00 $17,940.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $24,205.00 | All Students | |
Lenoir-Rhyne University | (NC) | $24,840.00 | All Students | |
Norfolk State University | (VA) | $25,410.00 $51,034.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $26,423.00 | All Students | |
Greenville University | (IL) | $26,501.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $26,688.00 | All Students | |
University of Iowa | (IA) | $26,760.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $26,780.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $28,825.00 | All Students | |
Pacific University | (OR) | $29,222.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education CAEP,14 | (MO) | $29,235.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $30,447.00 $34,655.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pacific University | (OR) | $37,362.00 | All Students | |
American University | (DC) | $39,760.00 | All Students | |
New York Institute of Technology | (NY) | $44,100.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $51,423.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $59,971.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online MAT programs must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited MAT programs online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the MAT online programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published costs are estimated sticker prices for the online MAT programs, including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers MAT programs online that are available at least 80 percent through online learning and that are open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online MAT programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest online MAT programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Consider the Cheapest Online MAT Programs?
With affordable learning that results in a high-quality career, there are many reasons to pursue one of these programs:
- Affordable degree options: The average price for these MAT programs online is $18,700. In addition, many programs cost below $15,000, with the most affordable costing less than $7,000. (See “What’s the Cost for the Best Online MAT Programs?” for more information.)
- Strong pay for teachers: With education, experience, and skill, teachers can earn strong incomes. For example, the median annual income for high school teachers is over $62,000, while the top 10% earn over $101,000 a year.
- Rewarding, important work: When you work as a teacher, you are performing some of the most important work in our society. Teachers go to bed every night knowing their work makes a positive difference in the lives of children.
Interested in becoming an education expert with a master’s degree? Keep reading to learn more about the best online MAT programs.
What to Expect from the Cheapest Online MAT Programs
Other databases on our site will include master of science, master of arts, and master of education degrees in various subjects. This database, however, consists entirely of master of arts in teaching programs, which are commonly called MAT degrees.
An MAT degree tends to focus precisely on creating classroom teachers. Other programs overlap, but they may also train school administrators and other education experts. An MAT is solely for those who want to teach in a classroom. It’s a degree for people who want to teach or who already teach but want to expand their skills.
During an MAT program, you’ll take a deep dive into specific education areas. You’ll focus on a certain teaching discipline, such as special education, high school education, or elementary school.
Concentrations in this database include:
- Secondary (high school) education
- Elementary education
- Mathematics
- Learning and behavior
- Adolescent education
- Biology
- Curriculum development
- English for speakers of other languages
Regardless of the concentration, these degrees will build practical, hands-on skills for the classroom. Courses cover areas like classroom management, effective instruction, and curriculum development. Once complete, you’ll be one of the most skilled classroom leaders in your area.
Courses in a MAT Online Degree
To better understand the expectations of an MAT degree, it helps to look at the structure and coursework of a few programs. While every degree is different, these examples show what you may learn and what projects you might complete.
Campbellsville University – Master of Arts in Teaching High School Education (8-12)
This program is delivered by both education and arts and science faculty at Campbellsville in a joint effort with area school districts. It consists of nine three-hour courses and content area methods courses.
Courses cover important subjects for future educators, falling under titles like “Human Growth and Development,” “Educational Technology,” and “Formative Assessment & Intervention for All Students.” Students must also complete three to six hours of content area methods that may include “Methods of Teaching Science,” “Methods and Materials of Teaching Math,” and “Teaching English in Middle and High School.”
Morningside College – Master of Arts in Teaching / Curriculum Studies
This program is for current teachers of all types. Whether you want to improve your overall skills in the classroom or become more well-informed in a certain subject, the MAT program from Morningside University can help.
The curriculum studies concentration for this MAT program helps you learn how to develop classroom instruction plans. Courses include “Designing Action Research,” “Instructional Technology,” and “Educational Research: Curriculum Studies.”
University of Central Missouri – Master of Arts in Teaching / Secondary Education
To graduate from the University of Central Missouri with an online MAT with a focus on secondary education, you’ll need to complete nine classes that up make the bulk of the program. You’ll also choose between an internship or a student teaching experience to complete the degree.
Classes in the main body of this program include “Advanced Educational Psychology,” “Advanced Assessment and Evaluation,” and “Classroom Discipline and Motivation.”
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Teaching
Accreditation is an important part of the academic process. Essentially, it acts as a quality review system, ensuring schools and degrees meet a high standard. Accreditation comes in two major forms: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional is the most common and, arguably, the most important. This form, granted by regional groups, covers an entire school. Groups that grant institutional accreditation include the Higher Learning Commission and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Programmatic accreditation is different. This type of approval only covers a specific degree. For example, if a school has a degree in school psychology, it may be accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists.
For these education degrees, the most important programmatic accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This group accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in education programs, with reviews and renewal coming every seven to ten years. Dozens of the cheapest online MAT programs in this database have accreditation from the CAEP.
Another important group is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Founded in 2017, this is a newer accrediting body that emphasizes innovation and technology in education. Only the MAT programs from the University of Maryland Global Campus and Pacific University have accreditation from the AAQEP, although more programs will likely apply for and receive AAQEP approval in the future.
Typical Admission Requirements
To enroll in a master of arts in teaching, you need to meet an extensive list of requirements.
All programs have different requirements, so you need to research the various admission standards for all potential degrees. That said, we can make some general statements about admission standards for some of the cheapest online MAT programs.
The first admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree. This is fundamental to enrollment, so if you have not completed a four-year bachelor’s you cannot proceed. However, simply holding a bachelor’s degree may not be enough, at least not for all programs. Many programs have GPA requirements. For example, you may need a 3.0, 2.75. or 2.5 for enrollment.
Most programs will request a letter of intent. This letter, which you must personally write, will describe why you want this degree and what you plan to do with the education after graduating. Essentially, colleges want to know your motivation. This letter helps them understand why you’re committing to a master’s degree.
You’ll likely need a few letters of recommendation. These must be written by former or current teachers or supervisors. Good sources of letters can be a former teacher or professor, a principal who oversees your current teaching career, or a fellow teacher in your school.
To better understand the admission requirements, let’s look at Asbury University for one example, which offers a Master of Arts in Teaching / Learning & Behavior Disorders. In addition to official transcripts and an application, the school requires three letters of recommendation, an undergrad GPA of 2.75, and a valid teaching certificate. Applicants for this program must also pass the PRAXIS II content exam in their respective discipline, which could be, as examples, elementary education or English as a second language.
What’s the Cost for the Best Online MAT Programs?
Regardless of your budget, you need to research the cost of MAT programs online. While many are affordable, the prices can quickly climb into the tens of thousands of dollars. With research, you’ll find the cheapest online MAT programs that fit your career goals.
The average cost for these online MAT programs is $18,700. Assuming a two-year plan, this means students will pay, on average, $9,350 a year.
The cheapest online MAT programs come from North Carolina A&T State University. This school offers a master of arts in teaching that comes in 12 concentrations, including biology, English, and technology education. For in-state students, the price is only $6,990, making it the most affordable option. However, students with an official residency outside of North Carolina must pay nearly $26,000 for the program.
For students in all other states, one of the cheapest online MAT programs is the Master of Arts in Teaching from Campbellsville University. Available in 10 concentrations, this program costs $9,750. Even better, this price is available regardless of residency.
Of course, there are many high-priced programs. The most expensive is the Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California. This L.A.-based private school charges $59,971 for its MAT online programs, making them over three times as expensive as the average, and over eight times as expensive as the lowest-cost option.
With such a large difference in price between the most expensive and the cheapest online MAT programs, it’s essential that you research the cost using our database to find a program that meets your budget.
Licensing and Certification for Teaching Professionals
Most teachers need state-mandated licensing, known as certification. To meet this requirement, you’ll need to graduate from a teaching program and pass tests mandated by the state. All teaching certifications are granted by the state. So, for example, if you live in Pennsylvania, you’ll have to go through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Each state is different, but the process is fairly consistent. There will be a basic skills test, which tests your knowledge in teaching and classroom management. You’ll then pass a subject-knowledge test, which verifies your knowledge in a specific area, such as biology or math.
Once all testing is complete (and assuming you pass) you can apply for certification through your state. After certification is granted you can apply for a teaching job and begin working in one of the most rewarding careers possible.
Salary and Career Outlook for Teachers
Teachers don’t have reputations for high salaries, but this does not mean all teachers live in poverty. On the contrary, well-educated, high-quality, experienced teachers can expect strong incomes throughout their careers.
For example, the median salary for a high school teacher is $62,360 a year. This is roughly $16,000 more than the median for all occupations, which is $46,310. In addition, the top 10% in this career earn over $101,000. After completing one of these online MAT programs, you’ll be positioned to earn these top salaries.
Elementary teachers enjoy similar numbers. The median annual income for these educators is $61,620, with the top 10% earning over $101,000.
There is one noticeable downside to this profession: the lack of growth. The overall job market is expected to grow by 3% between 2022 and 2032. However, most teaching careers, including high school and elementary teachers, will only grow by 1%. The total job pool, however, is large. When combined, there will be over 2.6 million high school and elementary teachers needed in the United States by 2032.
While growth will be slow, there should be plenty of opportunities for qualified candidates. And, with experience and dedication, those candidates can expect some excellent pay.
What’s Next in Your Teaching Education?
If you become a teacher, you’ll need to maintain your certification through continuing education programs. Like many careers, teachers need to renew their certifications on a routine basis, usually every five years. Some states may require renewal every three years or every seven years. Check with your intended state of employment for details.
Regardless of the state, you’ll need Continuing Education Credits, often called CTUs. You can meet these requirements through formal classes, online seminars, and other academic programs. Essentially, they help you stay informed on the latest research and trends in the teaching field so that you can deliver the highest-quality education to your students.
For example, Michigan requires 150 hours of education-related professional learning to renew a license, which is required every five years. Professional learning may include state-approved education, district-approved education, or appropriate semester hours from an accredited college or university. If you have a license and recently completed a master’s degree, this can also count as your continuing education for the renewal period.
If you want to become one of the most respected experts in education, you might continue your academic career with a doctorate. A doctor of education (Ed.D.) or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education will shape you into one of the most well-informed experts in the field, and could qualify you to become a college professor or president.
Become a Real Influencer with an Online Master’s in Teaching
After graduating from one of the cheapest online MAT programs, you’ll be ready to influence the education of countless students. You’ll have a positive impact on their education, which can be incredibly rewarding! Let GetEducated.com help you find the right degree for your future!