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The 65 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Higher Education

cheap online master's in higher educationHigher education in America is an ever-changing field. If you aspire to be a leader at a college or university, getting an affordable online master’s in higher education can boost your job options. A great online degree doesn’t mean you need to go to the most expensive program, as many of the less expensive options will have the curriculum and schedule you need. With 108 schools offering a total of 111 master’s degree programs in higher education, there are numerous choices.

To help you sort through your options for an affordable online master’s in higher education, we researched all the degrees in this specialty. Choosing the lowest-cost Best Buy on our list can save you up to $47,000 on your education versus the highest-cost program. This highly prized degree can get you to the next step in your career in higher education, whether you want to focus on administration, fundraising, student engagement, enrollment, or policy.

ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide

Average Cost (In-state): ~$21,500
Least Expensive In-state: University of North Carolina-Wilmington ~$10,630
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Fort Hays State University ~$10,748
Most Expensive: Hofstra University ~$58,050

Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate full-time tuition, including any fees, for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, so they factually showcase the most affordable online master’s in higher education. The online higher education degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.

Cheapest Online Master’s in Higher Education

The Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs degree program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) can prepare you to position yourself for a possible career in student affairs administration at higher education institutions. Coursework is designed to teach graduates how student affairs administrators directly contribute to the social development,…
Campbellsville University
Learn the skills you need to become a leader in higher education with an online Master of Arts in Higher Education degree from Campbellsville University. This program will challenge you to think critically about problems and ethical issues facing decision makers in higher education. You’ll study topics such as research…
Elevate your career and increase your earning potential with an MBA in Higher Education Administration from the University of West Alabama Online. Designed to support students in building specialized knowledge of the business, culture and context of higher education, this program produces graduates who are qualified to pursue positions in…
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RankSchool / DegreeStatePriceNote
1
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
(NC)
$10,630.00
$39,401.00
In-State
Out-of-State
2
Fort Hays State University
(KS)
$10,748.00
All Students
3
Appalachian State University
(NC)
$10,952.00
$40,972.00
In-State
Out-of-State
4
University of North Texas
(TX)
$11,668.00
$12,842.00
In-State
Out-of-State
5
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
(NE)
$12,378.00
$24,168.00
In-State
Out-of-State
6
North Carolina Central University
(NC)
$12,500.00
$43,552.00
In-State
Out-of-State
7
University of Wyoming
(WY)
$12,738.00
$19,338.00
In-State
Out-of-State
8
Georgia State University
(GA)
$12,940.00
All Students
9
University of Sioux Falls
(SD)
$13,035.00
All Students
10
University of Nebraska at Kearney
(NE)
$13,237.00
$17,881.00
In-State
Out-of-State
11
National University
(CA)
$13,260.00
All Students
12
Dakota Wesleyan University
(SD)
$13,500.00
All Students
13
Liberty University
(VA)
$13,546.00
$8,350.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
14
Arkansas Tech University
(AR)
$14,210.00
$25,172.00
In-State
Out-of-State
15
University of Colorado Denver
(CO)
$14,227.00
$16,807.00
In-State
Out-of-State
16
Texas A & M University - Commerce
(TX)
$14,390.00
$26,630.00
In-State
Out-of-State
17
University of West Alabama
(AL)
$14,397.00
All Students
18
New Mexico State University
(NM)
$14,665.00
$8,250.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
19
Baker University
(KS)
$14,836.00
All Students
20
Indiana State University
(IN)
$15,004.00
$19,327.00
In-State
Out-of-State
21
University of South Dakota
(SD)
$15,230.00
All Students
22
Kansas State University
(KS)
$15,318.00
All Students
23
William Paterson University of New Jersey
(NJ)
$15,600.00
All Students
24
Concordia University - Chicago
(IL)
$15,741.00
All Students
25
Ohio University
(OH)
$15,822.00
$16,392.00
In-State
Out-of-State
26
Texas Tech University
(TX)
$15,830.00
$30,518.00
In-State
Out-of-State
27
Oklahoma State University
(OK)
$15,925.00
$20,612.00
$15,925.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
28
University of Arkansas
(AR)
$15,998.00
All Students
29
Morgan State University
(MD)
$16,095.00
$29,265.00
In-State
Out-of-State
30
Bridgewater State University
(MA)
$16,121.00
All Students
31
The University of Alabama
(AL)
$16,200.00
All Students
32
Angelo State University
(TX)
$16,294.00
$30,980.00
In-State
Out-of-State
33
Adams State University
(CO)
$16,301.00
All Students
34
Saint Cloud State University
(MN)
$16,500.00
All Students
35
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
(LA)
$16,524.00
All Students
36
University of Northern Iowa
(IA)
$16,670.00
All Students
37
University of Missouri-Columbia
(MO)
$16,847.00
$15,410.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
38
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
(LA)
$17,100.00
All Students
39
Wilmington University
(DE)
$17,116.00
$10,120.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
40
Missouri Baptist University
(MO)
$17,190.00
All Students
41
Grace College and Theological Seminary
(IN)
$17,355.00
All Students
42
University of Mississippi
(MS)
$17,370.00
All Students
43
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
(WI)
$17,460.00
All Students
44
Eastern Illinois University
(IL)
$17,616.00
All Students
45
Central Washington University
(WA)
$17,924.00
$38,864.00
In-State
Out-of-State
46
Lindenwood University
(MO)
$17,970.00
All Students
47
Tiffin University
(OH)
$18,000.00
All Students
48
Northern Arizona University
(AZ)
$18,075.00
All Students
49
SUNY College at Brockport
(NY)
$18,469.00
$22,135.00
In-State
Out-of-State
50
Mid-America Christian University
(OK)
$18,540.00
All Students
51
University of North Dakota
(ND)
$18,556.00
All Students
52
University of Florida
(FL)
$18,657.00
$23,644.00
In-State
Out-of-State
53
University of Toledo
(OH)
$19,173.00
$19,323.00
In-State
Out-of-State
54
University of New Orleans
(LA)
$19,176.00
All Students
55
Mary Baldwin University
(VA)
$19,185.00
All Students
56
Marywood University
(PA)
$19,328.00
All Students
57
University of Southern Mississippi
(MS)
$19,408.00
All Students
58
Sam Houston State University
(TX)
$19,870.00
All Students
59
National University
(CA)
$19,890.00
All Students
60
University of Mobile
(AL)
$20,060.00
All Students
61
Houston Christian University
(TX)
$20,305.00
All Students
62
West Virginia University
(WV)
$20,400.00
All Students
63
Bellarmine University
(KY)
$20,830.00
All Students
64
Adrian College
(MI)
$21,100.00
All Students
65
Florida International University
(FL)
$21,128.00
All Students
NOTE: The following schools did not make our Best Buy ranking but are also great online options.
School / DegreeStatePriceNote
Franklin University
(OH)
$21,525.00
All Students
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
(MA)
$21,627.00
All Students
Southern Arkansas University
(AR)
$21,693.00
$30,567.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Murray State University
(KY)
$21,942.00
All Students
SUNY at Albany
(NY)
$22,263.00
$25,647.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
(WI)
$22,406.00
All Students
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
(WI)
$22,413.00
$24,420.00
In-State
Out-of-State
New England College
(NH)
$22,640.00
All Students
Fairleigh Dickinson University
(NJ)
$22,688.00
All Students
Southern New Hampshire University
(NH)
$22,722.00
$17,070.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Indiana Wesleyan University
(IN)
$22,752.00
All Students
Mississippi College
(MS)
$22,813.00
All Students
Stony Brook University
(NY)
$22,881.00
$26,265.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Regent University
(VA)
$22,940.00
All Students
University of Louisville
(KY)
$23,250.00
$7,500.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Abilene Christian University
(TX)
$23,650.00
All Students
East Tennessee State University
(TN)
$23,760.00
$29,340.00
In-State
Out-of-State
University of Northern Colorado
(CO)
$24,570.00
All Students
DeSales University
(PA)
$24,960.00
All Students
Notre Dame of Maryland University
(MD)
$25,335.00
All Students
Widener University
(PA)
$25,610.00
All Students
Siena Heights University
(MI)
$25,792.00
All Students
Caldwell University
(NJ)
$26,160.00
All Students
Saint Peter's University
(NJ)
$26,685.00
All Students
Oakland University
(MI)
$26,688.00
All Students
Central Michigan University
(MI)
$27,086.00
$14,414.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
North Central College
(IL)
$28,404.00
All Students
Bay Path University
(MA)
$29,880.00
All Students
Pennsylvania State University
(PA)
$30,210.00
All Students
Oregon State University
(OR)
$30,590.00
All Students
Nova Southeastern University
(FL)
$30,960.00
All Students
Colorado State University
(CO)
$30,985.00
All Students
Duquesne University
(PA)
$31,620.00
All Students
Northeastern University
(MA)
$33,210.00
All Students
Madonna University
(MI)
$33,760.00
All Students
Boston University
(MA)
$34,620.00
All Students
DePaul University
(IL)
$38,136.00
All Students
Pepperdine University
(CA)
$42,750.00
All Students
Dallas Baptist University
(TX)
$42,972.00
All Students
Andrews University
(MI)
$44,880.00
All Students
Drexel University
(PA)
$47,115.00
$44,010.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Georgetown University
(DC)
$50,391.00
All Students
Hofstra University
(NY)
$58,050.00
All Students

 

Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the affordable online master’s in higher education 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 online master’s in higher education programs. 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 online master's degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online master’s in higher education, 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 an online master’s in higher education. The program must be available at least 80 percent through online learning and be 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 master’s in higher education 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 best online master’s in higher education for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.

Why Should I Complete an Online Master’s in Higher Education?

An affordable online master’s in higher education can turn you into an expert in the management, administration, and organization of colleges and universities. So why should you consider becoming a higher-education expert? There are a variety of reasons, including:

  • Excellent pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for postsecondary education administrators in May of 2021 was $96,910. Not bad, especially compared to the median for all occupations, which is around $46,000.
  • Solid career growth: While education is seeing changes, the expected growth is 7% for these administrators. This is compared to an expected growth of 5% for all occupations.
  • Fulfilling work: This is more than a typical office job. In this profession, you’ll have the chance to help people reach their goals and achieve their educational dreams, which can be extremely rewarding.

What Does it Cost to Complete an Online Master’s in Higher Education?

Virtually all students need to be concerned with tuition costs. Fortunately, these online master’s in higher education programs come (for the most part) with a fair price. The average cost for these programs is roughly $21,400. Assuming a two-year track, this means students must generate roughly $10,700 a year. If we look solely at in-state tuition, there are 61 affordable online master’s in higher education degrees priced below $20,000. (Many of these offer the same price to in- and out-of-state students.)

Regardless of where you live, there is a cheap online master’s in higher education that fits your budget and career goals. Whether you are on a tight budget or have vast financial resources, you should understand the costs before enrolling in the best online master’s in higher education for your needs. Let’s take a closer look at the cheapest online master’s in higher education programs:

#1. University of North Carolina-Wilmington – Master of Education in Higher Education

If you live in North Carolina, you can get a great deal on your online master’s in higher education. The M.Ed in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington can be completed for a total of $10,630 for in-state students, making it the #1 cheapest online master’s in higher education. It’s worth noting that out-of-state students, however, will pay nearly four times as much, at $39,401. (Those students may want to check out the #2 school on our list.)

The degree program benefits those who want to pursue or advance their careers in academic and student support roles at colleges and universities. The program offers a curriculum aligned with core professional competencies set by ACPA and NASPA. Students engage in applied learning opportunities, such as internships, study abroad experiences, and action research projects, providing practical insights. The culmination of the program involves a personalized project related to professional interests, guided by faculty mentors. With a focus on key areas like college student development, social justice, law and policy, and research methods, this program prepares students for impactful roles in shaping the future of higher education.

#2. Fort Hays State University – Master of Science in Education / Higher Education Student Affairs

With an online tuition rate that remains the same nationwide, the second most affordable online master’s in higher education also holds the title of the #1 cheapest online master’s in higher education for out-of-state students. For $10,748, online students can complete the MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs from Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

Fort Hays’ online programs emphasize affordability, quality, and flexibility to benefit working adults. The Higher Education Student Affairs program comprises 36 credit hours of higher education theory and practice developed alongside the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education standards and ACPA/NASPA competency areas, so students can be assured of a quality and career-relevant education.

Courses cover a range of subjects including:

  • Assessment, evaluation, and research
  • Higher education law
  • Technology in higher education student affairs
  • Supporting student success
  • Diversity in higher education
  • Governance and finance

#3. Appalachian State University – Master of Arts in Higher Education

Appalachian State University in North Carolina charges state residents just $10,952 to complete its Master of Arts in Higher Education, making it the third cheapest online master’s in higher education on our list. As with many other state universities, and North Carolina universities in particular, out-of-state students will pay significantly more – $40,972.

The MA in Higher Education at App State offers a toolkit for success in post-secondary education. The program is designed to help you boost your career, become a creative problem-solver, land a promotion, or step into a leadership role. The program tackles real-world issues like diversity, student development, and leadership. An optional concentration in Community College and University Leadership prepares you to take on management and administrative positions in higher education. The degree can be completed in two years through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework with an emphasis on student interaction and engagement.

Degree Program Types: What to Expect

These degrees build your understanding of a complex academic system. They offer students the opportunity to become experts in higher education. They help you understand the various methods of research and the best way to organize students, faculty, and staff.

But there are differences. For example, there are “master of arts” programs and “master of science” programs. The differences are subtle, and there will be plenty of overlap, but a master of arts in higher education focuses more on the specific data and research of higher education, while a master of arts will be more about the theory and philosophy.

There are also “master of education in higher education” programs, which focus even more on the nuts-and-bolts administration of colleges and universities.

Probably more significant, however, is the concentration. While many are simply “master of science (or arts) in higher education,” with no specialization, some of these programs have unique concentrations.

Concentrations or specializations for master’s in higher education administration online programs include:

  • Student affairs
  • Instructional technology
  • Administration
  • College counseling
  • Student personnel
  • Policy studies

Courses During an Online Master’s in Higher Education

Courses vary by program, so let’s look at a few examples to help understand the coursework:

Siena Heights University – Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership

This master of arts degree focuses on creating leaders in post-secondary institutions, with an emphasis on student development, assessment, instruction, and the technologies used to support learning and college organization. The program requires a total of 36 credit hours, which are completed over 12 courses. (Three hours each.)

The SHU online master’s in higher education consists of 18 hours of common core courses, which include research, leadership theory, finance, and strategic learning. Students then complete 18 credit hours of courses in the “Higher Education Leadership Concentration,” which includes classes such as “Ethics And Social Justice,” “Student Development Theory,” and “Program Planning And Evaluation.”

Appalachian State University – Master of Arts in Higher Education

This online master’s program takes a high-level approach to higher education, encompassing both theory and research in academic systems. It focuses less on leadership, and more on understanding how colleges work and how current students think and learn.

The program starts with nine credit hours of required classes, which include research methods, diversity, and the history of higher education. Then the program moves to 27 credit hours of required concentration classes. This includes courses such as “Supervising and Advising in Higher Education,” “Globalization in Higher Education,” and “The 21st Century College Student.” There is also a class on college leadership. As part of the concentration requirements, students must complete six hours of graduate electives based on career interests.

Missouri Baptist University – Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership

Combining both research methods and the philosophies of higher education, an online master’s in higher education is made for students who want to become leaders at colleges and universities. It includes various classes on wide-ranging subjects like student development, college administration, managing enrollment, and other important tasks within the collegiate system.

Courses in an online master’s in higher education include “Methods of Inquiry,” which focuses on various methods for collecting and using data inside a college. There are also courses titled “Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education,” “Finance in Higher Education,” “Governance and Administration in Higher Education,” and “College Student Development.”

Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Higher Education

Accreditation is the process of reviewing and verifying colleges and specific programs. Conducted by independent organizations, often called “accrediting institutions” or “accrediting bodies,” this system helps students find programs that have been scrutinized, examined, and approved to deliver a quality education.

It starts with institutional accreditation, which encompasses the entire program. This form of accreditation is delivered by regional organizations like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). All of the online master’s in higher education programs from our database hold institutional accreditation. There is also programmatic accreditation, which encompasses a specific degree field.

CAEP

For master’s degrees in education, the main accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education.

CAEP-accredited online programs found in this database include:

AAQEP

Another important accrediting body is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This group, founded in 2017, accredits programs in education and learning. Much newer than the CAEP, it uses classic techniques yet encourages innovation in the education process.

Only one program in our database is currently accredited by the AAQEP:

Typical Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Programs

Each online master’s in higher education is different, and the admission requirements can vary widely from one school to another. However, master’s programs, which are advanced degrees, have some of the largest requirements in the academic system. In fact, a master’s is only behind a doctorate in the level of requirements.

These programs require a bachelor’s degree, which means four years of college experience before enrolling. Some may also require professional experience.

Programs require more than a typical application and transcripts. (Although these are required as well.) Most will require an applicant to submit letters of recommendation from employers or former teachers, as well as a statement of purpose, which describes why you want to complete these challenging online programs.

To better understand admission requirements for the best online master’s in higher education, let’s look at two specific examples:

Grace College & Theological Seminary – Master of Science in Higher Education

In addition to a bachelor’s, this program requires a minimum GPA of 2.75, as well as one personal reference letter. You also need to complete and submit an MSHE application and official transcripts from all academic coursework.

Northeastern University – Master of Education / Higher Education Administration

An online master’s in higher education program requires an online application, a statement of purpose, a professional resume, and undergraduate transcripts. Students will need to obtain two letters of recommendation, from someone who knows them through school or work.

Licensing and Certification for College Administrators

Postsecondary education administrators need roughly six years of college education (culminating in a master’s in higher education) and about five years of on-the-job experience, usually working in a college administrative setting, such as a registrar’s office or resident assistant. Fortunately, you don’t need a license.

College administrators have no state-mandated requirement for licensing and certificates, so as long as you have the right knowledge and experience, you can work in this career.

However, there may be credentials that, while voluntary, can boost your chances of earning a top-notch salary. Various groups offer different credentials. For example, you could work with the National Association for Campus Activities to complete your Certification for Student Affairs Educators.

Salary and Career Outlook with an Online Master’s in Higher Education

Your studies may be challenging, but once you complete an online master’s in higher education, you can earn some of the best salaries in the job market.

The BLS says the median salary for postsecondary education administrators is $96,910. With experience and commitment, you can earn even more; the top 10% in this career field earn over $190,000 annually.

The best place to earn a high salary is New York. While you should consider the cost of living, administrators based in the state earn a median salary of $168,370. It appears that the eastern seaboard is a great place to work in this profession; the top five areas for high salaries are on the east coast. Delaware, New Jersey, D.C., and Rhode Island top the list.

Pay is outstanding, and the expected growth is positive as well. While the overall growth for all occupations is expected to grow by 5% between 2021 and 2031, the position of postsecondary education administrator will grow by 7%. Overall, however, the job market is small, as there were only 210,000 administrators in 2021. By comparison, there were 295,000 high school principals and over 1.3 million college teachers.

The Next Step in Your Education

If you choose to continue your education, the next step is to complete a doctorate in higher education. These advanced degrees can lead to some of the most respected, high-profile careers, including the potential to become a college president, the senior-most position at a college or university.

Even if you don’t complete a doctorate, continuing education is a great way to stay informed on changes in the academic industry. The National Association for College Admission Counseling offers a variety of certificate programs that are excellent for even highly-educated professionals. For example, you could complete certification to become an International University Advocate (IUE) or become certified in data-informed territory management.

Regardless of your choices, it’s important to continually educate yourself so that you can be the best college leader possible.

Become an Expert in Higher Education

If you have a passion for higher education, if you love helping people reach their goals and build their futures, an online master’s in higher education might be right for you. Submit your information on GetEducated.com to learn more about affordable online master’s in higher education, and we’ll help you find an online degree that works for your future!