Our workforce is constantly changing, and people of all ages need training in technical and career subjects that will help them land jobs in the new economy. If you want to provide education that helps people join the workforce, get on their feet, and support their families, getting the cheapest online master’s in adult education can make you into an effective teacher with a low out-of-pocket cost. Learning about how people learn, techniques to produce results, and curriculum building will help any aspiring adult or career educator to train our workforce for today and tomorrow.
Worried about how much it will cost to get your online master’s in adult education? Fear not, as there are many affordable options for online degrees in this useful specialty. Our Best Buys include 33 degrees cheaper than the national average that can save you as much as $60,000 over the highest priced programs!
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,100
Least Expensive In-state: East Carolina University ~$10,426
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Valdosta State University ~$10,808
Most Expensive: Columbia University ~$70,860
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online master’s in adult education. The online adult education degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official Best Buys and cost less than the national average.
Cheapest Online Master’s in Adult Education
University of West Alabama | Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | East Carolina University | (NC) | $10,426.00 $36,724.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $10,802.00 $38,007.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,808.00 | All Students |
4 | Athens State University | (AL) | $10,840.00 | All Students |
5 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
6 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $12,765.00 $44,917.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $12,810.00 $18,030.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
10 | National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
11 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
12 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $13,843.00 $27,215.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Ball State University | (IN) | $14,330.00 $20,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,397.00 | All Students |
15 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville | (TX) | $14,473.00 $30,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $14,530.00 | All Students |
17 | Marshall University | (WV) | $14,685.00 | All Students |
18 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $15,004.00 $19,327.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Empire State University | (NY) | $15,121.00 $17,941.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | SUNY Buffalo State | (NY) | $15,180.00 $18,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $15,675.00 | All Students |
21 | Troy University | (AL) | $15,675.00 | All Students |
23 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,998.00 | All Students |
24 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | (WI) | $16,140.00 | All Students |
25 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $16,170.00 | All Students |
26 | Utah State University | (UT) | $16,661.00 $18,575.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $16,850.00 | All Students |
28 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | (IL) | $17,347.00 | All Students |
29 | Alcorn State University | (MS) | $17,468.00 | All Students |
30 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students |
31 | Morehead State University | (KY) | $17,700.00 | All Students |
32 | Bethel University - MN | (MN) | $17,985.00 | All Students |
33 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Murray State University | (KY) | $18,285.00 | All Students | |
Cleveland State University | (OH) | $18,462.00 $20,712.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $18,504.00 | All Students | |
Wilmington University | (DE) | $18,652.00 $11,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Indiana University Online | (IN) | $18,717.00 $22,156.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Auburn University | (AL) | $18,900.00 | All Students | |
Park University | (MO) | $19,145.00 | All Students | |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $19,191.00 $57,603.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Ashland University | (OH) | $19,260.00 | All Students | |
Colorado State University | (CO) | $19,748.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $21,245.00 | All Students | |
University of Georgia | (GA) | $21,345.00 | All Students | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $22,730.00 $12,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Georgia | (GA) | $23,232.00 | All Students | |
Western Michigan University | (MI) | $23,769.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $25,550.00 | All Students | |
Michigan State University | (MI) | $26,925.00 | All Students | |
Rutgers University | (NJ) | $28,500.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $70,860.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in adult 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 master’s in adult education 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 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 adult 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 degrees in adult education 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 graphic design degrees 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 bachelor’s degree graphic design programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get a Master’s in Adult Education Online?
Learning never stops, which is why the role of an adult educator is so important. With one of the cheapest online master’s in adult education, you’ll be prepared for a world-class career as an instructional coordinator, career teacher, or adult educator, at an affordable cost.
There are many reasons to pursue one of these degrees, including:
- Teaching motivated adults: Each person will have a different perspective, but adult students are often more motivated than younger students. Adult students have taken time from a busy schedule to improve their lives. They have more life experience, and often have more direction, purpose, and motivation to succeed in the classroom.
- A growing profession: While certain adult-teaching professions are expected to decline, the role of instructional coordinator anticipates a growth of 7% in ten years, resulting in over 220,000 jobs by 2031.
- An affordable online education: Prices will vary, but the average cost of these master’s in adult education online is about $18,100. On average, students need roughly $9,050 per year. Our database has 19 online adult education degrees priced below $15,000, so there are numerous affordable options.
Interested in an excellent career? Keep reading to learn more about the best online master’s in adult education for your future.
What’s the Cost for an Online Master’s in Adult Education?
There are many affordable online master’s in adult education, but some programs will have a higher cost. As an aspiring student, you need to take your time and find the right program for your needs and budget.
The average cost for degrees in adult education is roughly $18,100. This is a fairly affordable price, as students only need, on average, about $9,000 annually to complete these two-year programs.
For budget-minded students, the cheapest online master’s in adult education cost well below this amount. The most affordable online master’s in adult education is the Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education from East Carolina University. This degree only costs $10,426, which means students only need about $5,200 each year, or roughly $2,600 per semester, for the cheapest online master’s in adult education.
Students who need an affordable online master’s will have plenty of options. Our database lists 19 degrees in adult education priced below $15,000. There are 47 priced below $20,000, so you should have little trouble finding the affordable education you deserve. The cheapest online master’s in adult education may not be the right one for you, but it’s nice to know there are many budget-conscious options.
Be aware, however, that some programs have a much higher price tag. Most notable is the Master of Arts in Adult Learning & Leadership from Columbia University, a private college in New York City. This school charges more than $70,000 for its master’s degree, which is over $40,000 more than the second most expensive option. ($30,210 for the Master of Education in Lifelong Learning & Adult Education from Penn State University.)
Let’s take a closer look at the top three cheapest online master’s in adult education programs:
#1. East Carolina University – Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education
With a total tuition of $10,426, the online adult education degree from East Carolina University is the lowest-cost choice for North Carolina residents. Students outside the state will pay $36,724. This program prepares students to teach in postsecondary institutions, workplace training programs, and community organizations.
Flexibility is central to this online program, with full-time and part-time options available, and the choice of five concentration areas. Most part-time students can complete the program in just two and a half years. Graduates will be able to put their degree to use as a college instructor, community educator, workplace trainer, and more.
Concentration options include:
- Community-based Education
- Workplace Training and Development
- Education in Healthcare Professions
- Community College Instruction
- Student Affairs in Higher Education
#2. University of Central Florida – Master of Arts in Applied Learning & Instruction
Coming in second place on our list of the cheapest online master’s in adult education is this offering from University of Central Florida. The cost is $10,802 for Florida-based students and $38,007 for those living out-of-state. This program specifically focuses on designing, delivering, and evaluating instructional practices.
The curriculum addresses topics such as motivation, the ways in which people learn, instructional design and pedagogy, and achieving effective learning outcomes. Assessments are real-world-based, geared toward solving work or personal challenges. Graduates will have a firm grasp of performance strategies to aid in their professional development and leadership potential.
Some of the career possibilities open to graduates of this program include:
- Community college instruction
- Educational leadership
- Advising
- Organizational development
- Instructional design
#3. Valdosta State University – Master of Education in Adult & Career Education
The Valdosta State University program ranks third least expensive for in-state students and is also the cheapest option for students outside the state. With a $10,808 price tag for students regardless of location, this online adult education master’s degree is an affordable option for all.
Students can choose from two areas of emphasis within this program: Workforce Education & Development or Career & Technical Education. The 100% online format provides flexibility and convenience for working adult students looking to advance their careers through education. The primary goal of the university is to provide students with coursework that is relevant and practical, leading to lifelong learning and embracing new technologies. In addition to standard coursework, students have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification as a part of the curriculum.
What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Adult Education
An online master’s in adult education comes in many varieties. For example, there are different focus areas, and the classes will change depending on the school.
There are three main options: 1) master of arts in education, 2) master of science in education, and 3) master of education. These might seem like minor differences, but they can impact what you learn and what skills you’ll have after graduation.
Masters of arts and masters of science degrees focus on practical skills that make a good teacher. Topics generally include classroom management, student assessment, curriculum planning, and the instruction of science, reading, and math. Usually, an online master of arts in education takes a more abstract approach, while a master of science is focused on the science, data, and research of teaching. Both, however, qualify you to become an adult teacher.
A master of education, however, focuses more on preparing individuals to evaluate the practice of education. These programs look at teaching theory more broadly. They are often used to develop skills for education leaders and administrators; it’s used less by teachers themselves.
After you choose between an online master of arts, master of science, or master of education program, you’ll still have a few options for specialization. Specialized programs in our database include:
- Career education
- Lifelong education
- Technical education
- Workforce education
- Higher learning
- Human resource studies
There are many options available, so you’ll want to understand the various programs, as well as the resulting careers, before you make a choice.
Courses in an Online Master’s in Adult Education
To understand an online master’s in adult education, it helps to examine the classes you’ll take during these programs. Each program is unique in its own right, with particular classes, specializations, and graduation requirements.
Let’s look at three examples to better understand the coursework of an online master’s in education:
East Carolina University – Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education
This online master of arts program helps current teachers expand their skills and become stronger educators. The program encompasses 15 hours of adult education core classes, which can include topics like “The Adult Learner” and “Instructional Strategies in Adult Education.” There is also a three-hour research requirement, and nine hours of adult education electives, which range from college teaching to elderly education to leadership in education.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville – Master of Education in Adult Education
Students can complete this program by taking two courses per term for two years. Classes may include “Methods of Adult Education,” “Introduction to Adult Education,” “Community College Administration & Leadership,” and “Counseling Adults.” Upon completion, students can take on careers as education leaders, curriculum developers, teaching coordinators, and trainers for large companies.
Marshall University – Master of Science in Adult & Continuing Education
Marshall offers three areas of emphasis for this online program: 1) Adult Education and Evaluation, 2) Career and Technical Center Teaching, and 3) ACE Program Courses. All programs require human relations, adult education, and evaluations courses, but they all have specific classes as well. Career and Technical Center Teaching, for example, includes courses like “Teaching Methods in Career and Technical Education” and “Career Education Curriculum Development.”
Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees
Accreditation is the process of verifying a school and a degree. Institutional accreditation is granted to an entire college or university. Regional groups such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) typically grant this accreditation.
However, programs at all levels can also hold programmatic accreditation, which covers the specific degree. Programmatic approval is granted by subject-specific bodies. For example, a pharmacy program may hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
For adult education, the main accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group offers approval to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate-level degrees. It also accredits programs that lead to certification or licensing.
Programs in our database accredited by the CAEP include:
- Ball State University – Master of Arts in Career & Technical Education
- Ashland University – Master of Education in Adult Education
- Wilmington University – Master of Education in Education Studies
- Auburn University – Master of Education in Adult Education
Not all online education programs will have CAEP accreditation. That’s okay, because every school listed in our database holds institutional accreditation. (To be listed on our site, institutional accreditation is required.)
Typical Admission Requirements
As you progress in your education, the admission standards become tighter. An online master’s degree in adult education has fairly high admission requirements, but if you have a strong academic background with a solid GPA, you should be able to enroll in one of these programs.
To enroll in these programs, you first need a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
Many of these programs also have GPA requirements. The Master of Education in Higher, Adult & Lifelong Education from Southern Arkansas University, for example, requires a GPA of 2.5 or higher, which is fairly light for a master’s degree. The Master of Arts in Career & Technical Education from the University of South Florida, on the other hand, has a minimum requirement of 3.0.
For acceptance into these master’s degrees in adult education, you may need to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and also a statement of purpose. The statement of purpose is a written letter that describes why you want to attend the program and what you will do with your education after graduating.
Licensing and Certification for Adult Educators
While public school teachers need licenses, adult education is different. Most of these professionals do not need a formal license or certificate to work in their profession.
However, some technology, career, or instructional educators may work for public schools, helping students prepare for specific careers. These positions require teaching licenses.
You can pursue specialized certification in a unique subject. For example, you can complete the adult ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher credential.
Some states offer credentials to adult educators. For example, California has a variety of credentials for adult educators. The state government offers these tests that allow applicants to demonstrate their skills in subjects like family education, construction trades, business, hospitality, and more.
Salary and Career Outlook for Adult Teachers
After completing one of these online degrees, you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers in education. You can work for school districts, community colleges, and universities, but you’ll also have skills needed by large companies. Training, after all, is a constant requirement for large businesses.
Instructional Coordinator
Education: Master’s
Salary: $63,700
Current Total: 205,700
Expected Growth: 7%
Instructional coordinator is a common career for graduates of these programs, and it’s one of the few careers that require a master’s degree. The salary for this career is strong, and the top 10% earn over $101,000 annually. With an expected growth of 7%, this profession is expected to grow faster than the national average, which is predicted at 5%. By 2031, the BLS expects over 220,00 instructional coordinators in the US.
Career and Technical Education Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s
Salary: $61,160
Current Total: 215,100
Expected Growth: 2%
These professionals have education, training, and experience in their field, which can range from automotive to culinary to nursing to engineering. While they have education and experience in their profession, an online master’s in adult education can take their career to the next level. The median income for this career is $61,160, but the top 10% earn over $98,000. While growth will be slow, the BLS predicts over 220,000 career and technical educators by 2031.
Adult Teacher (Basic, secondary, and ESL)
Education: Bachelor’s
Salary: $59,720
Current Total: 44,900
Expected Growth: -6%
These education professionals help instruct adults in fundamental skills, including English as a second language (ESL), mathematics, literacy, and more. The top 10% earn over $96,000, so there is room for a high salary in this profession.
The obvious downside to this career field is the expected fall in total numbers. The BLS says that in ten years, this profession will decline by 6%, going from 44,900 to 42,100. This decline is arguably good; high school graduation rates have increased, reducing the need for adult teachers.
Note: Salary is the median annual income from the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2021 data. Additionally, expected growth is the predicted rate between 2021 and 2031 from BLS and “current total” numbers are from May 2021.
The Next Step in Your Teaching Education
After a master’s degree, the next step in the education ladder is a doctorate. A doctorate in education can be an asset to experts who want to pursue a career as a leader in the education sector. It will further develop your knowledge of education, including adult education, and will take a deep dive into the theory, curriculum, and development of education. It may also include education management, such as supervising teachers and administrators.
There are various education doctorates you may pursue, including doctorates of education, education administration, and a doctorate in higher learning.
But you don’t have to pursue an advanced doctorate to continue your education and keep your skills sharp. There are a wide range of seminars, industry publications, and continuing education classes that keep you on the cutting edge of adult education.
Help People Achieve Their Dreams with an Online Master’s in Adult Education
Are you interested in helping motivated adults reach their career goals? Whether you’re in the teaching sector or work in a specific trade, the best online master’s in adult education will provide the skills you need for a rewarding career in adult education.