Rankings / Online Masters

Best Online Master's Programs

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$60,255

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

35%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$16,998

Avg. Net Price

Find Your Program

Explore Accredited Programs in This Field

Find accredited programs in this field accepting applicants.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

As online education continues to evolve, many students are considering master's programs that offer flexibility and solid outcomes. These programs cater to those balancing work and personal commitments while pursuing advanced degrees. With an average earning potential of $60,255, the right online master's program can significantly impact your financial future.

What sets the top schools apart in this ranking is not just the promise of a degree but the tangible results that follow. We're looking at graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt levels to provide a clearer picture. For instance, nearly 81% of graduates from the University of Florida-Online report good earnings, while Western Governors University has a graduation rate of just 48%. These metrics are crucial for understanding the value of your investment in an online master's program.

Consider the contrast between two schools on this list: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide and Arizona State University Digital Immersion. Embry-Riddle graduates earn an impressive $84,131 but have a low graduation rate of 21%. On the other hand, Arizona State offers a decent earning potential of $62,668, but only 29% of students complete their degree. This disparity highlights the trade-offs students may face when choosing a program, making it vital to examine these factors closely.

Key Findings

University of Florida-Online graduates earn an average of $71,588.

Western Governors University has a graduation rate of 48%.

Embry-Riddle's graduates have an average debt of $23,666.

The average graduation rate across these top programs is 35%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $60,255

Avg. graduation rate 35%

Avg. net price $16,998

Avg. median debt $20,477

How We Ranked

Online master's programs ranked by outcomes and value

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL

Graduation81%

Earnings$71,588

Net Price$4,815

View full profile →

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Graduation48%

Earnings$60,615

Net Price$12,548

View full profile →

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, FL

Graduation21%

Earnings$84,131

Net Price$18,725

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL · 4,627 students · Public

With a strong graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online caters to students seeking a solid academic foundation while balancing other commitments. The $71,588 median earnings ten years after graduation reveal a promising return on investment, making this institution an attractive option for those looking to launch their careers successfully.

61% accepted 81% graduate $71,588 earnings

University's full profile

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · 155,088 students · Private nonprofit

Western Governors University serves a vast student body of over 155,000, focusing on flexibility and accessibility for non-traditional learners. Although the graduation rate is 48%, the online format allows students to progress at their own pace, making it particularly suited for those juggling work or family responsibilities while pursuing their degrees.

48% graduate $60,615 earnings

Western's full profile

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, FL · 9,139 students · Private nonprofit

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide focuses on preparing students for careers in aviation and aerospace, making it an intriguing choice for those passionate about these fields. Despite a graduation rate of only 21%, the median earnings of $84,131 after ten years highlight the university's strong return on investment for graduates who successfully navigate their programs.

58% accepted 21% graduate $84,131 earnings

Embry-Riddle's full profile

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ · 53,782 students · Public

Arizona State University Digital Immersion offers a contemporary online learning experience for over 53,000 students, with a focus on digital education. Although the graduation rate is only 29%, the program appeals to those who thrive in flexible environments and have the discipline to succeed in an online format.

67% accepted 29% graduate $62,668 earnings

Arizona's full profile

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH · 1,157 students · Public

With a median earning of $66,479 a decade after graduation, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online offers solid financial returns for its graduates. The relatively modest student body of 1,157 allows for a more personalized learning approach, which can enhance the educational experience for many students.

22% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR · 2,833 students · Public

In Little Rock, the University of Arkansas Grantham caters to a diverse student body of 2,833, with a strong emphasis on accessibility. A graduation rate of 32% reflects the challenges many students face, but the potential earnings of $63,496 at ten years post-graduation can be encouraging for those pursuing a degree here.

32% graduate $63,496 earnings

University's full profile

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · 49,664 students · Public

The University of Maryland Global Campus serves a large population of 49,664 students, making it an attractive option for those seeking a degree in a more diverse setting. Despite a graduation rate of 31%, the median earnings of $65,287 for graduates ten years after completing their programs suggest that students can still find good opportunities after graduation.

31% graduate $65,287 earnings

University's full profile

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, CA · 454 students · Private nonprofit

Touro University Worldwide, a private nonprofit institution with a smaller student body of 454, provides a unique learning experience that may appeal to students who thrive in close-knit environments. The graduation rate here is 36%, and while the median earnings of $40,803 at ten years post-graduation may seem lower than some public options, the tailored education can lead to fulfilling careers in various fields.

36% graduate $40,803 earnings

Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

Kirkland, WA · 405 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Kirkland, Washington, Northwest University caters to students looking for a personalized online education experience with a small community feel. With a graduation rate of 40%, it offers a pathway for many to earn their degrees while balancing other commitments, making it appealing for those who need flexibility in their studies.

40% graduate $54,914 earnings

Northwest's full profile

#10

Bryant & Stratton College-Online

Orchard Park, NY · 8,841 students · Private nonprofit

Bryant & Stratton College in Orchard Park, New York, serves a diverse student body of over 8,800, with a strong focus on career readiness through its online programs. While the graduation rate is on the lower side at 21%, the large number of students highlights a vibrant learning community that can support a variety of educational journeys.

21% graduate $32,568 earnings

Bryant's full profile

#11

Los Angeles Pacific University

San Dimas, CA · 1,483 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in San Dimas, California, Los Angeles Pacific University emphasizes a supportive and faith-based learning environment. The school's graduation rate of 29% may seem low, but it reflects the unique challenges many students face, often balancing work and family responsibilities while pursuing their degrees in a non-traditional setting.

Looking at the data, a clear pattern emerges between the University of Florida-Online and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. While Florida-Online boasts a graduation rate of 81% and an average earning of $71,588, Embry-Riddle's low graduation rate of 21% is concerning, despite its higher earning potential of $84,131. This indicates that a high earning potential doesn't always correlate with a strong completion rate, something prospective students should weigh carefully.

After reviewing the schools, it's essential to reflect on your priorities. Consider how factors like location, specific program fit, and financial circumstances influence your decision. For example, if you prioritize a higher graduation rate and lower debt, the University of Florida-Online might be a better fit compared to others with lower completion rates and higher debt burdens.

The path from college to a stable life can be significantly affected by these decisions. A family deciding on an online master's program must weigh the potential return on investment against the realities of student debt and completion rates. Choosing the right program can lead to better financial stability and career opportunities, underscoring the importance of informed decision-making in education.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

Related Rankings

All Rankings Methodology Best Colleges Social Mobility Highest Mobility