# Best Online Master's Programs

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 11 | Category: Online Masters
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-masters

## Methodology

Online master's programs ranked by outcomes and value

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [Western Governors University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-governors-university) | Salt Lake City, UT | 48% | $60,615 | $12,548 | $11,116 | 0.18x |
| 3 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-worldwide) | Daytona Beach, FL | 21% | $84,131 | $18,725 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 4 | [Arizona State University Digital Immersion](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-state-university-digital-immersion) | Scottsdale, AZ | 29% | $62,668 | N/A | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-college-of-professional-studies-online) | Manchester, NH | 22% | $66,479 | $10,864 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 6 | [University of Arkansas Grantham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-grantham) | LIttle Rock, AR | 32% | $63,496 | $8,370 | $21,956 | 0.35x |
| 7 | [University of Maryland Global Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus) | Adelphi, MD | 31% | $65,287 | $22,063 | $21,000 | 0.32x |
| 8 | [Touro University Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/touro-university-worldwide) | Los Alamitos, CA | 36% | $40,803 | $19,058 | $25,000 | 0.61x |
| 9 | [Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-university-center-for-online-and-extended-education) | Kirkland, WA | 40% | $54,914 | $35,671 | $20,891 | 0.38x |
| 10 | [Bryant & Stratton College-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryant-stratton-college-online) | Orchard Park, NY | 21% | $32,568 | $15,187 | $21,549 | 0.66x |
| 11 | [Los Angeles Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/los-angeles-pacific-university) | San Dimas, CA | 29% | N/A | $22,677 | $18,750 | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Online Master's Programs." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-masters

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.