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Cheapest Online Master's Programs

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 10 schools · Agent Insights
10
Schools Analyzed
$59,987
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
36%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$16,998
Avg. Net Price

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Finding an affordable online master's program can be a daunting task, especially with rising education costs. The schools on this list have one thing in common: they offer some of the lowest net prices for their online master's degrees, making them appealing options for budget-conscious students.

While cost is crucial, it’s essential to consider what else these programs provide. Graduation rates, average earnings post-graduation, and debt levels also tell a significant part of the story. The schools ranked here not only offer low tuition but also varying outcomes that can impact a student’s future career and financial situation.

Take the University of Florida-Online, for example. With a net price of just $4,815 and an impressive graduation rate of 81%, it stands out among its peers. In contrast, the University of Arkansas Grantham, while still affordable at a net price of $8,370, has a much lower graduation rate of 32%. Such differences highlight the importance of weighing both cost and outcomes when making this critical decision.

Key Findings

University of Florida-Online graduates earn an average of $71,588, the highest on this list.

Graduation rates vary significantly; the highest is 81% at the University of Florida-Online, while the lowest is 21% at Bryant & Stratton College-Online.

The average net price across these programs is $10,000, making them accessible options for many students.

University of Arkansas Grantham has the highest debt level on this list, averaging $21,956.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 10
Avg. earnings at 10yr $59,987
Avg. graduation rate 36%
Avg. net price $16,998
Avg. median debt $20,574

How We Ranked

Online master's programs ranked by lowest net price

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.

$15K$68K$120K$0$50KNET PRICEUniversity ofUniversity ofUniversity ofWestern GovernorsBryant &

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

University of Florida-On…81%University of Arkansas G…32%University of New Hampsh…22%Western Governors Univer…48%Bryant & Stratton Colleg…21%Embry-Riddle Aeronautica…21%Touro University Worldwi…36%University of Maryland G…31%Los Angeles Pacific Univ…29%Northwest University-Cen…40%

Top 3

#1

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL

Graduation81%
Earnings$71,588
Net Price$4,815

View full profile →
#2

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR

Graduation32%
Earnings$63,496
Net Price$8,370

View full profile →
#3

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH

Graduation22%
Earnings$66,479
Net Price$10,864

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

#1

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, FL · 4,627 students · Public

With a graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online presents a strong case for students looking for a reliable path to completing their degrees. The school serves over 4,600 students, indicating a robust community that supports academic success and student engagement.
61% accepted 81% graduate $71,588 earnings
University's full profile
#2

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR · 2,833 students · Public

About 72% of students at the University of Arkansas Grantham receive Pell Grants, highlighting the institution's commitment to making education accessible for those with financial need. Despite a lower graduation rate of 32%, the school caters to a diverse student body and may be a good fit for individuals seeking flexible learning options.
32% graduate $63,496 earnings
University's full profile
#3

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH · 1,157 students · Public

With a graduation rate of just 22%, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online may seem challenging. Yet, it serves a smaller community of 1,157 students, which fosters close connections and personalized support for those navigating their educational journeys.
22% graduate $66,479 earnings
University's full profile
#4

Western Governors University

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

Western Governors University supports a staggering 155,088 students, reflecting its commitment to accessible online education. With a graduation rate of 48%, students here appreciate the flexibility offered by the online format that allows them to balance work and study effectively.
48% graduate $60,615 earnings
Western's full profile
#5

Bryant & Stratton College-Online

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

With a significant number of students receiving Pell Grants, Bryant & Stratton College-Online is accessible for those who need financial assistance. The online format allows for flexibility, making it appealing for working students or those balancing family commitments.
21% graduate $32,568 earnings
Bryant's full profile
#6

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

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

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a unique choice for those passionate about aviation and aerospace. With median earnings of $84,131 a decade after graduation, it positions graduates well in a competitive field, making it a compelling option for career-oriented students.
58% accepted 21% graduate $84,131 earnings
Embry-Riddle's full profile
#7

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, CA · 454 students · Private nonprofit

Touro University Worldwide offers a supportive environment with a relatively high graduation rate of 36%, especially for a smaller institution. It caters to students who are looking for a flexible education path, appealing to non-traditional learners or those balancing work and school commitments.
36% graduate $40,803 earnings
Touro's full profile
#8

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · 49,664 students · Public

At the University of Maryland Global Campus, students benefit from a large and diverse community of nearly 50,000 peers. This public institution is focused on accessibility and flexibility, making it a great fit for adult learners and those looking for online options that fit into their busy lives.
31% graduate $65,287 earnings
University's full profile
#9

Los Angeles Pacific University

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

With a student body of 1,483, Los Angeles Pacific University in San Dimas, CA, serves a diverse community where 52% of students receive Pell Grants. This school provides a supportive environment for those seeking personal growth and a close-knit campus experience, making it a viable option for students who thrive in smaller settings.
29% graduate
Los's full profile
#10

Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education

Kirkland, WA · 405 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education caters to students who prefer flexibility in their studies. With a graduation rate of 40%, this school is a solid choice for those looking to balance coursework with other commitments, particularly for adult learners or those with jobs.
40% graduate $54,914 earnings
Northwest's full profile

When we look closely at the data, we see a striking difference between the University of Florida-Online and the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online. Despite both being affordable options, the University of Florida-Online offers an average earning potential of $71,588 compared to $66,479 at New Hampshire, along with a significantly higher graduation rate of 81% versus 22%. This illustrates how even slightly higher tuition can lead to vastly different outcomes.

After scrolling through the various programs, it’s crucial to align the data with your personal priorities. Consider your career goals, the specific field of study, and even your potential for networking within the program. Evaluate if the low net price compensates for a lower graduation rate or if a slightly higher cost comes with better career prospects. These personal factors can be just as important as the numbers.

The broader implications of these choices are significant. Each decision we make about education shapes our financial future and career trajectory. For one family, choosing a program with a low net price but high debt could lead to tougher financial waters down the line. These metrics guide our path toward stability, making it essential to choose wisely.

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). →

DK

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.

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