Most Affordable Master's In Higher Education Online

Many teaching professionals today are choosing to pursue an online master's degree in higher education as a way to advance their careers. Find the most affordable online programs to earn your master's degree in higher education.

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Online Master's In Higher Education

Many teaching professionals today are choosing to pursue an online master's degree in higher education as a way to advance their careers. Although some people are more than satisfied remaining in the classroom, some others seek to move into administrative positions in order to increase their salary potential. Specifically, supervisors, administrators, directors, and managers at colleges and universities have the ability to make more money than educators in nearly any other position.

If you're interested in earning an online degree in higher education or another similar area, you're probably looking for the school you choose to fill a few main criteria. Most people just want an affordable education at an institution with a decent reputation and the ability to aptly prepare them for a successful career. This is certainly not too much to ask, but unfortunately there are low-quality, for-profit institutions out there that charge a fortune without offering much in return.

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Most Affordable Master's In Higher Education Online

#1 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Colorado State University offers an online master's degree in higher education that focuses on the importance of student affairs at colleges and universities. The program (typically three years in length) includes classes in "Financial Management in Student Affairs," "The Inclusive University," "Ethical and Practical Issues in Student Affairs," and much more. Colorado State has a reputation for providing great resources to military members and veterans, and it has landed on "Top Military Friendly" lists from G.I. Jobs for five consecutive years. And of course, it's worth mentioning that CSU offers the epitome of a cheap online master's degree in higher education, with a tuition rate less than $9,000 a year — regardless of student residency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
35%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
10,844
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

University of Southern Maine

  • Portland, ME
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Southern Maine distinguishes itself from other higher education programs by taking a particular interest in adult education. The curriculum offers students all the knowledge and skills they need to become administrators at adult education public schools, as well as at K-12 schools and traditional universities. The core courses in this master's degree in higher education online only consist of nine credits, but students must also complete additional classes in the "Middle Core," "Senior Course," "Electives," and even a Field-Based Practice Course. There are no specific concentrations, but students may choose electives in thematic areas and create a specialty for themselves. U.S. News also includes USM on its list of top graduate education programs, placing it at #157.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,064
Out-of-state
$22,041
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,776
Out-of-state
$21,888
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
7,996
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Walden University

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Many students choose Walden University for their distance education needs. Walden is affordable, reputable, and offers flexible degree programs to suit a variety of interests. The school's top online master's degree in higher education offers numerous specializations in College Teaching and Learning, Online and Distance Learning, Enrollment Management and Institutional Marketing, Leadership for Student Success, and Global Higher Education - proving there really is something for everyone at Walden. Graduates find work in everything from admissions to student affairs, and often acquire coveted leadership positions. BestCollegeReviews.org names Walden the #1 best online university in the nation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,064
Out-of-state
$10,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,651
Out-of-state
$9,651
Retention Rate
25%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
46,455
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

University of Mississippi

  • University, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Mississippi, colloquially called "Ole Miss," has created an entirely online wing to its college specifically tailored to the needs of adult professionals. The affordable online master's degree in higher education costs just $443 per credit, or $1,329 for an entire 3-credit class. Online course delivery features a number of alternative teaching methods, including audio and video conferencing, streaming media content, and popular internet learning platforms. Classes include "Student Services in Higher Education," "Finance of Higher Education," "College Teaching," and "Practicum in Student Services." U.S. News ranks UM the 106th best education school in the country, but also the 35th best school for online education degrees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,934
Out-of-state
$25,776
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,938
Out-of-state
$25,782
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
21,203
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Capella University

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Capella University is a relatively young institution of higher learning, but is quickly becoming a leader in distance education. The online master's degree in higher education comes with two specialization options: Community College Leadership and Higher Education Administration. The 48-credit hour program costs a mere $398 per credit, with classes organized into convenient 10-week segments. Students can also transfer up to 12 credits from a previous institution, significantly shortening their time to graduation. Student satisfaction ratings at Capella indicate that 93% of students are satisfied with the university, and that 86% would recommend the school to a friend. Common career destinations for graduates of this program include continuing education, community colleges, adult education organizations, and for-profit institutions.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,148
Out-of-state
$14,148
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,784
Out-of-state
$14,784
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
38,716
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

West Virginia University

  • Morgantown, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students who want to work with college populations can open the door to a successful career at West Virginia University. The school's affordable online master's degree in higher education is an entirely virtual program, available in both full-time and part-time formats. Students can enroll from nearly any location and take anywhere from two to eight years to earn their degree. Full-time, experienced faculty utilize advanced learning technology to communicate pertinent skills in college student development, program evaluation, research, administration, instructional design, and educational psychology. The College Board ranked WVU as having the 6th most affordable in-state tuition, and the 11th most affordable tuition for out-of-state students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,144
Out-of-state
$25,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,332
Out-of-state
$26,676
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
25,474
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Indiana State University

  • Terre Haute, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Indiana State University's "Extended Learning" department gives students yet another choice for students who want to earn an online master's degree in higher education. The 39-credit hour program covers aspects of both administration and student affairs, exploring focus areas in student activities, health promotion, non-traditional student populations, residence halls, management, student development, financial aid, admissions, and more. Students only need an internet connection to participate, and can access the program from Indiana and many other states. Forbes lists ISU as the 162nd best university in the Midwest and the 254th best research school nationally.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,318
Out-of-state
$20,582
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,776
Out-of-state
$15,282
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
9,459
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Penn State World Campus is a top online college that is nationally recognized for its education department. In fact, U.S. News places PSU as the 4th top online graduate school in education in the entire country. The education department offers a number of degrees, including one of the best online master's degrees in higher education available. The program comes with three areas of emphasis, including Administration, Institutional Research, and Student Engagement. Students can complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study, with all classes available entirely through distance education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Stony Brook University

  • Stony Brook, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online master's degree in higher education from Stony Brook University comes with two options: a traditional M.A. degree and an advanced graduate certificate. SBU makes its higher education classes available to as many learners as possible, offering classes on campus, online, and in an extremely flexible hybrid format. The university has earned membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities, and lands in the top 100 on Kiplinger's list of best value public institutions. Classes include "Foundations of Higher Education Administration," "Survey of College Student Development Theory," "Leadership in Higher Education," and "Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education."

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,990
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
26,608
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • Lincoln, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Nebraska Lincoln offers a number of online programs, including this degree in educational administration. With an area of study in higher education, the major allows students to study the most pertinent aspects of administration, leadership, higher education, and student affairs. UNL offers this degree to current educational practitioners and teachers at schools around the world, and easily translates skills that are useful in any country. The 36 credit hour program does not require students to complete a thesis, and allow students to transfer a substantial number of class credits from previous academic work. This option is easily one of the best online master's degrees in higher education available, and U.S. News awards the school a Top 5 ranking for its online graduate education programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,770
Out-of-state
$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,138
Out-of-state
$17,928
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
24,431
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#11 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Central Washington University

  • Ellensburg, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Central Washington University's online master's degree in higher education is not only for students who want to earn positions of leadership at universities. With this degree in hand, graduates can also find work at civic organizations, nonprofits, and NGO's. The leadership foundations that students gain through this program at CWU prepares them to effectively lead a wide range of groups. Required classes include "History of Higher Education," "College Student Development," "Diversity Leadership," and "Higher Education Law." U.S. News considers CWU one of the top 20 public universities in the nation, and also ranks its online graduate program in education at #168.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,656
Out-of-state
$23,184
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,098
Out-of-state
$23,652
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
10,176
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
72% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#12 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

University of Missouri-Kansas City

  • Kansas City, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Another option for students who are interested in both higher education and administration is the online M.A. at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Students who want to be successful, upper-level administrators at colleges and universities will find this degree program helpful and informative. The curriculum covers all the current issues and needs facing school systems, and the accredited online master's degree in higher education program also offers specialization options in Sports Administration and Exercise Science, Student Affairs Administration, Disability Services, and Foundations of Higher Education. For three years running, Princeton Review has named UMKC one of the "best value" schools in the nation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,579
Out-of-state
$26,331
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,152
Out-of-state
$26,210
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
16,003
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#13 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Northern Arizona University

  • Flagstaff, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Northern Arizona University's Department of Educational Leadership offers an online master's degree in higher education that prepares students to become both faculty in higher education and administrators at community colleges and universities. NAU also claims that this degree is perfect for students with "an unusual combination of interests" who want to keep the door open to both teaching and leadership roles at their place of work. Students complete 30 hours of coursework, and have the option to conduct research and complete field experiences as well. U.S. News ranks NAU's online education programs as the 100th best in the nation, and ranks its overall education school nearly as high.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,381
Out-of-state
$16,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,724
Out-of-state
$19,266
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
28,711
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#14 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

University of Louisville

  • Louisville, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Louisville offers a top online master's degree in higher education that is currently ranked 3rd in the nation on TheBestSchools.org's selection of the 25 best programs. The 36-credit hour program covers the historical and philosophical roots of education in America, applications for human resources and finance, the responsibilities of college faculty, and the importance of cultural diversity in higher education. Although students have the freedom to attend classes full-time, many also choose to attend part-time while maintaining professional status in educational and administrative positions.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,174
Out-of-state
$28,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,524
Out-of-state
$27,638
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
22,140
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#15 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

University of Wisconsin

  • Madison, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students who are interested in administrative leadership but want to focus specifically on higher education can turn to the University of Wisconsin, a public institution with highly reputable online programs. Graduates of this program can work in a long list of fields, including organizational development, evaluation and coordination, institutional advancement, program planning, and teaching. This UW degree offers all the benefits of a master's degree in higher education online, but supplements it with leadership-specific classes in Organization and Governance, Strategic Planning and Budgeting, and College Student Personnel Administration. UW proudly holds top rankings from Forbes, Washington Monthly, U.S. News, and the QS World Rankings.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,273
Out-of-state
$37,161
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,728
Out-of-state
$24,054
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
47,016
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
27% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#16 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Post University

  • Waterbury, CT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Post University's accredited online master's degree in higher education focuses on administration, offering professionals the opportunity to take on supervisory roles at colleges and universities. U.S. News ranks Post as the 174th best online graduate program in the nation, which of course includes its degree in higher education. The university expertly blends the best features of traditional and distance education, offering courses through virtual classrooms that still enable students to interact with professors regularly and receive useful feedback. Students participate in research and study trending topics such as student service models, college recruitment and retention, and student demographics.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,258
Out-of-state
$15,258
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
45%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
14,055
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#17 Most Affordable Master’s In Higher Education Online

Dallas Baptist University

  • Dallas, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students who pursue the online master's degree in higher education from Dallas Baptist University complete 36-credit hours in a non-thesis program, choosing a concentration in either Administration or Instruction. The program is no joke, and requires applicants to have either a 3.2 overall GPA average in undergrad, or a 3.5 or better GPA during their last 60 credit hours of an undergraduate program. DBU offers maximum flexibility, giving students their choice between fully-online, hybrid, and on-campus evening/weekend classes. U.S. News highlights the university as the 35th best school in the West, plus the 13th best college for veterans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,220
Out-of-state
$32,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,872
Out-of-state
$19,872
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
4,340
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Methodology: Here's How We Rank Schools

At Best Value Schools, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs. We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric Data Used Percentage
Academic Quality Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates 25%
Affordability Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid 35%
Reputation Admission and enrollment rates 15%
Program Offerings Number of program options 10%
Online Enrollment Score Portion of learners taking at least one online course 15%
You can read more about our comprehensive evaluation process on our methodology page.

Similar Industries

See also: Top 15 Cheap Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs

Sources:
College Navigator
U.S. News Ranking & Reviews
Wikipedia - University of Wisconsin
Princeton Review
College Prowler
Forbes
BestCollegeReviews.org
G.I. Jobs
TheBestSchools.org

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