Welcome to our ranking of the cheapest online schools for out-of-state students for master’s degrees. Affordable Schools has researched which online graduate schools charge the lowest out-of-state tuition prices. Choosing low-cost online master’s degrees is important for many post-grads to reach their advancement goals. Funding four years of bachelor’s education may have already depleted your tight budget. Squeezing out thousands more dollars to afford graduate school can seem impossible. After all, the U.S. News & World Report says master’s graduates have average debt of $59,000. There are certainly some graduate programs with six-figure costs upwards of $100,000. Achieving your post-bachelor’s dreams shouldn’t require a second mortgage though. Cheap online schools are available to develop specialized master’s knowledge for less money. Online master’s students pick from universities across all 50 states to study anytime 24/7. Doing so often leads to better job security and upper-level management promotions. Let’s explore the 25 most affordable online colleges for out-of-state master’s degrees.
Our Methodology
First, Affordable Schools used the U.S. Department of Education’s NCES College Navigator tool. We checked the box to filter universities with advanced degree awards. We hit the browse button and selected only distance education programs. Our results turned up over 200 online schools for master’s degrees. We narrowed the big list by setting a maximum tuition of $15,000. Our analysts recorded the average out-of-state cost for each graduate school. We highlighted out-of-state prices to give our readers flexibility in pursuing master’s degrees anywhere. We then created a five-point scale to grade online universities for affordability. The most points were reserved for yearly totals under $7,500. We arranged the best-value online master’s degrees from highest to lowest out-of-state figures.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Second, the AS Staff looked up the average student-faculty ratio at our affordable colleges for online master’s degree programs out-of-state. We again consulted the National Center for Education Statistics here. We made student-faculty ratios a ranking factor to find schools with personalized support. This ratio of pupils to professors shows the online learning dynamics. Lower numbers like 10:1 and under suggest smaller online classes. Online master’s students benefit most from small cohorts where they’re not lost in a crowd. Teachers are readily available to answer questions fast and stimulate discussion. That’s why our next rubric gave up to three points for student-faculty ratios, as reported by NCES. Our cost-effective online master’s degree programs were graded by engagement level.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Third, Affordable Schools sought top-value online master’s degree programs with good educational outcomes. We used the College Navigator database’s profiles to find graduation rates. This important number tells the percentage of learners who finish their studies. Graduate schools with high completion rates have less students falling through the cracks. Fewer master’s majors pay for graduate tuition without earning their advanced credential too. Graduation rates are frequently linked to education quality. Online master’s degree programs where the majority of students graduate have good support services. More people are pleased with the online platform, content, schedule, and financial help. Our staff gave the last one to three points based on graduation rates. We added up the totals and kept the 25 highest scorers. Here are our cheapest online schools for master’s degrees for out-of-state students.
Points:
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point
Ranking the 25 Most Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s Degrees Out-of-State
25. Peru State College
Peru, NE
Total Points: 5
School Website
Endowed for $10.5 million, Peru State College is Nebraska’s oldest public, coed institution opened by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1865. Peru State has three schools serving 264 post-grad Bobcats online or on its 104-acre campus near the Missouri border. In 2017, PSC won the Phi Beta Lambda National Award of Excellence. In 2018, Peru State College earned its seventh Victory Media Military Friendly School Award. Niche named PSC the ninth most diverse Nebraska school. Washington Monthly picked Peru for the 189th best Midwestern value. Peru State College is our ranking’s 25th cheapest online school for out-of-state students paying $8,670. On Blackboard Ultra, PSC delivers low-cost, accelerated, eight-week courses with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio for two fully online master’s degrees:
- MS in Education – Curriculum and Instruction
- MS in Organizational Management
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,670
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
24. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL
Total Points: 5
School Website
Based in Daytona Beach, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private, space-grant AITU member endowed for $111.3 million. Since 1926, ERAU has developed 130 campuses on more than 90 military bases and online studies to educate 31,100 Eagles. In 2016, ERAU won the Online Learning Consortium’s Effective Practice Award. In 2018, Embry-Riddle received the WCET Outstanding Work Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ERAU 59th for online business graduates. Niche recognized Embry-Riddle for the 183rd best faculty. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University boasts our 24th top-value online master’s degree programs with $7,980 out-of-state tuition. On Canvas, ERAU Worldwide has multiple yearly starts of 9- to-12-week sessions for 24 cheap online in-demand master’s degrees, such as:
- MS in Aeronautics
- MS in Unmanned Systems
- Master of Aviation Maintenance
- MS in Project Management
- MS in Occupational Safety Management
- Master of Entrepreneurship in Technology
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,980
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 19 percent
23. Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
Total Points: 5
School Website
Led by Chairman Jim Geringer, Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit ACBSP member launched in 1997. WGU currently has 3,939 faculty teaching 110,534 Owls entirely online or face-to-face at eight campuses. In 2019, Western Governors won two USDLA 21st Century Distance Learning Awards. In 2017, WGU earned a Digital Learning Innovation Award. The U.S. News & World Report named Western Governors the 12th most innovative school. Niche crowned WGU as Utah’s fourth top value. Western Governors University is our 23rd best affordable accredited college for inexpensive online master’s degree paths priced $7,790 out-of-state. On Canvas, WGU Online starts six-month, competency-based sessions 12 times each year with Dedicated Mentors for 38 cheap master’s degrees, including:
- MS in Nursing Informatics
- MS in Data Analytics
- MA in Elementary Education
- MS in Educational Leadership
- MS in Management
- MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,790
Student-Faculty Ratio: 41:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
22. Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH
Total Points: 6
School Website
Enrolling 12,756 Penguins from 45 nations, Youngstown State University is a public, research-based Horizon League member worth $265 million. Youngstown has six colleges plus the School of Graduate Studies available online or on its 140-acre Ohio campus. In 2016, YSU won a Blackboard Exemplary Online Course Award. In 2019, Youngstown received the SCJ Newspaper Overall Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report included YSU among the top 71 online criminal justice schools. Washington Monthly ranked Youngstown the 125th best Midwest buy. Youngstown State University has our 22nd most affordable online master’s degree options for $13,884 out-of-state tuition. On Blackboard, YSU Online has 1,500 adult learners taking fast, eight-week courses for 11 low-priced master’s programs like:
- Master of Health and Human Services
- MS in Criminal Justice
- Master of Education in Special Education
- MA in Financial Economics
- Master of Respiratory Care
- MS in Engineering Management
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,884
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
21. Granite State College
Concord, NH
Total Points: 6
School Website
Founded in 1972, Granite State College is a public, mid-sized USNH member endowed for $7.5 million with New England’s cheapest price. Granite State runs seven campuses and online programs to educate 437 post-bachelor’s students for 88 percent retention. In 2019, Granite accepted the WCET Outstanding Work Award. In 2018, GSC won the Collegiate Advertising Award for Special Video Production. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Granite State 94th for business master’s online. Niche named GSC the 71st safest learning environment. Granite State College stands 21st among our affordable colleges for cheap online master’s degree programs costing $9,435 out-of-state. On Moodle, GSC students choose a six- or 12-week format for 24/7 courses in these six inexpensive online master’s majors:
- MS in Instruction and Leadership
- Master of Health Care Management
- MS in Leadership
- MS in Project Management
- MS in Nursing
- MS in Management
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,435
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 23 percent
20. Chadron State College
Chadron, NE
Total Points: 6
School Website
Home to the Panhandle Education Center, Chadron State College is a public, forward-thinking RMC member funded for $45 million. Chadron enrolls 3,000 Eagles in more than 60 affordable majors online and on its 25-building Nebraska campus. In 2019, CSC had the Clyde Bond Memorial Award recipient. In 2018, Chadron won an FBLA Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Award. The U.S. News & World Report previously ranked Chadron State the 66th top public Midwest school. Military Times named CSC the 23rd best for vets college. Chadron State College made the AS Staff’s top 20 high-value online master’s degree programs with $9,186 out-of-state tuition. On Canvas, the Graduate Studies Office follows NC-SARA requirements to deliver eight-week courses in 50 states for 21 cheap online master’s degrees, such as:
- MA in History Education
- MS in Sports Management
- MS in Human Services
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education in Reading Specialist
- MA in Educational Administration
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,186
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
19. Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA
Total Points: 6
School Website
Named for Governor Francis T. Nicholls in 1948, Nicholls State University is a public, coed SLC member that’s allocated $15 million yearly. Nicholls has six colleges teaching 6,488 Colonels in 107 affordable degree programs online or on its 284-acre historic Thibodaux campus. In 2018, NSU won a Nonprofit Colleges Online Students Before Profits Award. In 2019, Nicholls earned an NCAA Public Recognition Award. The U.S. News & World Report put NSU among the top 299 online education master’s. Niche ranked Nicholls State 320th for public education nationwide. Nicholls State University is Affordable Schools’ 19th most economical online master’s degree provider that bills $9,181 out-of-state. On Moodle, NSU Online has created asynchronous, eight-week courses to accelerate through four cheap master’s degrees:
- Master of Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Early Childhood Education
- Master of Science in Mathematics
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,181
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
18. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM
Total Points: 6
School Website
Given Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status, Eastern New Mexico University is a public, regional HACU member endowed for $12.9 million. Eastern New Mexico has four colleges plus the Graduate School to serve 5,694 Greyhounds on its 433 acres or online. In 2016, ENMU received an Educational Opportunity Center Grant. In 2018, Eastern won the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ENMU 72nd for social mobility performance. The SR Education Group ranked Eastern top among online schools. Eastern New Mexico University is our article’s 18th most affordable university for online master’s degree programs priced $8,985 out-of-state. On Blackboard, ENMU Online has eight-week 24/7 sessions for 15 accredited low-cost master’s degrees, including:
- MA in Communication
- Master of Education in Educational Technology
- MA in English
- MS in Sport Administration
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Education in Pedagogy and Learning
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,985
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
17. John F. Kennedy University
Pleasant Hill, CA
Total Points: 6
School Website
Affiliated with the National University System, John F. Kennedy University is a private, coed nonprofit led by Chancellor Michael Cunningham since 2016. Kennedy has three colleges with 760 faculty instructing 1,600 students online or at Pleasant Hill and San Jose campuses. In 2014, JFKU had the Witkin Award for Excellence recipient. In 1993, Kennedy had the State Bar Pro Bono Service Award winner. College Factual ranked JFKU 30th for ethnic diversity and seventh for psychology education. Best Colleges Online included JFKU in the 30 top online graduate schools. John F. Kennedy University finished 17th among our affordable colleges for online master’s degree options with a $8,500 out-of-state rate. On Blackboard, JFKU Online has a FlexCourse format for four inexpensive master’s degrees:
- MBA
- MA in Sport Psychology
- MA in Consciousness and Transformative Studies
- MA in Counseling Psychology
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,500
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Graduation Rate: N/A
16. Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN
Total Points: 6
School Website
Registering more than 100 clubs, Bemidji State University is a public, civic-engaged MNSCU member that’s endowed for $22.8 million. Bemidji organizes 47 study areas in three colleges for 6,396 Beavers online or on its 89-acre Minnesota campus. In 2017, BSU won the Green Ribbon Postsecondary Sustainability Award. In 2019, Bemidji State received a CASE Circle of Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked BSU the 22nd top public Midwest college. Niche named BSU the 459th most conservative school. Bemidji State University landed 16th among the cheapest online schools for out-of-state students paying $8,491 yearly. On D2L Brightspace, the School of Graduate Studies has open enrollment for post-bachelor’s students with minimum 3.0 GPAs into three economical online master’s paths:
- MBA
- MA in Special Education
- MA in Education/Online Instruction
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,491
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
15. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX
Total Points: 6
School Website
Headquartered in Canyon, West Texas A&M University is a selective, state-funded LSC member dedicated to “Visio Veritas Valor” that budgets $138.3 million. West Texas enrolls 10,029 Buffs across six schools for 44 percent graduation. In 2012, TAMU received the Texas Higher Education Star Award. In 2018, West Texas A&M won the SSC Grand Green Star Award. The U.S. News & World Report picked West Texas 93rd for nursing and 45th for MBA programs online. Niche named WTAMU the 174th best public college. West Texas A&M University broke the top 15 affordable colleges for online master’s degree options with a $7,560 out-of-state cost. Since 2000, the Graduate School has logged into Blackboard to provide six- or 16-week courses for 13 cheap online master’s degrees, such as:
- MEd in Educational Diagnostician
- MS in Sports and Exercise Science
- MS in Computer Information Systems
- MS in Finance and Economics
- MBA in Marketing
- MEd in School Counseling
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,560
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
14. Central Methodist University
Columbia, MO
Total Points: 6
School Website
Belonging to the Online Learning Consortium, Central Methodist University is private, Christ-centered CIC member chartered in 1855. Central College is endowed for $31.4 million to serve 4,252 off-campus Eagles online or at 14 extensions from Sedalia to Poplar Bluff. In 2017, Central won a CASE District VI Excellence Award. In 2019, CMU received an Alpha Phi Omega Award. The U.S. News & World Report placed Central 15th regionally for social mobility. Niche named CMU the 470th most conservative college. Central Methodist University features our list’s 14th best affordable distance education master’s degree options worth $6,210 out-of-state. On Blackboard, CMU Online schedules eight- or 16-week adult courses with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio for these three cheap online master’s:
- MS in Mathematics
- MS in Nursing – Nurse Educator
- MS in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,210
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: N/A
13. Amridge University
Montgomery, AL
Total Points: 7
School Website
Operated by the Churches of Christ, Amridge University is a flexible, faith-based nonprofit that gifts $1.18 billion in financial aid. Amridge runs five SACS-accredited schools online and on its nine-acre Montgomery campus for 755 learners. In 2017, Ambridge won Victory Media’s Military Friendly School Award. In 2014, Ambridge had the AMHCA Leadership in Human Services Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Ambridge among its top 348 online. College Factual noticed Ambridge for the 73rd best Biblical studies. Amridge University claimed 13th place in the cheapest online schools for out-of-state students paying $13,000. Switched to Canvas in Spring 2017, Ambridge Online has a Laptop Program to help access nine-week courses for 14 affordable master’s degree programs, including:
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MS in Christian Ministry
- MA in New Testament Studies
- Master of Divinity in Ministerial Leadership
- MS in Human Services
- MS in Leadership and Management
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,000
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
12. Warner Pacific University
Portland, OR
Total Points: 7
School Website
Renamed in 2018, Warner Pacific University is a nonprofit, Hispanic-serving Church of God institution that’s endowed for $16.2 million. Warner has three divisions, including the School of Graduate Studies, that serve 1,333 Knights online or at its 195-acre Portland campus. In 2013, Warner won the CCCU Andringa Award for Advancing Racial Harmony. In 2014, WPU accepted a National President’s Volunteer Service Award. The U.S. News & World Report crowned Warner Pacific the seventh- best regional value. Washington Monthly placed the “College of Distinction” 70th overall. Warner Pacific University is Affordable Schools’ 12th most economical online master’s degree provider with out-of-state pricing of $12,960. On Moodle, WPU Online has fast-paced, five-week courses for six low-cost graduate degrees:
- MA in Human Services
- MA Administration
- MEd in Special Education
- MS in Management
- MA in Teaching
- MEd in Reading Interventionist
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,960
Student-Faculty Ratio: 34:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
11. Baker College
Flint, MI
Total Points: 7
School Website
Established by Eldon E. Baker in 1911, Baker College is a private, nonprofit business school that participates in the MACRAO Transfer Agreement. Baker generates $50-$100 million annually from six colleges enrolling 12,018 students online or at 14 sites. In 2016, Baker earned the Online Learning Consortium’s Exemplary Endorsement. In 2017, Baker College had a USDLA Excellence in Teaching Award winner. The U.S. News & World Report featured Baker in its top 210 engineering programs. Niche noticed Baker for America’s 166th safest learning environment. Baker College is our 11th best-accredited university for cheap online master’s degree offerings that charge $12,610 out-of-state. On Canvas, the Global Campus has an orientation before six- or 12-week courses for 16 inexpensive online master’s, such as:
- MS in Cloud Security Risk Management
- MBA in Finance
- MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- MBA in Leadership Studies
- MS in Educational Leadership K-1
- MBA in Business Intelligence
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,610
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 19 percent
10. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
Total Points: 7
School Website
Known for its Society of World Changers since 2003, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private, Protestant NAIA member endowed for $190.8 million. Indiana Wesleyan has Carnegie’s master’s classification to teach 13,802 Wildcats online or at the 320-acre campus. In 2012, IWU won the Quality Matters Program for Online Services. In 2019, Indiana Wesleyan had the CEC Yes I Can Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked IWU the 25th best Midwest college. Niche crowned Indiana Wesleyan the 78th best Christian school. Indiana Wesleyan University begins our top 10 affordable colleges for online master’s degree programs priced $11,563 out-of-state. On D2L Brightspace, the Graduate School offers five-week English and Spanish courses for 29 low-cost master’s degrees, including:
- MA in Ministry Leadership
- MA in Positive Psychology
- MS in Human Resource Management
- MS in Elementary Teaching
- MS in Nursing Administration
- Master of Social Work – Advanced Track
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,563
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
9. Minot State University
Minot, ND
Total Points: 7
School Website
Governed by the North Dakota Board of Regents, Minot State University is the third-largest public, coed NDUS member with more than 110 majors. Minot four schools educating 3,216 Beavers at a 13:1 ratio online or on the 21-building “Little Chicago” campus. In 2019, MSU won a Sigma Theta Tau Best Practice Award. In 2018, Minot received an NABC Team Academic Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Minot State 98th for online graduate business education. Niche picked MSU 27th for distance learning. Minot State University has our list’s ninth-best affordable online master’s degree options with $8,873 out-of-state tuition. On Blackboard, MSU Online has July 30th and November 30th priority dates to apply for these six 18-month, HLC-accredited economical master’s programs:
- MS in Information Systems
- MS in Special Education
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- MS in Management
- MS in Sports Management
- MEd in Special Education
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,873
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
8. Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN
Total Points: 7
School Website
Reporting a 20-year PayScale ROI of $113,000, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, coed MNSCU System branch opened in 1964. Southwest Minnesota has two colleges online or on its 216-acre Marshall campus to teach 6,818 Mustangs and connect 22,504 alumni. In 2013, SMSU won the Swanson Service of Excellence Award. In 2019, Southwest Minnesota earned its third Military Friendly School Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked SMSU 114th in the Midwest. Niche named SMSU the 394th most conservative school. Southwest Minnesota State University came in eighth among our affordable colleges for online master’s degree options costing $7,956 out-of-state. On D2L Brightspace, SMSU Online offers eight- or 16-week formats for 19 virtual cheap master’s degrees, such as:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Sports Leadership
- Master of Education in Reading
- Master of Education in Physical Education
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Science in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,956
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
7. Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS
Total Points: 8
School Website
Supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Mississippi Valley State University is a public, coed HBCU that’s endowed for $2.1 million. Mississippi Valley has four SACS-accredited schools attracting 2,310 Delta Devils online or on its 450-acre Greenwood Micropolitan campus. In 2019, MVSU won the Home Depot Retool Your School Grant. In 2018, Mississippi Valley accepted an NCAA Public Recognition Award. The U.S. News & World Report featured Valley State among the 284th top online MBA programs. Niche applauded MVSU for America’s 244th best professors. Mississippi Valley State University has our seventh most cost-effective online master’s degree programs that bill $7,394 out-of-state. On Blackboard, the Graduate Studies Division has two cheap 100 percent online master’s options:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,364
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
6. Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS
Total Points: 8
School Website
Headed by President Felecia Nave, Alcorn State University is a public, historically Black APLU member endowed for $50.6 million. ASU has five colleges that welcome 3,753 Braves either online or face-to-face in Lorman, Natchez, and Vicksburg. In 2006, Alcorn State had the ADEC Irving Barrier Buster Award recipient. In 2012, Alcorn earned the HBCU of the Year Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU 123rd for online nursing education. Niche crowned ASU the 296th best liberal arts college. Alcorn State University is our website’s sixth most affordable university for online master’s degree majors with a $7,084 out-of-state price tag. Since Fall 2018, the Office of Graduate Studies has used Canvas to teach 16-week, SACS-accredited courses for 11 cheap online master’s, including:
- MA in History
- MS in Workforce Education Leadership
- MS in Agriculture
- MA in Elementary Teaching
- MS in Biology
- MS in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,084
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
5. Mayville State University
Mayville, ND
Total Points: 8
School Website
Boasting 95.8 percent job placement, Mayville State University is a public, master’s level NDUS member that budgets $23.5 million. MSU had its 25 departments re-accredited in 2016 to better educate 1,130 Comets online or in May-Port. In 2019, Mayville earned the OCR Best College for Servicemembers Award. In 2018, Mayville State won the NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level Award. The U.S. News & World Report declared MSU the fifth top public Midwest school. Washington Monthly placed Mayville State 308th overall for social mobility. Mayville State University kicks off the top five affordable colleges for online master’s degree programs costing $6,071 out-of-state. On Blackboard, MSU Online caps eight-week courses at 25 students for only one low-cost distance master’s degree:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,071
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent
4. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, TX
Total Points: 8
School Website
Endowed for $48.7 million, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a public, Hispanic-serving LSC member that’s grown 15 percent since 2016. UTPB has five colleges teaching 3,150 post-grad Falcons online or in West Texas. In 2019, UTPB had two Board of Regents Outstanding Teaching Award winners. In 2018, Permian Basin earned an Insight Into Diversity HEED Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UT-Permian Basin 200th for online master’s teaching programs. Student Loan Hero named UTPB the 14th cheapest small school. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin finished fourth among our affordable colleges for online master’s degree tracks with $5,715 out-of-state tuition. On Canvas, UTPB Online enrolls every eight weeks for these six SACS-accredited inexpensive master’s degrees:
- MA in Educational Leadership
- MBA
- MA in Bilingual/ESL Education
- Master of Public Administration
- MA in Special Education/Autism
- MBA in Finance
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,715
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
3. Delta State University
Cleveland, MS
Total Points: 9
School Website
Overseen by President William LaForge, Delta State University is a public, low-cost Gulf South school endowed for $28 million. Delta delivers more than 70 degrees in four schools online or in Cleveland for 3,761 Statesmen. In 2011, DSU received a Blackboard Catalyst Online Course Award. In 2019, Delta State won the USGIF Collegiate Accreditation Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Delta 78th for online nursing master’s education. Niche picked DSU 393rd for most ethnic diversity. Delta State University is the AS Staff’s third best-accredited university for online master’s degree majors with a $7,246 universal value. Since Fall 2013, the Graduate & Continuing Studies Office has used Canvas to convey seven-week classes for 11 fully online cheap master’s programs, such as:
- Master of Science in Nursing Administration
- Master of Commercial Aviation
- Master of Science in Social Justice and Criminology
- Master of Science in Community Development
- Integrated Master of Business Administration
- Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,246
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
2. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS
Total Points: 9
School Website
Featured in Innovative Higher Education, the Mississippi University for Women is a state-funded, female-friendly SACS constituent. MUW has three colleges teaching 2,505 undergrad and 960 post-grad Owls online or in Columbus. In 2015, The W won the MDL Cultural Heritage Digitization Award. In 2018, MUW received a Mississippi Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Award. The U.S. News & World Report named Mississippi the 18th top Southern public college. Washington Monthly ranked MUW the 20th best regional value. The Mississippi University for Women scored our second spot among the cheapest online schools for out-of-state students paying $6,940. On Canvas, the Office of Graduate Studies has more than 50 accelerated, eight-week courses for the following six low-cost online master’s degrees:
- MEd in Leadership
- MA in Teaching
- MEd in Reading/Literacy
- MBA
- MEd in Gifted Studies
- Master of Public Health
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,940
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
1. Piedmont International University
Winston-Salem, NC
Total Points: 10
School Website
Gifting a $250 Armed Forces Scholarship per credit, Piedmont International University is a nonprofit, evangelical Christian CCCU member. Piedmont has six TRACS-accredited colleges to instruct 740 Bruins online or on in Winston-Salem. In 2018, Piedmont International won the NCCSA All Region Excellence Award. In 2011, PIU earned the Sorenson VRS Interpreter Education Excellence Award. College Factual ranked Piedmont 36th for Baptist education. Best Value Schools placed PIU 24th statewide. Piedmont International University is our most affordable college for online master’s degree programs charging $6,810 out-of-state. On Blackboard, the Spurgeon Online School has six enrollment dates annually for quick, seven-week courses in 12 cheap online master’s options, including:
- Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Leadership
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Arts in Bible Exposition
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,810
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
Which Careers May Require a Cost-Effective Online Master’s Degree?
Attending affordable colleges for online master’s degree programs out-of-state will open doors for advanced jobs with more responsibility. In May 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 37 careers requiring a master’s degree. For example, statisticians use complex math formulas to analyze research data results. Instructional coordinators design the K-12 curriculum standards schools use to teach children. Farm and home management advisors help rural families improve their crop production. Economists watch the global business markets to forecast times of growth and recession. Librarians catalog large collections of books and media materials for patrons to check out. Certified public accountants have master’s degrees to review and file correct SEC financial reports. Clinical social workers focus on assisting people diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Sociologists study how people interact within social groups to better understand culture. Other careers for affordable online master’s degree graduates include nurse educator, political scientist, urban planner, epidemiologist, computer scientist, and principal.
How Much Can Economical Online Master’s Degree Graduates Earn?
Getting a best-value online master’s degree can provide a strong return on investment. Higher positions generally equal bigger salaries. The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce found master’s graduates have median lifetime earnings of $2.67 million. That’s a considerable jump from the bachelor’s level of $2.26 million. Each year, master’s degree holders make $69,732 on average. Computer scientists receive mean annual pay of $118,370. I/O psychologists bring home median $109,030 income. Nurse practitioners earn $110,030 on average after online MSN programs. Mathematicians are compensated a mean $104,870. Education administrators make a median wage of $98,750 at K-12 schools. Engineering managers enjoy average pay of $140,760 per year. Marketing managers reap median profits of $132,620. Political scientists are rewarded mean compensation of $117,570. Affordable online master’s degree graduates may even become chief executive officers making $200,140 on average.
Is the Job Market Promising After High-Value Online Master’s Degree Programs?
Completing low-cost online master’s degree programs may offer a competitive market edge. Career Builder reports that 32 percent of employers have bumped up education requirements. In September 2019, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found master’s graduates have low unemployment of 1.8 percent. Several master’s level jobs are growing faster than average. For instance, employment of counselors will increase 22 percent by 2028. Hiring of urban and regional planners will jump 11 percent. Statisticians will benefit from 30 percent growth. Advanced practice RNs will see openings expand by 26 percent. The number of financial managers will spike 16 percent to 758,300. Information security analysts will find 32 percent more jobs available. The 10-year outlook for software developers shows a 21 percent increase. Health administration will see 71,600 more positions for 18 percent growth. Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, and Virginia currently have the most master’s graduates. Picking affordable colleges for online master’s degree majors out-of-state gives you the ability to relocate to wherever the jobs are.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 cheapest online schools for out-of-state students (master’s).
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