In higher education, course content, instruction, and student experiences are arguably three of the most important aspects of making a college great. But a great student experience relies on many factors, including the smooth functioning of an academic institution. What keeps a college running are all the staff in various administrative and leadership roles necessary to its functioning.
With the growing population of the United States, coupled with the return to college of non-traditional/ adult students, the growth in the number of college students is driving the demand for higher education administrative specialists, in academic advising, academic records, admissions, enrollment, financial aid, fundraising, human resources, student affairs, and many other areas, at colleges and universities, as well agencies and organizations that play a role in adult education.
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Careers in Higher Education
Below, we look at 25 of the best, most affordable, accredited, online masters degrees in higher education studies, which typically lead to entry level or mid-level administrative or management roles. The list directly below provides a partial list of potential careers or work environments for graduates of such online degree programs, compiled from the Web sites of the 25 colleges in this ranking. The online masters degree rankings start after the Methodology section.
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- Campus Chaplain
- Campus Ministries Director
- Dean of Students
- Director of Campus Activities
- Director of Intramural Programs
- Education Administrator – Postsecondary
- Instructional Coordinator
- Learning Center Coordinator
- Ministry Team Leader
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
- Postsecondary Vocational Education Teacher
- Residence Life
- Residential Advisors
- Student Affairs Administrator
- Student Discipline
- Student Services Administrator
Affordable Degrees Ranking Methodology
Data for the colleges listed in this online master’s degree ranking article comes from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center, both maintained by the U.S. Dept of Education.
- Step 1: Query NCES for public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs in “Higher Education/Higher Education Administration”.
- Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS, of colleges offering relevant online master’s programs.
- Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
- Step 4: Sort the candidate colleges initially on the basis of institutional average graduate tuition.
- Step 5: Select the first 25 institutions that offer relevant online/ hybrid/ blended masters programs (e.g., filter out candidates that either only offer a grad certificate, or which no longer offer a program despite being listed as such in NCES.
- Step 6: For each of the final 25 institutions, find/ estimate the in-state program cost, using tuition, per-credit fees, per-course, and/or per-semester fees. (Excludes books, lab costs, housing, food, transportation and any additional fees.)
- Step 7: Sort descending, by estimated in-state cost.
NOTES:
- Actual tuition for a master’s in higher education studies at a given institution may vary from what is listed here when fees or any institutional financial aid is factored in. Verify all costs and requirements before applying to any college/ university.
- The estimated in-state cost listed for each ranked college is based on graduate tuition plus per-credit, per-course, and per-semester fees when available.
- For programs in which cost is explicitly stated and includes fees without a breakdown, we have used this cost as is.
- For programs in which the tuition is variable on number of credits/ courses taken per semester and/or duration to complete, we have assumed six credits maximum per semester and calculated cost on that basis. (Six credits per semester potentially qualifies a student for FAFSA financial aid.
- For programs with variable credits based on track options, estimated cost is based on the minimum credit requirement.
- For programs with costs varying by semester, we’ve used the latest Spring or Fall rates, as available, or Summer rates otherwise.
- While we’ve applied the above rules to estimate program cost, some institutions listed may offer a lower cost through per-term tuition options.
- Some costs listed are only approximations based on information available from each institution’s Web site. There may be additional fees and incidental costs (books, food, lodging, transportation, etc.), and overall charges are subject to change.
Terminology and Acronyms
This is a partial list of terms and acronyms relevant to education-related degrees, particularly for language. Note: CAEP is a newer accrediting body and currently part of NCATE (see both below), and replaces both NCATE and TEAC. In the ranking entries in this article, we have left intact the reference to either based on usage by each institution.
- AAQEP – Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
- CAEP – Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- NCATE – National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Accreditation (founded 1954)
Best, Most Affordable Online Masters Degrees in Higher Education Studies
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25. University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Louisville (UofL, est. 1798) is a public institution and a member of the Kentucky State University System. It offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UofL has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA) with four Concentration options:
- Administration
- Policy and Equity
- Sport Administration
- Teaching and Learning
Delivered by the Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development (within the College of Education and Human Development), this is a low-cost, 36-credit, 100% online master’s degree program expected to take at least two years full-time, and allowing up to six transfer credits. This program is suited to both individuals already employed at colleges/ universities, as well as those looking for a career in higher education, particularly in an administrative.
Sample courses include: Program Development and Assessment in Higher Education; The Organization and Administration of Higher Educational Institutions; Legal Issues in Postsecondary Education.
Alternatives: Online grad certificate in Organization Change in Higher Education.
- Cost: $27,504.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 21,430
- #grads: 5,789
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Awards: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Grad Education)
24. New England College
Henniker, New Hampshire
New England College (NEC, est. 1946) is a private, nonprofit institution. It offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
NEC has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration (MSHEA).
This is a low-priced, 40-credit, 100% online master’s degree program consisting of 10 courses including a Capstone. Full-time students taking two courses per term can finish the program in 10 months, while part-time students will take longer. Graduates typically find career opportunities related to academic advising, admissions and enrollment, career placement, financial aid, fundraising, student affairs, etc.
Sample online courses include: Organization and Administration; Leadership Theory; Law in Higher Education. A capstone is part of the curriculum requirements.
- Cost: $22,640.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 2,521
- #grads: 825
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
23. Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Mississippi College (MC, est. 1826) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. MC claims the title of the oldest college in the state and is one of the oldest Baptist colleges in the country. It offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
MC has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Higher Education Administration degree.
This is an affordable, 31-credit, online master’s degree program that includes two Higher Education Administration Practicum experiences. The online master’s degree program, which can be finished in under 18 months, covers different aspects of professional service in higher education, incorporating administrative theory and practice. Graduates of this masters will have the skills necessary for a variety of administrative roles typically found in academic settings such as colleges and universities.
Sample online courses include: Basic Understandings in Higher Education Administration; Law and Higher Education; Finance in Higher Education.
- Cost: $21,925.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 5,103
- #grads: 1,871
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
22. McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois
McKendree University (McK, est. 1828) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
McK has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MAED) degree in Higher Education Administrative Services.
This is an inexpensive, 36-credit, online master’s degree program with 8-week classes and which can be completed in two years. Topics covered include human resources, information technology support, student recruitment, university finances and more. Career opportunities for graduates of this MAED include academic records, admissions, financial aid, finance and administration, human resources, institutional advancement, institutional research, student affairs.
Sample online courses include: The Past, Present, and Future of Higher Education; Strategies of Financial Management; Issues in Student Access. A capstone in Best Practice Intervention is required for graduation.
- Cost: $20,880.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 2,494
- #grads: 543
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
21. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
University of Florida (UF, est. 1853) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It offers low-priced associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UF has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Student Personnel in Higher Education (SPHE).
Delivered by the College of Education, this is a top-value, 39-credit, fully online, CAEP-accredited master’s degree program expected to take two years studying full-time. Students will complete a capstone as well as a Practicum in Student Personnel. The MEd is aimed at professionals already in student affairs or a related setting. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work in student-centered roles that include academic advising, financial aid, support services, etc.
Sample online courses include: Theory of College Student Development; Diversity Issues in Higher Education; Educational Outcomes of American Colleges and Universities.
Alternatives: Hybrid EdD in Higher Education Administration; 42-credit on-campus MEd-SPHE.
- Cost: $20,572.50 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 52,218
- #grads: 16,727
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Florida International University (FIU, est. 1965) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
FIU has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration (MSHEA).
Delivered by the Department of Educational Leadership and Professional Studies (within the College of Arts, Sciences and Education), this is a best-value, 36-credit, fully online master’s degree program with one start date yearly (Fall) and expected to take one year full-time. No GRE score is required, and students must complete a 120-hour Practicum in Higher Education Administration for graduation. Graduates will be prepared for post-secondary education administration roles that may include admissions, registration, or student affairs, amongst other campus services.
Sample online courses include: Introduction to Higher Education Administration; History of Higher Education; College Student Development Theory.
- Cost: $20,482.95 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed cost)
- #students: 57,942
- #grads: 9,124
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
19. Bellarmine University
Louisville, Kentucky
Bellarmine University (BU, est. 1950) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It offers high-quality bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
BU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Social Justice (MEDHE).
This is an affordable, 30-credit, 100% online master’s degree program with 8-week courses, part- or full-time study options, and minimum of three semesters timeline. Students will complete an internship and a portfolio. The online master’s degree program covers the skills and knowledge necessary for graduates to take on roles in academic affairs, administration, advancement, athletics, business, finance, and student life. Potential work environments include community colleges, colleges and universities, for-profits, etc.
Sample online courses include: The College Student:Theories, Trends and Interventions; Ethics, Law and Social Justice in Higher Education; Leadership, Administration, and Governance in Higher Education.
Alternatives: Leadership in Higher Education PhD.
- Cost: $19,950.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-credit rate for MEd)
- #students: 3,369
- #grads: 817
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
18. Purdue University Global
Indianapolis, Indiana
Purdue University Global (PG, est. 2018) is a public institution and a member of the Purdue University System. PG is formed from Purdue’s acquisition of Kaplan University assets. It offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
PG has one low cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Science degree in Higher Education (MSHE) with three Concentration options:
- College Administration and Leadership (CAL)
- College Teaching (CT)
- Student Affairs (SA)
This is a 50-quarter-credit, 100% online, inexpensive, master’s degree program with 6-week courses (taken one per term), with a total expected timeline of under 1.5 years. The SA concentration requires completion of a 120-hour internship and a background check. Topics covered include financing issues, multicultural and diversity issues, public policy, technology. Graduates of this MSHE degree program will build leadership skills suitable to postsecondary educational settings that include community colleges, colleges, universities, technical and vocational centers, etc.
Sample online courses include: Higher Education Laws and Regulations; Higher Education Organization and Governance; Multiculturalism and Diversity in Higher Education.
- Cost: $18,900.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 1,498
- #grads: 240
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
17. West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University (WVU, est. 1867) is a public institution and a member of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. It serves students on multiple campuses plus online and offers low-priced bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs.
WVU has one affordable online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA).
Delivered by the College of Education and Human Services, this is a high-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program with part- or full-time study options and expected to take at least two years. Online courses are supplemented with the live online sessions. The capstone requirement is an Education Administration Internship. Typical career roles for graduates include settings such as academic administration and student affairs.
Sample online courses include: History of American Higher Education; Contemporary Issues in Higher Education; Higher Education Administration.
Alternatives: PhD or EdD in Higher Education Administration; online grad certificate in Higher Education Marketing.
- Cost: $18,840.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 26,864
- #grads: 5,709
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
16. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Sam Houston State University (SHSU, est. 1879) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school, and is a member of the Texas State University System. It offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
SHSU has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA) with Thesis and Non-Thesis tracks.
This is an affordable, 36-credit, 100% online, NCATE-accredited master’s degree program designed for individuals interested in either mid-level administration or leadership roles in higher education, or to pursue a related doctorate degree. Program topics include academic affairs, enrollment management, governance and organization, information technology, resource allocation, student services, and more.
Sample online courses include: History and Organization of Higher Education; Contemporary Issues in Higher Education; Resource Development and Allocation in Higher Education.
Alternatives: Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership; grad certificate programs in Academic Advising or Higher Education Assessment and Institutional Research, either of which can be earned with the MAHEA degree.
- Cost: $18,765.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 21,213
- #grads: 2,715
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15. Marywood University
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Marywood University (MU, est. 1915) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
MU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration (MSHEA).
Delivered by the College of Professional Studies, this is a high-value, 36-credit, online, CAEP-accredited master’s degree program with a 300-hour internship option. It is designed for individuals intending to enter careers in post-secondary institutions, in roles such as alumni affairs, enrollment management, institutional research and advancement, student services, etc. Example settings include public and private colleges and universities.
Sample online courses include: Multidisciplinary Foundations of Education; Student Issues in Higher Education; College Finance Strategic Planning.
- Cost: $18,540.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 2,853
- #grads: 919
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
14. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
Stony Brook University (SBU, est. 1957) is a public institution and a member of the State University of New York System. It offers high-quality bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
SBU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (MAHEA).
Delivered by the School of Professional Development, this is an inexpensive, 36-credit, online master’s degree program requiring completion of a project and two practicums (Higher Education, Higher Ed Administration), having full- or part-time study options, and expected to take at least 16 months. It is intended for individuals seeking a career in student affairs or administration in a higher education setting, possibly working with students directly, in services, or in an administrative department.
Sample online courses include: Foundations of Higher Education Administration; Survey of College Student Development Theory; Leadership in Higher Education.
Alternatives: Online advanced grad certificate in Higher Education Administration (18cr).
- Cost: $18,120.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 26,256
- #grads: 8,734
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
13. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi (USM, est. 1910) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. It offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
USM has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Higher Education – Student Affairs Administration.
Delivered by the School of Education, this is a top-value, 36-credit, 100% online, master’s degree program with a practicum (supervised) requirement. Some topics covered by the MEd include cultural diversity, financing, legal issues, staffing, structure and administration, student affairs administration issues and trends, and student development theory. Graduates of the program typically find careers as student affairs specialists at the college level.
Sample online courses include: Helping Skills in Student Affairs Practice; Administration in Student Affairs; Foundations of Student Affairs Administration
Alternatives: EdD or PhD in Higher Education Administration.
- Cost: $17,788.32 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 14,509
- #grads: 2,589
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
12. Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, Indiana
Grace College and Theological Seminary (GCTS, est. 1948) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. It offers low-priced associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
GCTS has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Science degree in Higher Education (MSHE).
This is a high-value, 36-credit, 100% online master’s degree program expected to take 12 months. Topics covered include diversity and culture, finance and governance, the history of higher education, legal issues, and the needs of today’s college students, amongst others. Graduates are qualified for roles related to student services and different aspects of college administration.
Sample online courses include: History and Foundations of Higher Education; Student Affairs in Higher Education; Organization, Governance and Finance. An “Integrative Application Project” is part of the curriculum.
- Cost: $16,992.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 2,029
- #grads: 404
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
11. University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss, est. 1848) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. It offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
Ole Miss has one high-value online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education with a focus in Student Personnel (MAHE).
Delivered by the Department of Higher Education (within the School of Education), this is an economical, 36-credit, blended, CAEP-accredited master’s degree program designed to be part-time to accommodate students already working post-secondary administration. The program requires completion of two practicums in Student Personnel Services, with a third one being optional. Graduates of this MA will be qualified for postsecondary administrative roles that may include financial aid, housing, etc.
Sample online courses include: Cultural Context of Education; Student Services in Higher Education; Finance of Higher Education.
- Cost: $16,740.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 22,456
- #grads: 4,449
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10. Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Tiffin University (TU, est. 1888) is a private, nonprofit institution. It offers top-quality associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs.
TU has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree with a concentration in Higher Education Administration (HEA).
This is an affordable, 30-credit, online master’s degree program requiring completion of a Capstone Project, with full- or part-time study options and expected to take 1.5-2.5 years. Typical students of this MEd already have careers in postsecondary roles involving admissions, athletics, financial aid, student affairs, etc., and seek the knowledge and skills to pursue management positions. The program builds the grad student’s understanding of administrative areas such as academic advising, academic or sports program administration, campus security, enrollment, financial services, orientation, student life,
Sample online courses include: Educational Leadership; Student Enrollment and Retention; Assessment and Student Learning.
- Cost: $16,500.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 3,045
- #grads: 822
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students at multiple campuses and online, and offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degree programs.
WilmU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Higher Education (HE) with three Concentration options:
- Student Affairs in Higher Education
- Administration in Higher Education
- Teaching in Higher Education – requires a previous master’s degree
This is a top-value, 33-credit, online master’s degree program consisting of 11 7-week courses and expected to take at least 14 months. It requires completion of a research Capstone and a 120-hour practicum/ field experience, and includes a certificate in Foundations of Higher Education. Graduates of the program gain the skills necessary for building learning environments the provide positive experiences for college students.
Sample online courses include: History of American Higher Education; Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education; Leadership and Ethical Decision Making in Higher Education.
Alternatives: Online EdD in Higher Education Leadership; online grad certificate in Administration in Higher Education.
- Cost: $16,104.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-course cost)
- #students: 14,786
- #grads: 5,744
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
8. University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
University of North Texas (UNT, est. 1890) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school, and is a member of the University of North Texas System. It offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UNT has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education (HE) with an Emphasis in General Administration. (Note: other Emphasis options available on-campus only.)
Delivered by the College of Education, this is a high-value, 36-credit, online master’s degree program requiring completion of a Practicum, Field Problem or Internship (3-6 credits). The MEd is designed for individuals entering or wanting to improve their career opportunities in administrative roles in higher education institutions. Potential departments/ divisions for opportunities include advancement offices, alumni offices, business affairs offices, career centers, financial aid offices, multicultural centers, student housing, student life, student unions and many more.
Sample online courses include: Student Demographics; Finance and Budgeting in Higher Education; Organization and Administration of Higher Education.
Alternatives: PhD or EdD in Higher Education.
- Cost: $15,800.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed cost)
- #students: 38,241
- #grads: 6,866
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
7. Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Missouri Baptist University (MBU, est. 1957) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
MBU has one affordable online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership (MSHEL).
This is a low-cost, 30-credit, online master’s degree program with a choice of full- or part-time studies and expected to take at least 18 months. The program is aimed at individuals wanting to build their skills for leadership roles in higher education. Topics and issues covered include academic affairs, admissions, advising services, athletics, financial aid, fundraising, residential life, student affairs, and more.
Sample online courses include: Historical Foundations of Higher Education; College Student Development; Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education.
Alternatives: Online EdD in Higher Education Leadership.
- Cost: $15300.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-credit cost)
- #students: 5292
- #grads: 900
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
University of West Alabama (UWA, est. 1835) is a public institution. It offers inexpensvie associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UWA has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Student Affairs – Higher Education.
This is a top-value, 33-credit, fully online master’s degree program expected to take 1-2 years (8-week courses) and requires completion of a Practicum in Student Affairs. It is designed for individuals seeking or wanting to advance in leadership roles in postsecondary education. Typical roles for graduates may involve academic advising, admissions, financial aid, etc.
Sample online courses include: Techniques of Educational Research; Educational Statistics; Advanced Educational Psychology.
- Cost: $14,157.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-credit cost)
- #students: 5,200
- #grads: 3,046
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. University of Houston
Houston, Texas
University of Houston (UH, est. 1927) is a public institution and a member of the University of Houston System. It offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs.
UH has one cheap online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Higher Education (HE).
Delivered by the College of Education, this is a best-value, 36-credit, online master’s degree program with full- or part-time study options, and expected to take at least two years. It requires the completion of a semester-long internship. In addition to online courses, students will have real-time digital meetings with professors via phone, Skype or Blackboard. Graduates of this MEd will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue roles in student affairs or other administrative positions at postsecondary institutions such as colleges and universities.
Sample online courses include: Cultural Foundations of American Education; Student Support Services; Student Development Theory.
- Cost: $1,3896.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-credit tuition and consolidate fees)
- #students: 46,324
- #grads: 7,976
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Awards: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Graduate Education)
4. Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
Adams State University (ASU, est. 1921) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school. It offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degree programs.
ASU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education Administration Leadership (HEAL).
This is a low-priced, 36-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with online courses and compulsory residencies. Expected to take two years, it requires completion of two practicums (Practicum in Planning, Institutional Research and Assessment; Practicum in Entrepreneurship in Higher Education). This MA prepares professionals for higher education leadership and management roles, with a particular focus on HSIs (Hispanic Serving Institutions) and MSIs (Minority Serving Institutions).
Sample online courses include: Historical and Contemporary Issues in Higher Education; Leadership in Minority Serving Institutions; Entrepreneurship in Higher Ed.
- Cost: $12,160.80 (estimated in-state program cost based on Grad Teacher Ed online rates)
- #students: 3,110
- #grads: 1,113
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
3. University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
University of Sioux Falls (USF, est. 1883) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. USF comes in third in our college ranking of affordable, accredited, online masters degrees in higher education studies. It offers inexpensive associate’s through master’s level degree programs.
USF has one low cost online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Educational Administration for Adult and Higher Education (EA/ AHE).
Delivered by the School of Education, this is a best-value, 33-credit, 100% online master’s degree program with an Internship in Adult and Higher Education. It looks at different perspectives of postsecondary education, and prepares grad students to be higher education specialists at the college/ university level, as well as for adult learning institutions, and business and industry.
Sample courses include: Professional and Ethical Leadership; Managing Organizational Dynamics; Foundations of Postsecondary Education.
- Cost: $11,880.00 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-credit rate for MEd)
- #students: 1,615
- #grads: 296
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
2. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Central Washington University (CWU, est. 1891) is a public institution. CWU earns second place in this ranking of the best, most affordable, accredited online master’s degrees in higher education studies. It offers economical bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs.
CWU has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in Higher Education: a Master of Education in Higher Education.
This is a low-cost, 45-credit, fully online master’s degree program with a required Internship and a choice of Thesis, Exam, or Project. Students take one or two courses per semester, depending on scheduled classes, and build on leadership, management and organizational development skills. Graduates are prepared for administrative roles in a number of settings that include higher education institutions such as colleges and universities, as well civic organizations, government organizations (national), non-profits, etc.
Sample online courses include: History of Higher Education; Diversity Leadership Management; College Student Development.
- Cost: $10,560.06 (estimated in-state program cost based on sample course sequence and listed rates)
- #students: 12,342
- #grads: 923
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
1. Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Appalachian State University (ASU, est. 1899) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. ASU wins first place in this ranking of the best, most affordable, accredited, online master’s degrees in higher education studies. It offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
ASU has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in Higher Education: a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education (MAHE) with a hybrid concentration in Community College and University Leadership (CCUL).
This is an economic, 36-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with primarily online courses (excepting some in the CCUL concentration), and a choice of Thesis or Non-thesis tracks. Online courses are a mix of synchronous (live) and asynchronous, and students must complete a written comprehensive exam. The program looks at different aspects of higher education and prepares grad students for administrative and management positions in different settings, including: colleges and universities; corporation; foundations; government agencies; national/ international associations or organizations.
Sample online courses include: Adult Development and Learning Theories; American Higher Education; Organization and Governance in Higher Education.
Alternatives: Online Education Specialist (EdS) in Higher Education (HE).
- Cost: $9,594.36 (estimated in-state program cost based on listed per-credit rate)
- #students: 19,108
- #grads: 1,727
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Other Rankings of Interest:
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- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Mathematics/ Statistics Education Degrees
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Nursing Education Degrees
- 25 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Coaching and Physical Education
- 20 Most Affordable Ph.D in Early Childhood Education Online
- 20 Most Affordable Ph.D in Elementary Education Online
- 20 Most Affordable Ph.D in Special Education Online
- 50 Best Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 30 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Special Education and Teaching
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