In a world that places an increasingly high emphasis on knowledge, a bachelor's degree is no longer the stopping point, but sometimes a starting point. Individuals who have completed undergraduate studies are choosing to continue their education by earning a graduate degree. This can be a master's or doctoral program. In some instances, a master's degree may be earned on the journey towards a doctorate.
Online options for graduate studies have become the norm. In fact, large populations of online students are professionals who already have positions in the workforce but require the flexibility of an online or distance learning program. To assist with the growing demands for online programs, top-ranked accredited colleges and universities are now offering online graduate programs.
Top 30 Online Graduate Schools Ranking Methodology
We looked at over 220 accredited colleges and universities listed by U.S. News and World Report and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered more than one online graduate program. We narrowed the school selection by applying the following criteria: number of available programs offered, and national and/or online program rankings with U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our schools in order of affordability based on the graduate tuition and fees published by NCES College Navigator.
Below is the resulting selection of graduate schools offering the best online master's programs, ranked in order of raw affordability.
#30 – Nova Southeastern University
Popular online programs: Criminal Justice, Accounting, Nursing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,419
One of the best online graduate schools on our list is Nova Southeastern University. This school offers distance education to students around the globe. Online programs include both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Popular undergraduate degree programs available online include elementary education, health science, human services administration, nursing (RN to MSN), and psychology. Some of the online graduate programs include accounting, business administration (MBA), computer science, criminal justice, management information systems, and nursing (MSN). U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova Southeastern #191 in best national universities. Also, several online programs, including the online bachelor's programs rank among the top 200 out of more than 1,200 surveyed by U.S. News.
#29 – Wayne State University
Popular online programs: Communications, Education, Sports Administration
Detroit, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,164
Wayne State University offers online master's degree programs and one online bachelor's degree. Online graduate programs include master's in education (career and technical education, learning design and technology, and sports administration), master's in criminal justice, master's in library and information science, and master's in theatre and dance. Classes are administered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Several online graduate certificates are also offered. U.S. News and World Report ranks Wayne State #205 in best national universities and #112 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs rank #44, and the online graduate education programs rank #157 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – University of South Carolina
Popular online programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Teaching
Columbia, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,254
One of the best online graduate schools on our list is the University of South Carolina. This affordable public university offers online graduate programs such as master's degrees in applied statistics, educational administration, engineering management, library and information science, nursing, and public health. Also, online graduate certificates are available in the areas of nursing and computer science. While most of the graduate programs are considered to be fully online, some courses include a combination of both online and face-to-face requirements. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of South Carolina #106 in best national universities and #145 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #5, online graduate engineering programs rank #57, and the online graduate education programs rank #76 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#27 – University of Arizona
Popular online programs: Nursing, Law, Educational Technology
Tucson, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,748
The University of Arizona is one of our top picks for accredited online graduate schools. The institution offers a number of online master's degrees designed to accommodate working professionals. Master's degree programs that are offered via distance learning include accounting, applied nutrition, business administration (MBA), educational technology, engineering management, legal studies, and nursing. The nursing degrees include several specializations like clinical systems leadership and adult gerontology acute care. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school #106 in best national universities and #97 in best value schools. Online graduate schools are also ranked by U.S. News. In fact, the online graduate computer IT programs rank #8, online MBA programs rank #33, and the online graduate nursing programs rank #49.
#26 – Wayland Baptist University
Popular online programs: History, English, Nursing
Plainview, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,450
Wayland Baptist University's top online master's degree programs include criminal justice, history, humanities, English, and management. An online MBA is also available for working professionals who want to attend school via distance learning. Online classes allow students to continue meeting their daytime obligations with little to no disruption. The same Wayland Baptist professors who instruct on campus also lead online courses. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Wayland #96-#127 in best regional universities in the West. Also, several graduate programs have earned recognition in recent years. The school is accredited and one of the more affordable institutions on our list.
#25 – University of Illinois
Popular online programs: Computer Science, Education, Legal Studies
Springfield, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,308
With thirteen master's degrees online and a large number of graduate certificates also available online, University of Illinois is an affordable option. Some of the school's most popular online graduate programs include computer science, education, legal studies, management information systems, public administration, and social services administration. Classes are administered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank University of Illinois #50 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #9 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #30, and the online graduate education programs rank #131 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#24 – North Carolina State University
Popular online programs: Business Administration, Animal Science, Aerospace Engineering
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,027
One of the top accredited online graduate schools on our list is North Carolina State University. The ranked and affordable public university offers online graduate programs in agricultural and extension education, animal science, business administration (MBA), and engineering. In fact, several online master's in engineering programs are offered, such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electric power systems engineering, and electrical engineering. NC State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the top 80 national universities. Also, online graduate programs have received high rankings. The online graduate computer IT programs rank #4, the online graduate engineering programs rank #9, and the online MBA programs rank #14.
#23 – The University of Alabama
Popular online programs: Management, Health Studies, Nursing
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
Bama by Distance at the University of Alabama offers online master's degree programs in various disciplines. Students may earn a master's degree in three types of business programs – management, marketing, or operations management. Other online master's degrees include communication studies, education (elementary education or educational psychology), and engineering. University of Alabama offers more programs than most of the other schools on our list. The variety and affordable tuition make it a top choice. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Alabama #129 in best national universities and #80 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #13, and the online graduate engineering programs rank #51 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#22 – Concordia University
Popular online programs: Education, Nursing, Management
Mequon, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,542
Concordia University offers some of the best online master's programs for individuals who want to earn a graduate degree without taking traditional classes. All graduate level courses are administered online and provide a convenient learning method for busy and working students. A large number of graduate programs are available online. These include master's degree in business administration (online MBA), education, finance, global health care administration, human resource management, sport and entertainment business, and teaching and learning. An online MSN is also offered. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia #70 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #62 in best value schools. The online graduate nursing programs rank #111, and the online MBA programs rank #184 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News
#21 – University of Missouri
Popular online programs: Nursing, Dental Hygiene Education
Kansas City, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,387
University of Missouri, one of our top accredited online graduate schools, offers online master's degrees in dental hygiene education and nursing (MSN). The degrees can be completed entirely online by taking courses taught by University of Missouri professors. Online track options for the MSN degree include adult gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and women's health nurse practitioner. Clinical residencies are required and can be completed in the student's geographic location. The school is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value institution. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #98 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#20 – East Tennessee State University
Popular online programs: Allied Health, Digital Marketing, Early Childhood Education
Johnson City, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,035
East Tennessee State University offers a large number of online master's degree programs and online graduate certificates. Graduate programs that are available 100% online include allied health, digital marketing, early childhood education, educational leadership, school librarianship, and teaching and learning. Also, several online MSN programs, including family nurse practitioner and nursing education, can be completed online. Standard admission requirements must be met for any graduate program at East Tennessee, and in some cases graduate exams may be needed. U.S. News and World Report ranks East Tennessee as among the top 300 national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #28 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#19 – Jacksonville State University
Popular online programs: Management, Marketing, Criminal Justice
Jacksonville, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,918
Jacksonville State University is an affordable choice for master's degrees online for working students. The school offers a number of master's degrees that can be earned without visiting campus. Some of the online degrees include the master's in business administration (MBA), master's in criminal justice, master's in education (various disciplines), master's in nursing (various MSN concentrations), and master's in public administration. While admission requirements vary among programs, an earned bachelor's with a satisfactory undergraduate GPA are needed. U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville State #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online MBA programs rank #199, the online graduate criminal justice programs rank #51-#67, and the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – University of Louisiana
Popular online programs: Criminal Justice, Education Psychology
Monroe, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,984
University of Louisiana's master's degrees online include 30-39 credit hour programs designed for working professionals. Some of the online graduate programs include criminal justice, communication, curriculum and instruction (M.Ed.), educational leadership, educational technology leadership, nursing, psychology, and public administration. Many of the programs require the GRE for admission, and satisfactory scores must be submitted at application time. The school is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks ULM #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online MBA programs rank #100, online graduate education programs rank #157, and the online graduate criminal justice programs rank #51-#67 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – University of South Dakota
Popular online programs: Addiction Studies, Business Administration, Public Health
Vermillion, South Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,818
One of the top accredited online graduate schools for affordable master's degree programs is the University of South Dakota. The school offers a number of online master's degrees, including programs in business administration, professional accountancy, public health, and social work. Also, for teachers, several online graduate programs in education are offered, including educational administration and leadership, kinesiology and sport management, and technology for education and training. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #43, online graduate business programs rank #45, and online MBA programs rank #93 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#16 – University of Maryland University College
Popular online programs: Biotechnology, Management, Teaching
Adelphi, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
University of Maryland University College is one of the best online graduate schools on our list due to affordability and sheer number of available graduate programs. Online master's degrees include business administration (MBA), cloud computing architecture, data analytics, health informatics administration, healthcare administration, information technology, instructional technology, management, and teaching. Classes are administered online and do not require visits on campus. The school is accredited and has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. The affordable tuition earns University of Maryland a top spot on our list of best online graduate schools for 2019.
#15 – Wilmington University
Popular online programs: Marketing, Health Care Administration, Organizational Leadership
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,438
Wilmington University is one of the top schools on our list for online master's degree programs. With over 125 online degrees, concentrations, and certificates, students may choose from a large pool of programs. Graduate degrees include accounting, administration of human services, business (MBA with several concentration options), information systems technologies, and management. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. The school is ranked and accredited. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Wilmington as a top national institution. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154, the online MBA programs rank #205-#267, and the online business programs (excluding the MBA) rank #120-#158 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Popular online programs: Construction Engineering and Management, Engineering Management, Mining Engineering & Management
Rapid City, South Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,330
For those interested in engineering master's degrees online, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers plenty of options. Three top-ranked engineering programs are available to individuals who have already completed a BS degree in science or engineering, or have experience in a related field. The entire master's program is online, and students receive instruction from the same engineering faculty as the full-time residential students do. Online master's degrees are offered in construction engineering and management, engineering management, and mining engineering and management. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top engineering institution.
#13 – Oklahoma State University
Popular online programs: Agriculture, Educational Technology, Engineering Technology
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,197
One of the top accredited online graduate schools on our list is Oklahoma State University. This public institution offers flexible and convenient online graduate degrees in agricultural leadership, business (MBA), educational psychology, educational technology, multidisciplinary studies, and management information science. Most programs require an earned bachelor's degree, letters of recommendation, and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Oklahoma State #157 in best national universities and #80 in top public schools. Also, the online MBA programs rank #30, the online graduate engineering programs rank #37, and the online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) rank #42 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – Lamar University
Popular online programs: Marketing, Criminal Justice, Management
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University offers some of the best online graduate schools and programs on our list. Affordability, variety, and convenience are what draw students to Lamar's graduate programs. Students may earn master's degrees in business (MBA), criminal justice, education, engineering management, nutrition, or public health. There are also several professional certification options for those seeking principal or superintendent credentials. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Lamar as a top national university. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs rank #31, online graduate nursing programs rank #111, and the online graduate education programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the publication.
#11 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Popular online programs: Aeronautics, Engineering Management, Leadership
Daytona Beach, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,680
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a number of the best online master's degree programs for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized field. Master's degree programs include aerospace engineering, business administration in aviation, cybersecurity management and policy, engineering management, management, project management, and systems engineering. The institution is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges lists Embry-Riddle #15 in best regional universities in the South and #46 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #67 and the online MBA programs rank #108 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#10 – Kennesaw State University
Popular online programs: Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Nursing
Kennesaw, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,857
Kennesaw State University is one of our top accredited online graduate schools due to affordability and choice of available programs. For those seeking an online graduate degree, options include business (MBA), education, engineering management, international policy management, mechanical engineering, nursing (MSN), and software engineering. Graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks Kennesaw #230-#301 in best national universities and #45 in most innovative schools. The graduate business and engineering programs also rank among the top 150 in the country.
#9 – Western Governors University
Popular online programs: Business, Nursing, Information Technology
Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790
Western Governors University offers some of the top online master's degrees designed for working professionals seeking graduate studies. Master's programs include business – accounting, MBA, healthcare management, and management and leadership; education – curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, special education, and more; information technology – cybersecurity and information assurance data analytics, and information technology management; and health and nursing – healthcare management, health leadership, nursing (MSN) with several specializations. Western Governors requires students pursuing master's level degrees to hold bachelor's degrees with a satisfactory undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks WGU #10 in most innovative schools and recognizes it as a top regional university in the West.
#8 – American Public University
Popular online programs: Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
American Public University offers accredited online master's degree programs designed for working professionals looking to advance in their careers. Online graduate programs include accounting, applied business analytics, criminal justice, educational leadership (M.Ed.), information technology, management, public administration (MPA), sports management, and teaching (M.Ed.), to name a few. Admission requirements vary among programs, but applicants can expect to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and provide official transcripts for evaluation. U.S. News and World Report ranks APU as a top regional university in the South. In recent years, several online graduate programs have earned recognition with major publications like U.S. News.
#7 – Eastern New Mexico University
Popular online programs: Communication, Education Administration, Sport Administration
Portales, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,462
Eastern New Mexico University is one of the best online graduate schools on our list due to affordability and degree choice. Several graduate degrees can be earned exclusively online and without stepping foot in a traditional classroom. Available online master's programs include business administration (MBA), communication, education administration, educational technology, elementary education, nursing, sport administration, and special education. U.S. News and World Report ranks Eastern New Mexico #96-#127 in best regional universities in the West. Also, graduate programs at Eastern New Mexico that have earned rankings from major publications include speech and language pathology.
#6 – Amberton University
Popular online programs: International Business, Professional Counseling, Professional Development
Garland, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,370
Amberton University offers top online master's programs that are designed for working professionals. Both full-time and part-time options are available, and all classes are taught by Amberton's esteemed faculty. Master's level programs include general business (MBA), family studies, human relations and business, human resources training and development, international business, and professional counseling. Classes are structured to move at a quick pace but with the added flexibility online learning offers. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report recognize Amberton as a leading regional university in the West. Though currently unranked with U.S. News, the school and its programs are fully accredited and recognized by the publication.
#5 – Henderson State University
Popular online programs: Business Administration, Developmental Therapy, Curriculum Leadership
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,293
Henderson State University is one of the most affordable accredited online graduate schools on our list. Master's programs include business administration (MBA), curriculum leadership, developmental therapy, educational technology leadership, and special education K-12. Classes are taught by Henderson State professors. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Henderson State University as a top regional university in the South. Rankings include #91 in best regional universities in the South and #36 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#4 – Arkansas State University
Popular online programs: Education, Public Administration, Sport Administration
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,121
One of the most affordable and best online graduate schools on our list is Arkansas State University. This public university offers a wide range of online master's degrees designed for working students and professionals. Graduate programs include early childhood education, educational leadership, engineering management, media management, public administration, and special education. Classes are administered online and taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. In fact, many of the online degree programs mirror their on-campus counterparts. U.S. News and World Report ranks Arkansas State #95 in best regional universities in the South and #38 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #180, and the online MBA programs rank #12 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – University of Central Arkansas
Popular online programs: Business Administration, Instructional Technology, Teaching
Conway, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,094
University of Central Arkansas offers affordable master's degrees online designed for working adults. Online courses offer convenience and flexibility for students who work during traditional school hours. The same university professors who lead instruction on campus also teach online. Some of the graduate programs available include business (MBA), instructional technology, library media and information technologies, school counseling, special education, and teaching. There is also an online MSN and executive master's in sport management designed with the working professional in mind. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #71 in best regional universities in the South and #26 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #51, and the online graduate education programs rank #168 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – University of the Cumberlands
Popular online programs: Business Administration, IT, Criminal Justice
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,970
One of the best online graduate schools on our list with affordable master's programs is the University of the Cumberlands. This private institution is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges ranks the school #230-#301 in best national universities. The institution offers several online master's degrees, including addiction counseling, business administration, counseling, criminal justice, education, information systems security, information technology, nursing, and teaching. Programs that have received rankings with U.S. News include the online graduate criminal justice programs (ranked #6), online graduate education programs (ranked #88), and the online MBA programs (ranked #146). These rankings are out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs ranked by U.S. News.
#1 – University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Popular online programs: Business Administration, Counseling, Nursing
Odessa, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,782
Earning a top spot on our list of best online graduate schools is the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The university offers ten online graduate degree programs, including business administration (MBA), educational leadership, English, kinesiology, public administration, and special education. Classes move at an accelerated pace and generally run seven weeks in length. The MBA can be earned in just 12 months. Admission to programs varies, and in some cases the GMAT or GRE may be waived if the applicant has a 3.25 undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #88 in best regional universities in the West. Also, the online MBA programs rank #150, and the online graduate education programs rank #197 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
GSH Staff
October 2018
This concludes our list of the top 30 best online graduate schools for 2019.
Related Resource: Top 30 Best Business Schools