Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2025
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Earning a master’s degree can lead to unique opportunities and upward mobility in your current position. It can also prepare you to switch fields or embark on an exciting professional journey — especially if you earn an in-demand master’s degree. Many high-paying jobs require applicants to hold a master’s degree, including a variety of roles in healthcare and IT.
Online master’s programs can offer additional benefits, such as increased flexibility. For example, many top programs feature asynchronous classes that let you schedule coursework around your job or family obligations.
Are Online Master’s Degrees Worth It?
An April 2024 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that U.S. workers with a master’s degree earned a median salary of $1,737 per week in 2023 — about 16% more than professionals with only a bachelor’s degree. This figure suggests earning a master’s can increase your financial stability and help you save for the future.
Although earning a master’s degree can be expensive, you can reduce your student debt burden in many ways. Some online master’s programs offer departmental and institutional scholarships. You may also qualify for federal aid by submitting the FAFSA.
Additionally, use your online graduate program’s academic and career resources to make the most of your time in school and prepare for a job hunt after graduation.
Did You Know…
- People with a master’s degree earn about $244 more per week than those with just a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS.
- Master’s degree-holders have lower unemployment rates than both bachelor’s and associate degree-holders.
- A Georgetown University report found that the median lifetime earnings for master’s degree-holders is $3.2 million — about $400,000 more than bachelor’s degree-holders.
- The number of people with a master’s degree more than doubled between 2000 and 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Top 10 Schools for Online Master’s Degrees
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers 10 online master's degrees and three hybrid master's programs. Online degrees focus on STEM fields, including aerospace engineering, computer science, and industrial engineering. Programs may offer multiple start dates throughout the year.
Highlights
- Offers asynchronous courses
- Includes online message boards for discussions with professors and classmates
- Has multiple concentration choices for some degrees, such as the MS in computer science
Know Before You Apply
- Asynchronous courses have set coursework deadlines and assessment dates.
- Online master's programs may require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Cost per credit may vary depending on the program.
- In-State$10,258
- Out-of-state$31,370
- In-State$14,064
- Out-of-state$29,140
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled47,946
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Florida State University offers 26 online master's programs, including degrees in athletic coaching, business law, and educational psychology. Online programs may offer paths to licensure within Florida, including teaching and social work. Nonresidents should ensure the program meets their home state's licensure requirements.
Highlights
- Includes a career center with virtual advising services
- Provides an online database of available FSU scholarships
- Offers a virtual computer lab with specialty software, including SPSS and MATLAB
- Has an out-of-state tuition waiver for active duty military personnel
Know Before You Apply
- Online tuition includes the normal tuition rate plus an additional distance learning fee.
- Courses can be synchronous, asynchronous, or mixed.
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- In-State$10,662
- Out-of-state$26,657
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled43,234
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of South Florida provides over 50 online graduate degrees in 10 fields, including arts, business, and medicine. Florida residents pay around $431 per credit hour, while nonresidents are charged around $877 per credit hour. Tuition may vary based on the program you choose.
Highlights
- Offers virtual health and mental health resources
- Provides non-thesis and thesis options for many programs
- Allows up to 50% of graduate credits to be transferred in from another school
- Extends synchronous, asynchronous, and mixed delivery options
Know Before You Apply
- Scholarship options can only be viewed during certain application windows.
- GRE scores may be required for certain programs unless students have a 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA in upper-division courses.
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Virginia
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Virginia offers a dozen online master's programs in fields such as business analytics, data science, engineering, education, and public safety. Programs may require a 2.5 minimum GPA or two years of work experience. Students may need to complete a final compulsory exam or capstone project.
Highlights
- Provides more than 8,500 free online non-credit courses for students
- Has full-time and part-time online program options
- Offers concentration choices for some programs
Know Before You Apply
- Programs for most courses are held synchronously.
- Residents and nonresidents may pay the same or different tuition rates depending upon program.
- In-State$18,059
- Out-of-state$53,325
- In-State$18,382
- Out-of-state$30,790
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled26,082
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Michigan offers 16 online degrees, including 15 master's degrees. Online master's degrees may offer fully online or hybrid programs. Each department has different tuition rates per credit hour.
Highlights
- Provides full-time and part-time attendance options
- Offers over 3,700 free courses and projects for students through Coursera
- Grants alumni access to over 250 free online courses
- Has an AI advising chatbot available 24-7
Know Before You Apply
- Applicants may need to complete a virtual interview.
- Students can submit additional personal details online to automatically qualify for scholarships.
- In-State$19,058
- Out-of-state$61,810
- In-State$25,894
- Out-of-state$52,124
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate18%
- Students Enrolled52,065
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 15 master's programs in various topics, including business, data science, and public health. Each program has different admission and course requirements. Certain classes may require in-person or online proctored final exams.
Highlights
- Provides concentration choices for some online degrees
- Offers programs that can be completed within one year, such as the MA in accounting
- Has multiple start dates per year
- Considers online students for fellowships
Know Before You Apply
- Programs may require work experience or a capstone project to graduate.
- Students may need to pay a $1,500 nonrefundable deposit.
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$37,360
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled32,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The Ohio State University provides 31 online master's degree programs for full-time and part-time students. Programs may include synchronous or asynchronous course options. Some online programs may require on-campus assignments.
Highlights
- Offers course credit to veterans who have completed military training, experience, or coursework
- Has free online peer tutoring for specific courses, including math, chemistry, and biology
- Allows online students to access the on-campus library and online library resources
Know Before You Apply
- Some online degree programs are not available in certain states.
- Out-of-state online students pay a $200 surcharge per semester on top of resident rates.
- In-State$11,936
- Out-of-state$36,173
- In-State$12,092
- Out-of-state$38,693
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled60,046
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
North Carolina State University offers more than 120 online programs, including over 50 fully online master's degrees in a variety of subjects. Most online programs charge $574 per credit hour for residents and $1,728 for nonresidents. Graduate programs have a maximum full-time charge of nine credit hours per semester, so any courses beyond nine hours can be added at no extra charge.
Highlights
- Charges the same for on-campus and distance education enrollees
- Offers fully online and hybrid degree options
- Provides a virtual orientation for online learning environments
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs require GMAT scores for admission.
- There are limited scholarship opportunities for graduate students.
- Students can receive provisional admission if they do not meet program prerequisites.
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$29,407
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$28,301
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled37,314
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides over 40 master's programs with a base tuition rate of $520 per credit hour. Specific programs may have tuition rates that vary from the base rate. Over 7,000,000 students have accessed the school's online courses.
Highlights
- Provides customizable degrees, including internships and independent study courses, to allow students to focus on niche topics
- Offers clear price per credit and estimated total tuition rate for each program
- Has a scholarship that covers the cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for Native Americans
Know Before You Apply
- Most programs have the same tuition rate for residents and nonresidents.
- Applicants must meet program and department prerequisites.
- Online professors can require online or in-person proctored exams.
- In-State$12,474
- Out-of-state$30,446
- In-State$14,891
- Out-of-state$29,176
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled56,563
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
San Diego State University offers 10 online master's degrees and two hybrid programs. Curriculums may include fully or partially asynchronous formats. Students may be required to complete a capstone research project.
Highlights
- Offers outreach representatives who can discuss program options with prospective enrollees
- Hosts virtual information sessions and online workshops
- Has online student organizations for leadership, esports, and more
Know Before You Apply
- The online school does not accept applicants residing in certain states.
- Degrees may include only predetermined courses without elective opportunities.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$19,140
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate34%
- Students Enrolled37,539
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Popular Online Master’s Degrees by Field
Although there are hundreds of options to choose from, many of the most popular online master’s programs can be found in the business, education, healthcare, and technology fields.
1. Business Administration
Online MBA programs may feature general business coursework or offer concentrations like data analytics or entrepreneurship. Some graduates go on to work as chief executive officers or chief financial officers. You can also put your business skills to work as a people manager. Management occupations report the highest pay of any category, with a median wage of over $122,090 per year as of May 2024.
2. Education
Earning an online master’s in education can help you transition into a teaching role. Concentrations may include secondary education, special education, or teacher leadership. You can add to your classroom strengths or move into administrative roles with specialized education leadership programs.
3. Healthcare
Healthcare managers and administrators make hospitals run smoothly and efficiently. You can choose from different master’s concentrations, such as healthcare management and administration or health informatics.
4. Computers and Technology
Online master’s programs in computer science can help you learn the skills necessary for a top-paying position, such as a computer and information research scientist. Additionally, computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of around $171,200 as of May 2024. Graduates can also use their degrees to advance in software development, network architecture, or other in-demand fields.
How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?
Broadly speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $13,000-$60,000 in tuition and fees on your master’s degree.
Many factors affect how much your degree will cost, including:
- Program length — most online accredited master’s programs last 1-2 years
- Whether you attend a public or private school
- Whether you qualify for in-state tuition
- The amount of financial aid you receive
You can save money on your online master’s degree by filing the FAFSA and seeing whether you qualify for federal grants and loans, as well as for any institutional or programmatic scholarships.
Note that you may have to pay additional fees as an online student. Some online master’s programs require you to pay technology fees that support online class delivery and IT services.
You’ll also need to budget for a high-quality laptop (or look at colleges that offer free laptops to students) and consider any in-person requirements, like practicums and fieldwork.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Master’s Degree?
You must hold a master’s degree to qualify for a variety of jobs. For example, nurse practitioners and statisticians need a master’s degree. In other fields, a master’s degree can help you advance or get promoted.
The following table outlines some of the fastest-growing careers that require a master’s degree.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | $132,050 | 46% |
| Physician Assistants | $133,260 | 28% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $140,910 | 26% |
| Epidemiologists | $83,980 | 19% |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $59,190 | 19% |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $95,410 | 18% |
| Genetic Counselors | $98,910 | 16% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $63,780 | 16% |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | $78,310 | 15% |
| Athletic Trainers | $60,250 | 13% |
How to Choose an Online Master’s Program: 5 Tips
Not sure what to look for in a master’s program? Start by identifying your career goals and checking accreditation status. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can compare delivery formats, financial aid, and other program specifics to find the best fit for you.
- Identify your career goals. Are you looking for a higher salary? Or do you want a master’s degree so that you can change careers? Avoid starting a master’s program without clear direction. Take time to consider your strengths and interests. Make sure the type of master’s degree you are pursuing aligns with the education requirements of your chosen career path.
- Confirm accreditation status. You should only consider schools that hold institutional accreditation. Attending an unaccredited school can impact your financial aid options and career prospects. If your desired career path requires state licensure or certification, you may also need to confirm programmatic accreditation before enrolling.
- Compare program formats. Online master’s programs can be full time or part time, with full-time programs typically lasting one or two years. Consider your schedule and whether you prefer synchronous classes or asynchronous, self-paced coursework. Do you want a fully online program, or would you prefer a hybrid option with some in-person classes?
- Compare program costs. Graduate school can be expensive, with tuition and other costs varying substantially from school to school. For the most affordable rates, look at public in-state institutions. That said, don’t automatically rule out programs with a high price tag; research to see if scholarships, assistantships, and other aid are available to online master’s students.
- Talk to current students, faculty, and alums. Ask students about their experiences in the program. And talk to faculty about advising and career support. Finally, you can ask graduates about the program’s reputation on the job market. Use these conversations to find online master’s programs that align with your needs and goals.
Q&A With Real Online Master’s Students and Grads
Q: Why did you choose an online master’s program?
“I chose to pursue my MBA online because I needed a way to balance grad school work with my day-to-day life. As a mom who also works full time in a demanding, busy job, I knew that getting out of the house and attending classes in person somewhere just wouldn’t work for my schedule. Online courses allow me to fit my school work in when it makes sense for me.”
— Cassie Viau, Director of Marketing, CoreMedical Group
“An online master’s degree allowed me to continue my education while on active duty in the Air Force. … My school and program offered me the flexibility to get my master’s in education while continuing to serve in my full active duty capacity, including on two deployments to Afghanistan.”
— Gina Smith, Air Force Officer (name has been changed upon request to protect the interview participant’s privacy)
“I chose this specific program because it had synchronous meetings weekly for each course. This allowed me to travel and complete my coursework and meetings from all over the world. I attended class while in a car in Ireland, at the beach in Spain, and in the middle of a refugee camp in Jordan!”
— Emma Cole, Nurse Practitioner
Q: What surprised you most about earning your master’s degree online?
“I found it to be more work than I expected. … [The instructors] wanted to see that I was keeping up with the work and engaging with the material and with my online classmates, so I had to post a lot in the portal about my thoughts on the material and respond to all the responses my classmates posted.”
— Marie Coughlin, Associate Director, The New York Public Library
“My program was physically located on the East Coast, but I was able to complete my clinical education in my local community. This allowed me to create connections locally for post-grad employment but also allowed me to learn how to navigate the specific challenges of clinical care in my area.”
— Emma C.
“The thing that has surprised me most about earning my MBA online is how much I’m enjoying all the independent reading and research. I’m genuinely enjoying reading the books and articles that are assigned!”
— Cassie V.
Q: What advice would you give to students considering online master’s programs?
“Compare schools, programs, and tuition assistance options. Choose a school that is accredited, and ask your employer about tuition assistance.”
— Gina S.
“Never expect it to be a cakewalk because it’s online. I am glad I had the experience of doing an online master’s program because it really did hold me accountable to do the work. There were several undergraduate courses where I could reasonably skate by; not so in online grad school!”
— Marie C.
“Put together a schedule for yourself at the start of the semester that you can stick to and keep yourself accountable. Mapping out assignments and deadlines up front on the calendar makes it feel much more manageable when life starts to get busy.”
— Cassie V.
