- Top 20 Colleges
Spotlighting Top Colleges for Women in 2024
Read more - Female-Friendly Benefits
The Benefits of Earning Your Master’s from a Female-Friendly College
Read more - Quality Resources
Quality Resources for Female Master’s Students
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Spotlighting Top Colleges for Women in 2024
No one ever said getting a master’s degree is easy, but graduating may be harder if you’re a woman. While over 60% of all master’s degrees are awarded to women, a recent study found women face additional stereotypes and obstacles while getting a master’s degree. Some of those obstacles may include being a single parent, an increased chance of burnout, and difficulty balancing work, school, and life obligations.
Our experts reviewed the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to determine the best colleges for female online master’s degree students. Our rankings are based on:
- The percent of women who were admitted.
- The percent of graduate students enrolled who are women.
- The graduation rate for women (graduate & undergraduate).
- The total number of female students (graduate & undergraduate).
- The percent of master’s degrees awarded.
- The average reported cost of tuition & fees.
- The number of students enrolled full- or part-time in online classes.
After crunching the numbers, we distilled the list down into universities with robust online master’s degree programs for female students.
- Women’s admission rate: 99%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 61%
- Women’s graduation rate: 69%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Liberty University is known for providing affordable and high-quality education to online students. What is less well-known is that they also offer support resources for female master’s students, including student clubs for women in STEM, business, and aviation.
On top of female-specific resources, Liberty offers an affordable tuition rate (about $565 per hour for full-time students) and plenty of scholarships. The university’s range of master’s degrees and disciplines is also impressive, including everything from from MBAs to programs in nursing or creative writing.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Full-time) | Est. Tuition (Part-time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Science | 39 | $22,035 | $23,985 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 36 | $20,340 | $22,140 |
| MS in Psychology | 36 | $30,340 | $22,140 |
- Women’s admission rate: 86%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 62%
- Women’s graduation rate: 56%
- Institution Type: Public

With over 150 graduate programs, Western Michigan University is worth a look for many potential graduate students. Throw in that many of these degrees are offered in an online or hybrid format, and you may find that this is the perfect online graduate program for you.
The university also offers generous financial aid packages and in-state tuition for all online learners. Perhaps best of all, Western Michigan University is a leader in researching how to make grad schools more female-friendly.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) in K-12 Principal and Interscholastic Athletic Administration | 33 | $27,522 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 42 | $35,028 |
| MA in Workforce Education and Development | 30 | $25,020 |
- Women’s admission rate: 93%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 69%
- Women’s graduation rate: 69%
- Institution Type: Public

Eastern Carolina University is a leader in diversity, and its support for female graduate students is no exception. The school has over 210 graduate programs, many of which are offered online. If working while getting your degree, ECU aims to ensure class times fit into your schedule and helps students balance both.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Est. Tuition (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Nutrition Science | 33 | $10,065 | $35,343 |
| MS in Planning and Development | 30 | $9,150 | $32,130 |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Health Systems Leadership | 38 | $11,590 | $40,698 |
- Women’s admission rate: 97%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 69%
- Women’s graduation rate: 42%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a leader in online education, with over 100 virtual master’s degrees available. Plus, online classes are asynchronous, making it an excellent option for those with a job or who are single parents. Along with academic flexibility and excellence, the school also has a robust Office of Diversity Programs that offers resources and events to promote inclusion on campus.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Most students) | Est. Tuition (Active-duty military and spouses) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 30 | $19,770 | $14,100 |
| MS in Project Management and Operations | 36 | $23,724 | $16,920 |
| MS in Psychology | 36 | $23,724 | $16,920 |
- Women’s admission rate: 88%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 59%
- Women’s graduation rate: 67%
- Institution Type: Public

Ohio University offers high-quality online and hybrid master’s degrees. The Scripps College of Communication alone offers seven fully online graduate certificates and two online master’s degrees.
Thanks to the school’s reputation in the communications field, the school attracts many looking to work in these industries and provides ample scholarships for communication professionals. Ohio University also offers professional development resources for all students, including students who identify as female.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Est. Tuition (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Project Management | 30 | $15,540 | $16,200 |
| Master of Communication (MC) | 30 | $15,540 | $16,200 |
| Master of Engineering Management (MEM) | 34 | $17,510 | $18,360 |
- Women’s admission rate: 80%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 79%
- Women’s graduation rate: 48%
- Institution Type: Private for-profit

Grand Canyon University provides high-quality education in an online or hybrid format. The school offers over 124 online master’s degrees, including some for those interested in pursuing a career rooted in the Christian faith.
However, there are no religious requirements for degrees, and the university has an office dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Plus, the university offers many scholarships and works with students to balance coursework with full-time jobs.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Autism Spectrum Disorders | 32 | $19,680 |
| MBA | 46 | $30,590 |
| Master of Divinity (MDiv) | 82 | $33,620 |
- Women’s admission rate: 65%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 61%
- Women’s graduation rate: 74%
- Institution Type: Public

Florida International University offers top-ranked master’s degrees, multiple learning formats, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Students at the university can choose from 106 master’s programs, 33 of which are entirely online.
FIU’s online master’s degrees are offered in many disciplines, including business, STEM, and education. The school also provides online support resources, including a career readiness program. The school is devoted to empowering all students, regardless of gender, and it even has an active women’s center.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Est. Tuition (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Criminal Justice | 36 | $27,500 | $31,500 |
| MS in Marketing | 36 | $27,500 | $31,500 |
| Master of Public Administration (MPA) | 42 | $19,727 | $42,661 |
- Women’s admission rate: 92%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 58%
- Women’s graduation rate: 74%
- Institution Type: Public

Anyone balancing a degree and career should consider the flexible online programs from George Mason University. The school offers over 132 graduate, doctoral, or professional degrees, many of which are fully online or hybrid. Plus, the faculty is well-trained in working with students with external professional or personal obligations.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| MPH | 42 | $30,450 |
| MS in Accounting | 30 | $27,308 |
| MS in Health Informatics | 30-36 | $24,000 – $28,800 |
- Women’s admission rate: 81%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 64%
- Women’s graduation rate: 82%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

With over 120 graduate programs, Drexel University has a master’s degree or graduate certificate that fits most professional fields. Programs are typically offered in an online or hybrid format and designed with the working professional in mind.
Thanks to Drexel’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, they also provide many female-friendly support resources, including a diversity and inclusion office on campus and professional development resources. Drexel also offers ample scholarships and financial aid specifically for graduate students.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Business Analytics | 45 | $56,070 |
| MS in Complementary and Integrative Health | 45 | $48,870 |
| MS in Learning Technologies | 45 | $49,995 |
- Women’s admission rate: 12%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 55%
- Women’s graduation rate: 94%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

The University of Southern California offers over 65 master’s degrees, many of which can be completed online. The school’s offerings will suit various interests, including business, fine arts, education, veteran’s affairs, urban planning, visual anthropology, and more.
Plus, the university is devoted to creating collaborative learning environments and support systems for students, making it a great choice for female master’s students. On top of baking inclusion and support into individual programs, the university has a diversity and inclusion office, and diversity is one of the university’s four guiding principles.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 51 | $132,970 |
| Master of Communication Management | 32 | $75,328 |
| MS in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers) | 37 | $94,091 |
- Women’s admission rate: 7%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 53%
- Women’s graduation rate: 95%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Johns Hopkins University is a leader in providing inclusive graduate school education. It offers online and in-person master’s degrees through various schools, including its schools of public health, education, arts & sciences, business, engineering, nursing, medicine, and law.
The school also has over 24 diversity goals, which include helping pregnant students on campus and empowering students who identify as female. Specific resources available include helping with costs related to childcare (and even backup adult care!) and offering workshops and online resources through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Artificial Intelligence | 30 | $194,190 |
| MBA | 54 | $150,000 |
| MS in Education Policy | 36 | $41,040 |
- Women’s admission rate: 87%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 63%
- Women’s graduation rate: 66%
- Institution Type: Public

The University of North Dakota offers over 160 graduate degrees and certificates, with options to take some or all coursework online. The university’s graduate programs are devoted to diversity and inclusion.
As a result, they offer flexible learning formats and online support resources for students. These resources include inclusive workshops to prepare students for academic and professional success.
The school also hosts multiple diversity and inclusion offices on campus, which provide additional programming and resources for students who identify as women. Recent diversity events on campus include vision board parties and LGBTQ+ scholarship information sessions.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Applied Statistics | 33 | $24,453 |
| MA in Communication | 30 | $22,230 |
| MPA | 36 | $20,988 |
- Women’s admission rate: 68%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 56%
- Women’s graduation rate: 65%
- Institution Type: Public

Texas Tech University offers over 120 master’s degrees, many of which can be completed online. The school’s graduate programs are designed for working professionals or those with other responsibilities, such as caring for family members.
As a result, classes are asynchronous or at flexible times. Plus, with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get more one-on-one time with faculty and customized support.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Excl. fees) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 42 | $18,900 |
| Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction | 36 | $16,200 |
| MS in Hospitality and Retail Management | 33 | $14,850 |
- Women’s admission rate: 78%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 76%
- Women’s graduation rate: 53%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Fresno Pacific University offers more than 45 graduate programs, 16 of which can be completed online. The university offers various types of institutional aid and can help learners find external scholarships, including those specifically for female graduate students.
Fresno also created and developed a GRAD Connect program, which hosts events and offers one-on-one meetings with academic counselors. Plus, students can access GRAD Connect one-on-ones before applying, creating a chance to ask personalized questions about the school.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Applied Behavior Analysis | 32 | $24,640 |
| MA in Strategic and Organizational Leadership | 36 | $27,720 |
| MBA | 41 | $33,210 |
- Women’s admission rate: 47%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 61%
- Women’s graduation rate: 87%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

George Washington University offers over 240 graduate programs through its schools for business, arts & sciences, design, education, engineering, international affairs, nursing, medicine, public affairs, political management, public health, professional studies, and law. Around 100 of these master’s degrees or graduate certificate programs are available online or in a hybrid format. A hallmark of GWU is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with programs designed for students from various educational backgrounds.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Engineering in Cloud Computing | 30 | $36,000 |
| Master of International Policy and Practice | 27 | $58,860 |
| MPH | 45 | $76,500 |
#16: Regent University
- Women’s admission rate: 33%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 65%
- Women’s graduation rate: 56%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Regent University is committed to affordability, academics, and inclusion. Of Regent’s 162 graduate degrees, most are offered online, making the school one of the most varied options for virtual learning. Plus, the university offers ample financial aid opportunities, including scholarships. To ensure everyone feels welcome on their virtual and in-person campuses, Regent has a Center for Student Happiness where learners can receive individualized professional, academic, and life coaching.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Full-time) |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Human Services | 30 | $18,450 |
| MA in Organizational Leadership | 33 | $22,935 |
| MS in Cybersecurity | 30 | $20,850 |
- Women’s admission rate: 94%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 68%
- Women’s graduation rate: 53%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Concordia University offers master’s degrees in online, hybrid, and in-person formats through its schools of business, education, arts & humanities, and science & technology. The university also provides various support resources and campus groups to create closer ties between students, their peers, and the university. Concordia University emphasizes an inclusive learning environment, making it a great choice for female master’s students.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 30 | $21,300 |
| MA in Curriculum and Instruction | 30 | $15,150 |
| MA in Educational Technology Leadership | 30 | $15,150 |
- Women’s admission rate: 86%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 62%
- Women’s graduation rate: 76%
- Institution Type: Public

The University of Cincinnati offers one of the largest selections of graduate degrees. With over 390 graduate degrees and certificates offered online or in a hybrid format, there’s a program for almost any professional interest.
Plus, the school is known for providing ample scholarships, including some program-specific funding opportunities. Every student also has the opportunity to create an individual development plan. For these, professional development experts work with each graduate student to tailor their career plan to their interests and outside responsibilities.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Est. Tuition (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 35-48 | $36,610 – $50,208 | $37,135 – $50,928 |
| Master of Legal Studies | 30 | $28,800 | $29,250 |
| MEd in Special Education | 30-38 | $22,380 – $28,348 | $22,830 – $28,918 |
- Women’s admission rate: 96%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 69%
- Women’s graduation rate: 58%
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit

Keiser University has a student-first philosophy—and that’s why its online programs can be taken anytime, anywhere. The school allows students complete as few as one class at a time, too, to help ensure students can stay on track at their own pace. To further help students succeed, English language learners may benefit from a KU online master’s program that’s available in Spanish.
Note: KU’s tuition is on a sliding scale. The more credits you take in a semester, the less each one costs.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Per Semester) |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Criminal Justice | 33 | $3,867 – $15,468 |
| MS in Education – Teaching and Learning | 36 | $4,140 – $16,560 |
| MA in Homeland Security | 33 | $3,867 – $15,468 |
- Women’s admission rate: 81%
- Percentage of female graduate students: 65%
- Women’s graduation rate: 63%
- Institution Type: Public

Though Northern Arizona University is proud of its community. Whether you’re on-campus or online, the school strives to ensure every person—regardless of background, culture, or gender—can succeed personally, professionally, and academically. Add to that its commitment to tuition transparency, allowing you to see at a glance whether this school fits your budget, and you’ve found a school that knows what its students need.
| Popular Online Master’s Programs | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Global Business Administration | 30 | $15,240 |
| Master of Social Work | 60 | $15,240 |
| MA in English – Professional Writing | 33 | $15,240 |
The Benefits of Earning Your Master’s from a Female-Friendly College
Affordability
Women in master’s programs often have different needs than men, whether that’s a higher need for childcare or access to professors who understand how gendered power structures work. Woman-friendly universities are more likely to take measures to include female graduate students, whether that looks like diversity training for faculty or offering daycare services.
Improved Accommodations
Women in master’s programs often have different needs than men, whether that’s a higher need for childcare or access to professors who understand how gendered power structures work. Woman-friendly universities are more likely to take measures to include female graduate students, whether that looks like diversity training for faculty or offering daycare services.
Stronger Support
Having a support system can make or break your graduate career. With it, you have a community to turn to with academic questions or to help balance school and life obligations. Without a support system, graduate school can feel isolating. Female-friendly institutions understand this and prioritize helping students build a supportive network.
Better Inclusion
Unfortunately, discrimination against women is still present in graduate school. Female-friendly universities are mindful of this and take measures to ensure women feel safe and welcome in their programs.
Often, diversity and inclusion are values held by schools that best educate and support women in their programs. To determine if this is true for a university you’re applying to, check its website or talk to someone in the admissions office.
Quality Resources for Female Master’s Students
- American Association of University Women
Looking to network with other women in academia and gain support and resources specifically for female students? This organization is here to help. Plus, it offers a variety of scholarships to make college more affordable. - Association for Women in Science
Science is a discipline with historically low rates of female representation. This organization aims to bridge that gap, providing resources, networking opportunities, and more for women studying or working in the sciences. - Conquering Grad School as a New Mom
This personal essay details how a master’s student balanced being a mom and completing a master’s degree simultaneously. - Daughters of the American Revolution
While this organization is best known for preserving American women’s history, it also has resources, scholarships, and more for female students. - Hidden Obstacles for Women in Academia
Here, you can find recent research from Stanford detailing hidden obstacles for women in academia. - How to Support Single Parents in Grad School
This article discusses research and provides tips for graduate students who are single parents. - Mindfulness in Grad School
Mindfulness is important for every grad student, but it matters even more when you are part of a marginalized group or are balancing more home and family demands while working toward your degree. No matter your situation, our guide to mindfulness can help. - National Organization of Women (NOW)
As one of the oldest organizations committed to female empowerment, NOW offers multiple resources, networking events, and more for female students. - E.O. International
P.E.O. is a women’s organization that is devoted to empowering women worldwide. That mission involves providing scholarships and other resources for female master’s students.
