Best Colleges for Online Master’s Degrees: 2023

Review top-rated accredited online master’s programs that fit your busy schedule and can help you take the next step in your education and career.

Are you on the fence about whether or not to upgrade your bachelor’s credentials with a master’s degree? Whether you’ve been out of school a few months or a few years, going back to get an advanced degree can help you unlock new opportunities and earn a higher salary. The best online master’s programs combine flexible class scheduling with affordable tuition rates to help you complete coursework at times that fit your needs without breaking the bank.

Whether you want to study business, education, psychology, engineering, or one of a dozen other subjects for your master’s, we’re here to help you find a program that helps you achieve your professional goals. Read on to learn what you should look for in the best online master’s programs and see what schools are at the top of our list for 2023.

About the ranking
1
Lynchburg, Virginia
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Liberty University has plenty of experience with online programs, and its master’s degree offers are no exception. There are about 300 programs to choose from, most of which are 100% online, with no on-campus or in-person requirements. Additionally, many of the online classes are asynchronous, meaning students can attend class not just from anywhere, but at any time. For added convenience, classes typically last eight weeks and Liberty University offers a generous transfer policies, thus saving students time and money. There are multiple start dates for the online master’s programs, with many programs having eight starting dates for students to begin earning their degree. To make the admissions process as simple as possible, applicants don’t have to take the GRE.

Program Highlights:

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • Credits: 60
  • About 30 months
  • Cost: $565.00/credit (full-time); $615.00/credit (part-time)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: CACREP

MAT in Teaching

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: About 18 months
  • Cost: $415.00/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: NCATE

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 36 or 45
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $565.00/credit (full-time); $615.00/credit (part-time)
  • Mode: Fully
  • Accreditation: ACBSP

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
2
Gainesville, Florida
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

The University of Florida offers more than 85 online degrees at the master’s level. These degrees are in fields of study that range from anatomical science education to civil engineering to international business. The remote coursework is delivered using Canvas, an online course management system, as well as other remote communication software, such as Zoom. To maximize the convenience of online learning, most courses are offered asynchronously, meaning here’s no set schedule students must follow to “attend” class. This makes it possible to watch or listen to a recorded lecture at night or another time when a student isn’t busy with work or personal obligations. The other online learning characteristics will be specific to each program and its curriculum requirements.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 32 or 48
  • Length:16 or 24 months
  • Cost: $48,000.00 or $58,000.00 (total program cost)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: AACSB

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: About two to three years
  • Cost: $26,424.00 (total program cost)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

MS in Gerontology

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $550.00/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
3
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

There are more than 60 online master’s-level programs to select at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. To make the most of the flexibility that remote learning offers, many of these programs can be completed 100% online, with no in-person requirements. Programs that aren’t fully online may have experiential learning requirements, such as in-person residencies. Additionally, most courses are offered with no set times (asynchronously). This means students can do their coursework at a time that’s most convenient for them. Depending on the program, GRE or other entrance exam test scores may be required, as well as certain prerequisite classes. To help students make the most of their education, they will have constant access to student services and technical assistance.

Program Highlights:

Master of Accounting

  • Credits: 31
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $505.28/credit (in-state); $1,572.28/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: AACSB

MS in Aerospace Engineering

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: About 18 months
  • Cost: $505.28/credit (in-state); $1,572.28/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 40
  • Length: About two to three
  • Cost: $505.28/credit (in-state); $1,572.28/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: AACSB

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
4
Bozeman, Montana
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

Students interested in an online master’s degree have more than 10 programs to choose from at Montana State University. The bulk of the online courses offered by Montana State University take place through Brightspace, the online course management system. Additionally, these courses are typically offered asynchronously, meaning students can attend class and complete the course requirements according to their own schedule. While most of the degree requirements can be completed 100% online, some programs may give students the option to attend some courses on-campus and a few others may have some in-person learning requirements, such as the BSN to Master of Nursing program.

Program Highlights:

MS in Agricultural Education

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $291.18/credit (in-state); $1,192.73/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: NCCU

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

  • Credits: 21
  • Length: About one to two years
  • Cost: $291.18/credit (in-state); $1,192.73/credit (out-of-state
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: NCCU

MA in English Education

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $291.18/credit (in-state); $1,192.73/credit (out-of-state
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: NCCU

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NWCCU
5
River Forest, Illinois
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Concordia University – Chicago offers two 100% online programs for students seeking a master’s degree. First, there’s the Master of Business Administration, which has eight specializations to choose from, including project management, digital marketing, and accounting. Second, there’s Master of Arts in Leadership. Students can choose from the higher education leadership and organizational leadership specializations. The learning year is divided into three 16-week semesters, with each semester comprised of two terms. Students can therefore complete either master’s program in two years by taking just one class per term. And because all learning takes place online, students get to choose the pace of their learning and how fast they can earn their degree.

Program Highlights:

MA in Leadership

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: About two years
  • Cost: $476.00/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: About two years
  • Cost: $726.00/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: ACBSP

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
6
Greenville, North Carolina
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
7
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
8
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
9
University Park, Pennsylvania
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
10
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
11
Fresno, California
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation WSCUC
12
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
13
Lubbock, Texas
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
14
West Lafayette, Indiana
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
15
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
16
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
17
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
18
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
19
Mequon, Wisconsin
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
20
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
21
Manhattan, Kansas
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
22
New Castle, Delaware
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
23
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation ACCET
24
Columbia, South Carolina
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
25
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
26
Columbia, Missouri
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
27
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
28
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
29
Denver, Colorado
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
30
Saint Charles, Missouri
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
31
Tucson, Arizona
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
32
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
33
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
34
Bloomington, Indiana
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
35
Saint Louis, Missouri
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
36
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
37
Bismarck, North Dakota
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
38
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
39
Muncie, Indiana
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
40
Fairfax, Virginia
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
41
Madison, Wisconsin
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
42
Greensboro, North Carolina
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
43
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
44
Clemson, South Carolina
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
45
Buffalo, New York
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
46
Huntsville, Texas
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
47
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
48
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
49
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
50
Milledgeville, Georgia
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC

Best Online Master’s Programs by Subject

Whether you already know the exact online master’s degree you want to learn more about or are just seeing what’s available, we’ve got you covered. Find the best online master’s programs in each subject below.

Grad School Spotlights: Popular Online Master’s

You can find countless master’s degrees online these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal. Some universities have been providing distance education for years, while others are new to the game. When finding the best online master’s programs, look for established distance learning departments with ample options. The three spotlighted schools below provide an excellent place to start your research!

North Carolina State University

nc-state-university-logo

From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina State University offers 43 fully online master’s programs. With degree areas ranging from training and development to biological and agricultural engineering, you’re sure to find one that aligns with your professional interests.

Many NCSU’s best online master’s programs use asynchronous delivery via lecture videos and other pre-recorded videos while also incorporating cutting-edge learning management systems that allow for meaningful engagement with professors and peers. Consistently ranked as one of the more affordable online learning options, NCSU students living in North Carolina pay $446 per credit; their out-of-state counterparts pay $1,295 per credit. Regardless of location, expect to pay an additional $16 in fees per credit.

NC State uses the Course Quality Program, a Quality Matters system that works to continually improve online courses through professional development, instructional consultations, course/program reviews, and resources.

Colorado State University

colorado-state-university-logo

Colorado State University offers 40 online master’s degrees in agricultural sciences, arts and music, business and management, communications, computer science and technology, education, engineering, health and human services, and natural resources and environment. You can undertake many of these programs without ever visiting the Fort Collins campus, though some require campus-based summer sessions.

CSU Online prides itself on catering to the unique needs of distance learners. Some of the resources available include a digital writing center, assistive technology resource center, Canvas/IT support, career center, disability center, and a student case management program. You@CSU can also connect you with resources and educational tools alike.

Each department sets its tuition rates, with dietetics students paying $580 and engineering management learners paying $1,085 per credit. You should check with an admissions coordinator to determine how much your chosen program will cost.

University of Florida

university-of-florida-logo

The University of Florida’s Distance Learning department provides an impressive 84 online master’s degrees covering areas such as medicine, engineering, business, journalism, and pharmacy, to name but a few.

Regardless of the program you choose, know that UF uses state-of-the-art learning management systems to make completing your master’s degree as streamlined as possible. Each department sets requirements around synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, making it important to check with your chosen program to learn what to expect.

In addition to offering easily accessed learning materials, UF prides itself on providing a menu of services designed to make your time as a student and alumnus as beneficial as possible. You can access writing and math support, student disability services, an online library, and a comprehensive career center during and after enrollment.

5 Things All of the Best Online Master’s Programs Have in Common

When comparing potential programs, certain facets keep in mind if you want to have a successful and fulfilling experience. Here are five components all of the best online master’s degrees should have in common:

  1. Proper Accreditation

    Attending a properly accredited online master’s program can make a difference in whether you’re able to transfer credits, receive certification/licensure, and even find a job after graduating. You should always look for colleges that hold regional accreditation from one of six approved bodies at the institutional level. Depending on your chosen subject, you may also need to ensure your program has programmatic accreditation through an approved agency. When in doubt, use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to check on both institutional and programmatic accreditation status.

  2. Reasonable Costs

    Earning an online master’s degree shouldn’t mean you’re stuck paying student loans for decades. Finding reasonably priced programs is paramount to your success, and you can find top degrees that won’t break the bank. It’s essential to review both tuition and fees, as the fees can also add high costs to your program’s final price tag. If an option seems someone out of your price range, ask about school-sponsored financial aid programs that can help make the program more affordable.

  3. Extensive Online Student Support

    As the pandemic has shown, going it alone in work or school can add extra challenges. Finding a program that offers a wide variety of support services can help ease your burden and make the process feel more communal. The best online master’s programs provide cutting-edge services such as student coaches, online writing and math tutoring, digital libraries, and career offices that can help you find internships and jobs. If applicable, you should also ask about disability services and available accommodation support.

  4. Strong Online Education Track Record

    The best online master’s degrees proudly tout data showing their graduation and job placement rates. Suppose you’re going to invest substantial time and money into furthering your education. In that case, you want to know that the program you pick has a history of graduating successful and prepared students. If you can’t find data on the program website, reach out to an admissions counselor. You can also find program alumni on platforms such as LinkedIn to ask if they feel the program met their needs during and after enrollment.

  5. Innovative and Reliable Online Learning Technologies

    When your entire college career rests on accessing coursework and turning in assignments digitally, you want to make sure you find a program that continually invests in these technologies. It’s also important for the school to prioritize innovative and practical ways of staying connected to your instructors and fellow students. Some schools allow you to test drive the learning management system to get a feel for what online learning looks like – after narrowing down your top programs, ask if this is an option.

Best Reasons to Earn an Online Master’s Degree

When you’re already busy with personal and professional responsibilities, adding a master’s degree to your plate can feel overwhelming. During long nights of studying or weekends in coffee shop corners pouring over spreadsheets, it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. Earning a master’s degree offers myriad benefits, some of which we highlight in this section.

  • Ability to Specialize

    Many of the best online master’s degrees provide concentrations within the more extensive subject, making it easier to develop specialized knowledge. For instance, at Champlain College, the online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education provides specializations in administration, teaching, and special education. At Georgia Tech, pursuing a master’s in computer science means you can choose from specializations in machine learning, interactive intelligence, computing systems, or computational perception and robotics.

  • New and Better Career Opportunities

    If you’re on the fence about whether a master’s degree is really all that better than a bachelor’s degree, know that these advanced programs can lead to enhanced career opportunities – whether that mean advancing in your current role or pivoting to a new field. National University, for example, highlights some of the benefits of a master’s in organizational leadership over a bachelor’s degree.

  • Higher Salary Ceilings

    Spending thousands of dollars on a master’s degree should result in higher earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master’s degree brought home weekly median earnings of $1,434. In contrast, their counterparts with bachelor’s degrees earned $1,198. The same report also showed that possessing an advanced degree can curb the chance of facing unemployment.

  • Flexible Degree Plans

    One of the best benefits of online learning is the flexibility it provides. Whether you need multiple start dates each year, the choice between asynchronous and synchronous learning, or accelerated, full-time, and part-time schedules, the best online master’s degrees can help you fit the program into an already busy schedule. Some schools, such as Walden University, allow you to complete classes at your own pace by showing subject competency.

  • Business

    MBAs may be the first type of advanced business degree you think of, but you can also find other professional degrees focused on essential topics such as finance, marketing, accounting, leadership, healthcare management, and other relevant subjects.

    Discover the best online master’s in degrees in business.

  • Counseling

    Earning a master’s in counseling or related subject qualifies you to take on roles such as marriage and family therapist, a sports psychologist, health psychologist, school counselor, and organizational counselor.

    Get an inside look at the best online master’s degrees in counseling.

  • Engineering

    Engineering covers a vast and ever-evolving discipline. Whether you want to work with electronics and computers, project management, mechanics, or even leadership, you can find plenty of online master’s in engineering.

    Explore today’s best online engineering master’s degree programs.

  • Education and Teaching

    Education and teaching master’s degrees, in concert with licensure, provide the opportunity to take on myriad roles in administration, teaching, instruction coordination, counseling, and digital learning.

    Lean more about top-rated online master’s in education programs.

  • MBA

    Today’s MBA programs offer tons of specializations to help you work in high-paying leadership roles across many industries. Each school offers different options, but common ones include management, finance, entrepreneurship, human resources, operations, and supply chain management.

    Discover this year’s best online MBA programs.

  • Psychology

    To work as a psychologist, you’ll need a doctorate, but a master’s in psychology opens up roles as social service managers, survey and market researchers, research assistants and project managers, and human resource managers.

    Learn more about top-ranked online master’s in psychology programs.