2025's Most Affordable Online Master’s in Education Programs

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Angela Myers, BA

Angela Myers, BA

Author

Angela Myers is a higher education writer with bylines on Forbes, AARP, Well+Good, and NextAvenue. Angela has authored dozens of feature articles focusing on master's degree programs in business, social work, education, and more. She holds a bachelor's degree in professional writing and rhetoric from Elon University.

Expertise: Graduate Ed.BusinessSocial Work

Graduate Ed.BusinessSocial Work

Editor: Ginny Gillikin

Ginny Gillikin

Editor

Ginny Gillikin is a detail-oriented and dedicated professional with over 3 years of experience as a copy editor. She enjoys editing and fact-checking informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. Ginny earned a Communication/Print Journalism BA degree and an English minor from Virginia Tech.

Expertise: EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning

EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning

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Updated: 09/11/2025

Benefits of Affordable Master’s Programs for Education Majors

Choosing an affordable online or hybrid master’s degree in education comes with major advantages. You’ll save money — reducing or even avoiding student debt — while enjoying the flexibility to study anywhere, anytime. That balance is ideal for working teachers, career changers, and busy parents.

Whether you pursue an MEd, MAT, or MS in Education, these programs let you keep working while advancing your career. Below are the key benefits and examples of how a budget-friendly online program can deliver both financial and professional payoffs.

1. Significant Cost Savings

The average MEd tuition is about $18,000, but many reputable online programs cost under $10,000 — roughly half the national average.

This discounted tuition means you can minimize or even avoid student loan debt while still earning the same respected credential.

2. Flexibility for Working Professionals

Online and hybrid programs let you study on your own schedule. Course content is available 24/7, so you can log in after work or on weekends. For example, you might teach during the day and complete coursework at night.

This flexibility allows you to:

• Keep your job while earning your degree
• Apply new skills immediately in the classroom
• Balance work, family, and graduate study with support from asynchronous classes and faculty

3. Career Advancement and Salary Growth

A master’s in education often brings higher pay and new career opportunities.

• Many districts offer salary increases of $3,000-$5,000 for new teachers and up to $10,000 for experienced teachers.
• Graduate degrees may be required for roles like administrators, instructional specialists, or college-level educators.

Affordable online and hybrid programs provide the same credentials and training as on-campus options, helping you meet certification requirements, earn promotions, and join the 50%+ of U.S. teachers who hold a master’s — without overspending.

Inside Affordable Online/Hybrid Master’s Degrees in Education

Below, we profile three accredited graduate-level education programs that stand out for their low cost, flexible format, and solid reputation. Each program is offered entirely online (or with minimal in-person requirements) and can lead to an MEd, MAT, or similar master’s degree in education.

Take a look at each school to see what top-value online education master’s programs can offer.

FAQs and Answers

Are online/hybrid master’s degree programs in education respected by employers?

Yes, an online master’s in education from an accredited, state-approved university is just as credible as one earned on campus.

• Employers care most about accreditation and licensure alignment.
• Programs are usually taught by the same faculty and follow the same curriculum as on-campus versions.
• Diplomas typically don’t list the delivery format.
• Over half of U.S. teachers hold a master’s, and many earned theirs online.

How will earning an affordable master’s degree in education impact my salary and career?

A master’s in education typically leads to higher pay and new career opportunities.

• Salary Bumps: $3,000-$5,000 for new teachers, up to $10,000 annually for experienced ones.
• Nearly all districts offer pay increases for advanced degrees.
• New roles include school administrator, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and community college instructor.
• MAT programs provide licensure for career changers, especially in high-need areas like STEM and special education.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s degree in education?

Yes, online and hybrid programs are designed for working professionals, including full-time teachers.

• Asynchronous courses let you complete work evenings, weekends, or during breaks.
• Most students take 1-2 courses at a time while working 40+ hours.
• This may extend the program to 2 years, but helps to maintain work-life balance.

What are the typical admissions requirements for an online or hybrid master’s in education degree program?

Admission requirements are similar to those of on-campus programs and generally straightforward. Most schools ask for:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum GPA (2.5-3.0, typically)
• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation

How can I pay for an affordable online or hybrid master’s in education degree program, and are financial aid options available?

Yes, most students use a mix of federal aid, scholarships, grants, and forgiveness programs to pay for their degree.

• FAFSA: Access federal student loans and sometimes need-based aid (Pell Grants not available at the graduate level).
• TEACH Grant: Up to $4,000/year for teaching in high-need schools/subjects.
• Scholarships: Offered by universities, the NEA, and local education foundations.
• Employer Support: Many districts reimburse up to $5,250/year tax-free.
• Payment Plans: Monthly tuition installments available at most schools.
• Loan Forgiveness: Teacher Loan Forgiveness (up to $17,500) and PSLF (balance erased after 10 years in public service).

Ways to Save on Online/Hybrid Education Master’s Degree Programs

Even with affordable tuition, there are several practical ways to further cut costs while earning an online master’s in education. Small steps can lead to significant savings.

Below, we share five proven money-saving tips. From scholarships and grants to tuition assistance, payment plans, and loan forgiveness programs, these strategies can reduce financial stress and make your degree more affordable—without sacrificing quality.

1. Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Students can lower out-of-pocket costs by seeking out “free money” aimed at future educators. A key option is the TEACH Grant, which offers up to $4,000 per year to master’s students who commit to teaching in a high-need field or low-income school.

Also explore scholarships from groups like the National Education Association (NEA) or local teacher organizations, many of which support graduate study in education. Universities often provide scholarship lists for education majors as well.

Take time to submit strong applications and personal essays—every award earned reduces your tuition and doesn’t need to be repaid.

2. Use Employer Tuition Assistance

If you’re currently working—whether as a teacher or in another field—check if your employer offers education benefits. Many school districts, companies, and childcare organizations provide tuition reimbursement to support employee development. Employers can contribute up to $5,250 per year tax-free, which is money you don’t have to repay.

Teachers may also benefit from district partnerships with universities, which offer tuition discounts on master’s programs. Outside of K–12 education, many large companies fund graduate degrees related to your role—it’s essentially an employer-sponsored scholarship.

Be sure to review any conditions, such as staying with the employer for a set time after graduation. Using these benefits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, making it possible to earn your degree while getting paid.

3. Seek Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Work-study Programs

Many universities offer graduate assistantships to online students, providing part-time work—such as research, teaching support, or admin tasks—in exchange for a stipend and/or tuition waiver. While on-campus roles are more common, some programs offer remote assistantships, or you may arrange one at a nearby school if you’re within commuting distance.

If you show financial need on the FAFSA, you might also qualify for Federal Work-Study at the graduate level. Online students sometimes work remotely as tutors or faculty assistants, earning income to help offset tuition—often for about 10 hours a week.

Assistantships not only reduce costs but also provide valuable experience for your resume. These opportunities may not be widely advertised, so talk to your program advisor or graduate office about what’s available. Even a summer or part-time role can help you borrow less and gain relevant academic or professional skills.

4. Take Advantage of Payment Plans

Most schools offer tuition payment plans that break your bill into smaller monthly installments instead of requiring a lump sum each term. These plans are often interest-free, making it easier to budget. For example, instead of paying $3,000 upfront, you might pay $500 per month for six months—helping you avoid large loans or credit card interest.

Online and hybrid programs often charge per course, and many schools let you automate payments. While some charge a small enrollment fee (around $30), it’s usually worth it to avoid high-interest debt.

Using a payment plan alongside your regular paycheck allows you to pay as you go, financing your education with your current income rather than future loans. Contact your school’s bursar or financial services office to explore installment options. A steady, manageable plan can help you graduate with little or no debt.

5. Explore Loan Forgiveness and Service Programs

To save money long term, look for programs that offer loan forgiveness or repayment support after graduation. If you take out federal loans for your master’s, a key option is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which forgives 100% of your remaining federal loan balance after 10 years of qualifying public service and on-time payments.

As a teacher or public school administrator, you likely qualify, meaning your federal Direct Loans could be wiped out after a decade of service. There’s also Teacher Loan Forgiveness, which offers up to $5,000–$17,500 in loan relief if you teach for five years in a low-income school or high-need subject.

Some states and school districts offer additional loan repayment incentives or signing bonuses for educators with advanced degrees. Don’t forget about tax savings: the Lifetime Learning Credit can return up to $2,000 annually for tuition paid out of pocket.

By combining options—tax credits now, forgiveness later—you can reduce your degree’s true cost. Just be sure to track your eligibility and paperwork to make the most of these opportunities.

The Most Affordable Online/Hybrid MEd Programs

To find the most affordable programs, the OMD team took a data-driven approach, analyzing information from the U.S. Department of Education and over 7,700 colleges.

We looked for programs that offer low tuition without sacrificing quality: