Best Online Master's Programs of 2024

Want to pursue an online master's program? We've ranked the best online master's programs of 2024 to help you find the degree that best suits your needs.
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Updated January 16, 2024

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Online education has grown dramatically in recent years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 28% of U.S. undergraduates were enrolled exclusively in online courses in 2021. That nearly doubled the proportion of students (15%) who fit the same profile in 2019.

Online learning offers convenience, flexibility, and efficient degree completion. This makes it particularly appealing if you're seeking a graduate degree — a valuable educational upgrade.

Featured Online Master's Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Jump to the Best Online Master's Programs

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
$15,000 $15,000 92%
#2 Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
$11,018 $34,101 57%
#3 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
$14,446 $34,444 60%
#4 University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
$4,477 $25,694 30%
#5 Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN
$10,080 $13,356 Not provided
#6 Florida International University
Miami, FL
$4,721 $16,529 64%
#7 California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA
$5,742 $17,622 88%
#8 California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
$5,742 $17,622 59%
#9 Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
$4,640 $19,084 37%
#10 Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
$12,536 $29,737 68%

Best Online Master's Programs 2024

#1 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $637
Out-of-State | $637

Credits to Graduate: 30-48 

At Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll choose from dozens of career-focused master’s programs offered in an online format. You can even earn a master’s degree online in as little as one year. You can study psychology, project management, criminal justice, education, or public relations or earn your MBA online. 

SNHU ranks as one of the most affordable colleges for out-of-state master’s students. The private university also prioritizes flexibility with asynchronous access to coursework. You’ll also partner with academic and career advisors to reach your goals. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

Ohio State University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $782-$1,070
Out-of-State | $782-$1,070 

Credits to Graduate: 30-63

It’s one of the most popular public colleges in Ohio. And Ohio State University also offers online master’s degrees. Connect with classmates in open forums and complete coursework on your schedule with primarily asynchronous courses. 

Online programs emphasize career-ready skills in diverse fields. You can study plant health management, bioethics, or healthcare innovation in a convenient online format. Or earn your degree in nursing, education, social work, or business. 

The online business programs include translational data analytics, business analytics, and an online MBA designed for working professionals. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,018
Out-of-state
$34,101
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,560
Out-of-state
$37,512
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
61,677
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Champaign, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $332-$1,137
Out-of-State | $332-$1,137

Credits to Graduate: 32-48

At University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, distance learners can choose from over 150 programs, including fully online master’s degrees. And students at this school, rank their satisfaction with online courses high, with 94.2% rating the overall quality of Illinois as good or excellent.

Choose from programs in accounting, engineering, education, or business. Illinois also offers unique online programs in biomedical image computing, animal science, agriculture, and crop sciences. For example, you can earn a master of veterinary science degree with a major in livestock systems health in a 100% online format.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,446
Out-of-state
$34,444
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,635
Out-of-state
$27,674
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
56,607
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449-$1,500
Out-of-State | $449-$1,500

Credits to Graduate: 30-48

With over 200 online programs, you’ll have options at this public university. The online master’s programs at the University of Florida span popular fields like business, education, and healthcare. Choose from an accelerated one-year MBA or a two-year MBA, both offered online. Or earn your degree in engineering, computer science, or agriculture.

You’ll benefit from virtual support services, including tech support, library services, and a counseling and wellness center. The career center also offers drop-in, online career coaching to help with mock interviews, career planning, and cover letters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
55,781
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

Purdue University Global

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420-$485
Out-of-State | $420-$485

Credits to Graduate: Varies

Designed for working adults, the online programs at this public university in Indiana prioritize flexibility. At Purdue Global, you can choose from dozens of master’s programs in business, education, criminal justice, health sciences, and more. 

Earn a degree in higher education, educational psychology, or instructional design to advance your career in education. Or you can earn a master’s in nursing to move into advanced practice roles.

Purdue offers multiple terms per year, so you can start your master’s degree quickly. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $456
Out-of-State | $1,002

Credits to Graduate: 30-42

Join a student body of nearly 54,000 while earning your master’s degree online. From its Miami campus, Florida International University offers dozens of online programs. You can earn a master’s in educational leadership, public administration, or criminal justice.

Several programs offer concentration options to customize the degree. For instance, specialize your hospitality management degree with concentrations in mega events, real estate development, or cruise line operations. You need an accredited bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

California State University-Northridge

  • Northridge, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $782-845
Out-of-State | $782-845

Credits to Graduate: 33-63

Enroll in live classes with on-demand access to course materials at this public institution. California State University, Northridge offers multiple online master’s programs that emphasize advanced knowledge-building and career-focused skills. The synchronous format encourages collaboration and engagement with faculty and classmates.

Industry experts teach programs in engineering management, instructional design, public administration, and social work. Or study communicative disorders, entertainment industry management, or public health. You’ll work with specialists to receive personalized support throughout your degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
40,108
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

California State University-Fullerton

  • Fullerton, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,802 part time; $3,588 full time
Out-of-State | $2,802 part time; $3,588 full time plus $396 per credit

Credits to Graduate: Varies

As a distance learner at this public university in the CSU system, you can join a student body of over 40,000. Cal State Fullerton offers several online master’s programs, including a master’s in software engineering and several online education master’s programs

Build on your classroom teaching skills with a master’s in educational technology or special education. You can even hone your instructional design skills as a distance learner. You’ll benefit from a fully online course format with asynchronous delivery, offering the greatest flexibility for busy students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
40,738
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#9 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

Florida State University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $1,076

Credits to Graduate: 30-45

You’ll earn the same degree as on-campus students with the benefit of a flexible format. Florida State University offers online master’s programs in dozens of fields. Study art education, athletic coaching, criminology, or systems engineering. Or earn your master’s in business or education online.

Taught by experienced faculty, the programs emphasize student-centered learning. For example, as an online learner, you can connect in study groups and real-time forums. You’ll also benefit from academic advising, tutoring, online mentoring, and career advising. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,640
Out-of-state
$19,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,684
Out-of-state
$24,116
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
45,130
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Online Master’s Programs of 2024

Rutgers University

  • New Brunswick, NJ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $806-$1,183
Out-of-State | $1,183-$1,741

Credits to Graduate: Varies

The faculty teach both the online and on-campus master’s programs at this public university in New Jersey. Rutgers University offers online master’s programs in business, social work, public administration, and education. You can earn your MBA online or study public health, digital marketing, or finance-wealth management. 

Small class sizes and interactive learning technologies encourage students to connect with faculty and classmates. You'll also save on tuition thanks to zero online course fees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,536
Out-of-state
$29,737
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,180
Out-of-state
$30,900
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
50,804
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Methodology

Best College Reviews ranks schools based on over a dozen factors, including academic quality, affordability, and earning potential after graduation. To accurately and objectively evaluate each school's value, we consider factors such as student retention rate, average net price, and median student debt.

Read our detailed methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.


Why Get a Master's Degree Online?

Master's degree-holders often earn more than people with just a bachelor's degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a master's degree earn a median weekly income of about $1,661. Meanwhile, bachelor's degree-holders earn a median of $1,432 per week.

In addition to qualifying you for a higher salary, a master's degree can lead to more job opportunities. In a graduate program, you learn the reasoning and theories that guide practice in your field. You also conduct research to fill in industry knowledge gaps.

Busy or working professionals can pursue a master's degree online rather than in person. The flexibility of online learning allows you to work at your own pace and continue working while earning your degree.

How Much Does a Master's Degree Cost?

The exact cost of earning a master's degree depends on a few factors. For example, private institutions tend to charge more than public state schools.

According to NCES, graduate students as a whole paid an average of $20,513 in tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year. In comparison, graduate students attending public institutions paid an average of $12,596 for the same academic year.

As an online student, you often benefit from discounted tuition rates and are exempt from paying campus fees. You can also save on commuting costs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree Online?

The length of time it takes to earn an online master's degree varies among programs and schools. That said, it usually takes about two academic years of full-time study to meet graduation requirements. In most cases, you can complete a master's degree in 1-3 academic years when enrolled full time.

Program structures and your enrollment status can impact timelines. Some schools offer accelerated master's programs. These programs move quickly through material and primarily appeal to students already familiar with the subject matter. Enrollment status can also affect how long it takes to complete your degree — studying part time will take longer.

Use these generalized figures as guidelines for estimating degree completion timelines:

  • Accelerated: 12-16 months
  • Part Time: 3-5 years
  • Full Time: 18-24 months

More Featured Online Master's Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Which Master's Degree Is in Highest Demand?

One of the most in-demand master's degrees includes a master of science in nursing (MSN). An MSN can help qualify you for roles such as nurse anesthetist and practitioner, which are expected to grow 38% from 2022-2032, according to the BLS.

A master of business administration (MBA) is also highly sought-after. Employers often seek MBA-holders to fill executive roles.

Other in-demand master's degrees include healthcare degrees and computer science specializations, such as data science and information security.

Refer to the table below for a list of in-demand jobs that prefer or require a master's degree.

Popular Jobs That Prefer or Require a Master's Degree
Degree Field Most Common Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)
Nursing Nurse Anesthetist or Practitioner 38%
Data Science Data Scientist 35%
Health Administration Medical or Health Services Manager 28%
Epidemiology Epidemiologist 27%
Computer Science Computer or Information Research Scientist 23%
Source: BLS

How to Choose the Right Online Master's Program for You

To narrow down your master's degree options, begin by prioritizing your academic interests and career plans. You can also let your personal interests guide you as you select a subject to study. Once you've identified your needs and goals, you can research specific programs.

Use this five-step framework to guide your search for the ideal master's program:

  1. Consider Your Goals: It is best to pursue a master's degree only once you have identified specific career or learning goals. Seek programs that align with those objectives, and consider specializations if they are available or relevant.
  2. Conduct Research and Evaluate Programs: Confirm the accreditation of each school and program that interests you at an early stage of your research. Next, consider program formats, like asynchronous and synchronous learning, and how they match your goals. Each format has pros and cons.
  3. Evaluate Program Length and Requirements: Compare program lengths and consider whether accelerated, full-time, or part-time learning best meets your needs. You should also research admission and academic requirements and assess how well they match your learning profile.
  4. Assess Costs and Financial Aid Options: When looking at costs, consider both the net cost of attendance and the school's financial aid options. If you plan to attend a public institution, check to see if higher out-of-state rates apply to online programs.
  5. Check for Online Student Support: Some schools do a better job of supporting online learners than others. Consider factors like academic support and tutoring, networking, career services, and recruitment opportunities.

Available Online Master's Degrees

Business, computer science, education, law, nursing, and STEM fields are particularly sought-after subject areas for master's degrees. The sections below introduce options available within each of these disciplines.

Business

The long-established trend of high demand for MBA programs continues to rise. Most MBA programs offer several concentrations you can choose to specialize in, such as business analytics and consulting.

Other popular examples include accounting, marketing, and finance. Master of finance programs, in particular, continue to emerge as a popular alternative to an MBA.

Featured Master's in Business Programs

Computer Science & Information Technology

Master's programs in computer science build advanced, versatile, and readily transferable knowledge bases. Information technology is a popular area of focus, but business needs and technology trends signal strong opportunities in other specializations.

Examples of more business-focused fields include cybersecurity, information security, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Featured Master's in Computer Science & Technology Programs

Education

Master's in education programs offer multiple specialization options. Examples include early childhood education, special education, and education for gifted students.

However, aspiring teachers are not the only learners who pursue online master's in education programs. A master's degree in education can also lead to careers in curriculum development, education policy, and school administration.

Featured Master's in Education Programs

Law and Legal Studies

You can pursue a master's degree in multiple fields related to law and criminal justice. For instance, a master's in legal studies may appeal to you if you're interested in non-lawyer career paths that still require advanced knowledge of the legal system.

Beyond criminal justice, other programs include specialized degrees in criminology, dispute resolution, and compliance-related fields.

Featured Master's in Law and Legal Studies Programs

Nursing & Healthcare

Online master's programs in nursing include standalone MSN degrees and accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs. You can also earn a master's degree focused on public health, healthcare administration, and medical specializations such as family care and nursing education.

Health informatics is another practical field where an advanced degree may help boost your career prospects. Some business schools also offer specialized MBAs in healthcare management and administration.

Featured Master's in Nursing & Healthcare Programs

Psychology and Counseling

Psychology is a broad academic field relevant to career paths in academia, counseling, and social work, among other areas. Online master's in psychology degrees may also appeal to you if you want to become a psychologist or psychiatrist.

A master's degree in counseling can help qualify you for clinical positions, as well as roles in individual and group counseling. A graduate degree also provides the necessary academic training to advance to a doctoral program, where you can pursue a Ph.D. in counseling.

Featured Master's in Psychology and Counseling Programs

STEM

STEM degrees translate well to the online learning landscape. You can review digitally delivered lectures and instructional sessions as you work through challenging material. Some courses in STEM programs may require in-person practical components, like lab or field courses. Some popular degrees in the STEM field include a master's in mathematics, statistics, mechanical engineering, and computer science.

Featured Master's in Engineering Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's Degrees

Which master’s degree is most popular?

According to NCES, business, education, healthcare, computer science, and public administration combined to account for 69% of all master's degrees awarded in the United States in 2020-21.

Business led all subjects, with graduate students earning 202,300 degrees to account for 23% of the national master's-level total.

How fast can you finish a master's degree?

If you're enrolled full time in a traditionally structured program, you can expect to graduate in about 18-24 months. Through an accelerated master's program, however, you can complete a master's degree in as little as one year or even slightly less.

Which master's program is easiest to get into?

In general, business and education are often viewed as the easiest master's degrees to get as they require the fewest science and math courses, which many students find more difficult. Other master's degrees that require little science and math classes include communication, counseling, and marketing.

You should also check for programs that have no GRE requirements or high admission rates.

Can I get a master's degree in a field unrelated to my bachelor's degree?

Yes, many master's programs accept students with a bachelor's degree in any subject. If you're pursuing a master's degree in a field unrelated to your undergraduate studies, you may need to take prerequisite courses or pass an entrance exam.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best College Reviews. Page last reviewed January 11, 2024.

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