Higher education in America is an ever-changing field. If you aspire to be a leader at a college or university, getting an affordable online master’s in higher education can boost your job options. A great online degree doesn’t mean you need to go to the most expensive program, as many of the less expensive options will have the curriculum and schedule you need. With 108 schools offering a total of 111 master’s degree programs in higher education, there are numerous choices.
To help you sort through your options for an affordable online master’s in higher education, we researched all the degrees in this specialty. Choosing the lowest-cost Best Buy on our list can save you up to $47,000 on your education versus the highest-cost program. This highly prized degree can get you to the next step in your career in higher education, whether you want to focus on administration, fundraising, student engagement, enrollment, or policy.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$21,500
Least Expensive In-state: University of North Carolina-Wilmington ~$10,630
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Fort Hays State University ~$10,748
Most Expensive: Hofstra University ~$58,050
Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate full-time tuition, including any fees, for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, so they factually showcase the most affordable online master’s in higher education. The online higher education degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Cheapest Online Master’s in Higher Education
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of North Carolina-Wilmington | (NC) | $10,630.00 $39,401.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $10,748.00 | All Students |
3 | Appalachian State University | (NC) | $10,952.00 $40,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of North Texas | (TX) | $11,668.00 $12,842.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | (NE) | $12,378.00 $24,168.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | North Carolina Central University | (NC) | $12,500.00 $43,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Wyoming | (WY) | $12,738.00 $19,338.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $12,940.00 | All Students |
9 | University of Sioux Falls | (SD) | $13,035.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
12 | Dakota Wesleyan University | (SD) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
13 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $13,546.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $14,210.00 $25,172.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $14,227.00 $16,807.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $14,390.00 $26,630.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,397.00 | All Students |
18 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $14,665.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
19 | Baker University | (KS) | $14,836.00 | All Students |
20 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $15,004.00 $19,327.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $15,230.00 | All Students |
22 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,318.00 | All Students |
23 | William Paterson University of New Jersey | (NJ) | $15,600.00 | All Students |
24 |  Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,741.00 | All Students |
25 | Ohio University | (OH) | $15,822.00 $16,392.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $15,830.00 $30,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,925.00 $20,612.00 $15,925.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
28 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,998.00 | All Students |
29 | Morgan State University | (MD) | $16,095.00 $29,265.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Bridgewater State University | (MA) | $16,121.00 | All Students |
31 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $16,200.00 | All Students |
32 | Angelo State University | (TX) | $16,294.00 $30,980.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | Adams State University | (CO) | $16,301.00 | All Students |
34 | Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $16,500.00 | All Students |
35 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | (LA) | $16,524.00 | All Students |
36 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
37 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $16,847.00 $15,410.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
38 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
39 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $17,116.00 $10,120.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
40 | Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $17,190.00 | All Students |
41 | Grace College and Theological Seminary | (IN) | $17,355.00 | All Students |
42 | University of Mississippi | (MS) | $17,370.00 | All Students |
43 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | (WI) | $17,460.00 | All Students |
44 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $17,616.00 | All Students |
45 | Central Washington University | (WA) | $17,924.00 $38,864.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,970.00 | All Students |
47 | Tiffin University | (OH) | $18,000.00 | All Students |
48 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
49 | SUNY College at Brockport | (NY) | $18,469.00 $22,135.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
50 | Mid-America Christian University | (OK) | $18,540.00 | All Students |
51 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $18,556.00 | All Students |
52 | University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
53 | University of Toledo | (OH) | $19,173.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
54 | University of New Orleans | (LA) | $19,176.00 | All Students |
55 | Mary Baldwin University | (VA) | $19,185.00 | All Students |
56 | Marywood University | (PA) | $19,328.00 | All Students |
57 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $19,408.00 | All Students |
58 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $19,870.00 | All Students |
59 | National University | (CA) | $19,890.00 | All Students |
60 | University of Mobile | (AL) | $20,060.00 | All Students |
61 | Houston Christian University | (TX) | $20,305.00 | All Students |
62 | West Virginia University | (WV) | $20,400.00 | All Students |
63 | Bellarmine University | (KY) | $20,830.00 | All Students |
64 | Adrian College | (MI) | $21,100.00 | All Students |
65 | Florida International University | (FL) | $21,128.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin University | (OH) | $21,525.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | (MA) | $21,627.00 | All Students | |
Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $21,693.00 $30,567.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Murray State University | (KY) | $21,942.00 | All Students | |
SUNY at Albany | (NY) | $22,263.00 $25,647.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $22,406.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | (WI) | $22,413.00 $24,420.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
New England College | (NH) | $22,640.00 | All Students | |
 Fairleigh Dickinson University | (NJ) | $22,688.00 | All Students | |
 Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $22,752.00 | All Students | |
Mississippi College | (MS) | $22,813.00 | All Students | |
Stony Brook University | (NY) | $22,881.00 $26,265.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Regent University | (VA) | $22,940.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $23,250.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Abilene Christian University | (TX) | $23,650.00 | All Students | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $23,760.00 $29,340.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $24,570.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $24,960.00 | All Students | |
 Notre Dame of Maryland University | (MD) | $25,335.00 | All Students | |
Widener University | (PA) | $25,610.00 | All Students | |
Siena Heights University | (MI) | $25,792.00 | All Students | |
Caldwell University | (NJ) | $26,160.00 | All Students | |
Saint Peter's University | (NJ) | $26,685.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $26,688.00 | All Students | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $27,086.00 $14,414.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
North Central College | (IL) | $28,404.00 | All Students | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $29,880.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $30,590.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $30,960.00 | All Students | |
Colorado State University | (CO) | $30,985.00 | All Students | |
Duquesne University | (PA) | $31,620.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $33,210.00 | All Students | |
Madonna University | (MI) | $33,760.00 | All Students | |
Boston University | (MA) | $34,620.00 | All Students | |
DePaul University | (IL) | $38,136.00 | All Students | |
Pepperdine University | (CA) | $42,750.00 | All Students | |
Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $42,972.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $44,880.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $47,115.00 $44,010.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Georgetown University | (DC) | $50,391.00 | All Students | |
Hofstra University | (NY) | $58,050.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the affordable online master’s in higher education must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online master’s in higher education programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master's degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online master’s in higher education, including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online master’s in higher education. The program must be available at least 80 percent through online learning and be open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online master’s in higher education may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online master’s in higher education for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Complete an Online Master’s in Higher Education?
An affordable online master’s in higher education can turn you into an expert in the management, administration, and organization of colleges and universities. So why should you consider becoming a higher-education expert? There are a variety of reasons, including:
- Excellent pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for postsecondary education administrators in May of 2021 was $96,910. Not bad, especially compared to the median for all occupations, which is around $46,000.
- Solid career growth: While education is seeing changes, the expected growth is 7% for these administrators. This is compared to an expected growth of 5% for all occupations.
- Fulfilling work: This is more than a typical office job. In this profession, you’ll have the chance to help people reach their goals and achieve their educational dreams, which can be extremely rewarding.
What Does it Cost to Complete an Online Master’s in Higher Education?
Virtually all students need to be concerned with tuition costs. Fortunately, these online master’s in higher education programs come (for the most part) with a fair price. The average cost for these programs is roughly $21,400. Assuming a two-year track, this means students must generate roughly $10,700 a year. If we look solely at in-state tuition, there are 61 affordable online master’s in higher education degrees priced below $20,000. (Many of these offer the same price to in- and out-of-state students.)
Regardless of where you live, there is a cheap online master’s in higher education that fits your budget and career goals. Whether you are on a tight budget or have vast financial resources, you should understand the costs before enrolling in the best online master’s in higher education for your needs. Let’s take a closer look at the cheapest online master’s in higher education programs:
#1. University of North Carolina-Wilmington – Master of Education in Higher Education
If you live in North Carolina, you can get a great deal on your online master’s in higher education. The M.Ed in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington can be completed for a total of $10,630 for in-state students, making it the #1 cheapest online master’s in higher education. It’s worth noting that out-of-state students, however, will pay nearly four times as much, at $39,401. (Those students may want to check out the #2 school on our list.)
The degree program benefits those who want to pursue or advance their careers in academic and student support roles at colleges and universities. The program offers a curriculum aligned with core professional competencies set by ACPA and NASPA. Students engage in applied learning opportunities, such as internships, study abroad experiences, and action research projects, providing practical insights. The culmination of the program involves a personalized project related to professional interests, guided by faculty mentors. With a focus on key areas like college student development, social justice, law and policy, and research methods, this program prepares students for impactful roles in shaping the future of higher education.
#2. Fort Hays State University – Master of Science in Education / Higher Education Student Affairs
With an online tuition rate that remains the same nationwide, the second most affordable online master’s in higher education also holds the title of the #1 cheapest online master’s in higher education for out-of-state students. For $10,748, online students can complete the MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs from Fort Hays State University in Kansas.
Fort Hays’ online programs emphasize affordability, quality, and flexibility to benefit working adults. The Higher Education Student Affairs program comprises 36 credit hours of higher education theory and practice developed alongside the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education standards and ACPA/NASPA competency areas, so students can be assured of a quality and career-relevant education.
Courses cover a range of subjects including:
- Assessment, evaluation, and research
- Higher education law
- Technology in higher education student affairs
- Supporting student success
- Diversity in higher education
- Governance and finance
#3. Appalachian State University – Master of Arts in Higher Education
Appalachian State University in North Carolina charges state residents just $10,952 to complete its Master of Arts in Higher Education, making it the third cheapest online master’s in higher education on our list. As with many other state universities, and North Carolina universities in particular, out-of-state students will pay significantly more – $40,972.
The MA in Higher Education at App State offers a toolkit for success in post-secondary education. The program is designed to help you boost your career, become a creative problem-solver, land a promotion, or step into a leadership role. The program tackles real-world issues like diversity, student development, and leadership. An optional concentration in Community College and University Leadership prepares you to take on management and administrative positions in higher education. The degree can be completed in two years through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework with an emphasis on student interaction and engagement.
Degree Program Types: What to Expect
These degrees build your understanding of a complex academic system. They offer students the opportunity to become experts in higher education. They help you understand the various methods of research and the best way to organize students, faculty, and staff.
But there are differences. For example, there are “master of arts” programs and “master of science” programs. The differences are subtle, and there will be plenty of overlap, but a master of arts in higher education focuses more on the specific data and research of higher education, while a master of arts will be more about the theory and philosophy.
There are also “master of education in higher education” programs, which focus even more on the nuts-and-bolts administration of colleges and universities.
Probably more significant, however, is the concentration. While many are simply “master of science (or arts) in higher education,” with no specialization, some of these programs have unique concentrations.
Concentrations or specializations for master’s in higher education administration online programs include:
- Student affairs
- Instructional technology
- Administration
- College counseling
- Student personnel
- Policy studies
Courses During an Online Master’s in Higher Education
Courses vary by program, so let’s look at a few examples to help understand the coursework:
Siena Heights University – Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership
This master of arts degree focuses on creating leaders in post-secondary institutions, with an emphasis on student development, assessment, instruction, and the technologies used to support learning and college organization. The program requires a total of 36 credit hours, which are completed over 12 courses. (Three hours each.)
The SHU online master’s in higher education consists of 18 hours of common core courses, which include research, leadership theory, finance, and strategic learning. Students then complete 18 credit hours of courses in the “Higher Education Leadership Concentration,” which includes classes such as “Ethics And Social Justice,” “Student Development Theory,” and “Program Planning And Evaluation.”
Appalachian State University – Master of Arts in Higher Education
This online master’s program takes a high-level approach to higher education, encompassing both theory and research in academic systems. It focuses less on leadership, and more on understanding how colleges work and how current students think and learn.
The program starts with nine credit hours of required classes, which include research methods, diversity, and the history of higher education. Then the program moves to 27 credit hours of required concentration classes. This includes courses such as “Supervising and Advising in Higher Education,” “Globalization in Higher Education,” and “The 21st Century College Student.” There is also a class on college leadership. As part of the concentration requirements, students must complete six hours of graduate electives based on career interests.
Missouri Baptist University – Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership
Combining both research methods and the philosophies of higher education, an online master’s in higher education is made for students who want to become leaders at colleges and universities. It includes various classes on wide-ranging subjects like student development, college administration, managing enrollment, and other important tasks within the collegiate system.
Courses in an online master’s in higher education include “Methods of Inquiry,” which focuses on various methods for collecting and using data inside a college. There are also courses titled “Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education,” “Finance in Higher Education,” “Governance and Administration in Higher Education,” and “College Student Development.”
Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Higher Education
Accreditation is the process of reviewing and verifying colleges and specific programs. Conducted by independent organizations, often called “accrediting institutions” or “accrediting bodies,” this system helps students find programs that have been scrutinized, examined, and approved to deliver a quality education.
It starts with institutional accreditation, which encompasses the entire program. This form of accreditation is delivered by regional organizations like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). All of the online master’s in higher education programs from our database hold institutional accreditation. There is also programmatic accreditation, which encompasses a specific degree field.
CAEP
For master’s degrees in education, the main accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education.
CAEP-accredited online programs found in this database include:
- Sam Houston State University – Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
- Indiana State University – Master of Science in Student Affairs & Higher Education
- University of Houston – Master of Education in Higher Education
- West Virginia University – Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
- University of Mississippi – Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Personnel
- Andrews University – Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
AAQEP
Another important accrediting body is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This group, founded in 2017, accredits programs in education and learning. Much newer than the CAEP, it uses classic techniques yet encourages innovation in the education process.
Only one program in our database is currently accredited by the AAQEP:
- National University – Master of Education / Leadership in Higher Education
Typical Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Programs
Each online master’s in higher education is different, and the admission requirements can vary widely from one school to another. However, master’s programs, which are advanced degrees, have some of the largest requirements in the academic system. In fact, a master’s is only behind a doctorate in the level of requirements.
These programs require a bachelor’s degree, which means four years of college experience before enrolling. Some may also require professional experience.
Programs require more than a typical application and transcripts. (Although these are required as well.) Most will require an applicant to submit letters of recommendation from employers or former teachers, as well as a statement of purpose, which describes why you want to complete these challenging online programs.
To better understand admission requirements for the best online master’s in higher education, let’s look at two specific examples:
Grace College & Theological Seminary – Master of Science in Higher Education
In addition to a bachelor’s, this program requires a minimum GPA of 2.75, as well as one personal reference letter. You also need to complete and submit an MSHE application and official transcripts from all academic coursework.
Northeastern University – Master of Education / Higher Education Administration
An online master’s in higher education program requires an online application, a statement of purpose, a professional resume, and undergraduate transcripts. Students will need to obtain two letters of recommendation, from someone who knows them through school or work.
Licensing and Certification for College Administrators
Postsecondary education administrators need roughly six years of college education (culminating in a master’s in higher education) and about five years of on-the-job experience, usually working in a college administrative setting, such as a registrar’s office or resident assistant. Fortunately, you don’t need a license.
College administrators have no state-mandated requirement for licensing and certificates, so as long as you have the right knowledge and experience, you can work in this career.
However, there may be credentials that, while voluntary, can boost your chances of earning a top-notch salary. Various groups offer different credentials. For example, you could work with the National Association for Campus Activities to complete your Certification for Student Affairs Educators.
Salary and Career Outlook with an Online Master’s in Higher Education
Your studies may be challenging, but once you complete an online master’s in higher education, you can earn some of the best salaries in the job market.
The BLS says the median salary for postsecondary education administrators is $96,910. With experience and commitment, you can earn even more; the top 10% in this career field earn over $190,000 annually.
The best place to earn a high salary is New York. While you should consider the cost of living, administrators based in the state earn a median salary of $168,370. It appears that the eastern seaboard is a great place to work in this profession; the top five areas for high salaries are on the east coast. Delaware, New Jersey, D.C., and Rhode Island top the list.
Pay is outstanding, and the expected growth is positive as well. While the overall growth for all occupations is expected to grow by 5% between 2021 and 2031, the position of postsecondary education administrator will grow by 7%. Overall, however, the job market is small, as there were only 210,000 administrators in 2021. By comparison, there were 295,000 high school principals and over 1.3 million college teachers.
The Next Step in Your Education
If you choose to continue your education, the next step is to complete a doctorate in higher education. These advanced degrees can lead to some of the most respected, high-profile careers, including the potential to become a college president, the senior-most position at a college or university.
Even if you don’t complete a doctorate, continuing education is a great way to stay informed on changes in the academic industry. The National Association for College Admission Counseling offers a variety of certificate programs that are excellent for even highly-educated professionals. For example, you could complete certification to become an International University Advocate (IUE) or become certified in data-informed territory management.
Regardless of your choices, it’s important to continually educate yourself so that you can be the best college leader possible.
Become an Expert in Higher Education
If you have a passion for higher education, if you love helping people reach their goals and build their futures, an online master’s in higher education might be right for you. Submit your information on GetEducated.com to learn more about affordable online master’s in higher education, and we’ll help you find an online degree that works for your future!