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The 96 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy

Rankings for the most affordable online master's in literacyLearn to read so you can read to learn. This age-old wisdom says that reading is essential to learning. Learning to read, therefore, creates the foundation for all future schoolwork. But, according to data from ProLiteracy, 43 million adults cannot read beyond a third grade level. Can you help correct this vital issue by earning an affordable online master’s in literacy?

Poor literacy impacts lifetime earnings and is even linked with higher healthcare costs. Stronger reading skills correlate to academic success and lower incarceration rates, among many other positive outcomes.

The country needs educators who can teach children and adults to read. By enrolling in one of these affordable online master’s in literacy programs, you become part of the solution to the country’s literacy problem. These programs are important, preparing you for one of the most rewarding careers possible. As an added bonus, many have a low cost.

ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide

Average Cost (In-state): ~$17,700
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: Nova Southeastern University ~$40,680

Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of rankings for a master’s in reading and literacy online. To create these rankings, we meticulously calculate total full-time tuition, including any fees, for the most accurate total cost possible.

Our rankings cannot be bought, so they factually show the most affordable master’s degree programs in literacy and reading. Any program listed above the dividing line is a “Best Buy” because it costs less than the national average. If you need the cheapest online master’s in literacy for your specific career goals, start with these programs.

Most Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy

RankSchool / DegreeStatePriceNote
1
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
(OK)
$8,160.00
All Students
2
The University of Texas at Arlington
(TX)
$8,200.00
All Students
3
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
(NC)
$9,274.00
$17,226.00
In-State
Out-of-State
4
University of West Georgia
(GA)
$9,600.00
All Students
5
University of Central Arkansas
(AR)
$9,750.00
All Students
6
University of the Cumberlands
(KY)
$9,850.00
$8,650.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
7
Arkansas State University
(AR)
$10,015.00
All Students
8
Northwest Missouri State University
(MO)
$10,500.00
All Students
9
Morningside College
(IA)
$10,540.00
All Students
10
Evangel University
(MO)
$10,640.00
All Students
11
Fort Hays State University
(KS)
$10,748.00
All Students
12
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
(LA)
$11,220.00
All Students
12
Concordia University - Nebraska
(NE)
$11,220.00
$14,025.00
In-State
Out-of-State
14
Emporia State University
(KS)
$11,296.00
$15,388.00
In-State
Out-of-State
15
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
(AR)
$11,490.00
$9,600.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
16
University of West Florida
(FL)
$11,538.00
$14,365.00
$11,538.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
17
Eastern New Mexico University
(NM)
$11,635.00
$15,181.00
In-State
Out-of-State
18
Northeastern State University
(OK)
$11,662.00
$11,695.00
In-State
Out-of-State
19
Concordia University-Saint Paul
(MN)
$11,850.00
$10,500.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
20
Dordt University
(IA)
$11,900.00
All Students
21
Eastern Kentucky University
(KY)
$11,970.00
All Students
22
Upper Iowa University
(IA)
$12,058.00
All Students
23
Texas A & M International University
(TX)
$12,111.00
$33,990.00
In-State
Out-of-State
24
Drury University
(MO)
$12,225.00
All Students
25
California State University-Fresno
(CA)
$12,237.00
$24,117.00
In-State
Out-of-State
26
Missouri State University
(MO)
$12,828.00
All Students
27
Georgia Southern University
(GA)
$12,888.00
All Students
28
University of Sioux Falls
(SD)
$13,035.00
All Students
29
Bellarmine University
(KY)
$13,180.00
All Students
30
University of Nebraska at Kearney
(NE)
$13,237.00
$17,881.00
In-State
Out-of-State
31
National University
(CA)
$13,260.00
All Students
32
Florida Gulf Coast University
(FL)
$13,442.00
All Students
33
Western New Mexico University
(NM)
$13,456.00
$16,729.00
In-State
Out-of-State
34
Eastern Washington University
(WA)
$13,475.00
All Students
35
California State University-Fullerton
(CA)
$13,586.00
$25,466.00
In-State
Out-of-State
36
Belhaven University
(MS)
$13,662.00
All Students
37
Jackson State University
(MS)
$13,860.00
All Students
38
Georgetown College
(KY)
$14,205.00
All Students
39
Arkansas Tech University
(AR)
$14,210.00
$25,172.00
In-State
Out-of-State
40
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
(MA)
$14,220.00
All Students
41
University of Colorado Denver
(CO)
$14,227.00
$16,807.00
In-State
Out-of-State
42
Eastern Illinois University
(IL)
$14,339.00
All Students
43
Olivet Nazarene University
(IL)
$14,400.00
All Students
44
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
(TX)
$14,473.00
$30,849.00
In-State
Out-of-State
45
New Mexico State University
(NM)
$14,665.00
$8,250.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
46
Pittsburg State University
(KS)
$14,760.00
All Students
46
SUNY College at Potsdam
(NY)
$14,760.00
$17,580.00
In-State
Out-of-State
48
SUNY Oneonta
(NY)
$14,791.00
$17,611.00
In-State
Out-of-State
49
William Woods University
(MO)
$14,950.00
All Students
50
The College of Saint Scholastica
(MN)
$14,972.00
All Students
51
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
(WI)
$15,000.00
All Students
51
Southeastern University
(FL)
$15,000.00
All Students
53
University of Missouri-Columbia
(MO)
$15,315.00
$14,009.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
54
Georgia State University
(GA)
$15,328.00
All Students
55
Bluffton University
(OH)
$15,350.00
All Students
56
Eastern Michigan University
(MI)
$15,360.00
All Students
57
University of Wisconsin-Stout
(WI)
$15,390.00
All Students
58
Carlow University
(PA)
$15,450.00
All Students
58
University of South Carolina-Columbia
(SC)
$15,450.00
$17,168.00
In-State
Out-of-State
60
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
(TX)
$15,557.00
$33,189.00
In-State
Out-of-State
61
Wilmington University
(DE)
$15,580.00
$9,220.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
62
Concordia University - Chicago
(IL)
$15,660.00
All Students
63
Western Illinois University
(IL)
$15,724.00
$21,911.00
In-State
Out-of-State
64
Kansas State University
(KS)
$15,829.00
All Students
65
Texas Tech University
(TX)
$15,830.00
$30,518.00
In-State
Out-of-State
66
Ohio University
(OH)
$15,880.00
$16,469.00
In-State
Out-of-State
67
Oklahoma State University
(OK)
$15,925.00
$20,612.00
$15,925.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
68
Clemson University
(SC)
$15,982.00
All Students
69
Jacksonville State University
(AL)
$15,990.00
All Students
70
Newman University
(KS)
$16,020.00
All Students
71
Liberty University
(VA)
$16,036.00
$10,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
72
Stephen F. Austin State University
(TX)
$16,054.00
$30,742.00
In-State
Out-of-State
73
Asbury University
(KY)
$16,150.00
All Students
74
St. Thomas University
(FL)
$16,200.00
All Students
75
Concordia University - Nebraska
(NE)
$16,320.00
$20,400.00
In-State
Out-of-State
76
California State University-San Marcos
(CA)
$16,404.00
All Students
77
Saint Leo University
(FL)
$16,425.00
All Students
78
Black Hills State University
(SD)
$16,466.00
All Students
79
Fairmont State University
(WV)
$16,470.00
All Students
80
Texas A & M University - Commerce
(TX)
$16,476.00
$31,164.00
In-State
Out-of-State
81
Boise State University
(ID)
$16,500.00
All Students
82
Bethel University - IN
(IN)
$16,600.00
All Students
83
University of South Florida
(FL)
$16,611.00
$32,658.00
In-State
Out-of-State
84
University at Buffalo
(NY)
$16,628.00
$19,448.00
In-State
Out-of-State
85
Lake Erie College
(OH)
$16,650.00
All Students
86
University of Northern Iowa
(IA)
$16,670.00
All Students
87
Eastern Michigan University
(MI)
$16,896.00
All Students
88
Baldwin Wallace University
(OH)
$17,050.00
All Students
89
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
(LA)
$17,100.00
All Students
90
Regis University
(CO)
$17,210.00
All Students
91
Calvin University
(MI)
$17,250.00
All Students
91
Houghton College
(NY)
$17,250.00
All Students
93
University of Northern Colorado
(CO)
$17,490.00
All Students
94
Bowling Green State University
(OH)
$17,566.00
$17,962.00
In-State
Out-of-State
95
Tennessee State University
(TN)
$17,589.00
$25,146.00
In-State
Out-of-State
96
Carson-Newman University
(TN)
$17,640.00
All Students
NOTE: The following schools did not make our Best Buy ranking but are also great online options.
School / DegreeStatePriceNote
Austin Peay State University
(TN)
$17,783.00
$24,653.00
$16,133.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
The University of Texas at El Paso
(TX)
$17,880.00
$20,940.00
In-State
Out-of-State
The University of Findlay
(OH)
$17,985.00
All Students
McNeese State University
(LA)
$18,016.00
$20,016.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Old Dominion University
(VA)
$18,074.00
$18,794.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Mary Baldwin University
(VA)
$18,120.00
All Students
Wilmington University
(DE)
$18,140.00
$10,620.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Point Park University
(PA)
$18,210.00
$18,720.00
In-State
Out-of-State
SUNY at Albany
(NY)
$18,296.00
$21,116.00
In-State
Out-of-State
University of Virginia
(VA)
$18,380.00
All Students
Concord University
(WV)
$18,459.00
All Students
University of Southern Maine
(ME)
$18,504.00
All Students
Gannon University
(PA)
$18,645.00
All Students
University of Florida
(FL)
$18,657.00
$23,644.00
In-State
Out-of-State
The University of Texas at Tyler
(TX)
$18,689.00
$36,401.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Indiana University Online
(IN)
$18,717.00
$22,156.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Southwest Minnesota State University
(MN)
$18,731.00
All Students
Pennsylvania Western University
(PA)
$18,768.00
$21,573.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Eastern Oregon University
(OR)
$18,778.00
All Students
Wilkes University
(PA)
$18,890.00
All Students
Illinois State University
(IL)
$18,925.00
$35,005.00
In-State
Out-of-State
The University of Tennessee - Martin
(TN)
$18,930.00
$20,640.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Park University
(MO)
$19,145.00
All Students
Loyola University Maryland
(MD)
$19,200.00
All Students
Western Colorado University
(CO)
$19,343.00
All Students
Hamline University
(MN)
$19,395.00
All Students
University of Kansas
(KS)
$19,635.00
All Students
University of Memphis
(TN)
$19,680.00
All Students
Coastal Carolina University
(SC)
$19,734.00
$37,818.00
In-State
Out-of-State
McDaniel College
(MD)
$19,744.00
All Students
University of North Dakota
(ND)
$19,793.00
All Students
University of Mary
(ND)
$19,798.00
All Students
Wright State University
(OH)
$19,800.00
$33,750.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Middle Tennessee State University
(TN)
$19,833.00
$28,446.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Sam Houston State University
(TX)
$19,870.00
All Students
Spring Arbor University
(MI)
$19,893.00
All Students
University of Alabama at Birmingham
(AL)
$20,040.00
All Students
Endicott College
(MA)
$20,108.00
All Students
Regent University
(VA)
$20,115.00
All Students
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
(WI)
$20,399.00
All Students
West Virginia University
(WV)
$20,400.00
All Students
Regent University
(VA)
$20,680.00
All Students
Western Kentucky University
(KY)
$21,210.00
All Students
Lesley University
(MA)
$21,450.00
All Students
Mount Saint Joseph University
(OH)
$21,450.00
All Students
Bay Path University
(MA)
$21,450.00
All Students
Tennessee Technological University
(TN)
$21,582.00
$26,202.00
In-State
Out-of-State
University of Dayton
(OH)
$21,640.00
All Students
Rowan University
(NJ)
$21,935.00
All Students
Wayland Baptist University
(TX)
$21,988.00
All Students
National Louis University
(IL)
$22,620.00
All Students
Southern New Hampshire University
(NH)
$22,722.00
$17,070.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
(PA)
$22,752.00
$21,564.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Notre Dame College (School Closing)
Master of Education / Reading & Literacy 14
(OH)
$22,880.00
All Students
University of New England
(ME)
$22,920.00
All Students
University of Georgia
(GA)
$23,232.00
All Students
University of Delaware
(DE)
$23,240.00
All Students
George Fox University
(OR)
$23,700.00
All Students
East Tennessee State University
(TN)
$23,760.00
$29,340.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Western Michigan University
(MI)
$23,769.00
All Students
New Jersey City University
(NJ)
$24,021.00
All Students
George Mason University
(VA)
$24,210.00
All Students
Roberts Wesleyan University
(NY)
$24,330.00
All Students
St. Bonaventure University
(NY)
$24,550.00
All Students
Grand Valley State University
(MI)
$24,948.00
All Students
Eastern University
(PA)
$24,984.00
All Students
Saint Joseph's University
(PA)
$25,240.00
All Students
Wayne State University
(MI)
$25,250.00
$51,022.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Northern Michigan University
(MI)
$25,382.00
All Students
Oakland University
(MI)
$26,688.00
All Students
Fontbonne University (School Closing)
Master of Arts in Education / Reading CAEP,14
(MO)
$26,805.00
All Students
Central Michigan University
(MI)
$27,086.00
$14,414.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Walsh University
(OH)
$27,170.00
All Students
Virginia Commonwealth University
(VA)
$28,349.00
$54,518.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Canisius College
(NY)
$29,205.00
All Students
Pennsylvania State University
(PA)
$30,210.00
All Students
Mercy College
(NY)
$32,883.00
All Students
Nova Southeastern University
(FL)
$40,680.00
All Students

Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in literacy 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, master’s in reading and literacy online. 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 master’s in reading and literacy online 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 literacy program 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 a master’s in literacy online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is 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 most affordable online master’s in literacy programs 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 most affordable online master’s in literacy programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.

Why Should I Get an Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy?

Whether you want a stable career field, decent pay, or a rewarding profession, there are many reasons to pursue one of these excellent master’s in reading and literacy online programs.

  • Build the foundation for someone’s education: Perhaps the biggest motivation for becoming a teacher, these degrees lead to rewarding careers. After graduation, you’ll spend your time teaching children and adults to read, which is critically important for their long term success.
  • A stable career: The job growth numbers for education are not impressive (1% growth for most teachers), but it is a consistent career. Cities, counties, and states in all areas need teachers, making this a reliable occupation.
  • Decent pay for skilled teachers: The median annual pay for kindergarten and elementary teachers is $61,620, while the top 10% earn over $101,000 a year. With formal education, training, and experience, there is a chance to earn a sizable income.

Online Master’s in Literacy: What Is the Cost?

Each master’s degree comes with a different price tag. The programs in this database run from just over $8,000 to more than $40,000, so it’s important to research the cost and find a program that works for your needs and budget. While the cheapest online master’s in literacy may not be the perfect option for your future, you still need to research the cost before enrolling.

The average price for these degrees is $17,700. If students are on a two-year study track, this means the average per-year price is roughly $8,850. While this cost includes more than just tuition, most schools require payment by the semester. With two semesters per year (fall and spring), students can expect an average of $4,425 per semester.

This is simply the average. It’s possible to have a much lower cost. The most affordable online master’s in literacy comes from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Its Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Reading only costs $8,160, which means a per-year price of $4,080. Best of all, this low cost is available to all students, not just Oklahoma residents.

In our database, you will find:

  • 6 programs below $10,000
  • 21 programs below $12,000
  • 50 programs below $15,000

The most expensive program comes from Nova Southeastern University. Its Master of Science in Education / Reading Education costs $40,680, making it more than twice the average price.

With a total of 180 degrees from 170 schools, there is sure to be an affordable online master’s in literacy program that will meet your specific needs.

Top Three Most Affordable Online Master’s in Literacy

#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Reading

The cheapest online literacy master’s degree offers more than just an incredible price tag. This program is CAEP-accredited, can be completed 100% online in as little as 12 months, and prepares you to lead classroom and school-wide reading and literacy programs. The $8,160 estimated total cost is available to all students regardless of state residency. Out-of-state students, though, should check with their state board of education to ensure this program meets requirements, as the curriculum of the M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction / Reading is aligned with Oklahoma state standards.

Coursework provides students with high-level knowledge of phonics, reading, vocabulary, word recognition, and reading comprehension. In addition to standard literacy education, this program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University also provides a special focus on teaching English-language learners. Graduates will be well prepared to take the Oklahoma ESL Subject Area Test required for ESL certification.

#2. The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Literacy Studies

The second cheapest master’s in literacy online comes from The University of Texas at Arlington. The M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Literacy Studies costs a total of $8,200 to students nationwide. This AAQEP-accredited program is 100% online and presented in an accelerated format with no thesis requirement.

This degree is designed for practicing teachers who are already licensed in their state. Within the Literacy Studies major, students can choose from two tracks: Reading Specialist or English as a Second Language. The program boasts an excellent track record for professional success; since its creation in 1998, 100% of students taking the Texas Education Agency’s Reading Specialist exam have passed within their first two attempts.

#3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Education in Reading Education

North Carolina residents can earn an M.Ed degree in Reading Education for just $9,274, making this the third cheapest online literacy master’s program in our database. The cost is more significant for out-of-state students, however, at $17,226.

This program allows licensed teachers to add a new area of expertise to their teaching skill set. The curriculum prepares students for North Carolina K-12 Reading Education licensure at the master’s level. Educators will learn advanced methods for teaching and creating curriculum to enhance student learning in reading and writing. Courses also explore a range of assessment tools and practices for literacy skills.

What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Literacy

These degrees help teachers become experts in reading and literacy education. They are also options for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject who wants to become an educator. All master’s degree programs are different, but most require roughly two years and at least 30 credit hours of study. Some may be larger; 36 credit hours is common among these degrees.

These programs develop skills that help graduates teach others to read. While most of the programs apply to teaching children, the skills could apply to teaching adults as well. At least in theory, the programs could be used to become adult teachers as well as childhood educators.

These programs, at their core, are education degrees. You’ll learn to plan curriculum, manage classrooms, evaluate students, and supervise instruction. However, each has a reading and literacy component, which may be either a small section or the primary focus of the degree. The reading and literacy portion often includes literacy instruction, which shows students how to teach others to read.

Some of these programs are master’s of education degrees with an endorsement in literacy or reading. An endorsement is a term used to describe a focused specialty. Many teachers, especially in junior high and high school, have at least one endorsement.

When selecting the right master’s in literacy education online for you, you’ll have to choose between a master of arts in education, a master of science in education, or a master of education. There is a lot of overlap, and the specific classes are most important, but a master of arts is more theoretical, while a master of science focuses on research and information. A master of education tends to emphasize the administration and management of schools. They are the preferred choice for aspiring principals and administrators.

Courses in a Master’s in Literacy Online

Bethel University (IN) – Master of Education / Literacy

This online master’s in literacy, like many of the programs from the database, is for current teachers who want to advance their careers with specific, focused skills. It requires 36 credit hours of study. Courses prepare you to assess a student’s reading ability and use strategies to enhance learning outcomes. The program consists of 18 credit hours for required education classes as well as a cognate section (12 credit hours) and two elective courses.

The education courses include “Effective Instruction & Assessment,” “Curriculum Development & School Improvement,” and “Educational Research.” The literacy section encompasses classes like “English Language Learning” and “Writing Process.”

Jacksonville State University – Master of Science in Education / Reading Specialist

If you want to become a reading specialist in schools or for private companies, this could be the ideal master’s in literacy online. The program covers core requirements and teaching field requirements, with a diversity requirement also included.

The core requirement topics include teaching and learning, education research, and multicultural literature. The teaching field section encompasses topics such as “Improvement of Reading in Secondary Schools,” “Assessment of Diagnosis in Reading,” and “Intervention Strategies for Reading Instruction.”

University of Northern Colorado – Master of Arts in Literacy

If you want to better understand how people learn to read, this could be the best program for your needs. The degree has a simple structure: the major required credits include 30 hours of study. A research element can be substituted, with advisor consent, for some courses.

Classes in this master’s in literacy education online include “Literacy Teaching,” “Teaching Writing,” “Children’s Literature,” and “Practical Literacy Assessment.” If you choose (and are approved to), you can substitute a course with either “Directing a School-Wide Literacy Program” or “Supervised Practicum in Literacy Coaching.”

Accreditation for Online Literacy Programs

If a school or program is accredited, it has shown that it meets standards set by an accrediting group. Accreditation is granted by various bodies, and it must be renewed every seven to ten years. There are two main types of accreditation: institutional, which covers the entire college or university, and programmatic, which covers the specific degree or program.

Institutional Accreditation

Regional groups approved by the U.S. Department of Education grant institutional accreditation. This includes groups like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). All the programs on our website, including these master’s in literacy online programs, come from schools with this type of accreditation.

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation is more specific. This type of accreditation is granted by subject-specific bodies and only covers the degree, not the school or even the department. For example, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Big State Tech (a fictional school, just to be clear!) could apply for programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

The reading and literacy programs in this database are teaching degrees, which means many have accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The CAEP accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education. It is the largest organization in this space. Over 80 programs in this database have approval from this group.

Although less common, the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) accredits education degrees as well. Also recognized by the CHEA, the AAQEP serves a similar role but, according to its information, is dedicated to innovation and advancements in education. Regardless of the organization, programmatic accreditation from a CHEA-approved group shows that students can expect a quality education.

If a degree does not have programmatic accreditation, that’s fine. As long as it comes from an institutionally-accredited school, it will deliver a high-quality education.

Typical Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Reading and Literacy Online

If you have a bachelor’s degree (a requirement for a master’s), you likely understand the overall admissions process for an online master’s in literacy. However, the process for a master’s degree is much more extensive. It requires more paperwork, more information, and strict enrollment standards.

Essentially, you need to demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate for the degree and that you can handle the challenges of a master’s program.

The main requirement, as we mentioned, is a bachelor’s degree. Just like how you can’t enter high school without passing through junior high, you also can’t enter a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree. Most people in these online reading and literacy programs have teaching degrees, although some programs may accept applicants with literature or English degrees.

Some programs also require a teaching license, although you can certainly find programs that do not have this requirement. Various graduate schools have specific GPA requirements. For example, you can find programs that require a 3.0 or 2.75 from incoming master’s students.

St. Thomas University – Master of Science in Reading

Let’s look at one example to better understand the admission requirements for a master’s in literacy online. St. Thomas University offers the Master of Science in Reading. This program requires a 2.75 GPA from previous college studies. The university will accept students with a GPA below 2.75, but they must maintain a 3.0 through the first two courses.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree with a specific GPA, incoming students will need to submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. All of these documents will be reviewed by the admissions office before the student is accepted.

Licensing and Certification for Reading Teachers

Many of these programs lead directly to a teaching career. For any teacher working in a public school, licensing, often called a certificate, is a requirement. These certificates are often awarded by the state for the specific level you will teach.

For example, if you want to be a high school teacher in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a certificate to teach high schoolers through the state government. This certificate won’t allow you to teach elementary students, nor will it allow you to teach high school students in Ohio; only Pennsylvania high schoolers.

Requirements for these licenses vary by state, but most include at least a bachelor’s degree, the completion of a teaching program, and a successful background check. In addition, you may need to pass skill-specific testing. In this case, skill-specific means reading and literacy education.

Even if you don’t need licensing for your intended career path (such as with private schools and companies), you can advance your career through voluntary certifications.

The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) offers various certifications for teachers and reading specialists. Educators can select options like the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate, which demonstrates your knowledge in the structure of language, recognizing reading difficulties, and the assessment of students.

Salary and Career Outlook for Reading Specialists and Teachers

Educators may not have a reputation for high salaries, but the education sector does offer the chance for a strong income, especially if you have a master’s degree.

For example, the median salary for high school teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was $61,360 in of May 2022. However, the top 10% in this profession earned over $101,000. The median salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $61,620; the top 10% also earned over $101,000 a year.

The BLS does not have information specific to literacy teachers. However, some well-known, career-based sites share data on these positions. Salary.com, for one, says that the median salary for reading specialists is $56,824.

Education is not a high-growth profession. It won’t be adding jobs at a rapid pace, but it’s a stable career available across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job growth for all occupations between 2022 and 2023 is 3%. However, teachers (including elementary and high school) will only grow by 1%. The demand, however, may be regional; in certain areas where budgets are strong, the hiring of teachers may be strong as well.

The Next Step in Your Education

After a master’s in literacy online, what’s the next step in your education? For some, the answer may be a doctorate, possibly a doctorate in education in reading and literacy. A Ph.D. in reading and literacy is a research-based program for educators who want to understand cutting-edge practices for reading curriculum and instruction. Many will include reading-focused research programs. If you enroll in one of these programs, be prepared for a dissertation.

Even if you do not pursue a doctorate, you’ll likely need continuing education, especially if you are a public school teacher. Continuing education is part of the certification requirement, so you’ll need to meet requirements for education hours. Usually certification renewal happens every five years, but some states have shorter or longer renewal periods.

If you want to work in reading education, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. Continuing education, trade publications, seminars, and industry conferences should be a part of your career, long after you graduate from a master’s in literacy online.

Help Children (and Adults!) Learn to Read so They Can Read to Learn

Reading is a pillar in education. You can help people become lifelong learners, setting the foundation for academic and professional success by completing an affordable online master’s in literacy. Use the resources on GetEducated.com today for more information on the best master’s in literacy online for your needs!

Reading and language comprehension are important skills for learners from all backgrounds: ESL students, students with developmental delays, and those who struggle with skills deficits. If you value education for all, adding a master’s in literacy to your credentials can increase your earning potential while also increasing your value to the students you serve.

A master’s in literacy online can vary a lot in cost—with over $36,000 difference in tuition costs between the cheapest and most expensive schools. We researched all 121 programs at 109 schools that offer a master’s in literacy online to identify the cheapest options. It pays to Get Educated before you enroll!

Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,000
Least Expensive: The University of Texas at Tyler ~$7,625
Most Expensive: University of San Diego ~$43,950

Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There’s no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest master’s in literacy online. The online literacy and reading degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2018 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.

Most Affordable Master’s in Literacy Online

RankSchool / DegreeStatePriceNote
1
The University of Texas at Tyler
(TX)
$7,625.00
$30,560.00
In-State
Out-of-State
2
American College of Education
(IN)
$8,160.00
All Students
3
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
(NC)
$8,183.00
$29,930.00
In-State
Out-of-State
4
Arkansas State University
(AR)
$9,122.50
All Students
5
Northeastern State University
(OK)
$9,302.70
$9,335.70
In-State
Out-of-State
6
University of the Cumberlands
(KY)
$9,700.00
All Students
7
University of Central Arkansas
Master of Science in Education in Reading CAEP,14
(AR)
$9,750.00
All Students
7
Northwest Missouri State University
(MO)
$9,750.00
All Students
9
Fort Hays State University
(KS)
$10,106.28
All Students
10
University of Nevada - Reno
Master of Education in Literacy Studies 14
(NV)
$10,278.00
$14,678.00
In-State
Out-of-State
11
Eastern New Mexico University
(NM)
$10,838.76
$14,148.96
In-State
Out-of-State
12
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Master of Education in Education / Reading Specialist CAEP,14
(OK)
$11,038.50
$19,948.50
In-State
Out-of-State
13
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
(AR)
$11,490.00
$9,600.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
14
Missouri State University
(MO)
$11,505.00
All Students
15
University of South Florida
(FL)
$12,054.90
$26,764.32
In-State
Out-of-State
16
Western Kentucky University
(KY)
$12,450.00
$21,210.00
$7,500.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
17
California State University-Fresno
(CA)
$12,522.50
$24,402.50
In-State
Out-of-State
18
Augustana University
Master of Education / Reading CAEP,14
(SD)
$12,750.00
All Students
19
University of Nebraska at Kearney
(NE)
$12,769.00
$17,197.00
In-State
Out-of-State
20
Black Hills State University
(SD)
$12,778.50
$22,725.50
In-State
Out-of-State
21
California State University-Fullerton
(CA)
$13,320.00
$25,200.00
In-State
Out-of-State
22
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
(TX)
$13,321.36
$29,998.72
In-State
Out-of-State
23
University of North Dakota
(ND)
$13,483.84
All Students
24
Hannibal-LaGrange University
(MO)
$13,650.00
All Students
25
Pittsburg State University
(KS)
$13,752.00
All Students
26
University of West Florida
(FL)
$13,845.60
$17,237.88
In-State
Out-of-State
27
Georgia Southern University
(GA)
$14,048.00
All Students
28
Olivet Nazarene University
(IL)
$14,080.00
All Students
29
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
(MA)
$14,220.00
All Students
30
Stephen F. Austin State University
(TX)
$14,490.00
$18,810.00
In-State
Out-of-State
31
California State University-San Marcos
(CA)
$14,584.00
All Students
32
Jacksonville State University
(AL)
$14,588.00
All Students
33
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
(WI)
$14,616.00
$30,290.70
In-State
Out-of-State
34
Southeastern University
(FL)
$14,680.00
All Students
35
Bethel University - IN
(IN)
$14,820.00
All Students
36
SUNY Oneonta
(NY)
$14,858.00
$17,648.00
In-State
Out-of-State
37
Texas A & M University - Commerce
(TX)
$14,968.80
$29,908.80
In-State
Out-of-State
38
Regis University
(CO)
$15,200.00
All Students
39
Graceland University
Master of Education / Literacy Instruction 14
(IA)
$15,210.00
All Students
40
Concordia University - Nebraska
(NE)
$15,300.00
All Students
40
Eastern Kentucky University
(KY)
$15,300.00
$9,750.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
42
SUNY at Albany
(NY)
$15,300.30
$18,090.30
In-State
Out-of-State
43
University of Northern Colorado
(CO)
$15,600.00
All Students
44
Georgia State University
(GA)
$15,816.00
All Students
45
Liberty University
(VA)
$15,836.00
$10,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
46
University at Buffalo
(NY)
$15,860.10
$18,650.10
In-State
Out-of-State
47
Wilmington University
(DE)
$15,941.00
$10,100.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
48
University of South Carolina-Columbia
(SC)
$15,942.50
$17,652.50
In-State
Out-of-State
49
Asbury University
(KY)
$16,150.00
All Students
50
Indiana University Online
(IN)
$16,535.16
$19,626.12
In-State
Out-of-State
51
University of Alabama at Birmingham
(AL)
$16,550.00
All Students
52
Jackson State University
(MS)
$16,632.00
All Students
53
Ohio University
(OH)
$16,665.00
$17,254.00
In-State
Out-of-State
54
Wilmington University
(DE)
$16,895.00
$10,700.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
55
Park University
(MO)
$16,925.00
$12,365.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
56
Upper Iowa University
(IA)
$17,110.00
All Students
57
Hamline University
(MN)
$17,141.00
All Students
58
Bowling Green State University
(OH)
$17,198.88
$17,594.88
In-State
Out-of-State
59
University of Northern Iowa
(IA)
$17,291.00
All Students
60
Concordia University Texas
Master of Education in Advanced Literacy Instruction 14
(TX)
$17,300.00
All Students
61
Central Washington University
Master of Education / Literacy 14
(WA)
$17,331.50
$21,170.50
In-State
Out-of-State
62
University of New England
Master of Science in Education / Literacy (K-12) 14
(ME)
$17,360.00
All Students
63
The University of Findlay
(OH)
$17,688.00
All Students
64
Belhaven University
(MS)
$17,755.00
All Students
65
West Virginia University
(WV)
$17,820.00
$44,640.00
In-State
Out-of-State
66
Western Colorado University
(CO)
$17,910.00
All Students
66
New England College
Master of Education / Literacy - Reading & Language Arts 14
(NH)
$17,910.00
All Students
68
Austin Peay State University
(TN)
$17,914.50
$24,514.50
In-State
Out-of-State
NOTE: The following schools did not make our Best Buy ranking but are also great online options.
School / DegreeStatePriceNote
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
(WI)
$18,140.00
All Students
Saint Leo University
(FL)
$18,185.00
All Students
Northern Michigan University
(MI)
$18,292.00
All Students
Walden University
Master of Science in Education / Adolescent Literacy & Learning 14
(MN)
$18,325.00
$15,715.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Minnesota State University-Mankato
(MN)
$18,476.96
All Students
Sam Houston State University
(TX)
$18,517.00
All Students
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (part of Pennsylvania Western University)
Master of Education / Reading CAEP,14
(PA)
$18,768.00
$21,903.00
In-State
Out-of-State
University of Florida
(FL)
$19,149.48
$22,876.56
In-State
Out-of-State
Newman University
(KS)
$19,240.00
All Students
University of Dayton
(OH)
$19,540.00
All Students
Eastern Washington University
(WA)
$19,557.37
All Students
Northern Michigan University
(MI)
$19,906.00
All Students
George Fox University
(OR)
$20,055.00
All Students
Clarion University of Pennsylvania (part of Pennsylvania Western University)
Master of Education in Reading CAEP,14
(PA)
$20,268.00
$23,073.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Eastern Oregon University
(OR)
$20,352.50
All Students
Tennessee Technological University
(TN)
$20,691.00
$28,974.00
In-State
Out-of-State
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
(PA)
$21,124.00
$30,412.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Marygrove College
Master of Education in Reading 14
(MI)
$21,128.00
All Students
Central Michigan University
(MI)
$21,506.00
$12,830.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Concordia University - Nebraska
(NE)
$21,675.00
All Students
Mount Saint Joseph University
(OH)
$21,740.00
All Students
University of Mary
(ND)
$21,960.00
All Students
Lesley University
(MA)
$22,075.00
All Students
Spring Arbor University
(MI)
$22,278.00
All Students
Baldwin Wallace University
(OH)
$22,351.00
All Students
Gannon University
(PA)
$22,440.00
All Students
Virginia Commonwealth University
(VA)
$22,539.00
$46,035.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Rowan University
(NJ)
$22,680.00
All Students
National University
(CA)
$22,900.00
$15,910.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
University of Delaware
(DE)
$22,926.00
All Students
Regent University
(VA)
$23,100.00
$12,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Notre Dame College (School Closing)
Master of Education / Reading & Literacy
(OH)
$23,160.00
All Students
University of Michigan-Flint
Master of Arts in Literacy Education 14
(MI)
$23,400.00
$34,200.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Regent University
(VA)
$23,650.00
$12,250.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Fontbonne University (School Closing)
Master of Arts in Education / Reading CAEP
(MO)
$25,476.00
All Students
Walsh University
(OH)
$25,505.00
All Students
University of St Francis
(IL)
$26,052.00
All Students
University of Georgia
(GA)
$26,226.00
All Students
Canisius College
(NY)
$27,980.00
All Students
Mercy College
(NY)
$29,420.00
All Students
Nova Southeastern University
(FL)
$37,840.00
All Students
Loyola Marymount University
Master of Arts in Literacy Instruction for Urban Environments CAEP,14
(CA)
$38,450.00
All Students
Loyola Marymount University
Master of Arts in Reading Instruction 14
(CA)
$42,269.00
All Students
University of San Diego
Master of Education in Literacy & Digital Learning CAEP,14
(CA)
$43,950.00
All Students

14  Program is no longer accepting new students.

Accreditation & Licensing Note: As in all careers with state-specific licensure requirements, prospective applicants should contact the education department in their state of residence and ensure the desired program qualifies a graduate for teacher licensure. Not all programs listed lead to licensure. Applicants can also learn more by clicking the links to request information about each degree program. To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.

36 Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2018 review of regionally accredited master’s in literacy online. 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 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 degree 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 a master’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is 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 schools for literacy and reading 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 master’s in literacy online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.