30 Easiest Masters Degree Online - Accredited Online Colleges

Online Master’s Degree Programs: Easy and Affordable!

Why Should I Earn My Master’s Online?

Choose one of our 30 Easiest Master’s Degree Programs Online and increase your earning potential without uprooting your life!

Featured Programs

As the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, salaries rise with more education. The number of jobs that require a graduate-level education is quickly increasing as well. The BLS projects that these positions will grow by nearly 17% in the next six years, faster than any other education level.

So, a master’s degree opens more doors to higher-paying positions than just having a bachelor’s degree. Online learning does something similar. It opens doors to more affordable learning.

By getting one of the cheapest online masters, you aren’t restricted to nearby universities. You don’t need to move to find the most cost-effective program, either. You won’t even need to quit your job!

An online graduate degree allows you to keep working while pursuing a program that fits your budget and goals.

Will My Diploma Say That I Got My Degree Online?

No. With an online graduate program, you’ll do the same assignments as on-campus students. You’ll learn the same material as on-campus students, too.

The same faculty teach many programs. So, even though the course delivery differs, the expectations are the same. And your diploma will be too.

Plus, online learning is no longer “nontraditional.”

According to a study by the Urban Institute, 31% of master’s students report that their programs were entirely online. If you already have an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree could easily be in your future!

What Jobs Require a Master’s Degree?

Master’s degrees are not always a requirement for a promotion. But, listing one on your resume can make you a better job candidate.

The BLS reports that 85% of workers with a master’s degree hold management or professional roles. This shows that getting a better job often goes hand-in-hand with advancing your education. The job you are hoping for may require more than a bachelor’s degree, and an online masters might be the way forward.

What Are the Best Easy Online Master’s Degrees?

If you’re looking for a master’s degree, this is the place!

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each degree program has individual scores. It’s then compared to all other universities offering the same degree program. This is done to determine the final score you see by each ranking.

Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and number of on-campus and online programs. To learn more, visit our methodology page.

Check out these online master’s degree programs!

1. American Public University

American Public University is a cost-effective choice for graduate students. If you are also a U.S. service member, it’s even cheaper.

At this school, active-duty military members get a tuition discount. The discount is $120 per credit hour. This puts APU at the top of our cheapest masters degree online list!

All textbooks and technology fees are waived for military students. With financial help like this, it’s no surprise that 80% of APU’s students are servicemembers and veterans.

APU’s courses also reflect its military focus. For example, you can get a masters degree in:

Homeland Security
Military History
Emergency and Disaster Management
Criminal Justice
Sports Management
Healthcare Administration

APU has more than 40 online degree programs. This gives prospective students like you a lot of choices to fit with your goals.

If you enroll at APU, you won’t need to wait until the fall to start your master’s degree. This university offers monthly start dates. Classes take either eight or 16 weeks to complete. You’ll need between 12 to 15 courses to graduate.

Learn more about Online Masters Programs at American Public University here.

2. University of the People

The University of the People is a tuition-free school. That’s right – there is no tuition! Talk about being one of the cheapest online master’s degree options!

The university was founded in 2009. It treats higher education as a basic human right. The faculty and staff believe it has the power to promote global peace and economic development.

The University of the People is dedicated to helping students in underserved communities. Students come from around the world. Enrollment is more than 27,000 students. About 1,000 of these are refugees, many of whom are from Syria.

The university keeps costs low through big donations. Graduate students pay a $200 fee after completing each course. Several scholarships are available to reduce these costs even more.

UoPeople offers these online master’s programs:

Business Administration
Computer Science
Health Science
Education

These online master’s degree programs can be done in as few as 15 to 17 months. The total cost for these online programs is well under $3,000.

Learn more about the Online Programs at the University of the People here.

3. Ohio University

Ohio University began in 1804. It was the first university in the state of Ohio. Athens, where the school is located, is often ranked as one of the country’s best college towns.

OU is committed to affordable higher education. It has frozen its tuition rates the past four years. This has helped the university offer some of the cheapest online masters degree programs you can find.

Ohio University has more than 30 online master’s degrees. There are also many certificate programs. OU business, health sciences, and education,

This school has several unique degrees like the fully online master’s degree:

Master of Science in Chemistry
Master of Music Education
Master of Arts in Organizational Communication

If you want to take classes online and interact with professors and classmates face-to-face, becoming a “Bobcat” is a great option. OU also offers several blended programs. For example, you can get an Executive Master of Public Administration, which incorporates monthly, on-campus weekend classes.

Learn more about Online Master’s Degree Programs at Ohio University here.

4. American Business & Technology University

American Business & Technology University offers one of the most affordable online degree programs. Students pay just $249 per credit hour. The 36-credit-hour degree’s total tuition is under $11,000. Compare this to some business schools that charge as much as $2,000 per credit! This is definitely one of the cheapest online graduate programs.

ABTU’s MBA is the only master’s program offered at the school. Based in Missouri, this university is an entirely online institution. There are several online:

associate’s
bachelor’s
certificate programs

Many universities deliver asynchronous courses. But ABTU likes live interaction. Courses are scheduled at specific times so you can ask questions and get immediate answers from your professors.

You can also tune in while you’re on the go through the school’s mobile app.

ABTU students have the flexibility to study at any time. All lectures for this master’s degree are recorded and can be played back around the clock.

Learn more about Online Master’s Degree Programs at American Business & Technology University here.

5. Amridge University

Amridge University is a private, Christian school. It’s committed to online education.

This university began online courses in 1993. It is as a nationwide frontrunner in distance education.

Today, Amridge has more than 20 online graduate programs. Many of these programs focus on Christianity studies. If you want a master’s degree from a Christian university, Amridge may be your choice.

Amridge’s Turner School of Theology is a good option if you want to be a minister. Its online 78-credit-hour Master of Divinity prepares you for a leadership role in the church. It’s one of many graduate-level degrees delivered by the school.

Amridge’s School of Education and Human Services has several options if you want to serve as a counselor. For example, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a seven-semester program. It prepares you to get a counseling license.

Lastly, Amridge’s College of Business and Leadership offers programs like the 40-credit-hour Master of Science in Leadership and Management. Check out their online master’s degree programs!

Learn more about the Online Master’s Programs at Amridge University here.

6. University of Arkansas

Go to the University of Arkansas and cheer on the Razorbacks!

Arkansas boasts Division 1 teams in many sports. The Razorbacks aren’t just competitive on the field, though. The school also ranks at No. 72 among U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools.

U of A’s online learning system is well-tested. More than 3,000 Razorbacks study exclusively online. More than 14,000 students take online classes.

This university has more than 20 online master’s degrees. It’s really known for its education and engineering programs. It ranks at No. 42 and No. 46, respectively, on U.S. News & World Report’s lists for online graduate programs in these fields.

Online master’s degree programs include:

Master of Laws in Agricultural and Food Law
Master of Science in Food Safety
Master of Education in Educational Equity
Master of Education in Educational Leadership

One of these easiest online master’s degrees is sure to be the program to fit your needs!

Learn more about Online Programs at the University of Arkansas here.

7. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers affordable online tuition. The rate is just $287 per credit hour.

The value of an FHSU degree is really good for nurses. This Kansas-based school ranks at No. 31 among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.

At FHSU, you can get an online Master’s in Nursing Administration or Education. You can also get a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

FHSU Online has more than 60 online graduate programs. Online master’s degree programs include:

Master of Business Administration with a Tourism and Hospitality Management concentration
Master of Arts in Public History
Master of Science in Health and Human Performance
Master’s in School Psychology

Fort Hays once served as a teacher’s college. As such, it also offers many programs for teachers. If you want to make a career change to education, you might choose to enroll in FHSU’s Master of Science in Education, Transition to Teaching program.

Learn more about Online Programs at Fort Hays State University here.

8. University of Alaska Fairbanks

You don’t have to travel to “The Last Frontier” to graduate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This public university offers six fully online master’s degrees. Many of these programs reflect UAF’s unique location.

For example, an online Master of Arts in Arctic and Northern Studies looks at the communities that have braved the cold for centuries.

There is also an online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in:

Fisheries
Marine Biology
Oceanography

This program develops leaders with the scientific and business knowledge to help industries overcome climate change.

Alaska may be remote. But don’t underestimate this university’s academics. UAF ranks at No. 128 among U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools. Its online graduate program in justice administration ranks at No. 37 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs.

UAF also offers an online Master of Education. There are concentrations in Special Education and Online Innovation and Design.

Learn more about Online Master’s Degree Programs at University of Alaska Fairbanks here.

9. Eastern New Mexico University

Become an Eastern New Mexico University “Greyhound!” Doing so allows you to zip through your graduate-level coursework.

ENMU’s online courses follow a four- or eight-week format. You get to study a single topic, master it, and then speed on to their next lesson.

ENMU is the state’s largest public university. It has around 5,700 students. About a fifth of its student body is getting graduate degrees.

Online learners can choose between 18 fully online master’s degrees such as:

business
communication
nursing

However, teachers will find the most learning choices at ENMU. The school’s Master of Education has nine specializations. These include:

Educational Technology
Career and Technical Education
Elementary Education

Additionally, ENMU has several online certificate programs. An example is its Personal Financial Planning certificate. You might also consider a Master’s in Physical Education. You can get that certificate with a focus on Sport Administration.

ENMU uses Blackboard and Mediasite for its online learning programs. In Blackboard, you will find your assignments, grades, and syllabi. Mediasite stores live and recorded lectures.

Learn more about Online Master’s Degree Programs at Eastern New Mexico University here.

10. Minot State University

Minot State University gives you a small college experience at a public university’s cost.

There’s a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With small classes, this North Dakota school provides you with individualized attention. In total, MSU enrolls just over 3,100 students. About 300 students are in graduate programs.

Minot State has five online master’s degree programs. If you’re a teacher, you can advance your education. There’s a Master of Education with three available concentrations. There’s also a Master of Science in Special Education with four specializations.

If you want to rise in the ranks at your company, you can get a Master of Science in Management. Or, if you want to work as a high school or college coach, you might choose to enroll in MSU’s sports management graduate program.

Lastly, if you like computers, you can earn an online Master’s in Information Systems. You will find a master’s degree to fit your career desires!

Learn more about Online Master’s Programs at Minot State University here.

11. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is near some of the state’s biggest employers. Serving working students is this school’s priority.

Today, online learning makes it easier than ever for this school to deliver quality education. Your education here doesn’t interfere with the workday.

UA Little Rock has 19 graduate-level degrees. This includes U.S. News & World Report’s No. 19 Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Program. Additional master’s programs include:

Master of Science in Information Quality
Master of Social Work
Master of Education in Rural and Urban School Leadership
Master of Science in Criminal Justice

If you become an online graduate student at UA Little Rock, you’ll pay $383 per credit. There are no additional fees.

If you’re a veteran or currently serving in the military, you’ll save even more. It’s just $320 per graduate-level credit. This is an affordable master’s degree for sure!

Learn more about Online Master’s Degree Programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock here.

12. Aspen University

Aspen University is in Denver, the “Mile-High City.” Your student debt won’t rise a mile high if you choose to enroll here.

Offering affordable tuition, Aspen is on a mission to make the price of college lower. There’s no math to do when estimating your cost of attendance. Aspen gives a full breakdown of how much you can expect to pay. This includes estimates for tuition, fees, and books.

Aspen also offers a different way for you to pay. There’s no-interest monthly payment plans. Instead of paying per credit, graduate students pay $325 per month until the balance is zero. This is an affordable master’s degree!

Aspen is a fully online institution. It has ten master’s degrees. There are three doctoral degrees. These programs fall into six areas. This includes:

nursing
technology
education

Aspen also offers a unique Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Counseling.

Learn more about each Online Master’s Degree at Aspen University here.

13. Western Governors University

WGU is based in Alabama. The school offers more than 30 online master’s programs. These programs range from business and education to health sciences and information technology.

All programs follow a competency-based learning model. As a WGU student, you can use past knowledge to help you move more quickly through material that you already know.

At WGU, you pay flat-rate tuition for each six-month term. The more classes you take at one time, the less you’ll pay in tuition. This payment model rewards hard workers. It also encourages you to stick with your studies. WGU makes it easy to start an online master’s degree.

Learn more about each Master’s Degree at Western Governors University here.

14. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University proves that academic achievements have no age limit. This New Jersey-based school provides degree programs for mature adults. There are more than 17,000 learners. TESU’s average student age is 35.

TESU offers 17 online graduate programs. This includes two doctoral degrees in business administration and nurse practice. There are various master’s degrees too. Choose from accounting and public service to liberal studies and nursing.

If you enroll at TESU, you can design your program. This helps you learn in your preferred style. If you learn best by discussing course material with classmates, then you can choose to take interactive courses. But if you like to work alone, you can take exam prep courses. You can also take classes without a group work requirement.

Earn a masters degree in:

Educational Leadership
Human Resources Management
Healthcare Management

Get details on financial aid for these online masters here.

Learn more about each Online Master’s Program at Thomas Edison State University here.

15. Southwestern Oklahoma State University

At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, online graduate students have several distance education options. This puts you in control of how you want to learn.

First, SOSU offers programs delivered through Canvas. Canvas programs utilize asynchronous coursework. This means you choose when you want to study. You just have to attend virtual classes daily.

Seven programs using this format. This includes degrees in:

healthcare informatics
education
nursing

Second, at SOSU, you can take one of the school’s Webinar/Zoom programs. These classes have scheduled virtual classrooms. You simply tune in for live lectures and discussions. This path is a great option if networking is critical for your future career.

Available Webinar/Zoom programs include:

a Master of Business Administration
a Master of Education in Educational Administration

Lastly, virtual Bulldogs can enroll in a blended program. This combines online and in-person coursework. Available degree programs in this track focus on psychology.

Learn more about financial aid for the degree programs for the online masters here.

Learn more about each Online Master’s Program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University here.

16. Southern Illinois University

Never heard of a “Saluki?” Well, enroll at Southern Illinois University, and you’ll become one. This dog breed is SIU’s mascot. In 1951, the university polled students to choose a new nickname. Saluki beat out other names like the “Rebels” and the “Marauders!”

SIU ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools. This school is in Carbondale and has gotten awards for its online Master of Business Administration program. U.S. News ranks that program at No. 69.

SIU’s MBA program takes less than two years to complete. It is accredited by the gold standard in business schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

In addition to its online MBA, SIU offers multiple online master’s degrees. These include:

Master of Architecture
Master of Health Informatics
Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry

Learn about financial aid for the degree programs for the online masters here.

Learn more about the Degree Programs at Southern Illinois University here.

17. University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Not everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s okay! The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is the smallest school in the University of Texas System. There are about 5,800 students. Nearly 19% of them are getting graduate degrees.

Here, you’ll benefit from UTPB’s small campus. You also get to join the statewide UT system.

Become a UTPB “Falcon,” and you can get one of seven online master’s degrees.

Better yet, you can get a degree in about 12 months. UTPB offers accelerated graduate programs. These include:

Master of Business Administration
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Master of Public Administration

Again, each only takes a year to earn.

The same professors teach UTPB’s online programs and on-campus programs. Online Falcons use Canvas. It’s a convenient hub for weekly assignments and discussion boards.

Learn more about financial aid for the degree programs for the online masters here.

Learn more about each Easiest Online Master’s Degree at University of Texas of the Permian Basin here.

18. Eastern Illinois University

Calling all creative types! At Eastern Illinois University, you’ll discover two arts-focused online masters. You can’t find programs like this at many other schools.

There is a Master of Arts in Art with concentrations in Art Education and Community Arts. This program combines online classes with studio meetings. This allows you to develop your artistic talents. Studio meetings also let you network with fellow artists.

EIU’s online Masters in Art is one of 21 virtual graduate programs. These range from history and music to cybersecurity and talent development.

All online students pay a cost-effective tuition rate of $362.90 per credit hour. This includes fees and textbook rentals.

Eastern Illinois is a public university. It has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

This school serves as a National Student Exchange host school, too. It has partner schools in:

Guam
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Learn more about each Easy Online Masters Degree at Eastern Illinois University here.

19. Oregon State University

Calling all engineers! If you like problem-solving, then Oregon State University is your school.

OSU has a well-respected engineering school. It’s one of the best in the country. It ranks at No. 12 among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Masters in Engineering Programs.

Better yet, you don’t need to live in the “Beaver State” to take advantage of OSU’s affordable tuition. All online students pay the same low costs. Find the masters degree program for you!

Oregon State is the state’s largest public university. It has around 32,000 students. About 20% of students take online classes.

Prospective students have more than 30 options in graduate programs and certificates. These cover areas like business, education, and public health.

If you want to become a “Beaver” to save the beavers, you’ll find many environmentally-focused opportunities at OSU. There are:

fisheries and wildlife administration programs
urban forestry programs
organic agriculture programs

Check out information about financial aid for the online masters here.

Learn more about the Degree Programs for Online Masters at Oregon State University here.

20. Arkansas State University

At Arkansas State University, you can pay as little as $277 per credit hour. That’s not bad for an online graduate program!

Since 2008, more than 10,000 online learners have taken advantage of A-State’s affordable tuition rates. And upon graduation, you join an alumni network of more than 90,000 “Red Wolves.”

A-State Online has around 20 online master’s programs. Educators will find many options here. You can focus on school counseling, special education, and curriculum and instruction. Or, you can get a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services.

With this degree, you can help improve the college experience for others. You can work in financial aid, multicultural affairs, or academic advising.

As an online A-State student, you have a mentor. This mentor helps answer questions about courses and gives advice on what classes to take.

Learn more about each masters degree program for the Online Degree Programs Arkansas State University here.

21. Chadron State College

Chadron State College’s mission is to develop leaders who will enrich Nebraska’s High Plains and beyond. This university takes “beyond” seriously.

CSC’s online graduate programs allow students from across the country to take advantage of its affordable tuition rates. It’s just $370 per graduate-level credit hour. Moreover, CSC’s students travel the globe. You can take part in faculty-led study abroad trips to places like:

London
Cuba
Ireland

CSC once served as a teacher’s college. Educators find robust online offerings here. Online learners can pursue a masters degree in Education or a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

CSC also offers an online master’s degree in Master of Business Administration with a Generalist:

Accounting
Digital Marketing
Healthcare Management

Generalist Track includes:

CO-OP Management
Marketing Representative
Project Management

Coursework in all online masters is delivered in an eight-week, asynchronous format. You can begin your studies three times throughout the year.

Learn more about Easiest Online Masters Degrees at Chadron State College here.

22. West Texas A&M University

Keep profits high and costs low by earning your Master of Business Administration at West Texas A&M University.

WT’s affordable tuition rates provide great value for soon-to-be business leaders. This school ranks at No. 54 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Online MBA Programs and at No. 29 on its list of the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA).

WT is also well-respected in information technology. It ranks at No. 8 on U.S News’ list for online graduate programs in this field.

WT’s MBA is a two-year program with online courses that mirror those taken by on-campus students. Business students choose one of five concentrations for their masters degree. You can choose from computer information systems, marketing, and management.

In total, WT offers more than 15 online masters degrees. These include:

Master of Arts in Counseling
Master of Science in Engineering
Master of Arts in Teaching
MEd in Educational Leadership

Learn more about each Masters Degree at West Texas A&M University here.

23. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands’ history stretches back to the 19th century. That’s when it was founded by a group of Kentucky-based ministers.

Today, UC continues to uphold its founders’ mission by providing faith-based higher education. UC’s commitment to Christian values is demonstrated through a focus on service-learning. All UC students participate in community service.

UC is a good choice for students who strive to serve communities by keeping them safe. In fact, the school ranks at No. 7 among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs. This is one of 35 online master’s and doctoral degrees available. The rest cover areas like:

business
health science
information technology

Students can also choose to get a Masters Degree in Christian Studies.

In addition to fully online degrees, UC offers several executive-format business programs. These combine online coursework with in-person weekend classes. This provides face-to-face networking opportunities.

Learn more about a Masters Degree at University of the Cumberlands here.

24. Valdosta State University

If you’re a curious learner who loves to help fellow students, you might consider pursuing Valdosta State University’s online Master of Library Information Science. This degree prepares you for roles like archivist, information analyst, and library manager.

Valdosta State has a sunny, palm-tree-lined campus in South Georgia. However, prospective “Blazers” don’t need to visit this pretty public university to earn their diploma. VSU has 25 online master’s and doctoral degrees.

Many of these focus on advanced studies in education. VSU’s Master of Arts in Teaching offers six specializations. For example, you can focus on Foreign Language Education.

The school’s Master of Education offers nine concentrations. This includes Adult and Career Education and Educational Leadership.

Other masters degree options:

Criminal Justice
Healthcare Administration
Public Administration

All online VSU students pay in-state tuition rates. As a VSU student, you have access to campus-wide resources, like the Academic Support Center. You can get for free tutoring there. You also have access to the University Advising & Student Transitions office. They provide academic and career advice.

Learn more about each Masters Degree at Valdosta State University here.

25. Tennessee State University

You won’t need to move to Nashville to earn a degree from Tennessee State University. However, you might want to! U.S News recently ranked Nashville as one of the best places to live in America. TSU is lucky to call the Music City home.

Tennessee State is a public university. There are about 7,700 students. A fifth of students are graduate learners.

This institution offers 16 online master’s and certificate programs. Aspiring landscape architects or urban planners can earn a Professional Science Master’s in Applied Geospatial Information Systems. Nurses have several concentration options with TSU’s Master of Science in Nursing. This includes Holistic Nursing.

If you want to promote healthier, longer lives, you can pursue TSU’s Master of Public Health.

TSU also offers a unique opportunity for veterans called Troops to Teachers. It’s a program that helps veterans transition into a teaching career.

Learn more about each Masters Degree at Tennessee State University here.

26. Georgia Southwestern State University

You don’t need to step foot in Americus, GA, to earn a degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.

But if you enroll here, you might want to visit to golf! GSW’s 250-acre campus boasts an 18-hole golf course. There are plenty of sunny days to enjoy a round of golf.

This public university offers an online Master of Business Administration program that costs just $257 per credit hour. Better yet, GSW’s College of Business and Computing is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is considered the top accrediting agency for business schools.

GSW also offers an online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems. There is an online Master of Science in Nursing as well. The latter requires clinical hours in addition to online courses. These can be arranged close to home.

Learn more about Online Masters at Georgia Southwestern State University here.

27. Marshall University

Enroll at Marshall University, and you’ll join a network of more than 91,000 proud alumni. This West Virginia-based school’s history stretches all the way back to 1837. Its long history is evident across its campus, with preserved buildings that date back to Marshall’s beginnings.

A big part of Marshall’s students consists of graduate students. As a grad student you can take advantage of the university’s low tuition to further your education. Full-time, online graduate students taking nine credit hours pay just $3,762 in tuition each year.

Marshall has more than ten online graduate degrees. Its Master of Science in Criminal Justice ranks at No. 51 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of graduate-level criminal justice programs.

If you’re interested in improving companies’ online presence, you should consider Marshall’s online Master of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in New Media Studies. You’ll tackle topics like:

web design
photojournalism
organizational storytelling

Learn more about Online Masters at Marshall University here.

28. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University provides a unique opportunity for nurses to advance their education and improve the health of rural communities. EKU offers a fully online Master of Science in Nursing – Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

Not only is this degree cost-effective, but it also provides great value. EKU ranks at No. 45 among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s In Nursing Programs.

This is one of nine online master’s at EKU. Another option is EKU’s online Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. In this program, you gain insight into how humans behave in groups. You can use this to suggest business strategies for increased productivity or collaboration.

Through Blackboard, EKU students easily access course material, quizzes, and discussion boards with classmates. Courses are delivered in two eight-week terms per semester. There are two six-week summer terms.

Learn more about Online Masters at Eastern Kentucky University here.

29. University of Maine

Lobsters, blueberries, and affordable online education. Maine has them all!

The University of Maine ranks at No. 100 among U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools. Its online Master of Business Administration and graduate-level education programs also rank highly, at No. 47 and No. 60, respectively. Best yet, online Maine residents pay only $450 per credit hour for their graduate coursework.

UMaine has just over 20 online graduate degree and certificate programs. This includes degrees in social work, nutrition, and information systems.

In addition, UMaine’s Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies provides two unique concentrations in Maine Studies or Peace and Reconciliation Studies.

UMaine is the state’s premier public research university. It has more than 109,000 alumni around the globe. The National Science Foundation ranks it as a top institution engaged in research.

The same faculty who are breaking new ground on campus teach online, too.

Learn more about Easiest Online Masters Degrees at University of Maine here.

30. Athens State University

If you’ve enrolled at Athens State University, you know you’re on the brink of something big.

This public university plays a unique role among Alabama’s schools as it only offers upper-division courses. For undergraduates, this means that Athens State’s students have already completed credit hours at a junior or community college. This helps you get ready to cross the finish line and graduate.

Two of Athens State’s colleges deliver online graduate-level degree programs – the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Business.

In the former, you can pursue a Master of Arts in Religious Studies. You’ll dive deep into a variety of religions’ texts, traditions, and institutions.

In the College of Business, online learners can earn a Master of Science in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This degree can take as few as 12 months. For both online programs, you pay just $340 per credit hour.

Learn more about Online Masters at Athens State University here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Easiest Masters Degree Programs

What Does “Accredited” Mean?

“Accreditation” means a university has the stamp-of-approval from an objective third party.

Accrediting agencies have an in-depth process for evaluating a school’s performance. They examine things like the quality of faculty member’s research and teaching abilities. They also look at the average length of time it takes students to graduate. The depth and breadth of a school’s student support services are evaluated, too. The organization then grants accreditation if a university meets its standards.

Enrolling in an accredited college or university is important. It guarantees that you will learn the right material from qualified instructors. It ensures that employers recognize the value of your degree. It keeps the door open to further academic achievements as well. You’ll need a degree from an accredited institution to pursue further graduate-level studies.

For graduate students, it’s also beneficial to research the programmatic accreditation at your school of choice. Programmatic accreditation is given by industry-focused agencies, like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication is another example.

These agencies evaluate specific degree programs, determining whether or not they properly prepare graduates to excel on the job.

There are two types of accreditation in higher education: institutional and programmatic. Agencies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education ensure that schools within their regions are meeting higher educational standards across all programs. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission (SACSCOC ) accredits degrees for higher education in the southern states.

What Do I Need to Apply to a Graduate Degree Program?

This depends on the universities to which you apply.

In general, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You’ll also need an undergraduate GPA that meets your the school’s minimum requirement.

,You might need to take the GRE and provide letters of recommendation from former professors, too.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master’s?

A master’s degree typically takes two years of full-time study. This is assuming the program is 30 credit hours.

Many schools offer degree programs online, making it easy to get started! Accelerated programs may be available for a masters degree online.

What Is an “Affordable” Tuition Rate for Graduate Students?

In the 2016-2017 academic year, the average total graduate tuition for all institutions was $18,416, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. For a 30-credit-hour graduate program, this works out to approximately $614 per credit hour. Many of the programs on this list offer rates far below this average.

In general, public universities cost less than private schools. The NCES reported the average graduate tuition for private schools at $24,712. Public universities averaged $11,617.

Another benefit of online learning is that you often pay in-state tuition rates no matter where you reside.

Choose the online masters degree that works best for you and your financial needs.

Can Graduate Students Receive Financial Aid For Online Masters Degree Programs?

Because graduate students already have a bachelor’s degree, they are no longer eligible for need-based financial aid, such as the Pell Grant.

However, graduate students can fill out a FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to take out federal student loans to fund their education. These loans offer lower interest rates than many private banks provide. They make cheap online masters degrees a possibility.

And there are several ways to forgo full payment of your federal loans. For example, teachers who serve full-time for five consecutive years in a low-income school can have a big chunk of their loans forgiven.

Graduate students can also apply for scholarships within their university and department. Non-academic organizations offer scholarships for graduate students, too.

To find these, search the websites of professional organizations or leading companies in your field. You might also find scholarships for graduate students in your home state or region. An online masters degree may be affordable for you!

What Are Common Easiest Online Masters Programs?

Every school is different. But, there are some majors that are consistently ranked as being the easiest.

If you’re looking for the easiest masters degree to get online, the following majors will suit you well:

Healthcare Administration
Criminal Justice
Sports Management
Human Services Masters Program
Computer Science
Project Management
Organizational Leadership
Educational Leadership
Human Resource Management
Educational Psychology
Financial Management

This list of easy masters degrees isn’t all-inclusive. It’s just a leaping point for exploring the options you have available to you.

Check Out These Other Notable Affordable Online Master’s Programs:

Shreveport Louisiana State University- Sport Management
Hampshire University Southern- Healthcare Administration
Weber State University- Criminal Justice
Liberty University- Criminal Justice
Academy of Art University- Art Education
Capella University- Educational Psychology

As you can see, cheap online master degrees are available in various majors from many different schools.

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30 Cheapest and Easiest Masters Degree Online