7 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Idaho 2025
Students in Idaho can complete a master's degree in just about every field of study entirely online, from one of several schools at an affordable tuition rate.
More and more institutions are offering online degree programs, but it can be time-consuming to find the most affordable master's degree online that fits your needs. Costs and program offerings vary, but several schools offer high-quality, cheap online master's programs in Idaho.
Students who already have a bachelor's degree can complete a master's program within one or two years in one of many fields of study at an affordable cost. Continue reading to discover the 10 cheapest online master's programs in Idaho that still provide a quality education with a flexible structure.
7 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Idaho
With the increasing availability of online educational options, there is an array of cheap online colleges. Students in Idaho can now earn a master's degree entirely online, with little to no on-campus requirements. Affordable online master's programs are offered in various fields, from education and teaching to business and accounting.
1. Boise State University
Boise State University offers several online doctoral and graduate programs with the most affordable rates in Idaho. In addition to a long list of graduate certificate options, online master's programs include degrees in:
- education
- business
- digital communications management
- accountancy
- special education
- social work
- cyber operations
- genetic counseling
Tuition for the summer semester is $220 per credit hour, while the fall and spring semesters have tuition rates of $278 (part-time enrollment) and $340 (full-time) per credit.
- Average cost per credit hour: $220 to $340
- Financial aid: Students who have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for in-house scholarships and can apply for external aid.
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
2. Lewis-Clark State
Lewis-Clark State offers three affordable online master's degree programs focused on nursing, accounting, and nursing leadership in healthcare. Part-time students have a tuition rate of $510 per credit, while this varies for full-time students � it can mean a tuition rate of $568, $426, or even less per credit. This school, also known as LC State, has focused on accessible, high-quality programs for more than 130 years, centering programs and experiences around students.
- Average cost per credit hour: $426 to $568
- Financial aid: LC State offers an in-house portal for browsing and applying for various scholarships.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
3. Idaho State University
Idaho State University (ISU) offers dozens of online master's programs, as well as several online doctoral degrees. Graduate students can pursue an affordable online master's degree in fields such as:
- educational leadership
- public health
- teaching
- sociology
- special education
- nursing
- business administration
Tuition is $501 or less per credit hour, depending on enrollment, and ISU offers a ''tuition lock'' that ensures students won't unexpectedly have increased tuition rates while completing their online degrees.
- Average cost per credit hour: $489 to $501
- Financial aid: Students who maintain a satisfactory GPA and enrollment can apply for several types of financial aid.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
4. College of Idaho
The College of Idaho offers two affordable master's degree programs that cater to the busy student: an online Master of Arts in organizational leadership (MAOL) and a hybrid Master of Education (MEd). The MEd program runs as a cohort, beginning every summer and allowing students to complete in-person requirements at locations near them. The MAOL program begins each fall and allows students to complete coursework asynchronously as they progress through the 12-month program.
- Average cost per credit hour: $525 to $600
- Financial aid: The school assists students with identifying and applying for various types of financial aid.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
5. Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University combines its Christian foundations with flexible, affordable, and high-quality online graduate programs. Students can pursue one of several degrees entirely online:
- MEd in curriculum, instruction, and innovation
- Master of Science (MS) in counseling (couple/family, marriage, or clinical mental health focus areas)
- Master of Arts in leadership and formation
The tuition rate varies by program, ranging from $555 to $598 per credit hour.
- Average cost per credit hour: $555 to $598
- Financial aid: NNU awarded more than $20 million in financial aid in its most recent academic year, and offers several financial aid options.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
6. Eagle Gate College
Eagle Gate College offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is one of the top master's degrees that pay well. Students can choose between a focus on nursing education or administration and leadership.
The program is designed to be flexible for students, allowing online coursework with the required practicum hours completed at the end of the program. The program also has specialized accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Average cost per credit hour: $558
- Financial aid: Eagle Gate College offers in-house scholarships and grants, in addition to external sources of aid.
- Accreditation: CCNE
7. University of Idaho
For more than 120 years, the University of Idaho has led innovation, research, and the development of leaders through its accessible and high-quality programs. Online students can pursue graduate degrees in fields such as:
- statistics
- computer science
- education
- public administration
- natural resources
- engineering
- music
- criminology
It offers an array of online courses and programs, including many graduate options of certificates, doctoral degrees, and master's programs.
- Average cost per credit hour: $619
- Financial aid: Online students are automatically considered for any available in-house financial aid.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Other Affordable Online Master's Programs
In addition to the schools above, online students in Idaho can complete flexible, high-quality master's degree programs at affordable prices. To round out our top 10 most affordable online master's degree programs, here are three other options outside of the state.
1. Capella University
Capella University offers online students two different paths to earn their degree: one that is more structured and guided and one that is more flexible. While the school offers more than 40 online graduate programs, the most affordable online master's programs that students can complete for $398 to $525 per credit hour are those in education, nursing, psychology, social work, and more.
- Average cost per credit hour: $398 to $525
- Financial aid: The financial aid office will work with students to assist them in searching and obtaining financial aid.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. Strayer University
Strayer University is focused on providing flexible programs that support and encourage student success. It offers coaches to students who help to guide them throughout their educational journey.
The most affordable online master's programs offered by Strayer University are the MEd, the MS in Accountancy, and the Master of Health Services Administration. These three programs cost $560 per credit hour; the school also offers a Master of Public Administration with a tuition rate of $667 per credit.
- Average cost per credit hour: $560 to $667
- Financial aid: Strayer offers in-house discounts and awards, including a 50% off tuition program for qualifying students.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. Liberty University
With various choices for customizing degree requirements, Liberty University (LU) offers almost 200 online doctoral programs and nearly 400 online master's programs. A few of the many online master's degree options are fields such as:
- aeronautics
- statistics
- cybersecurity
- finance
- healthcare administration
- business administration
- public policy
- communication
LU's eight-week course format allows students to complete their online programs in less time than traditional semesters.
- Average cost per credit hour: $565
- Financial aid: In addition to steep military and veterans' discounts, LU offers several in-house financial aid options.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
How We Rank Schools
In compiling a list of the top schools for online master's degree program in Idaho, our team carefully reviewed specific characteristics of available online programs and the schools that offer them. Each of the programs on this list have met or exceeded the criteria used in finding the best and most affordable master's programs.
- Accreditation: Each of the schools listed have been granted institutional accreditation, which requires that they meet specific standards regarding quality and educational outcomes by the accrediting bodies.
- Affordability: Every school in Idaho that offers online master's degrees was reviewed so that all schools with cheap online master's degrees would be ranked.
- Program reputation: All programs offer flexible options for completion, including the number of courses that students can take each year as well as when students log in to complete assignments.
FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Idaho
Many students have questions about cheap online master's degree programs offered in Idaho regarding price, selection, and funding. Some of the most commonly asked questions are answered below, although specific details and program components can vary by school and student.
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Idaho?
The cost of an online master's program depends on the number of credit hours it requires, the tuition rate, and other fees incurred. The fees vary by school, but the tuition range for an average 36-credit program would be around $8,000 to $24,000, based on tuition rates from the schools on this list.
How Can I Get My Master's Degree If I Can't Afford It?
If you can't afford a master's degree, consider cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA. Many students utilize various forms of financial aid to pay for their online master's programs, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
To apply for financial aid, you should first fill out the FAFSA and then speak to a financial aid advisor at your school about locating scholarships and grants. You can also find countless grants and scholarships through private groups and organizations � you should only use loans as a last resort since the amount you borrow will compound interest and increase the cost.
What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get Online?
Students interested in pursuing easier master's degree programs online should look for those that allow more flexibility in courseload, allowing them to take more or less classes as their schedule allows. In addition, shorter programs requiring less credits and those that accept transfer credits from a bachelor's degree will also enable students to decrease the required coursework for their programs.
What Is the Least Valuable Master's Degree?
Most people would agree that the least valuable master's degrees are the ones that do not ultimately pay off (or pay as well). High-paying master's degrees are going to be the more valuable investments of your time and energy, as graduates tend to earn more with certain master's programs.
Find Online Graduate Degrees
Read more about the best and most affordable online master's programs on Learn.org. Reach out to a school of interest to learn how you can get started on your next educational journey.