Fastest & Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees 2025

Earning a master's degree online is more accessible and affordable than ever before. With the cheapest online colleges offering online graduate programs, students can complete their degrees in less time and at a lower cost.

Whether you're a working professional or looking to advance your career quickly, these quick degree programs offer both speed and affordability, making it possible to gain the quickest, cheapest master's degree without breaking the bank.

Cheapest and Quickest Master's Degrees Online

Explore a selection of the cheapest and fastest master's degree options available online. These programs offer an affordable and accelerated path to earn your degree quickly.

1. Western Governor's University

WGU offers a wide range of affordable online master's degrees in concentrations like business, technology, education, and health and nursing. The tuition is a flat rate of $4,125 to $4,995 per six-month term, depending on the graduate program and it covers unlimited courses per term, making it very cost-effective.

Its competency-based learning model allows students to progress at their own pace, accelerating their degree completion based on individual learning speed. This flexibility makes it ideal for busy professionals, enabling completion in less than two years for motivated students.

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers various online master's programs in areas like engineering, education, and healthcare. Tuition rates are $448.73 per credit hour, and programs offer accelerated completion paths.

The online programs leverage UF's strong academic reputation, with full-time and part-time options. Many programs can be completed in less than two years, depending on the student's pace and the specific program chosen.

3. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology offers many online master's programs in fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, and analytics. With affordable tuition rates starting at $600 per credit hour, these programs are designed to be flexible and can be completed in an accelerated timeframe.

The Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) is a notable highlight, offering one of the most affordable and flexible pathways to a top-tier education. Students can access high-quality instruction and resources, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

4. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers a wide range of graduate degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Arts in information systems, and more. These programs are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to accelerate their learning.

Tuition is $698 per credit hour for a graduate program, with opportunities to reduce costs with eligible transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. The University of Phoenix competency-based programs are ideal for those looking to complete their degree quickly while balancing professional and personal commitments.

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers numerous online master's degree programs in fields like business, education, and engineering. ASU provides flexible, accelerated pathways, such as the 4+1 Accelerate Master's Program, allowing undergraduate students to start earning graduate credits while completing their bachelor's degree. This can significantly shorten the time to earn a master's.

ASU's quality education programs are designed for flexibility, with the option to complete courses at an accelerated pace, ensuring timely completion. Tuition costs for online graduate students is $10,890 per academic year.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a range of online master's degree programs in fields like communication, business, and accounting. SNHU's programs are designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete their degrees in as little as two years.

With a comprehensive curriculum, SNHU's accelerated learning options enable graduate degree students to progress at an efficient pace. Online education tuition starts at $637 per credit hour, with financial aid, student loans, military discounts, credit transfers, and scholarships that can lower costs.

7. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers various online master's programs with flexible, accelerated options. Some of these programs are designed to be completed in one year, allowing students to fast-track their education while maintaining professional responsibilities.

UNC's online degrees provide high-quality coursework, flexible part-time and full-time schedules, and competitive tuition, making them an ideal choice for individuals seeking to complete their higher education in a shorter time frame. Tuition starts at $598 per credit hour.

8. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a wide range of online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. They cover areas such as business, public health, english, health sciences, public administration, and liberal arts. These programs are designed to be flexible, with many offering accelerated paths to degree completion.

For example, the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program can be completed in as little as two years. FHSU's online learning experience is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers quickly and affordably, with tuition at just $338.62 per credit hour.

9. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global offers a wide variety of online master's degrees in specializations such as criminal justice, business, IT, and healthcare. The programs are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to take accelerated paths to completion.

CSU Global provides a self-paced learning model, meaning students can finish their online courses faster depending on their individual learning pace. Annual tuition for graduate school at CSU Global is $12,150 for in-state and out-of-state students.

10. Capella University

Capella University's online master's programs, including the FlexPath option, allow online learning students to progress at their own pace. With the ability to complete courses faster by demonstrating mastery, students can graduate in as little as 12 months. It does not require a GMAT or GRE test scores for acceptance.

Capella offers flexible, affordable learning with a range of accredited programs to fit online students' schedules and career goals. Tuition costs $450 to $830 per credit hour, varying per program.

How We Rank Schools

Each school on this list offers fully online, accredited master's programs with a clear path to earning a degree quickly. We rank schools based on affordability, accreditation, and accelerated options, specifically using the following selection criteria:

• Fully Online Master's Programs: At least one 100% online master's program is offered.
• Accreditation: Schools must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Affordability: Tuition fees should not exceed $12,000 annually or $500 per credit hour, or the school offers assistance to reduce tuition costs to make it affordable.
• Accelerated Degree Options: Programs must provide an accelerated path, such as self-paced or competency-based learning.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?

The cost of an online master's degree can vary widely depending on the program and institution. The cheapest online master's programs can make it easier to pursue advanced education without breaking the bank. Generally, tuition that is considered ''affordable'' for an online master's can range from $5,000 to $12,000 per year.

Read More: How To Earn A Free Master's Degree

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Master's Degree Online?

Earning a master's degree online typically takes between one to three years. However, accelerated programs allow students to finish in less time, often through self-paced learning or competency-based education. The fastest master's degree option can shorten program duration and help students earn their degrees more quickly.

How To Find a Cheap, Fast Master's Program

When looking for affordable and accelerated online master's programs, focus on key factors like:

• tuition fees
• program flexibility
• completion time
• career-aligning degrees

The cheapest online graduate programs typically offer a tuition rate under $12,000 annually or $500 per credit hour. Look for schools that offer the cheapest and easiest master's degrees with self-paced or competency-based learning options.

The fastest master's degrees typically allow students to graduate in under two years. Researching these factors will ensure you can earn your degree efficiently and affordably, making your education more worth it.

Explore Online Master's Programs

Explore some of the cheapest online master's programs to find the right fit for your career goals on Learn.org. Whether you're looking for the cheapest, easiest master's degrees that offer flexible paths or the highest paying master's degrees, we have the resources to help guide you.