10 Affordable Online Master's in Higher Education Administration Degrees 2025

Postsecondary education administrators play a crucial role in ensuring school quality and fostering student development. Pursuing your master's in higher education administration is an excellent way to advance your career, from earning a higher salary to enjoying more flexibility in the job market.

This article reviews 10 affordable online master's programs from accredited colleges and universities. We also answer questions related to higher education administration degrees, from program costs to career opportunities. Continue reading to discover how you can start your journey in educational leadership.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration?

An online master's in higher education administration is a graduate degree that prepares students to become leaders and administrators in postsecondary schools. Students develop expertise in fields like enrollment management, fundraising, academic advising, institutional research, and student affairs.

These master's degree programs are typically between 30 and 36 credit hours total. Full-time students can complete online programs within two years; part-time students will need more time to earn their degree.

How Much Does an Online Higher Education Administration Master's Cost?

The cost of a higher education administration master's degree depends on your chosen school, program, any applicable transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities. Generally speaking, the tuition cost ranges from roughly $8,000 to $70,000 or more. Fortunately, these programs qualify for college scholarships which can reduce costs.

In addition to tuition, you'll need to consider additional costs like application fees, computer and internet connectivity costs, and any supplemental books and materials.

Cheapest Online Master's in Higher Education Administration Programs

The following schools offer affordable programs that allow you to earn your master's in higher education administration online.

1. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a large public school in Huntsville, TX, that offers a Master of Arts (MA) in higher education administration. This online degree program prepares learners for leadership roles at higher education institutions by focusing on student services, academic affairs, resource allocation, and other administrative functions.

The curriculum consists of 36 credit hours. Students may complete the program with or without a thesis and graduate in two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $280 per credit hour (in-state); $585 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs are available.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Appalachian State University

Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University (App State) has an online MA in higher education administration program. Students learn how to lead in complex administrative positions in a range of institutions, from colleges and universities to nonprofit organizations.

The 36-credit program includes courses such as research methods, diversity in higher education, and the history and law of higher education. You can choose to concentrate your MA degree in Community College and University Leadership Concentration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $337 per credit hour (in-state); $939 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students may apply for grants, loans, and scholarships to help offset education costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) offers a 30-credit MA in higher education administration. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked UNL as the 15th top online educational administrator provider in the nation. UNL's online master's degree program is designed to accommodate working professionals and can be completed in two years.

The curriculum consists of nine credit hours of electives and 21 credit hours of core courses. Online courses include personnel management, administrative theory, and law and higher ed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $383 per credit hour (in-state); $760 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, fellowships, work-study programs, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has an online MA in higher education program that full-time students can complete in as few as 10 months. The program is 30 credit hours, delivered in seven-week courses.

The academic program includes courses like organizational ethics, college student development, and student affairs administration. Students must also complete a practicum to develop hands-on competency.

• Estimated tuition cost: $458 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students can apply for grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Louisiana State University

Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University (LSU) is a large public school that has an online MA in higher education program. LSU's 36-credit master's program equips students to become strategic leaders. Courses explore subjects like student affairs, financial aid, legal issues, and graduate admissions.

Admissions requirements for this graduate program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores are optional.

• Estimated tuition cost: $464 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Post University

Post University is a large private school based in Waterbury, CT. Graduate students looking to pursue a Master of Science (MS) in higher education leadership can enroll in Post University's online degree program. The program totals 33 credit hours and takes 22 months to complete.

This master's degree program focuses on leadership and change management theory, student services, educational research, and evaluation practices. Students can choose from one of two degree concentrations: administrative leadership and student affairs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $629 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help keep education costs low.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. Tiffin University

Located in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University has a nationally ranked Master of Education (MEd) program. Graduate students can choose to concentrate in higher education administration or instructional design. The 30-credit MEd program is offered completely online, and students can earn their degree in 12 months.

Students concentrating in higher education administration take courses such as assessment and student learning, student enrollment and retention, and higher education finance and budgeting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $635 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at Tiffin University may be eligible for grants, loans, scholarships, and military discounts.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Students at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can earn their online Master of Science in higher education administration at their own pace. Students learn program evaluation techniques, education policy analysis, and budget and resource allocation tactics.

The MS degree program totals 36 credit hours and is delivered in a 10-week course format. Core courses include enrollment management and marketing, program evaluation, and contemporary issues in higher education. Students are required to complete a capstone project to earn their MS in higher education administration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may apply for scholarships, grants, loans, military benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement.
• Accreditation: NECHE

9. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia (UGA) offers an MEd in higher education administration that prepares students for administrative roles in colleges and universities, as well as analyst positions in nonprofit and government organizations.

UGA's online MEd program is 36 credit hours, consisting of 27 hours of core coursework and nine hours of field experience. Core courses include finance of higher education, outreach and public service in the university, and organization and governance in higher education. Full-time students can earn their MEd in two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $674 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs, and military benefits are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville has a 30-credit MA in higher education and student affairs program. Graduate students choose from one of three concentrations: higher education administration, sports administration, and student affairs. The MA program is conducted entirely online and can be completed in two years.

Students concentrating in higher education administration take courses such as research methods and statistics, program development and assessment, and educational resource management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $850 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study programs are available. Active-duty service members are eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We consider the following factors when ranking our featured schools, from tuition rates to accreditation status.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed are vetted by independent accrediting organizations. This ensures their graduate school programs uphold quality education standards.
• Affordability: Tuition rates must be $1,000 or lower per credit hour. All schools must offer some form of financial aid.
• Program reputation: We consider curriculum, accreditation status, faculty members, and any awards when evaluating a graduate program's reputation.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

An online master's degree in higher education administration is equivalent to an in-person degree program. Online master's degree programs from accredited institutions uphold the same quality curriculum standards as their on-campus counterparts.

Master's programs in higher education administration are generally 30 to 36 credit hours total and take about two years to complete on a full-time basis. Curricula consist of core courses, which focus on higher education administration, and specialty or elective courses, which allow students to customize their studies. Some master's programs require students to complete a practicum or capstone project.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Higher Education Administration Master's Degrees

Below, we answer common questions about online master's degrees in higher education administration, from program timeline to career opportunities.

What Does a Higher Education Administrator Do?

Higher education administrators, also known as postsecondary education administrators, oversee academics, student services, and faculty research at universities and colleges. Some higher education administrators practice their skills in other sectors such as government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations.

Higher education administrator job responsibilities include financial management, policy development, human resource management, and data analysis and reporting.

Is an Online Master's in Higher Education Administration Worth It?

Earning your master's in higher education administration can potentially be very rewarding, though it is also an investment in time and money. You must consider your budget constraints and personal commitments before deciding to move forward with this degree path.

Those who earn their master's in higher education administration typically earn higher salaries than professionals who hold only their bachelor's degrees. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median wage for postsecondary education administrators was $103,960 in 2024.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Higher Education Administration Degree?

A master's degree in higher education administration allows you more flexibility in the job market and prepares you for leadership positions in the academic world and beyond. You can pursue jobs like:

• academic advisor
• director of financial aid
• business affairs officer
• curriculum planning officer
• grants and contracts manager
• registrar office administrator
• education consultant

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Higher Education Administration Master's Degree?

It generally takes full-time students two years or fewer to earn their online higher education administration master's degree. Some programs are designed to be completed in as few as 12 months. Applying transfer credits helps expedite the degree process. Part-time students can take two to four years to earn their master's degree.

Discover Online Higher Education Degrees

If you're ready to advance your professional development, we invite you to connect with Learn.org's partner schools. Request information to find out which program best suits your career goals.