10 Affordable Online Master's in English Programs 2025

Master's degrees are a great option for students who want to further their careers, and a master's in English is a great way to develop key critical thinking skills. However, many students feel they don't have the time or the funds to pursue a graduate program.

To help these students, schools often offer these degrees online ?and many keep their tuition rates low. Keep reading to discover some of the most affordable online master's degrees in English.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in English?

A master's degree in English is a graduate degree focused on the English language, especially literature and writing. It's usually offered as a Master of Arts (MA). Some schools offer these graduate programs online, allowing students to tackle coursework at a time that works best for them.

Master's degrees in English can help students fine-tune their skills and lead to roles in professional writing or teaching. Some institutions also offer a master's in English education for those who are focused on teaching.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in English Cost?

The cost of an online master's in English can vary depending on the school you choose, how many credit hours you need, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what financial aid options (such as grants, scholarships, and more) you qualify for.

Several schools charge less than $400 per credit for an online master's in English, while others charge over $1,000 per credit. Most schools, however, range between $500 and $600 per credit.

Cheapest Online Master's in English Programs

While tuition for online master's degrees can vary, and some schools charge a hefty amount, many have lower-than-average tuition costs. We've highlighted some of these programs below.

1. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public research institution in Greenville, NC. It offers an online MA in English with two options for concentrations: multicultural and transnational literature or technical and professional communication.

Both options require 33 credit hours and allow students to choose to complete the program with either a thesis or a comprehensive assessment project. Concentrations in creative writing and English studies are available on campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $289.55 per credit (in-state); $1,020.05 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: ECU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC

2. Arkansas Tech University

At Arkansas Tech University, students can earn an MA in English in person, online, or in a hybrid format. The flexible program is designed for those who want to become college professors or pursue doctoral studies.

ATU, a public university, is located in Russellville, AR. Its curriculum for the English MA is highly customizable, allowing students to choose the majority of their 30 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $323 per credit hour
• Financial aid: ATU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers an online BA in English with two concentrations: technical communication and rhetoric and composition. UCF is a public research university in Orlando, FL.

The rhetoric and composition option covers the theory and practical application of professional writing, while the technical communication option teaches students how to make technical ideas accessible and impactful. Both require 33 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $327.32 per credit (in-state); $1,234.15 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UCF offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Fitchburg State University

The online MA in English from Fitchburg State University offers a literature emphasis and a teaching emphasis. The literature emphasis is for students interested in literary studies, writing, research, or college teaching, while the teaching emphasis is for those wanting to teach elementary or secondary school.

Fitchburg State, located in Fitchburg, MA, is a public institution. It requires 30 total credit hours for both areas of emphasis and also offers a 12-credit creative writing graduate certificate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $347 per credit
• Financial aid: Fitchburg State offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, KS. It offers an MA in English that students can earn online or on campus.

The degree program allows graduate students to choose the majority of their courses from a list of electives on topics like American literature, literary theory, and linguistics. The program requires 30 total credits, and students conclude the program with either a course paper or a thesis project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $348.78 per credit
• Financial aid: FHSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Indiana University

Students at Indiana University can earn an MA in English online. The program is broken into two parts: an 18- to 20-credit graduate certificate in literature, composition studies, or language and literature, followed by 16 credit hours of graduate English courses.

IU is one of the public university systems in Indiana. Students in this online degree program choose from pedagogy, writing, and literature courses to complete their degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit (in-state); $490 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: IU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University offers a flexible, 33-credit MA in English geared toward working adults. EIU is a public university in Charleston, IL.

Students in this program choose one of three concentrations: rhetoric and composition, literary and cultural studies, or creative writing. They can also choose to complete the degree through a thesis or non-thesis path.

• Estimated tuition cost: $353.72 per credit hour
• Financial aid: EIU accepts FAFSA and private financial aid and also offers institutional student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Nebraska at Kearney

The online MA in English at the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers four concentrations: literature, creative writing, childhood and youth studies, and composition, rhetoric, and language. It includes seminars, workshops, and directed reading courses.

UNK, located in Kearney, NE, is a public university. It requires students in this MA program to take 36 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $354 per credit (in-state); $567 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UNK offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Texas Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin is a public institution in Odessa, TX. It offers an online MA in English that students can finish in just a year and a half.

The program includes courses on British and American literature, as well as elective courses on rhetoric and composition, mythology, fairy tales, and poetry. Students are given multiple options for their capstone project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390.99 per credit
• Financial aid: UTPB accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. National University

Through National University, students can earn an online MA in English. Optional specializations are available in Gothic studies and rhetoric.

National University, a private, nonprofit institution, is based in San Diego. Its MA in English requires 45 quarter credits and offers a variety of electives covering a range of English topics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $477 per credit
• Financial aid: National University accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCOC)

How We Rank Schools

To choose the best English master's programs for this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All programs on this list are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We scoured schools to find the lowest-priced options. All offer less than $500 per credit for in-state students, and many offer less than $400 per credit.
• Program reputation: All schools are nonprofit institutions, and all programs are high-quality.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in English Degree

Most online English master's programs require between 30 and 40 semester credit hours. Full-time students can usually complete their graduate studies within two years.

MAs in English usually cover topics like literature, rhetoric, and composition. Specific courses vary by school and by concentration.

For example, a master's in English literature will be primarily focused on the study of literature. A creative writing concentration will focus on honing your writing skills in areas like fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

FAQs About Online Master's in English Programs

Continuing your education with graduate studies is exciting, but can also be intimidating, no matter what your major. To help you out, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online master's degrees in English.

Is an Online Master's in English Worth It?

An online master's degree in English can definitely be worth it, depending on your career goals. These degrees are often aimed at students who want to teach or want to continue in graduate school to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master's in English Program?

Admissions requirements for an MA in English can vary by school. You'll typically need:

• a bachelor's degree; some schools may require an undergraduate degree in English or another field of the humanities, but others may not
• a minimum undergrad GPA
• GRE or other standardized test scores
• letters of recommendation
• a writing sample
• to pay an application fee

You can usually find more details about a school's graduate admissions process on their website.

What Topics Are Covered in an English Master's Program?

English master's degrees often cover multiple topics, such as:

• American literature, and often world literature
• creative writing
• critical analysis
• the English language
• literary theory
• pedagogy
• rhetoric and composition

What Can You Do With a Master's in English Degree?

Master's degrees in English are often aimed at those who want to teach, either at the elementary, high school, or post-secondary levels. However, there are other careers you can have with a degree in English, like copywriter, editor, technical writer, or creative writer.

How Long Does an Online Master's Degree in English take?

Most online master's degrees in English take one to two years of full-time study and around three years of part-time study.

Discover Online English Degrees

Find the perfect MA in English by exploring the affordable options on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.