8 Affordable Online Master's in Higher Education Programs 2025

Higher education professionals play key roles in supporting colleges and universities, as well as promoting the success of students and faculty. These professionals serve as administrators, researchers, enrollment managers, policy makers, and more.

In this article, we feature various online master's in higher education programs and answer questions related to graduate programs, degree costs, and job opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about affordable online graduate programs that can help you reach your higher education career goals.

What Is an Online Higher Education Master's Degree?

A master's in higher education online is a graduate degree that equips students for careers in higher education institutions (i.e., colleges and universities). The degree program can cover subjects such as administration, curriculum development, student affairs, and finance. Students are prepared to take on leadership roles within higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Typically, to earn your online master's degree in higher education, you will have to complete a capstone project. A capstone represents the culmination of your acquired skills and knowledge � examples include a new curriculum design, a research paper, or a portfolio.

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

The cost to earn your master's degree in higher education varies according to your chosen school and program, any applicable transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities. Generally speaking, master's in higher education programs range from $11,000 to more than $100,00 in total tuition.

Online programs tend to be less expensive options than those on campus, especially degree programs run by public colleges and universities. If you live in your graduate school's state, you may save even more with reduced tuition rates for in-state residents and state specific scholarships.

Cheapest Online Master's in Higher Education Degrees

This list highlights some of the most affordable master's in higher education programs available via online learning. All of the following schools are accredited institutions and offer financial aid options to college students.

1. Arkansas State University

Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University (A-State) is a mid-sized public school with an online Master of Science (MS) in higher education program. U.S. News & World Report ranked A-State's MS in higher education as one of the best online master's in education programs in 2024.

Conducted entirely online, the master's program is 33 credits and can be completed in as quickly as 10 months. Students develop an in-depth understanding of collegiate systems, enrollment management, academic advising, legal and financial affairs, and the accreditation process.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,550 total tuition
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs, and graduate assistantships are tuition assistance options.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) is a large public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. LSU offers an online master's in higher education administration. The program is 36 credit hours, and coursework is delivered entirely online. Graduates earn their Master of Arts (MA) in education with a specialization in higher education administration upon completing the program.

If you are interested in earning your master's in higher education administration at LSU, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Admission requirements stipulate that you will need to submit 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: LSU offers scholarships, grants, loans, and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to eligible students.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Ohio State University

Online students looking to pursue their master's in higher education leadership can earn their degree at Ohio State University (OSU). OSU offers an MS in education leadership studies with a concentration in higher education. The program coursework is delivered entirely online (either in synchronous or asynchronous format), hybrid, and in-person.

OSU's MS in educational leadership studies program is 36 credits. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students may take over three years to earn their degree. The curriculum includes courses such as foundations of higher education, assessment techniques in student affairs, leadership theory, and organizational development.

• Estimated tuition cost: $489 per credit hour (in-state); $530 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Graduate students can apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help with education costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Houston

Located in its namesake city, the University of Houston (UH) has an online Master of Education (MEd) in higher education program. UH's online MEd program follows the same format as its on-campus counterpart: students work in cohorts and graduate in two years. UH's College of Education's online MEd regularly ranks among the best online graduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The 36-credit online MEd program includes courses such as student development theory, educational policy, administration of higher education, and leadership for change. Students take one elective course that helps support their education and career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $490 per credit hour (in-state); $995 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UH encourages its students to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Ohio University

Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University is a public school that offers an online master's in higher education program. The flexible online program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as few as 20 months.

The program is 100% online and is structured in an asynchronous format. The 30-credit curriculum features courses such as diversity in American higher education, college student development, and policy perspectives in higher education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $518 per credit hour (in-state); $540 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Financial support comes via scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and reimbursement for internships and externships.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a private school in Lynchburg, VA, with an online MEd in higher education program. Graduate students choose from one of three concentrations: educational leadership, student affairs, and instructional design and technology. The degree program culminates with a capstone project.

Courses are conducted entirely online and are structured in an eight-week format. Core courses include student support services and retention, social and political aspects in higher education, and economics and finance of higher education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive grants, scholarships, and loans to help with education costs. LU offers reduced tuition rates for military members.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online MEd in higher and postsecondary education that full-time students can complete in as few as 18 months. The 30-credit program is conducted mostly online, and the curriculum consists of ten courses. The program has multiple start dates throughout the year.

After completing 12 credit hours, MEd students will need to complete an in-person practicum. This on-site practicum provides real-world experience that enhances ASU's graduate students' education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,790 per year
• Financial aid: Students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are available options.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) has an online MEd in educational leadership and policy analysis with an emphasis on higher education. The 100% online MEd program provides students with a strong understanding of higher education administration, college student development, policy issues, finances, and more.

Courses are a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes. Core courses include an overview of higher education, higher education finance, and college student culture and environment. Students at Mizzou must complete a capstone project: a reflective paper and a meeting with students and faculty members.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,467 total tuition
• Financial aid: Financial support comes via scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

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

• Accreditation: All of the schools listed here are accredited institutions, which means they have been vetted by independent, regional accrediting organizations.
• Affordability: Tuition rates are $1,000 or less per credit hour, and all schools offer some type of financial aid.
• Program reputation: An online master's degree program's reputation is determined by accreditation status, quality of faculty members, graduation rates, and any industry awards or recognitions.

What To Expect From a Higher Education Master's Program Online

Online higher education master's programs are typically between 30 and 36 credits and can be completed in 18 months to three years. Some programs allow students to enroll on a part-time basis; others require students to enroll full time.

Higher education graduate program curricula vary according to degree specialization, but core courses generally cover topics such as student affairs, leadership and administration, budgeting and finance, academic affairs, and legal issues. Many programs require students to complete a capstone project or thesis.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Higher Education Programs

In this section, we answer questions related to online higher education programs, from job opportunities to program timelines.

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

Deciding whether to pursue your online master's in higher education is a highly personal decision. You must evaluate your budget, your current work commitments, and your professional development goals.

It is important to consider how many job opportunities will be available once you've earned your degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be 15,200 new openings for postsecondary education administrators each year through 2033.

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

Graduates with their master's degree in higher education work in colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, government sectors, and corporations. With your master's degree, you can work in roles such as:

• enrollment management director
• registrar
• dean or assistant dean
• academic advisor
• career services coordinator
• education consultant

How Much Can You Earn With a Higher Education Degree?

Your potential salary depends on what role you take, which industry you choose, and what region of the country you live in. Having your master's degree generally affords you a higher salary and more flexibility in the job market than simply holding your bachelor's degree. The BLS reports that postsecondary education administrators earned a median salary of $103,960, roughly $50 per hour, in 2024.

How Do I Become a Higher Education Administrator?

To become a higher education administrator, you must earn your master's or doctorate in higher education. You may choose a graduate program that focuses on higher education administration, either as your primary field of study or as a concentration. You will also need to acquire relevant work experience to help build your resume.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Master's in Higher Education?

Generally speaking, it takes two to three years to earn your online master's in higher education. Some programs are designed to be completed in as few as 18 months, while others allow students to take up to four years to earn their degree.

You can accelerate your degree process by enrolling as a full-time student. You can also transfer eligible graduate school credits to fulfill the credit requirements and help shorten the program timeline.

Discover Online Higher Education Degrees

No matter your higher education goals, there are online programs that can provide you with the pathway to get you there. Request information from Learn.org's partner schools and discover which degree program is right for your educational needs.