10 Most Affordable Online Master's in Secondary Education 2025

A master's in secondary education can be a great degree program if you're looking to deepen your knowledge, transition to a career in high school education, or pursue career advancement. Maybe you'd like to know more about this type of degree and how to earn one affordably.

Keep reading as we take a look at some schools offering cheap online master's degrees in secondary education. We'll also explore this type of degree in greater depth and answer some common questions you may have.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Secondary Education?

A master's degree in secondary education is an advanced degree that prepares graduate students to work with high school students. Many schools offer master's in secondary education online and in-person.

These programs often lead to Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees. While each of these programs is similar, they may have slightly different focuses and coursework requirements.

Some master's degrees in secondary education lead to initial teaching licensure, while others are designed for students who are already licensed and looking to advance their careers or deepen their knowledge. Programs can often be completed within one year, though some may take longer to finish.

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

Different schools can charge vastly different tuition rates. Students attending private schools, or public schools as out-of-state students, often pay higher tuition rates ?but there are exceptions to this rule.

It is not uncommon for master's of secondary education degrees to exceed $500 or even $1,000 per credit hour. Among the schools featured in this article, however, rates are much lower, ranging from around $400 per course to $440 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Master's in Secondary Education Programs

If you're ready to take your teacher education to the next level, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top online master's degrees in secondary education.

1. University of the People

The University of the People is a private, nonprofit online college headquartered in California and the only university in the U.S. that doesn't charge tuition. It offers a Master of Education in advanced teaching with various specializations, including advanced teaching at the secondary level.

Students in this program complete asynchronous courses in instructional techniques, adolescent development, advanced teaching practices, and more. Students pay only an assessment fee for each course, enabling them to graduate for as little as $5,200 in total expenses.

• Estimated tuition cost: N/A; $400-per-course assessment fee
• Financial aid: Students can apply for institutional scholarships to help cover fees expenses.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online college based in Utah. This private, nonprofit school offers various MAT degrees with secondary education specializations, including:

• English
• physics
• social studies

Students at this school study at their own pace and pay a flat rate tuition per six-month term, meaning they can take as many courses as they want for the same term-based rate. Students who accelerate their studies and graduate within a year will pay the equivalent of around $200 to $250 per credit hour, depending on the number of courses their degree requires.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,325 per term
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and military and employer benefits are all accepted forms of financial aid at this school.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. American College of Education

The American College of Education is a private, for-profit school headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. It offers online degree programs in various subject areas, including a Master of Arts in secondary teaching.

This program provides a path to Indiana teacher certification for adult students looking to change careers. Students benefit from flexible courses, multiple yearly start dates, affordable tuition rates, and 24/7 online student support services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $235 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use grants and scholarships to cover costs, and payment plans are also available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Georgia College and State University

Georgia College and State University is a public school in Milledgeville, GA. It offers a secondary education MAT that students can complete on campus or online.

This program prepares students to seek teaching certificates in various subjects and requires both field placements and an internship. The online program takes four semesters to complete and offers start dates in the summer and fall of each year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Several state, institutional, and private scholarships are available, along with grants, loans, and federal aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is a Christian school in Williamsburg, KY. It provides an online MAT degree with several specializations, including one in secondary education.

This program consists of 36 credit hours and prepares students to teach various subjects in grades eight through 12. Learners complete student teaching and/or practicum experiences as part of this program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $315 per credit hour
• Financial aid: About 96% of students receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and more.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University is a Christian school located in Campbellsville, KY. Students at this school can pursue an online MAT degree in high school teaching (8-12).

The program offers five tracks that allow students to choose which subject area they want to teach. The school is transfer-friendly and does not require students to submit GMAT/GRE scores. Students complete 30 to 36 credit hours of study entirely online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $319 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Numerous scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans are available to students who complete the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University is a public school in Pittsburg, KS. It offers a Master of Arts in teaching (secondary) program designed for those with a non-education bachelor's degree looking to transition to an education career.

The program is available online but also requires hands-on classroom experiences to help students meet licensure requirements. Students learn to plan curriculum, manage classrooms effectively, understand classroom psychology, and work with students of all abilities and skill levels.

• Estimated tuition cost: $409 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid through the school or outside sources.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama is a public school in Livingston, AL. It offers an MEd in high school education, 6-12, that students complete online.

This program is designed for those looking to advance their education careers and teach students in sixth through 12th grade. Students complete 33 credit hours through flexible eight-week course sessions, potentially graduating within one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $429 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school accepts outside financial aid and provides various internal scholarships and partnerships to reduce student expenses.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Liberty University

Liberty University is a Christian school in Lynchburg, VA. It is a large school offering hundreds of programs, including an online MAT in secondary education with a range of specializations, including:

• business education (6-12)
• health and physical education (6-12)
• Spanish education (6-12)
• engineering education (6-12)
• visual arts education (6-12)

The flexible online program features eight-week courses you can take on your own time. The school also allows students with transfer credits to transfer up to 50% of their total degree requirements from other institutions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can apply for internal and external scholarships and federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is a public school in Cape Girardeau, MO. It provides an online Master of Arts in secondary education designed for teachers looking to advance their careers or move into new roles.

Students can specialize in educational technology or educational studies, with this second option providing further ways to specialize in specific content areas. The program provides opportunities to conduct teaching-related research and apply the skills they learn immediately to their own classrooms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $439.80 per credit hour
• Financial aid: A wealth of scholarships are available through the school and outside organizations, and federal financial aid is also available.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select the best schools when creating our college rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the graduate programs featured in this article:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited by a nationally recognized organization.
• Affordability: Each master's degree program features affordable tuition, costing students less than $500 per credit hour
• Program reputation: All of the graduate schools are known for providing high-quality online and on-campus programs.

What To Expect From an Online Secondary Education Master's Degree

A secondary education master's degree often provides flexible coursework, especially when offered fully online. Students can often study full-time or part-time, pursuing their professional goals without sacrificing other life commitments. Prelicensure programs will require field experiences, while postlicensure programs often do not.

Courses may cover topics such as teaching theory and curriculum development, and many programs offer concentrations in specific content areas. Common specializations include teaching high school social studies, language arts, science, mathematics, and English as a second language (ESL).

Programs may vary in length, often ranging between 30 and 42 credit hours, though some are even longer. Some programs can be finished in as little as a year, while others may take two or even three years to complete.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Master's in Secondary Education Programs

If you still have questions about pursuing a secondary education degree at an affordable, accredited institution, you're not alone. Let's take a look at some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Is an Online Master's in Secondary Education Worth It?

Whether a secondary education master's is worth the time and money you put in depends on your career goals. Some secondary education careers require only a bachelor's degree and may not pay well enough to justify the steep costs of advanced education. On the other hand, high-level administrative positions in secondary schools can pay extremely well and may require candidates to earn a master's degree.

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

You can pursue several job titles with a master's degree in secondary education. Some common job titles to consider include:

• high school teacher
• high school principal
• special education teacher
• educational consultant
• instructional coordinator

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Secondary Education Online?

Different programs have different timeframes for completion. Most full-time master's in secondary education programs take about one to two years to complete, while part-time programs may take two to three years or longer. Students in accelerated programs may be able to earn their degree in less than a year.

What Is the Best Master's Degree To Get as a Teacher?

The best master's degree for you will depend on your preferred teaching specialization. For example, if you want to pursue or advance a career in middle school education, a master's degree in middle school teaching may be ideal for you.

If you're planning to teach a specific subject, such as biology or political science, earning a secondary education degree with one of these specializations can provide the proper credentials. To choose the best master's degree as a teacher, select the program that best aligns with your career goals and professional interests.

Is an MAT or an MEd Better for Teaching Secondary Education?

Both MAT and MEd degrees are excellent choices for aspiring secondary teachers, as they prepare learners with practical knowledge of classroom management and instruction. MAT programs typically focus on teaching and are designed to lead to teaching careers; MEd programs, on the other hand, provide a broader focus and can lead to other positions in education.

Regardless of the program you choose, you'll be prepared with advanced skills to provide leadership and guidance for the up-and-coming generation.

Discover Online Secondary Education Degrees

If you're ready to earn an affordable master's degree in secondary education, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges to find out more about their programs and admission requirements and choose the right option for you.