4 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Alaska 2025
Graduate students in Alaska can reach their career goals through affordable online master's degrees offered by colleges in their state and across the U.S.
Alaska is a big state, but it's far from the most inhabited. As a result, for many students, earning a master's degree online is much easier than trying to make it on campus. Online courses are a much more flexible option for coursework, and don't require students to commute or take time from their busy schedules.
While graduate school can be expensive, many schools offer cheap master's degrees online. Keep reading to learn about affordable online master's programs in Alaska.
4 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Alaska
Despite the size of Alaska, the state doesn't have many colleges. That being said, there are a few affordable online colleges in Alaska that offer online master's degrees. We've featured those that offer cheap online master's degrees below.
1. University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast is a public institution based in Juneau, AK. It offers several online master's degrees in fields like educational leadership, special education, teaching, and public administration.
All Master of Education (MEd) and Master of Arts (MA) in teaching programs are available solely to Alaska residents. In-state tuition is $513 per credit, while out-of-state tuition is $1,079 per credit.
- Average cost per credit hour: $513
- Financial aid: UAS accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
2. University of Alaska Anchorage
At the University of Alaska Anchorage, students can choose from several different online master's degrees. Areas of study include education, public health, social work, and supply chain management.
UAA, a public university, is located in Anchorage, AK. Tuition costs $539 per credit for both Alaska residents and out-of-state residents studying exclusively through online learning.
- Average cost per credit hour: $539
- Financial aid: UAA offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
3. Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University offers a variety of online degree programs at the master's level. WBU is a private Christian school based in Texas, but has two additional campuses in Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK.
WBU offers online master's degrees in fields like business administration, criminal justice, education, and social sciences. Tuition is $538 per credit hour for all online master's degrees.
- Average cost per credit hour: $538
- Financial aid: WBU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
4. University of Alaska Fairbanks
A number of master's degrees are available online at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Areas of study include arctic and northern studies, criminal justice, healthcare management, and special education.
UAF, based in Fairbanks, AK, is a public research university. Tuition is $539 per credit for all online graduate degree programs, regardless of where the student lives.
- Average cost per credit hour: $539
- Financial aid: UAF accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Other Affordable Online Master's Programs
Graduate students in Alaska don't have to stick with in-state programs. The great thing about online learning is that you can earn your degree through programs in other states without having to move. Below, we've listed a few other affordable programs throughout the U.S.
University of the People
The University of the People is a private, nonprofit online university based in Pasadena, CA. It offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education (MEd), and a Master of Science (MS) in information technology.
Tuition at the University of the People is free. Students pay a $60 application fee and pay an assessment fee per course. The MEd is $350 per course, for a total of $4,610, including the application fee. The other two degrees are $400 per credit, for a total of $4,860 for the program.
- Average cost per credit hour: Free
- Financial aid: University of the People offers institutional aid and accepts private aid.
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Northeastern State University
Students at Northeastern State University can choose from several online master's degrees. Areas of study include criminal justice, education, information technology, and public health.
NSU, a public university, is based in Tahlequah, OK. It charges Oklahoma residents $290.92 per credit, and out-of-state residents only pay slightly more, at $291.92 per credit.
- Average cost per credit hour: $291.92
- Financial aid: NSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University offers multiple online master's degree programs. The private Christian school is located in Campbellsville, KY.
Online degrees are available in fields like business administration, computer science, education, and theology. Tuition varies by program, with the teaching and education programs priced at $319 per credit, and costs going up to $603 per credit for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.
- Average cost per credit hour: $450
- Financial aid: Campbellsville University offers institutional aid and also accepts FAFSA and private aid.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Dickinson State University
Half a dozen online degrees are available at Dickinson State University. Areas of study include business administration, educational leadership, elementary education, and sports administration.
Dickinson State, located in Dickinson, ND, is a public university. The tuition rate is $336.67 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Average cost per credit hour: $336.67
- Financial aid: Dickinson State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
- Accreditation: HLC
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills is a public university in Carson, CA. It offers online degrees in fields like negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding (NCRP); quality assurance; radiologic and imaging science; and systems engineering.
Tuition is program-dependent. Rates start at $337 per credit for the degree in NCRP and go up to $600 per credit for the Master of Public Administration (MPA).
- Average cost per credit hour: $480 per credit
- Financial aid: CSUDH accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Eastern Illinois University
Through Eastern Illinois University, students can choose from a range of online master's degrees. Areas of study include biological sciences, cybersecurity, human services, and nutrition.
EIU, a public university, is located in Charleston, IL. It charges online students $344.25 per credit for academic programs at the master's level.
- Average cost per credit hour: $344.25
- Financial aid: EIU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
- Accreditation: HLC
How We Rank Schools
To choose the cheap online master's degrees listed above, we focused on:
- Accreditation: We only chose public and private, nonprofit schools that are regionally accredited.
- Affordability: Once we narrowed down which accredited Alaskan colleges offer online master's degrees, we looked at which offer the lowest tuition rates before expanding our search to the rest of the country.
- Program reputation: All online schools listed are known for offering high-quality distance education programs.
FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Alaska
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable online master's degrees in Alaska.
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Alaska?
All of the online programs listed above are less than $550 per credit hour. However, your tuition rate will depend on a few factors, including what school you choose. Some schools in Alaska charge over $800 per credit.
At some schools, tuition can also depend on which major you choose. Master's degrees in education and teaching are often the cheapest. Meanwhile, degrees in business administration and nursing, some of the highest-paying master's degrees, are also the most expensive.
Are There Any Free Online Degrees in Alaska?
No schools in Alaska offer online master's degrees that are inherently free. However, by choosing a low-cost school and applying for financial aid, you may be able to get your tuition completely covered.
Look for cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA. Additionally, check to see if you qualify for scholarship opportunities from your school, private organizations, or your employer.
What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get Online?
The easiest master's degree to get online will depend on your skill set and your previous higher education. Some of the most common master's degrees offered online are MBAs, MEds, and MSNs. Of those, online MBAs tend to be the easiest for learners, as they require less hands-on work.
Is an Online Master's Degree Worth the Money?
Whether or not an online master's degree is worth the money can vary depending on how much you paid for your program and the field you're going into. Some fields, like nursing and business, offer high salaries for those with master's degrees according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other options, like social work, do not offer the same return on investment. That being said, not everyone defines worth in terms of money earned, and many students may find that working in fields like education or social work with a master's degree is rewarding in other ways.
Find Online Graduate Programs
Find the perfect online master's by exploring the quality education programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.