10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Tennessee 2025

Professionals ready to advance their careers and secure higher-paying roles in their chosen fields often turn to online master's degrees. These programs enable learners to earn graduate degrees from anywhere while enjoying flexible schedules and online support.

If you're looking for budget-friendly programs in Tennessee, schools with quality reputations across the state offer affordable online master's programs. Keep reading to discover which institutions can help you earn a cheap master's degree online.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Tennessee

Online education is a popular alternative for working adults too busy to attend scheduled on-campus graduate degree classes. Are you looking for low-cost virtual programs? Review the schools below to discover cheap online master's degrees in Tennessee.

1. Johnson University

Students ready to advance their careers can find affordable online master's degrees at Johnson University. Programs include the Master of Strategic Ministry, which prepares enrollees for leadership in the church through online coursework and a ministry apprenticeship.

Learners interested in business can pursue a 100% online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations in healthcare management, nonprofit management, and beyond. A Master of Arts (MA) in organizational leadership prepares students to master leadership through the lens of Scripture.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $475
• Financial aid: Johnson offers scholarships, work-study, and other financial aid to reduce the cost of tuition. MBA students can apply for the Missionary Missions Scholarship and the International Christian Work Scholarship.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Bryan College

At Bryan College in Dayton, enrollees can choose from a dozen online master's programs in education, business, psychology, and more. Some of these degrees cost less than $15,000 in total tuition.

MA programs are available in management and leadership, teaching, Christian thought and biblical studies, and Christian leadership. Business students can pursue an MBA in human resources, marketing, ministry, or sport management.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $475
• Financial aid: Graduate students can reduce costs with awards like the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Scholarship and the Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathway Scholarship.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Austin Peay State University

Learners looking for high-paying master's degrees can find flexible online programs at Austin Peay State University. Areas of study include social work, criminal justice, public health, and healthcare administration.

Computer science programs are available with concentrations in math instruction, predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and more. The university also offers communication arts programs with concentrations in marketing communication, media management, and corporate communication.

• Average cost per credit hour: $488 (in-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, and other financial aid can help students save.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. East Tennessee State University

The MA in criminal justice and criminology at East Tennessee State University is a 100% online program that teaches students the relationship between society and crime as they prepare to advance their careers in criminal justice or pursue a doctoral degree. This affordable 36-credit program is generally completed in two to four years.

ETSU also offers a 20- to 30-month 100% online Master of Public Administration (MPA) for learners looking to start or advance in city management, community development, and nonprofit administration roles. Both programs cost about $20,000 in total tuition.

• Average cost per credit hour: $550 for the MA in criminal justice; $579 for the MPA
• Financial aid: Graduate students can use assistantships, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and federal financial aid to lower costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University offers online master's degrees that help students further their education in cybersecurity management, professional studies, and public health. Digital media, finance, library science, and literacy programs are also available.

Registered nurses with a bachelor's degree can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration. MTSU has MBA programs for students interested in healthcare management, human resource management, and risk management.

• Average cost per credit hour: $565 (in-state)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, work-study, loans, and other financial aid make learning at MTSU more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Tennessee State University

Nashville is home to Tennessee State University, where learners choose from dozens of online graduate certificates and degrees at affordable tuition rates. Students interested in master's degrees can pursue accelerated and executive MBAs, licensure and non-licensure Master of Education (MEd) in instructional leadership programs, and an MEd in special education.

TSU also offers hybrid and online master's programs in data science, public health, nursing, social work, and public administration. Academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career development help learners excel while enrolled and after graduating.

• Average cost per credit hour: $575 (in-state)
• Financial aid: TSU's Office of Financial Aid administers aid from federal, state, institutional, and private sources to help learners save on tuition.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Union University

The online Master of Music in music technology at Union University is a two-year, 36-hour degree preparing students for careers as music technicians. Enrollees study the history of music production and audio engineering, ear training for audio engineers, and more.

In this program, learners choose from two emphasis areas: live performance and studio recording/post-production. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in music or worship and a minimum 3.0 GPA. No standardized tests (e.g., GRE) are needed for enrollment.

• Average cost per credit hour: $605
• Financial aid: Enrollees who received the Hope Scholarship as an undergraduate student might qualify for extended eligibility in graduate school. Other savings opportunities include student employment, loans, and veteran's benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Memphis

Students at the University of Memphis can pursue an affordable MS in instruction and curriculum leadership - instructional design and technology degree online. This 30-credit degree prepares enrollees to develop multimedia-rich learning solutions to enhance educational and business environments.

In addition to 100% online coursework, students complete a capstone project instead of a traditional thesis. This degree is designed for completion in about four semesters.

• Average cost per credit hour: $646
• Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid can lower tuition costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Tennessee Tech University

Professionals interested in furthering their education in engineering, business, healthcare, and beyond can find flexible online programs at Tennessee Tech University. Degree options include an MS in community health and nutrition, an MA in physical education (exercise science), and an MSN.

Additional programs are available in engineering management, curriculum and instruction, and professional studies. At Tennessee Tech, residents in 30-hour master's programs pay less than $20,000 for degrees with an average completion time of 2.5 years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $666 (in-state)
• Financial aid: Financial assistance options include scholarships, loans, assistantships, and fellowships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a fully online MS in education with a concentration in instructional technology for students seeking leadership roles in education, corporate, and nonprofit organizations. Coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous learning formats teaches how to design, implement, and evaluate online learning environments.

In this 33-credit program, students complete a capstone and can earn a graduate certificate endorsed by AECT in Online Teaching and Learning. Enrollees generally finish this degree in two to four years.

• Average cost per credit hour: $744
• Financial aid: Learners can reduce tuition costs with scholarships, loans, and other financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this rank list to ensure they met the following criteria for delivering quality academic experiences:

• Accreditation: Each school has received accreditation from the SACSCOC, a nationally recognized organization.
• Affordability: The colleges and universities in this list reduce school costs with lower tuition rates, scholarships, and other financial assistance.
• Program reputation: We confirmed that the institutions above provide quality on-campus and online degree programs.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Tennessee

Online colleges across Tennessee aim to make earning a master's degree affordable. Before choosing your low-cost online graduate program, learn more by reviewing the FAQs below.

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

Colleges and universities charge different rates for online courses based on factors like a student's enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and program of study (e.g., educational leadership or information systems). If you want to pay less for your degree, consider master's programs from Johnson University and Bryan College that start at $475 per credit hour.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in Tennessee?

Many graduate schools offer financial aid for online students pursuing master's degrees, including federal work-study jobs and student loans. Learners can also reduce costs with scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and military benefits. Graduate assistantships and fellowships cover tuition in exchange for research, teaching, or other commitments.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

Online and in-person master's degree programs are often similar in cost. Some schools charge the same rates for students learning virtually and on campus, while others lower costs for online learners or increase tuition by charging a distance education fee.

When assessing the cost of your master's degree, contact your school's financial aid office to see if online programs are charged differently than traditional campus-based degrees.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

While on-campus master's degrees typically take two to three years to finish, students can complete some online programs in less than two years with help from accelerated degree pathways. Shorter course terms, multiple program start dates, and self-paced learning are a few options for expediting degree completion.

Prior learning credits for transfer, examinations, or work experience can also accelerate the process.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Begin a rewarding journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to discover how they can help you reach your academic goals.