10 Most Affordable 1-Year Master's in Education Programs Online

Teachers have many high-quality options for furthering their education and opening up more leadership opportunities. One of the best ways is by researching the cheapest one-year master's in education programs online. These programs are fast, affordable, and flexible for working adults.

Registering for online master's in education programs can open up more in-demand teaching and administration jobs. Below, we will look at 10 of the cheapest one-year Master of Education (MEd) programs.

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

Online master's programs are often cheaper than in-person programs because you don't have to pay campus fees. Some of the most affordable online colleges also offer master's degree programs in education.

Costs depend on your school, transfer credits, and any financial aid you may receive, such as grants and scholarships. The cheapest school on our list is the American College of Education at just $235 per credit hour.

Are There 1-Year Master's in Education Programs?

Yes, there are one-year MEd programs that can help you pursue your career goals without requiring on-campus attendance. Full-time students can complete the required coursework in about one year.

Program specializations range from elementary education to curriculum development to educational administration. Enrolling in a 1-year master's program is a fast, flexible way to learn new skills that will help your career progression.

Cheapest Online Accelerated Master's in Education Programs

If you are an adult learner interested in online graduate programs, then take a look at the most affordable accelerated master's in education programs below. Students concerned about costs should research cheap online colleges that accept financial aid to see if they are eligible for assistance.

1. American College of Education

The American College of Education offers several graduate-level education programs, but only the MEd in advanced studies can be completed in 12 months. This 31-credit program is customizable and designed for secondary or college-level educators.

Students can major in cognitive science or interdisciplinary leadership, with four areas of focus.

Estimated tuition cost: $235 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Western Illinois University

The Master of Science (MS) in education at Western Illinois (WIU) allows two specialties: professional education, and language, culture, and education. This interdisciplinary program has a strong emphasis on educational research, but also integrates psychology, anthropology, and sociology.

Assistantships are available, and applicants must have at least a 2.75 undergraduate grade point average (GPA).

Estimated tuition cost: $393.90 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of the People

University of the People advertises free tuition, but master's students must pay course assessment fees. Its online MEd in advanced teaching can be completed in just under one year.

Teachers will learn how to assess student needs, implement effective learning methodologies, and create a welcoming learning environment for a diverse student body. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree.

Estimated tuition cost: $400 per course assessment

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Online students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) can earn their master's degree in one year. Online programs include bilingual education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and more.

Online courses are TEACH Grant eligible, and scholarships are available.

Estimated tuition cost: $458.33 per credit hour

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Liberty Online

Liberty Online offers both licensure and non-licensure programs, all designed to help with career advancement. These distance education programs include advanced or add-on licensure, paving the way for many different career paths, including assistant principal, educational policymaker, gifted education teacher, and more. Some degrees include optional internships, which allow in-person teaching experience.

Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of New Hampshire

Master's students at the University of New Hampshire can complete this accelerated program in 10 to 20 months, with the option to complete all classes online or attend elective classes on campus.

Flexible, asynchronous coursework allows busy professionals to easily balance distance learning with other responsibilities. Start dates are available in January, May, and August.

Estimated tuition cost: $650 per credit hour

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. San Diego State University

Students at San Diego State can earn their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in elementary education or secondary education. This flexible program focuses on inquiry-based education. The program begins in the summer, with two classes each in the fall and spring. All students must have earned a post-undergrad credential within five years of completing their MAT.

Estimated tuition cost: $891 per credit hour

Accreditation: WASC WSCUC

8. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers several online teaching degrees. Two of these programs can be completed within one year:

• educational technology and instructional design
• curriculum and instruction

The curriculum and instruction program is in alignment with the National Education Association's Teacher Leadership Competencies. Both programs help teachers grow their skills to continue guiding and mentoring all students. WGU charges tuition per term and rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Estimated tuition cost: $4,950 per six-month term

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. National University

National University offers year-round enrollment, with start dates every Monday. Their accelerated MEd prepares teachers to be leaders in the classroom who can analyze and address real-world issues within their chosen specialization.

Specializations include trauma-informed educational practices, English language learning, sport and athletic management, and more. Some programs require students to already have a valid teaching license.

Estimated tuition cost: $10,045 per year

Accreditation: WASC WSCUC

10. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) College of Education offers a 30-credit accelerated online Master of Educational Leadership degree. The program's focus on theory and research helps teachers build a positive classroom and school environment where students can thrive. Each session is eight weeks long, so teachers who take two sessions at a time can finish in 12 months.

Estimated tuition cost: $6,250.22 per semester

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Earning your graduate degree is a big step. To help you on your way, we followed the criteria below to put together a strong list of schools.

• Accreditation All of our schools are fully accredited. That means the programs are regularly checked to ensure they are meeting high educational standards.
• Affordability We wanted to find the most affordable schools, so we included schools that offer free tuition, low tuition, no fees, and financial aid.
• Program length Working professionals have little time to spare, but all of our programs can be completed in just one year working full-time.
• Program reputation All of these programs are led by expert faculty and the curriculum is rigorous. You can be confident that you'll graduate well-prepared for what's ahead.

Popular Specializations for 1-Year Master's in Education

There's much more to education than just teaching, although that's a critical aspect. Below are some of the most popular concentrations within different MEd programs:

• instructional design
• educational leadership
• curriculum and instruction
• special education
• adult education
• early childhood education
• TESOL or ESL
• educational technology

Most schools have a high demand for licensed teachers who can specialize in special education, English as a second language (ESL), or adult education. Take a look at your school district's website if you need help narrowing down your specialization. Choosing a field with the highest need will open up more career paths after graduation.

FAQs About 1-Year Online Master's in Education Programs

If you still have questions about completing a one-year master's program online, then keep reading. We'll answer your biggest questions about career prospects, licensing, and standardized tests.

Can I Teach With a 1-Year Online Master's Degree?

If you already have your teaching license and meet state requirements, then it is absolutely possible to continue teaching while pursuing a master's degree online. Many programs offer both part-time and full-time options. Although taking classes part-time may extend your program length, it does allow for extra flexibility.

Are These Programs Accepted by State Licensing Boards?

All of these programs are fully accredited, and nearly all of them are accepted by state licensing boards. Of the 10, National University, Liberty Online, and University of the People advise students to check with their state's licensure board to ensure the program meets all requirements.

Do I Need to Take the GRE or Praxis?

Many schools no longer require students to submit their GRE scores, so if you'd prefer to avoid standardized tests, narrow your search to graduate schools that don't require GRE scores. Additionally, whether or not you must take the Praxis for a master's degree depends on the program.

Discover More Online Education Degrees

It takes a special person to become a teacher, but for those willing to go the extra mile, an online master's program can give you so many more tools for success. Take a look at more accredited teaching programs available through the schools featured on Learn.org, and reach out to one today.