4 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Arizona 2025

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the payoff for earning a master's degree is quite high in several industries, including business, healthcare, and education. As the demand for advanced qualifications continues to grow, pursuing a master's degree has become an increasingly attractive option for many professionals. Particularly, online programs are desirable for their flexibility and convenience.

If you're looking for cheap online master's degree programs, explore the programs on this list. We cover the most affordable online master's programs in Arizona, as well as some out-of-state options.

4 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Arizona

Arizona has several cheap online master's degrees that blend flexible learning environments and academic rigor. These programs feature low tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and quality curriculums for students seeking to meet their career goals. Keep reading to learn about these exciting educational opportunities below.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a diverse range of online master's programs designed to cater to various professional fields and academic interests. With a focus on flexibility and accessibility, ASU's online offerings include degrees in areas such as business, education, engineering, and health. Students benefit from a robust curriculum, expert faculty, and a supportive online learning environment that prepares them for career advancement.

• Average cost per credit hour: Tuition varies widely by program and enrollment status. For example, it's $697 per credit for full-time Arizona residents seeking a master's in communication, while students pursuing business analytics pay $1,402.
• Financial aid: ASU provides various funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. Students are encouraged to explore options through the university's financial aid office to find suitable assistance for their educational journey.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University offers three online master's programs. Students can pursue degrees in Christian leadership, instructional leadership, and teaching and learning. The school emphasizes a supportive online learning environment, fostering both personal and professional growth while maintaining a commitment to faith-based education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $550
• Financial aid: Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for loans or grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Aspen University

Aspen University is based in Phoenix and offers several online master's programs accessible to working professionals. With a focus on practical skills and real-world applications, students can pursue degrees in fields such as business administration, education, and nursing. The university emphasizes a supportive online learning environment, enabling students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $450
• Financial aid: Students can pursue various financial aid options, including student loans, grants, and outside scholarships. The school also offers convenient payment plans to help make out-of-pocket costs more manageable; those undertaking a master's degree would only need to pay $415 per monthly installment.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

4. Northern Arizona University

Students can choose between dozens of online master's degrees at Northern Arizona University. Graduate students can earn an advanced degree in varying fields from civil engineering to cybersecurity. These online graduate degrees are tailored to accommodate working professionals, ensuring students can advance their careers while balancing personal commitments.

• Average cost per credit hour: $399
• Financial aid: Graduate students can complete FAFSA for loan and grant opportunities. The school offers tuition waivers and assistantships to qualifying students. Outside scholarships may also help to lower tuition costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Affordable Online Master's Programs

While there may be limited online master's programs in Arizona, students can choose from many out-of-state options that offer affordable tuition rates no matter where they reside. Keep reading to learn about cheap online master's degrees from schools outside of Arizona.

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts offers online graduate programs in education, nursing, and business. With multiple start dates and short seven-week courses, it's ideal for busy professionals who want to earn their degrees quickly. Dedicated instructors lead the curriculum, ensuring online learners receive a quality education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $436
• Financial aid: Graduate students can complete the FAFSA for federal aid. Students can also pay by the course to help manage tuition.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

American Public University

American Public University is a distance-learning institution offering numerous online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees for working adults. Online students can study and complete coursework at their own pace. Some of the master's programs include:

• Master of Science (MS) in accounting
• Master of Arts (MA) in criminal justice
• MS in healthcare in administration
• MS in information technology
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Public Administration

To enroll, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school; however, students aren't required to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

• Average cost per credit hour: $455
• Financial aid: Various funding and aid opportunities are available, including tuition discounts for military members and federal loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

Liberty University

Liberty University, a faith-based institution, is located in Virginia, although it offers numerous online degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can pursue various education programs, engineering degrees, and more. Liberty offers plenty of student support services to ensure academic success during graduate school, including academic advisors and technical help.

• Average cost per credit hour: $565
• Financial aid: Liberty offers many ways to make earning a degree more affordable, including scholarships and military tuition discounts. Students should also complete FAFSA for federal and state aid opportunities.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Missouri State University

Missouri State University offers many online master's degrees in various subjects, including social work, special education, and history. These online programs provide the same quality education as traditional in-person options, as students learn from the same experienced professors as on-campus learners. Online students can also take advantage of numerous resources aimed at fostering their success.

• Average cost per credit hour: $379
• Financial aid: Graduate students can access various scholarships offered by the university. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for federal and state grants and loans to assist with costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) in Alabama offers a range of online degrees, including many master's programs. With a focus on practical skills and career advancement, students can pursue degrees in fields, such as business administration, criminal justice, and fire science. CSU's flexible online format allows students to balance their education with personal and professional responsibilities, ensuring a supportive learning experience.

• Average cost per credit hour: $359
• Financial aid: Students can apply for various financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, loans, and grants. Students can also take part in tuition installment plans, which allows them to make smaller, more manageable tuition payments over time.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Fort Hays State University

While based in Kansas, Fort Hays State University offers numerous online degree programs. Students can choose from master's programs in education, business, health science, and more. The innovative online curriculums balance students' need for flexibility while providing enough support for learners to excel.

• Average cost per credit hour: $338.62
• Financial aid: The school provides multiple financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Thanks to advancements in technology, students today have an abundance of choices for online higher education. To narrow down the choices, we compiled a list of the most affordable schools offering master's degrees in Arizona. The ranking factors we used when evaluating schools include:

• Accreditation: All listed programs are accredited by a recognized accrediting body to ensure they meet established academic standards and provide quality education.
• Affordability: We evaluate the average cost per credit hour and consider additional factors like financial aid availability to determine the most affordable schools.
• Program reputation: We chose well-respected programs that offer quality learning opportunities to help professionals advance in their careers.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Arizona

As you consider pursuing an online master's degree in Arizona, you may have several questions regarding costs, financial aid, program duration, and comparisons to in-person options. Below, we address some common questions to help you make informed decisions.

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

Tuition rate varies widely based on area of interest and school. One of the lowest tuition rates on this list comes from Northern Arizona University. Master's degrees from this school generally average about $399 per credit hour; however, additional fees can bump up the cost of a degree.

When considering the cost of programs, prospective students should also consider career prospects. Master's degrees that pay well are oftentimes worth the cost of higher tuition rates. For example, an MBA usually has high tuition rates but often leads to higher-paying positions upon graduation.

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

Yes, many universities in Arizona offer financial aid options for online master's programs. Students can access scholarships, grants, and federal student loans to help offset tuition costs by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

It's important to note that financial aid can drastically affect the total price of a master's program. Prospective students should discuss these opportunities with their school's financial aid team.

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

In many cases, online master's degrees can be more affordable than traditional in-person programs. Online students often save on commuting, housing, and other campus-related expenses, making it a cost-effective option for pursuing higher education.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

The duration of an online master's program varies depending on the field of study and the student's course load. Typically, programs can be completed in one to three years, with many institutions offering flexible scheduling options to accommodate working professionals.

Find an Online Master's Degree

If you're thinking of earning a master's degree, check out the programs listed here on Learn.org. If you find a school that interests you, reach out to them for additional information.