10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Missouri 2025

Earning a master's degree can be challenging for working professionals who may not be able to attend in-person classes. Fortunately, Missouri is home to colleges and universities offering online degree programs with flexible scheduling and opportunities to learn from anywhere with internet access.

If cost is a concern, you can find affordable online master's programs with low tuition or financial assistance. Don't know where to start? Keep reading as we highlight some of the cheapest online master's degree programs in the state.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Missouri

With an online master's degree, you can further your education without disrupting your personal or work schedule. Explore the list of schools below to find cheap online master's degrees in Missouri.

1. Truman State University

Truman State University in Kirksville offers an affordable 100% online Master of Arts (MA) in gifted education exploring how to identify gifted characteristics in students. This program's asynchronous, self-paced format enables learners to study on their schedules.

The school also has a two-year MA in disability studies offering asynchronous online courses and two live sessions per term. Students participate in a practicum experience and internship as they prepare for behavior analyst certification exams.

• Average cost per credit hour: $322 for the MA in gifted education ($9,660 total); $507 for the MA in disability studies ($19,266 total)
• Financial aid: Students enrolled in graduate programs can reduce costs with scholarships, teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and the Grants-in-Aid of Scholarship and Research Program (GIASR).
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Missouri Southern State University

At Missouri Southern State University, enrollees can choose from over half a dozen online master's degree programs in varying areas of study. Master of Science (MS) programs are offered in healthcare administration, data analytics, and justice studies. A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) are also available.

All MSSU learners receive free advising and tutoring services to strengthen their academic experience. The university's career services help with resume writing and interviewing to prepare enrollees for life after graduating.

• Average cost per credit hour: $375 (in-state)
• Financial aid: Graduate students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for student loans and other aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Missouri State University

Students interested in online graduate study can choose from two dozen master's degrees at Missouri State University in Springfield. Whether learners want to enroll in accountancy, criminal justice, cybersecurity, information technology, social work, or special education programs, options are available.

The university offers support services such as academic advisement and tutoring to help students excel in their programs. Career development services provide job search guidance, interviewing help, and assistance finding roles post-graduation.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $379
• Financial aid: Assistantships, scholarships, grants, and loans are available to reduce tuition and fees for graduate students.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University offers nearly two dozen online master's programs designed to help students further their careers in business, healthcare, technology, and beyond. Degree options include an MS in applied computer science, an MA in educational leadership, an MBA in international business, and a Master of Public Administration.

To enhance the online learning experience, SEMO provides online tutoring and access to Kent Library databases. Additional services include online counseling and financial guidance.

• Average cost per credit hour: $382.94
• Financial aid: Submitting the FAFSA can help learners qualify for student loans and other financial aid at SEMO.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Northwest Missouri State University

Learners seeking online graduate programs that can be completed in 18 or fewer months can find affordable degrees at Northwest Missouri State University. The school offers an online MBA with concentrations in accounting, healthcare management, human resource management, and more that students finish in 12 to 18 months.

Other online master's programs with fast degree completion include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), an MS in geographic information science, and an MS in recreation with a sports management emphasis.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $391
• Financial aid: Financial aid, including student loans, helps learners reduce the cost of earning a degree.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri's online master's degrees range from educational technology and library science to occupational safety management and kinesiology. Enrollees can pursue MBAs in marketing, finance, general business, or airport management or choose from education programs in:

• leadership
• special education
• curriculum and instruction

To enhance the student learning experience, UCM offers tutoring services, writing center access, and other academic support. Success advising and library access also help enrollees excel.

• Average cost per credit hour: $425
• Financial aid: Students can save with scholarships, financial aid, and military education benefits.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University offers over a dozen high-paying master's degrees with affordable rates, flexible schedules, and online coursework learners can access anywhere. Degree options include:

• MBA
• MAT
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• MSN programs

Students can also choose from MA degrees in Christian ministry and counseling and MS programs in criminal justice and higher education leadership. MBU offers start dates every eight weeks so learners can begin their studies whenever they choose.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $475
• Financial aid: MBU enrollees can use scholarships, loans, and other financial aid to make earning their degree more affordable.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. William Woods University

At William Woods University in Fulton, enrollees can pursue affordable online master's degrees in education, business, psychology, management, and more. Specific programs include the MBA, MA in organizational leadership, Master of Health Administration (MHA), and MEd degrees in reading instruction, STEM, and educational leadership.

Programs offer short five-week online courses with flexible schedules and multiple start dates throughout the academic year. Depending on the degree, learners can finish their studies in as little as one year.

• Average cost per credit hour: $480 to $550
• Financial aid: Students earning a graduate online education can lower school costs with federal aid, private loans, external scholarships, and employer tuition benefits.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri in Columbia offers graduate degrees in fields of study such as accountancy, journalism, data science and analytics, special education, and architectural studies. Some of the school's most affordable programs include the MS in biomedical sciences, Master of Public Affairs, and Master of Music.

Additional low-cost graduate programs are available in archival studies, art education, and early childhood special education. This online college supports learners with academic coaching, library access, and free tutoring services.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $525
• Financial aid: Scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid can help online students save on tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

10. University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers online master's programs for students who want to pay less than $25,000 in total costs. The two-year, 30-credit MA in language and literacy is a 100% online program preparing students for Missouri K-12 Special Reading certification. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA.

UMKC's 36-credit MBA is a 100% online program students complete in two to three years. This degree has accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB).

• Average cost per credit hour: $590.45 for the MA in language and literacy ($17,713.50 total); $689.70 for the MBA ($24,829.20 total)
• Financial aid: UMKC graduate students might qualify for assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other awards.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How We Rank Schools

Our team used a thorough vetting process to ensure the schools in the rank list above met the following criteria for delivering quality higher education:

• Accreditation: All institutions have received accreditation from the HLC, a nationally recognized organization.
• Affordability: These schools make learning affordable by offering low tuition, financial aid, scholarships, or other savings opportunities.
• Program reputation: We verified that the colleges and universities on this list offer quality on-campus and online degree programs.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Missouri

Are you ready to pursue a low-cost online master's degree in Missouri? Before taking the next step, review the following FAQs for more information about these programs.

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

The amount students pay to earn an online master's degree in Missouri depends on factors like residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), degree type (e.g., MBA vs. MEd), and enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time). If you're interested in a low-cost online program, Truman State University offers one of the state's most affordable rates at $322 per credit hour for its MA in gifted education.

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

Yes, financial aid is available for students earning online master's degrees in Missouri. Some savings opportunities are available through:

• scholarships
• grants
• assistantships
• fellowships

Some institutions accept employer tuition reimbursement programs that cover some or all tuition and fees. Federal student loans are usually also available; however, these borrowed funds must be repaid.

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

Generally, online master's degrees are comparable to in-person degrees in cost. Depending on your school of choice, you might find that online programs are slightly cheaper or more expensive than their on-campus counterparts. Despite these degrees having similar tuition rates, online programs often help learners save more overall since they don't have to pay campus-based fees or spend money to commute to class.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

Traditionally, a master's degree takes about two years to finish. However, online programs sometimes offer accelerated pathways to completion that help students graduate in less time. Short course terms, multiple start dates, and self-paced learning can speed up completion and help students quickly advance their careers or further their education with doctoral study.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to discover how they can help you achieve your academic goals.