10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in New Jersey 2025
Finding an affordable master's program in New Jersey is the perfect way for working adults or single parents to pursue advanced degrees on their own schedules.
Whether you're a busy parent trying to earn a graduate degree on your own time or a recent college grad who wants to continue your education, affordable online master's programs in New Jersey may be the answer for you. These programs offer the flexibility and convenience you need to succeed in graduate school.
Earning a master's degree opens the door to numerous career opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about cheap online master's degree programs in New Jersey.
10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in New Jersey
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some industries see workers with master's degrees earning up to 90% more than those with bachelor's degrees.
Whether you're looking for a degree in business, education, or art, there are tons of online options for you. Below is our list of cheap online master's degrees in New Jersey.
1. Kean University
Located in Union, NJ, Kean University offers seven online master's programs. Degrees range in areas from education and social work to business and accounting. Kean also accepts up to 89 credits transferred from another institution, helping reduce the time and cost required for a degree.
- Average cost per credit hour: $954.84 for in-state students; $1,127.70 for out-of-state
- Financial aid: Kean's Office of Scholarship Services helps students identify and apply for scholarships to reduce tuition costs. Students can also apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Some specialized programs may have additional accreditation.
2. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University in Trenton offers online and hybrid master's degree programs in various subjects, including special education, liberal arts, business administration, computer science, and accounting. What makes TESU stand out is its bachelor's-to-master's track options, which allow students to work toward both degrees simultaneously.
- Average cost per credit hour: $675
- Financial aid: TESU offers numerous scholarship opportunities in addition to discounts for military members. Students can also apply for state and federal aid.
- Accreditation: MSCHE, in addition to other program-specific accreditations
3. New Jersey City University
NJCU in Jersey City offers over 10 online master's degrees, in addition to two doctoral degrees. Most of the school's programs focus on teaching and education, although there is a Master of Science (MS) in national security studies as well.
- Average cost per credit hour: $824.72
- Financial aid: Students can apply for federal or state financial aid, and the school offers assistantships, which waive the cost of tuition in exchange for part-time employment teaching, researching, or performing administrative tasks.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
4. Rowan University
Rowan University offers 13 master's degree programs that are 100% online. Areas of study include business, engineering management, educational technology, nursing, and cybersecurity.
- Average cost per credit hour: $865.93
- Financial aid: Rowan offers numerous scholarships, and students can apply for loans and grants to reduce the cost of tuition.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
5. Montclair State University
Offering 14 online master's degrees and several graduate certificates, Montclair State University has something for everyone. Degree options include dance, social work, digital marketing analysis, child advocacy, and business.
- Average cost per credit hour: $720
- Financial aid: Students can apply for numerous scholarships and grants, and federal, state, and private loans are also available.
- Accreditation: MSCHE, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
6. Rutgers University
As the largest public university in New Jersey, Rutgers University offers 10 online master's degree programs. Areas of study include accounting, psychology, business, education, liberal arts, and healthcare.
- Average cost per credit hour: $1,047
- Financial aid: Rutgers offers numerous scholarships and student-employment opportunities to pay for tuition. Students can also apply for loans using FAFSA or look for private loans.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
7. William Paterson University
Located in Wayne, NJ, William Paterson University offers over 30 master's degrees in the fields of business, education, technology, and healthcare. With multiple state dates and personalized attention, students can feel fully empowered at this college.
- Average cost per credit hour: $467.67
- Financial aid: In addition to federal, state, and private loans, students at William Paterson can apply for assistantships to pay for tuition.
- Accreditation: MSCHE, with specific programs having additional accreditation
8. Fairleigh Dickinson University
With a focus on making graduate education programs convenient and accessible, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers nine full-time master's degree options. Areas of study include animation, administrative science, public health, social work, public health, and sport management.
- Average cost per credit hour: $1,059
- Financial aid: Some programs and departments offer specific scholarships and aid opportunities. Otherwise, students can apply for public or private loans and grants.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
9. Stockton University
With its main campus in Galloway, Stockton University offers several fully online master's programs, as well as five hybrid degree options. Online learners can pursue graduate degrees in education, holocaust studies, and instructional technology.
- Average cost per credit hour: $736
- Financial aid: Stockton offers multiple aid options, including scholarships, assistantships, and benefits for military members and veterans. Students can also apply for grants and loans.
- Accreditation: MSCHE, with additional accreditations for specific programs
10. The College of New Jersey
Located in the heart of Central New Jersey, The College of New Jersey offers over 15 online master's and graduate certificate programs. Degree options include mental health counseling, educational leadership, and STEM education.
- Average cost per credit hour: $830.32
- Financial aid: The school offers assistantships to reduce the cost of tuition, and students can also apply for grants and loans.
- Accreditation: MSCHE, with additional accreditations for specific programs
How We Rank Schools
To make our list, we subject schools to a strict list of requirements. Our criteria include:
- Accreditation: All schools on our list are accredited by nationally recognized institutions, with the MSCHE accrediting each college above.
- Affordability: As a list of the cheapest online master's programs, affordability was among our top priorities. Each school either offers affordable tuition or comprehensive aid programs to reduce costs.
- Program reputation: Each school listed above has a reputation for providing high-quality education.
FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in New Jersey
Are you still on the fence about an online master's program? Do you still have questions? Below are some FAQs about online graduate programs in New Jersey.
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in New Jersey?
While the cost of an online master's degree varies by school and program, the average tuition is about $40,000 to $70,000. That said, there are many degrees students can earn for far less. The highest-paying master's degrees generally cost more to obtain.
Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in New Jersey?
Yes, there is financial aid for online master's degrees in New Jersey. Many colleges offer assistantships that fully cover the cost of tuition, and students can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?
Online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional in-person programs. Online courses are usually cheaper per credit hour, plus the savings on commuting or living on campus further add to the savings.
How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?
The length of online programs varies by school and degree, but the general time to completion is one to three years. This specifically applies to full-time online degree programs.
Find an Online Master's Degree
Pursuing an online degree in New Jersey is a great way to continue your education on your own timetable. With so many options out there, you can choose the degree path that you'll be passionate about. Visit Learn.org to learn more and explore online master's programs.