Best Online Master’s Programs 2025
No matter your field — finance, healthcare, education, or beyond — there’s a master’s program to help you advance your skills and expand your career options.
An online master’s program gives you the flexibility to earn an advanced credential without putting your life on hold, so you can work and manage other commitments while in school.
Explore graduate pathways, career outcomes, and our ranking of the top online master’s programs.
Why Earn Your Master’s Degree Online
- Increased job opportunities: A master’s degree can prepare you for advanced career paths, including management and leadership roles.
- Flexibility: Online learning allows you to earn a degree without relocating to a new city or quitting your current job.
- Affordability: An online master’s can help you save on expenses related to higher education, such as relocation, commuting, and childcare.
Top 10 Accredited Schools for Online Master’s Degrees
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers 10 online master's degrees and three hybrid master's programs. Online degrees focus on STEM fields, including aerospace engineering, computer science, and industrial engineering. Programs may offer multiple start dates throughout the year.
Highlights
- Offers asynchronous courses
- Includes online message boards for discussions with professors and classmates
- Has multiple concentration choices for some degrees, such as the MS in computer science
Know Before You Apply
- Asynchronous courses have set coursework deadlines and assessment dates.
- Online master's programs may require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Cost per credit may vary depending on the program.
- In-State$10,258
- Out-of-state$31,370
- In-State$14,064
- Out-of-state$29,140
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled47,946
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Florida State University offers 26 online master's programs, including degrees in athletic coaching, business law, and educational psychology. Online programs may offer paths to licensure within Florida, including teaching and social work. Nonresidents should ensure the program meets their home state's licensure requirements.
Highlights
- Includes a career center with virtual advising services
- Provides an online database of available FSU scholarships
- Offers a virtual computer lab with specialty software, including SPSS and MATLAB
- Has an out-of-state tuition waiver for active duty military personnel
Know Before You Apply
- Online tuition includes the normal tuition rate plus an additional distance learning fee.
- Courses can be synchronous, asynchronous, or mixed.
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- In-State$10,662
- Out-of-state$26,657
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled43,234
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of South Florida provides over 50 online graduate degrees in 10 fields, including arts, business, and medicine. Florida residents pay around $431 per credit hour, while nonresidents are charged around $877 per credit hour. Tuition may vary based on the program you choose.
Highlights
- Offers virtual health and mental health resources
- Provides non-thesis and thesis options for many programs
- Allows up to 50% of graduate credits to be transferred in from another school
- Extends synchronous, asynchronous, and mixed delivery options
Know Before You Apply
- Scholarship options can only be viewed during certain application windows.
- GRE scores may be required for certain programs unless students have a 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA in upper-division courses.
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Virginia
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Virginia offers a dozen online master's programs in fields such as business analytics, data science, engineering, education, and public safety. Programs may require a 2.5 minimum GPA or two years of work experience. Students may need to complete a final compulsory exam or capstone project.
Highlights
- Provides more than 8,500 free online non-credit courses for students
- Has full-time and part-time online program options
- Offers concentration choices for some programs
Know Before You Apply
- Programs for most courses are held synchronously.
- Residents and nonresidents may pay the same or different tuition rates depending upon program.
- In-State$18,059
- Out-of-state$53,325
- In-State$18,382
- Out-of-state$30,790
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled26,082
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Michigan offers 16 online degrees, including 15 master's degrees. Online master's degrees may offer fully online or hybrid programs. Each department has different tuition rates per credit hour.
Highlights
- Provides full-time and part-time attendance options
- Offers over 3,700 free courses and projects for students through Coursera
- Grants alumni access to over 250 free online courses
- Has an AI advising chatbot available 24-7
Know Before You Apply
- Applicants may need to complete a virtual interview.
- Students can submit additional personal details online to automatically qualify for scholarships.
- In-State$19,058
- Out-of-state$61,810
- In-State$25,894
- Out-of-state$52,124
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate18%
- Students Enrolled52,065
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 15 master's programs in various topics, including business, data science, and public health. Each program has different admission and course requirements. Certain classes may require in-person or online proctored final exams.
Highlights
- Provides concentration choices for some online degrees
- Offers programs that can be completed within one year, such as the MA in accounting
- Has multiple start dates per year
- Considers online students for fellowships
Know Before You Apply
- Programs may require work experience or a capstone project to graduate.
- Students may need to pay a $1,500 nonrefundable deposit.
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$37,360
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled32,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The Ohio State University provides 31 online master's degree programs for full-time and part-time students. Programs may include synchronous or asynchronous course options. Some online programs may require on-campus assignments.
Highlights
- Offers course credit to veterans who have completed military training, experience, or coursework
- Has free online peer tutoring for specific courses, including math, chemistry, and biology
- Allows online students to access the on-campus library and online library resources
Know Before You Apply
- Some online degree programs are not available in certain states.
- Out-of-state online students pay a $200 surcharge per semester on top of resident rates.
- In-State$11,936
- Out-of-state$36,173
- In-State$12,092
- Out-of-state$38,693
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled60,046
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
North Carolina State University offers more than 120 online programs, including over 50 fully online master's degrees in a variety of subjects. Most online programs charge $574 per credit hour for residents and $1,728 for nonresidents. Graduate programs have a maximum full-time charge of nine credit hours per semester, so any courses beyond nine hours can be added at no extra charge.
Highlights
- Charges the same for on-campus and distance education enrollees
- Offers fully online and hybrid degree options
- Provides a virtual orientation for online learning environments
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs require GMAT scores for admission.
- There are limited scholarship opportunities for graduate students.
- Students can receive provisional admission if they do not meet program prerequisites.
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$29,407
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$28,301
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled37,314
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides over 40 master's programs with a base tuition rate of $520 per credit hour. Specific programs may have tuition rates that vary from the base rate. Over 7,000,000 students have accessed the school's online courses.
Highlights
- Provides customizable degrees, including internships and independent study courses, to allow students to focus on niche topics
- Offers clear price per credit and estimated total tuition rate for each program
- Has a scholarship that covers the cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for Native Americans
Know Before You Apply
- Most programs have the same tuition rate for residents and nonresidents.
- Applicants must meet program and department prerequisites.
- Online professors can require online or in-person proctored exams.
- In-State$12,474
- Out-of-state$30,446
- In-State$14,891
- Out-of-state$29,176
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled56,563
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
San Diego State University offers 10 online master's degrees and two hybrid programs. Curriculums may include fully or partially asynchronous formats. Students may be required to complete a capstone research project.
Highlights
- Offers outreach representatives who can discuss program options with prospective enrollees
- Hosts virtual information sessions and online workshops
- Has online student organizations for leadership, esports, and more
Know Before You Apply
- The online school does not accept applicants residing in certain states.
- Degrees may include only predetermined courses without elective opportunities.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$19,140
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate34%
- Students Enrolled37,539
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters for Master’s Programs
When researching master’s programs, only consider schools that are accredited. The accreditation process ensures that colleges and universities meet educational standards. Accreditation also enables enrolled students to receive federal financial aid and transfer their credits to other accredited schools.
Institutional accreditation applies to entire colleges and universities, while programmatic accreditation applies to individual programs or departments.
Regardless of your area of study, you should always make sure your school holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Professional fields like nursing or social work may also require programmatic accreditation for you to be eligible for professional licensure.
Types of Online Master’s Degrees
You can pursue online master’s degrees in nearly any professional or academic field. However, many programs fall under one of five categories. Explore some of the most common types of master’s degrees below.
- Master of Arts (MA): Arts degrees may focus on humanities subjects such as English, history, or philosophy. MA degrees typically feature fewer hard science courses and less technical training.
- Master of Science (MS): MS programs often focus on mathematics, engineering, or hard sciences like biology and chemistry. Professional fields that rely on technical knowledge may also offer MS degrees, such as nursing and accounting
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): MBA programs build specialized skills for business leadership and management. Some programs focus on general business, while others let you choose a specialization, such as marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship.
- Master of Education (M.Ed.): Education degrees commonly focus on different student populations, such as early childhood, elementary, or special education. Other degrees highlight the administrative side of the field, such as curriculum design or education management.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): MSW programs train you to assist clients in social service settings, including child services, family counseling, and substance use counseling.
Explore Online Master’s Degree Specializations
Is an Online Master’s Degree Worth It?
$81,308
Average starting salary for master’s graduates
2.2%
Unemployment rate for master’s degree-holders
Generally, you can pursue better job prospects and a higher salary potential after earning a master’s degree. For example, master’s graduates earned an average starting salary of $81,308 in 2023 — more than $17,000 higher than bachelor’s graduates. Unemployment rates among master’s graduates are also slightly lower than bachelor’s graduates.
While a master’s degree can benefit your career, not all programs guarantee you a salary increase. In general, a degree in professional fields like law and medicine can lead to high salaries, though you typically need a doctoral degree. However, fields such as nursing or accounting may require a master’s degree to obtain professional certifications or licensure.
Q&A With Real Online Master’s Students and Grads
Q: Why did you choose an online master’s program?
“I chose to pursue my MBA online because I needed a way to balance grad school work with my day-to-day life. As a mom who also works full time in a demanding, busy job, I knew that getting out of the house and attending classes in person somewhere just wouldn’t work for my schedule. Online courses allow me to fit my school work in when it makes sense for me.”
— Cassie Viau, Director of Marketing, CoreMedical Group
“An online master’s degree allowed me to continue my education while on active duty in the Air Force. … My school and program offered me the flexibility to get my master’s in education while continuing to serve in my full active duty capacity, including on two deployments to Afghanistan.”
— Gina Smith, Air Force Officer (name has been changed upon request to protect the interview participant’s privacy)
“I chose this specific program because it had synchronous meetings weekly for each course. This allowed me to travel and complete my coursework and meetings from all over the world. I attended class while in a car in Ireland, at the beach in Spain, and in the middle of a refugee camp in Jordan!”
— Emma Cole, Nurse Practitioner
Q: What surprised you most about earning your master’s degree online?
“I found it to be more work than I expected. … [The instructors] wanted to see that I was keeping up with the work and engaging with the material and with my online classmates, so I had to post a lot in the portal about my thoughts on the material and respond to all the responses my classmates posted.”
— Marie Coughlin, Associate Director, The New York Public Library
“My program was physically located on the East Coast, but I was able to complete my clinical education in my local community. This allowed me to create connections locally for post-grad employment but also allowed me to learn how to navigate the specific challenges of clinical care in my area.”
— Emma C.
“The thing that has surprised me most about earning my MBA online is how much I’m enjoying all the independent reading and research. I’m genuinely enjoying reading the books and articles that are assigned!”
— Cassie V.
Q: What advice would you give to students considering online master’s programs?
“Compare schools, programs, and tuition assistance options. Choose a school that is accredited, and ask your employer about tuition assistance.”
— Gina S.
“Never expect it to be a cakewalk because it’s online. I am glad I had the experience of doing an online master’s program because it really did hold me accountable to do the work. There were several undergraduate courses where I could reasonably skate by; not so in online grad school!”
— Marie C.
“Put together a schedule for yourself at the start of the semester that you can stick to and keep yourself accountable. Mapping out assignments and deadlines up front on the calendar makes it feel much more manageable when life starts to get busy.”
— Cassie V.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best online master’s programs are just as respected as campus programs. Your diploma will not indicate that you earned your degree online. Your school and individual program’s reputation and accreditation matter more than your course delivery format.
