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2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs

By the OnlineU team | Updated 1/23/2023
2023 Most Affordable Online Degrees Badge

The rising popularity of online master's programs is due to a number of factors: They're usually cheaper than traditional on-campus programs, they don't require you to relocate, and they allow you to study at your own pace while still earning a competitive degree. Program curricula can help students develop next-level skills to remain competitive in the job market and stand out from their colleagues. However, it's important to note that not all online master's degrees are created equal. Some schools offer more affordable tuition rates than others, so it pays to do your research before choosing a school. 

Our list shows the most affordable online master's degrees available in 2023 based on annual tuition that we've manually researched for you. View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for some inspiration.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 California Coast University Santa Ana (CA) $4,875
# 2 #2 Amberton University Garland (TX) $5,130
# 3 #3 Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL) $6,030
# 4 #4 University of Arkansas Grantham Kansas City (KS) $6,300
# 5 #5 American Public University System Charles Town (WV) $6,660
# 6 #6 Colorado State University Global Greenwood Village (CO) $7,500
# 7 #7 Aspen University Denver (CO) $7,800
# 8 #8 Western Governors University Salt Lake City (UT) $7,842
# 9 #9 University of the Potomac Multiple Locations $8,100
Computer Science
# 1 Georgia Southwestern State University
Annual tuition: $3,855
# 2 The University of West Florida
Annual tuition: $4,250
# 3 Fort Hays State University
Annual tuition: $4,478
Data Science
# 1 Middle Georgia State University
Annual tuition: $3,825
# 2 The University of West Florida
Annual tuition: $4,250
# 3 Fort Hays State University
Annual tuition: $4,478
MBA
# 1 North Central College
Annual tuition: $2,637
# 2 Georgia Southwestern State University
Annual tuition: $3,855
# 3 Wichita State University
Annual tuition: $4,620
MSW
# 1 Missouri State University
Annual tuition: $5,415
# 2 University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Annual tuition: $6,320
# 3 University of South Dakota
Annual tuition: $7,057
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
# 1 Middle Georgia State University
Annual tuition: $3,825
# 2 Youngstown State University
Annual tuition: $5,577
# 3 Ohio University - Main Campus
Annual tuition: $6,227
Speech Pathology
# 1 University of Nebraska at Kearney
Annual tuition: $9,702
# 2 Tennessee State University
Annual tuition: $11,434
# 3 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Annual tuition: $12,726
#1
#1
Annual Tuition: $4,875
Annual Tuition: $4,875
Annual Tuition: $4,875

California Coast University (CCU) is a private, for-profit institution offering online master's degree programs in criminal justice, psychology, healthcare administration, business, marketing, and education. Each program requires completing 39 credit hours of coursework to graduate, which generally takes two years of full-time enrollment. However, CCU courses are self-paced, allowing for scheduling flexibility and enabling some students to finish quickly. Distance learners log in to CCU's proprietary student portal in order to access their academic plans and instructional materials, including textbooks that students can print. Other online student support services include academic advising, tech support, and access to library resources.

  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#2
#2

Amberton University

Garland (TX)
Annual Tuition: $5,130
Annual Tuition: $5,130
Annual Tuition: $5,130

Amberton University is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering 15 affordable online master's degree programs in popular fields — such as business, accounting, entrepreneurship, strategic leadership, enterprise analytics, Agile project management, Christian counseling, human resource management, and training and development. Online programs are the same as those offered on campus, so only the delivery method varies. Amberton offers four 10-week terms each year. It supports its distance learners by providing remote access to the college bookstore, library resources, advising, and career services.

  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 143
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 544
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#3
#3

Columbia Southern University Learn more about how we make money.">

Orange Beach (AL)
Annual Tuition: $6,030
Annual Tuition: $6,030
Annual Tuition: $6,030

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit institution offering online master's degree programs in several subject areas: business, criminal justice, fire science, health, homeland security, human resources, occupational safety, health/environmental management, and public administration/emergency services management. Some of these degrees also offer concentrations. For example, online business majors can choose the following concentrations, too: Marketing, Project Management, and Healthcare Management. Similarly, Public Administration majors can choose a Criminal Justice or Emergency Services Management concentration. In addition to online courses, remote support services for students include advising, remote proctoring, career services, access to library resources, and tech support.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 14,364
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 5,670
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#4
#4

University of Arkansas Grantham Learn more about how we make money.">

Kansas City (KS)
Annual Tuition: $6,300
Annual Tuition: $6,300
Annual Tuition: $6,300

The University of Arkansas Grantham (UA Grantham) is a public institution offering 11 online master's degree programs that rival traditional on-campus formats. These online graduate degrees include majors such as Information Technology, Leadership, Business Intelligence, and Healthcare Administration. Additionally, UA Grantham's three online MBA programs include concentrations in Information Management, Project Management, and Administration. Distance learners have access to the same student services as their on-campus peers, including tutoring, career development, military-to-civilian transition, library resources, and writing assistance.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 5,896
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,183
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $6,660
Annual Tuition: $6,660
Annual Tuition: $6,660

American Public University System (APU) is a private, for-profit institution offering over 40 online master's degree programs. These online graduate programs are diverse and include the following majors: Cybersecurity Studies, Educational Leadership, Space Studies, Reverse Logistics Management, RN to MSN, History, and Legal Studies. APU's online master's degrees require 36 to 48 credit hours to graduate, culminating with a thesis, capstone, internship, or practicum (depending on the major). APU supports its online learners by providing remote access to career services, academic advising, virtual communities, student organizations, library resources, and computer support.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 37,335
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 7,914
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: Department of Education.

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Overview: Online Master's Degrees

The growth of online programs has students across the country considering earning their master's degree online. Many online students prefer distance learning because it's more convenient and makes it easier to fit classes into an already busy schedule. Enrolling online might give students more choices when selecting a school or program – depending on what's available in your local area, you might find a more affordable option or a program that better fits your needs online.

People go to graduate school for different reasons. Some choose to pursue an online master's degree to gain subject-area expertise or specialize in their field, while others choose master's programs to gain new skills for a career change. Earning a master's degree may also be necessary for professional certification or licensure in fields such as counseling or healthcare.

What is a Master's Degree?

Master's programs are advanced degrees that allow students to focus solely on their field of study and gain skills and knowledge targeted for specific careers. Master's degrees usually include 30-40 credits, but some programs require as many as 60 credits, depending on the degree. Most master's programs take 2 years to complete, but this also depends on if students enroll full- or part-time.

Master's Degree Quick Facts
  • Average Credits: 30 - 40
  • Average Duration: 2 years

You'll need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university to enroll in a master's program, and many graduate schools require at least a 3.0 GPA, although some schools only ask that you earned a 2.5 or 2.75 GPA during your undergraduate studies. If you choose a master's program in a field similar to your bachelor's degree, you'll likely meet most course prerequisites. For students seeking a degree in a new field, there may be additional coursework requirements you'll need to complete prior to enrollment.

Some master's programs require applicants to submit standardized test scores along with their application. The most common ones are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Although it's fairly common for one of these tests to be required, there are online options that do not require standardized testing in the application process.

Can You Get a Master's Degree Online?

Today's graduate students have access to thousands of online master's degree programs offered by accredited and respected universities across the country. Whether you're looking for a master's degree in computer science or social work, there are many more options available to you due to the rapid growth of online degrees.

An analysis published by the Urban Institute in 2018 found that master's degree programs have become more popular, serve a more diverse student body, and are increasingly available in an online format than they were in the past. The institute also found that online degrees are more popular with graduate students than with students earning their bachelor's degrees. Further, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 40% of graduate students took at least some online courses in the 2019-2020 school year, with nearly 33% enrolled exclusively in online courses.

Line graph split into 3 sections representing graduate students who took various degrees of online classes

"Online education may be particularly well suited for those who would enroll in master’s programs," wrote Kristin Blagg of the Urban Institute in her analysis, as master's students "tend to be proactive and self-directed learners."

Many online master's degrees are geared toward working adults, offering flexible schedules and a quicker path to completion. Coursework in online master's degree programs is typically similar if not identical to campus-based programs. Prerequisites for online degrees are also similar to that of in-person programs.

When choosing an online program, it's important to note that there are a few major differences between online options. One of the most significant differences is between nonprofit and for-profit schools. Nonprofit schools are generally seen as the better option, as there is a long history of predatory practices and evidence for poor student outcomes at for-profit schools overall. However, this is not always true. There are for-profit colleges that offer quality degree programs and have good reputations. It's best to do some research if you're considering a for-profit institution to ensure you'll have the support you need.

"Online education may be particularly well suited for those who would enroll in master’s programs," wrote Kristin Blagg of the Urban Institute in her analysis, as master's students "tend to be proactive and self-directed learners."

Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important things to look for when considering an online master's degree, and means both a school and a degree program have been evaluated by an accrediting body and meet universal standards of academic quality. Schools must be accredited to receive federal funding and to allow students to use federal and state financial aid to pay for their education.

For students, choosing an accredited program ensures their degree will be seen as legitimate by employers, colleagues, and other schools. Here are some of the other benefits of accreditation for students:

  • You'll be able to use any financial aid you qualify for to cover the cost of your education
  • Most schools will only accept transfer credits from an accredited college or university
  • Your degree will meet educational requirements to get into a doctoral program or post-master's certificate program
  • Accreditation is usually a requirement for certification and licensure

At OnlineU, we only display accredited schools to ensure students are directed to quality education options. All of the schools on our site have been vetted by an official accrediting agency. We display accreditation information under our rankings list on a page, as shown below, so you have access to all the information you need to weigh your options.

School accreditation can be found in the expanded section of the ranking list items

There are a few different types of accreditation your school can have.

Regional accreditation is what most nonprofit colleges and universities have, and it means a school has been evaluated by the accrediting body for the specific area it's located in. If you are pursuing a master's degree through a graduate program at a college or university, your school should have regional accreditation.

National accreditation is typically focused on a certain area of expertise rather than a geographical region. If you choose an online master's degree, your school may be accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission, which evaluates online and other distance learning programs.

Programmatic accreditation, sometimes referred to as specialized or professional accreditation, is conducted by organizations that focus on a specific area of study. Schools themselves should have either national or regional accreditation, and individual degree programs or departments within the school will often have accreditation in their field of study as well.

Are Online Master's Degrees Respected?

Many people are concerned their online degree won't be taken seriously or will be seen as a low-quality alternative to a traditional degree. This stigma has roots in a history wherein low-quality for-profit colleges and diploma mills had a significant foothold in online education. However, online learning has grown rapidly in the past decade, and even the most prestigious universities like Harvard University and Dartmouth College offer online master's degrees today.

What matters most when choosing a degree that will be respected is whether or not a school is accredited, the reputation of the school itself, and the quality of the program.

Online degree programs are becoming more popular. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of students enrolled in distance learning increased from 14.4% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2019. Today's online students take the same classes and earn the same degree as their on-campus counterparts. Many schools offer both online and in-person programs, and the degree earned is the same regardless of what delivery method students choose.

What matters most when choosing a degree that will be respected is whether or not a school is accredited, the reputation of the school itself, and the quality of the program. If you earn a degree from an accredited institution, your credential will be equally valid if it was earned online or in person. Earning a degree or diploma from an accredited institution is typically necessary to getting licensed or certified in fields that require licensure, transferring credits to another institution, applying to a master's or doctoral program, and seeking employment that requires a degree. Your education likely will not be very useful to you if you attend a school that isn't accredited.

If you're still concerned employers won't respect your online master's degree, here are some things you can keep in mind when choosing a program:

  • Accreditation is a universal mark of academic quality and is often seen as the benchmark for whether or not a degree is seen as legitimate.
  • Earning an online degree from a school that also has a physical campus means employers won't know your degree was earned online. Many well-known schools offer online degrees in addition to campus-based programs.
  • Nonprofit colleges and universities are often held in higher esteem than for-profit colleges. This is not an overall rule, as there are some for-profit schools that offer quality programs. For example, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) earned her Ph.D. in human services online from for-profit Capella University in 2015.
  • You'll likely have an opportunity to discuss your motivations for enrolling online when interviewing for a job. The ability to balance school on top of work and other responsibilities is typically seen as an asset by employers, and you'll be able to explain why online education was the best choice for you.

Is It Worth Getting an Online Master's Degree?

There are many benefits to earning a master's degree. An advanced credential may be helpful If your interest is in job advancement, a career change, or certification or licensure in your field. However, it is a significant financial investment and takes hard work, dedication, and time to achieve. Many people struggle with the decision to enroll in a campus-based master's program because it often means they have to take time off work and either move to a new city to pursue their chosen program or be limited to the options available in their area.

Graduate students are more likely to choose an online degree, in part because they often have specific professional goals and can clearly identify how their master's degree will help them achieve those goals. The growth of online learning has opened up many opportunities for graduate students – it's now much easier to find an online degree you can fit in around your work schedule, and you can enroll in the program you really want without uprooting and moving to a new city. These added benefits that come with online learning might make it more worth it for students who are on the fence about enrolling.

Here are some other things to consider when weighing your options for graduate school:

Return on Investment

The cost of your degree vs. your potential salary growth: It's critical that students know how graduate school will impact them financially, both in terms of how much their degree will cost and how much they can expect to earn after they graduate. If you're not going to make much more money with your degree, you'll likely be shouldering a heavier burden in terms of student loan debt. Finding an affordable master's degree program can help lower the cost of your education, but you should still check median salaries in your professional field for those who have master's degrees to get a better idea of your financial future after graduation.

Industry Standards

For some industries, such as higher education, counseling, and social work, a master's degree is a standard requirement for many positions. For others, such as communications, healthcare, and construction, there are more job opportunities available with a lower level of education. Whether or not a master's degree will benefit you will depend on the field you work in and if a graduate degree is standard for your field.

Personal and Professional Aspirations

A master's degree is sometimes necessary for certification or licensure, or to apply for a doctoral program. Master's degrees can also help you make a career change – earning a degree in another field can better prepare you for a role in a new industry, or give you a unique skill set when paired with your undergraduate degree.

Academic Opportunities

This last consideration can also play a big role in deciding if you want to go to graduate school. Depending on what program you choose, you could have the opportunity to do critical research in your field or participate in an internship or fellowship you might not have access to otherwise.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper?

The cost of a master's degree varies depending on what type of degree you earn, how long your program is, what school you attend, whether you live in-state or out-of-state, and other factors. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average graduate school tuition and fees schools range from $12,000 for in-state students at public schools to $27,350 for students at private nonprofit colleges. However, total costs for a master's program at the most prestigious schools can be more than $200,000.

While keeping these numbers in mind might be helpful, you should note that the NCES does not provide online-specific tuition data, so the cost of your online program may be significantly different from these numbers. In addition, NCES uses a single tuition rate for all master's programs, but the cost per credit can vary significantly across programs. For example, take our #1 most affordable school for a master's degree. At Georgia Institute of Technology, the cost per credit varies from $180 for a computer science program to $1,100 for an aerospace engineering degree. While we also publish a broad list of master's degrees that use a single tuition, we have pages for 80 individual master's subjects that use tuition rates for that specific subject.

Georgia Tech: Cost Per Credit Differences
Aerospace Engineering: $1,100
Analytics: $275
Cybersecurity: $310
Computer science: $180
Manufacturing Leadership: $1,000

Generally speaking, whether or not an online master's degree will be cheaper than an on-campus program will depend on what options you have available to you in your local area. Given how many affordable master's programs are available online, it's highly likely that there is an online option that will cost less than campus-based programs near you.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Master's Online?

Of the schools we researched in order to rank the most affordable online master's degrees, the median annual tuition rate is $10,448 at public colleges and $11,475 at private universities. Georgia Institute of Technology, the top-ranked most affordable school for online master's degrees, has an annual tuition of $2,700.

Online graduate students can often avoid paying many campus-based fees, such as activity and recreation fees. However, there may be distance education or technology fees that online students incur instead.

Of the schools we researched in order to rank the most affordable online master's degrees, the median annual tuition rate is $10,448 at public colleges and $11,475 at private universities.

It's also important to note that the cost of your online education will depend on whether or not you qualify for grants, scholarships, and other funding sources. While it can be more difficult for graduate students to get financial aid to help cover the cost of their education, there are many grants and scholarships available to graduate students who take the time to apply for them.

Funding an Online Master's Program

While bachelor's degree students typically get more financial aid from federal grants and loans than graduate students do, there is funding available to help cover the cost of a master's degree. The first place to check for financial aid opportunities should be your school's financial aid website. There, any institutional grants, scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities should be listed. After you've exhausted this resource, you can look for external funding sources to help cover tuition and other costs. Students should always rely on gift aid they don't have to pay back before turning to student loans to make up the difference.

Here is a breakdown of the financial aid opportunities that may be available to online grad students:

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants can be offered by schools, nonprofits, private organizations, federal and state governments, and other entities. Grants are typically need-based, while scholarships can be need- or merit-based. Filling out the FAFSA may qualify you for some federal, state, and school grants and scholarships. Others will require a separate application. There may be specific scholarships or research grants available to you based on your field of study, your financial need, or a specific demographic you fit into.

Fellowships

Fellowships are typically awarded based on academic achievement and can be awarded internally by your school or department, or from an external source such as government agencies, nonprofits, or private organizations. Fellowships can be competitive and typically have early application deadlines. There are fellowships available for specific fields of study, to increase diversity in a given area, to fund research on certain topics, for academic excellence, and many other reasons.

Work-study

The Federal Work-Study Program is based on financial need and allows students to work part-time on campus or with a private nonprofit or public agency. The work-study program provides funding to schools and other organizations to hire eligible students, and those who participate in the program earn a paycheck just like any other job. It can be harder to find a work-study position as an online student, but some online schools partner with organizations or provide remote and in-person work-study positions for students at campus locations across the country. If you qualify for work-study funding, contact your school to find out what options are available to you.

Employer Tuition Assistance

One of the most underutilized sources of funding is education benefits offered by employers. The Society of Human Resources Management found that more than half of employers offer education funding in their 2019 report on employee benefits. Schools with a wide selection of online options also often partner with companies to provide education and training options.

Choosing the Right Online Master's Program

Making the decision to enroll in an online master's degree program is an exciting first step, but it's easy to get overwhelmed once you realize how many options are available to you. Some master's programs have been quickly and naturally adapted for the online space, and are more popular with distance learners. For other programs, you may have to do some research to find one that best meets your professional needs. Some of the most popular programs for online graduate students include accounting, counseling, psychology, social work, criminal justice, public administration, healthcare administration, and MBA programs.

You might think about this decision in two ways: choosing a degree that will help you advance in your current field, or choosing a new area of study that allows you to make a career switch or approach your field from a new perspective. Many people choose to get an MBA or a master's in a business-related field to gain administrative experience and leadership skills they can apply in their current field. Others pursue a master's in education to become certified as a teacher.

Once you've landed on a field of study and have a clear idea of your professional goals, take some time to research what programs are out there. There are a few factors to consider, including:

  • Does a school offer a general master's degree in a field, or is there more than one option and multiple concentrations available?
  • Will a Master of Arts or Master of Science will be better for your professional goals?
  • What degree concentrations are available in your chosen field?
  • Will you need to complete an in-person component such as an internship, residency, or clinical hours?
  • What kind of online program will best fit your learning style?

The table below will help you understand a few of the options available to you.

Popular Program Length Common Prerequisites Common Career Paths and 2020 Median Annual Earnings*
Accounting
1 - 2 years
  • GMAT or GRE scores
  • Bachelor's degree
Computer Science
1 - 2 years
  • Bachelor's degree
  • GRE scores for some programs
MBA
1.5 - 2 years
  • GMAT or GRE scores
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Professional experience sometimes required
Nursing
1 - 3 years
  • Bachelor's degree
  • RN license and one year of experience for most programs
  • Additional prerequisite courses for those with no nursing education
Social Work
2 years
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement

How Affordable is an Online Master's Degree?

There are a few factors that go into how affordable a master's degree will be. The biggest variable is tuition at individual schools. Some schools offer very affordable tuition, while others, such as Harvard University or Columbia University, are more prestigious and have significantly higher tuition rates. As a general rule, public universities are more affordable than private ones. You'll also likely pay less at a public school in your state, although many schools offer flat tuition rates for online students regardless of where they live.

The other component of affordability is the length of a program. Schools typically charge per credit, and programs with more credit requirements will take longer and be more expensive. Degrees that have an internship or practicum requirement also can cost more, depending on if your program requires you to pay for additional credits to count your practicum hours toward your degree. Choosing a master's degree related to your undergraduate field of study may help cut costs, as you'll likely have completed the prerequisites necessary for a master's program.

As a general rule, public universities are more affordable than private ones. You'll also likely pay less at a public school in your state, although many schools offer flat tuition rates for online students regardless of where they live.

Generally speaking, degrees that require clinical hours or other hands-on learning components may be more expensive due to the additional credits needed to meet graduation requirements. That can include clinical degrees in areas such as counseling, nursing, or psychology, and teacher preparation programs that require student teaching hours. These degrees could also cost more indirectly – if your program requires you to complete unpaid work hours in your field, you'll have less time to work at a paid position to help cover tuition and living expenses. Aside from these guidelines, the cost of a master's degree and the number of credits required will vary significantly by institution.

Which Master's Degree is Most in Demand?

While some master's degrees are always in high demand, others may become more sought after by employers as they look for candidates to fill positions in the country's fastest-growing occupations over the next decade. The following is a list of in-demand master's degrees based on positions projected to grow rapidly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Public Health Administration

  • 2020 median annual salary: $74,560 for epidemiologists
  • Employment change 2020-2030: 30% for epidemiologists

A master’s degree in public health or a similar field can lead to a career in epidemiology. By investigating an array of public health concerns, from bioterrorism threats to infectious diseases, epidemiologists can reduce the impact of adverse health outcomes. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that the expected job growth for epidemiologists is nearly triple the U.S. average over the next decade.

Learn more about online MPH programs.

Speech-Language Pathology

  • 2020 median annual salary: $80,480
  • Employment change 2020-2030: 29%

Typically, speech-language pathologists must have a master’s degree and license to enter the field. Whether they work in a school or healthcare facility, their role is to evaluate and treat patients for communication and swallowing disorders caused by a broad spectrum of mental and physical impediments. With 15,200 new job openings each year, speech-language pathologists are in high demand.

Learn more about online speech pathology programs.

Statistics, Economics, or Mathematics

  • 2020 median annual salary: $92,270 for statisticians
  • Employment change 2020-2030: 35% for statisticians

An advanced degree in any of these fields can lead to a role as a statistician. Professionals in this field use mathematical problem-solving skills and perform data analysis for government agencies or private research companies. Even if you aren't pursuing a role in statistics, these degrees can also be useful in the rapidly growing tech industry.

Learn more about online data science, economics, or mathematics master's degrees.

Nurse Practitioner

  • 2020 median annual salary: $111,680
  • Employment change 2020-2030: 52%

A master's in nursing is necessary to become a nurse practitioner, one of the fastest-growing jobs in the country. For registered nurses, an RN to MSN program will allow you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing in one program. There are also BSN to MSN programs available, and direct-entry or master's entry programs for those who have a bachelor's degree in a different field.

Learn more about online nurse practitioner master's programs.

Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Christian Counseling

  • 2020 median annual salary: $47,660 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
  • Employment change 2020-2030: 23% for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

Earning a master's in counseling can open the door to careers in mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, school and career counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other opportunities in the field. Professionals can work for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, or open their own private practice.

Learn more about online master's in counseling, substance abuse counseling, school counseling, marriage & family therapy, and Christian counseling programs.

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