30 Best Affordable Master’s in Higher Education Online Degrees 2018

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In this article, we profile the 30 best affordable online master's in higher education degree programs at some of the nation's top-ranked accredited colleges and universities.

A graduate degree program in higher education is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skill needed to assume leadership roles within American colleges and universities, or with nonprofit and government agencies that help shape national policy. Admission to these programs can be competitive depending on the school, but most require a bachelor's degree and strong academic standing (3.0 GPA or better). Online programs are available and provide flexible learning options.

We reviewed 89 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) that offer online master's in higher education, higher education administration, educational leadership, or a closely related degree with administration courses. From our list of institutions, we looked at the rankings that each school received from major publications like Forbes magazine or U.S. News and World Report. We chose regionally and nationally ranked schools, or institutions that had received recognition for their online graduate programs, and listed them in order of affordability.

Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best affordable online master's in higher education or closely related degree program.

#30 – Drexel University

Online Master's in Higher Education

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,024

Drexel University offers one of the best online higher education programs on our list. Designed for professionals who have the desire to secure leadership positions in post-secondary institutions, the program offers five optional secondary concentrations. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree in areas of interest. Concentrations include community college administration and leadership, enrollment management, global and international education, neuroscience and online instruction, and student development affairs. Online courses are taught by university professors and include foundations of higher education, higher education law, managing campus operations, and student development and customer service management. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Drexel is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 96th best national university and 65th best value institution.

#29 – George Washington University

Online Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,845

One of the top online master's in higher education type of degree programs on our list is the educational leadership and administration program at George Washington University. While the program emphasizes K-12 learning, supervision and leadership courses may be applied to the field of higher education. All courses are delivered online and include fundamentals of educational leadership and the change process, introduction to quantitative research, school law and policy, and supervision and evaluation of instruction. A total of 30 credits are required for the completion of the program. George Washington University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best national university and 64th best value school in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#28 – Andrews University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Berrien Springs, Michigan

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,818

Andrews University offers master's programs in higher education online that are designed for working students who do not have the time to attend traditional classes. All courses are delivered online and include topics in administration of student services, college student development theory, higher education finance and technology, introduction to leadership, and leadership in higher education. The curriculum includes 32 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. Andrews University is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 183rd best national university, and its online graduate education programs are ranked #167 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#27 – Hofstra University

Online Master's in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies

Hempstead, New York

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,290

The online higher education master's degree program at Hofstra University provides flexible classes that are delivered on-site, online, or a combination of both. The program requires a total of 36 semester credit hours that include courses in contemporary issues in higher education, economics and finance of higher education, legal and ethical issues in higher education, planning and assessment in higher education, teaching and learning in higher education, and the student in American higher education. Online courses are taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Admission to the program requires official transcripts, GRE scores above the 55th percentile, and three letters of recommendation. Hofstra is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 135th best national university in the country. Additional rankings include #63 for best value schools and #56 for best online graduate education programs.

#26 – Bay Path University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,420

The accredited online master's in higher education from Bay Path University offers classes that can be completed 100% via distance education. This 36-credit program requires the completion of 12 core course. Accelerated eight week schedules can be taken full-time or part-time, and the program typically takes one to two years to complete. Four concentration options are available so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals or personal interests. These concentrations include enrollment management, general administration, institutional advancement, and online teaching and program administration. Admission does not require GMAT or GRE scores. Bay Path is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 122nd best regional university in the North.

#25 – Pennsylvania State University

Online Master's in Higher Education

University Park, Pennsylvania

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,216

Pennsylvania State University's online higher education master's degree program is designed to prepare students and professionals for leadership roles in the field of postsecondary education. The 30-credit program offers four areas of concentration so that students may tailor their higher ed administration degree toward career goals. These emphasis areas include administration, fundraising leadership, institutional research, and student engagement. Online courses include administration in higher education, college teaching, legal issues in higher education, and planning and resource management in higher education. Penn State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school in the country.

#24 – Abilene Christian University

Online Master of Education in Higher Education

Abilene, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,890

The master's programs higher education online degrees from Abilene Christian University consist of two tracks in conflict resolution and enrollment management. The 36-credit degree can be completed in just 18 months by taking online courses taught by experienced professors. Online classes include college students and student development theory, foundations of higher education, higher education resource management, legal and ethical issues in higher education, and research assessment in higher education. Admission requirements include the completion of an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0, a current resume, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Abilene Christian is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 18th best regional university in the West and 12th best value school. The online graduate education programs have also earned recognition.

#23 – Michigan State University

Online Master's in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education

East Lansing, Michigan

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,764

The higher ed master's online program from Michigan State University is a flexible online program designed to strengthen the skills of educators and leaders for postsecondary opportunities. Courses are delivered online and taught by nationally and internationally recognized researchers and scholars. Classes include administration in higher education, budgeting and finance in higher education, concept of a learning society, foundations of postsecondary education, program planning and evaluation in postsecondary contexts, and teaching in postsecondary education. Admission requirements include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, three references, and professional experience. There is no GRE or academic interview requirement. Michigan State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 82nd best national university, and the online graduate education programs are ranked #8 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#22 – Dallas Baptist University

Online Master's in Higher Education

Dallas, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,208

Dallas Baptist University's online higher education programs in the 36-credit non-thesis master's in higher education degree is designed for working adults who want to advance their careers in post-secondary education. Admission to the program requires satisfactory scores on both the verbal and quantitative or analytical sections of the GRE and an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher. All classes are delivered online and include college and university administration, history and philosophy of higher education, methods for the higher education administrator, research methods in higher education, and teaching and student development. Dallas Baptist is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 214th best national university.

#21 – Capella University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,003

The online master's in higher education from Capella University is a 48-credit program with classes that last ten weeks in length. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors with experience in the field. Courses include foundations of higher education assessment and evaluation, higher education leadership and administration, leadership in higher education, politics and public policy in higher education, and survey of research methodology. Two areas of emphasis are offered so that students may tailor their degree by taking an additional 12 credits. These concentrations include community college leadership and higher education program administration. Capella is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution.

#20 – Concordia University

Online Master's in Leadership – Higher Education

River Forest, Illinois

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,688

One of the most affordable online higher education programs on our list is offered by Concordia University of Chicago. This completely online, 33-credit hour program is designed to be completed in just 12 to 24 months depending on student pace and transfer credit eligibility. All classes are delivered online and designed to equip students with leadership skills necessary for administration roles at the college level. Some of the courses offered include ethical and social leadership, introduction to research, leadership and excellence, and strategic leadership and planning. A leadership capstone project must be completed during the end of the student's college career. Concordia has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as having one of the best online graduate education programs. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school's online graduate education programs #66 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#19 – Walden University

Online Master's in Higher Education

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Walden University's master's programs in higher education online are degrees designed to equip students for leadership roles in college and university settings. Up to 15 transfer credits may be accepted and applied toward the completion of the degree. There are seven available concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree toward personal interests or career goals. Some of these concentrations include adult learning, college teaching and learning, enrollment management and institutional marketing, global higher education, and leadership for student success. Online courses include best practices for student success, foundations of research, globalization in higher education, program planning and assessment, and understanding higher education. Walden is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#18 – Dakota Wesleyan University

Online Master's in Education – Educational Policy and Administration

Mitchell, South Dakota

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600 (information provided by the University)

Dakota Wesleyan University's master's in education degree is designed to give students a competitive edge in administration roles within a K-12 system and beyond. Similar to an online master's in higher education, Dakota's master's program is 100% online and designed to be completed in just 16 months. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available. Online courses include assessment planning and evaluation, classroom management and ethical leadership, human relations – multiculturalism, statistical analysis in education, and teaching and learning. A thesis or comprehensive exam is also required for the completion of the degree. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 33rd best regional college in the Midwest, and its online graduate education programs have earned recognition.

#17 – Tiffin University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Tiffin, Ohio

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600

Tiffin University's master's programs in higher education online are designed for working students who have the desire to pursue administration and leadership roles at the college and university level. Completion of the program earns a master's in education with concentration in higher education administration. Online courses include assessment and student learning, crisis prevention and intervention in education, higher education finance and budgeting, issues in student affairs, student enrollment and retention, and technology for educators. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Tiffin University as a top regional institution in the Midwest.

#16 – Stony Brook University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Stony Brook, New York

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,566

Stony Brook University offers an online higher education master's degree program that explores academic affairs, college and university administration, and student affairs. The 36-credit hour program can be completed entirely online by taking flexible courses taught by university professors. Online courses include diversity and higher education, foundations of higher education administration, leadership in higher education, research and assessment in higher education, and survey of college student development theory. Admission requirements include a complete application, personal statement, essay, resume, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Stony Brook is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 96th best national university and 42nd top public school. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#15 – University of Louisville

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Louisville, Kentucky

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,442

The higher ed master's online degree from University of Louisville can be completed 100% via distance learning. The program is ideal for working professionals who want to balance a full-time job with the pursuit of a graduate degree. The 36-credit hour program can be completed in two years for full-time students, and classes are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include college students in the United States, diversity and higher education, educational resource management in postsecondary education, legal issues in higher education, principles of educational leadership for higher education, and the American college and university. Admission is competitive and requires the GRE for students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0. University of Louisville is ranked nationally by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #84 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

For more information: University of Louisville

#14 – Louisiana State University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,887

Louisiana State University's online higher education programs include the M.Ed. with a specialization in higher education administration. The program may be completed in as little as 15 months and requires 36 credits to complete. Each course is seven weeks long and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Courses include college students in the United States, community college, finance in higher education, foundations of higher education, organization and administration of higher education, student affairs in higher education, and student development theory. LSU is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 135th best national institution and 64th top public school.

#13 – Colorado State University

Online Master's in Student Affairs in Higher Education

Fort Collins, Colorado

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,716

The higher ed master's online program at Colorado State University is a 45-credit program that may be completed entirely online and in up to three years. Offered through the School of Education, students take online courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include campus ecology, ethical and practical issues in student affairs, human relations in education, inclusive university, law in student affairs, student development theory, and trends and issues in higher education. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework and a complete application. GRE scores are not required. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #144 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – Mississippi College

Online Master of Higher Education Administration

Clinton, Mississippi

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,806

Mississippi College offers master's programs higher education online degrees that are designed for working students. The programs include the online master's in higher education administration, which consists of 27 hours of coursework and two practicum experiences. This completely online program may be completed in just 18 months. Online courses include basic effective leadership, basic understandings in higher education administration, finance in higher education, law and higher education, research methods and procedures, and student development theories and ethics inquiry. The degree is open to those with an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Mississippi College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 31st best regional university in the South and 22nd best value school. Also, the graduate education school has earned recognition in recent years by U.S. News.

#11 – Central Washington University

Online Master's in Higher Education

Ellensburg, Washington

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,398

The higher ed master's online program at Central Washington University is designed for students interested in working in administrative positions in higher education institutions like colleges or universities. The 45-credit hour program consists of ten courses, two electives, an internship or capstone project, and a master's examination. Courses are delivered online and include college student development, diversity leadership management, finance in colleges and universities, higher education law, history of higher education, organizational dynamics, research in higher education, and student success in American higher education. GRE scores are not required as part of the application process. Central Washington University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 44th best regional institution in the West and 11th top public school.

#10 – University of Wisconsin

Online Master's in Student Affairs Administration

La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,815

University of Wisconsin's online higher education master's degree program emphasizes student affairs and administration efforts at the university and college level. The program and curriculum has embraced the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies and aligned coursework to ensure basic understanding and competencies as part of the experience. The degree may be completed online with classes taught by the same professors who teach on campus. These courses include advising and supporting, diversity in higher education, leadership in higher education, legal aspects of student affairs, professional practice in student affairs, and student affairs and technology. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 31st best regional university in the Midwest and 4th top public school.

#9 – Northern Arizona University

Online Master's in Educational Leadership – Community College/Higher Education

Flagstaff, Arizona

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,407

Northern Arizona University's higher ed master's online program is designed for people planning to enter a leadership or administration role at a community college or higher education institution. A total of 30 graduate credits are required and all graduate level work must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Courses are delivered online and include higher education in the United States, leadership skills, programs for access and opportunity in higher education, social entrepreneurship in higher education, and the community college. Admission requires an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Northern Arizona is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #113 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#8 – University of Houston

Online Master's in Higher Education

Houston, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,938

University of Houston's online higher education programs include the master's in higher education degree, designed to prepare students who want to secure leadership roles in college and university settings. Admission to the program requires competitive GRE scores and an earned bachelor's from an accredited college or university. The program consists of 36 credits of online courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include assessment and evaluation in higher education, critical issues in higher education, cultural foundations of American education, educational policy, leadership for change, and student support services. University of Houston is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 194th best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #2 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#7 – University of Nebraska

Online Master's in Educational Administration – Higher Education Administration

Lincoln, Nebraska

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,810

The online higher education master's degree program from University of Nebraska is one of the most affordable programs on our list. The program is designed for practitioners working in four-year colleges or community colleges who want to earn a master's that will help their professional growth and career advancement. This 36-credit hour program offers a non-thesis option and classes delivered entirely online. Courses include administrative theory, finance in higher education, foundations of research and methods of inquiry in educational administration, higher education in America, law and higher education, and personnel management. The completion of a comprehensive paper is also required during the last semester of enrollment. University of Nebraska is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 111th best national university and 51st top public school. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #4 out of more than 1,200 programs.

#6 – University of Mississippi

Online Master's in Higher Education

University, Mississippi

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,844

University of Mississippi offers an accredited higher ed master's online program that requires competitive GRE scores and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better for admission. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include contemporary issues of higher education, cultural context of education, educational research, finance of higher education, history of higher education, law in higher education, and student services in higher education. Students have up to six years to complete all program requirements and must pass a final oral exam based on a writing portfolio that should also be completed by the end of the program. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 135th best national university in the country and 64th top public school. Also, the graduate education programs are ranked #43 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#5 – Appalachian State University

Online Master's in Higher Education

Boone, North Carolina

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,721

One of the most affordable online higher education programs on our list is the master's in higher ed from Appalachian State University. This 36-credit hour program is offered part-time and fully online. Two available tracks allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of personal interest or career goals. These tracks include the adult and developmental education track and the community college and university leadership track. Courses include adult developmental and learning theories, American higher education, college access and student success, curriculum in higher education, and ethical and legal issues in higher ed. Admission requirements include a completed online application, official transcripts, three letters of reference, and GRE or MAT test scores no older than five years. App State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 9th best regional university in the South and 3rd top public school. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #66 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#4 – Post University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Waterbury, Connecticut

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,500

Post University's online master's in higher education administration offers two areas of concentration so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals. These concentrations include administrative leadership and student affairs. The program is offered 100% online with classes taught by university professors. Courses include assessment and evaluation, college student development and leadership, college student personnel administration, faculty in higher education – ever evolving roles, legal practices and ethics in student affairs, student services in higher education, and the new post secondary student. Admission requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution and a complete application. Post University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North and is one of the most affordable schools on our list.

#3 – University of Missouri

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Kansas City, Missouri

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,471

One of the most affordable master's programs in higher education online is offered by University of Missouri. The program follows a hybrid plan, allowing students to attend flexible online classes and some evening on-campus courses that typically meet once per week. Four areas of emphasis are offered so that students may tailor their degree toward specific career goals. These emphasis areas include disability services, foundations of higher education, sports administration and exercise science, and student affairs administration. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Two professional letters of reference and a written statement are also part of the application process. University of Missouri is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#2 – Sam Houston State University

Online Master's in Higher Education Administration

Huntsville, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,323

Sam Houston State University offers an online higher education master's degree program that may be completed 100% via distance learning. The degree is designed to prepare students for careers as leaders in post-secondary education such as colleges and universities, and serves as a foundation for those wishing to pursue a doctoral program in higher education admin. Classes are delivered online and include assessment in higher education, contemporary issues in higher education, higher education resource managements, leadership in higher education, research in higher education, and student services in higher education. Admission to the program requires an official transcript from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution, official GRE scores, and three letters of reference. Sam Houston is a nationally ranked institution according to U.S. News and World Report. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned top rankings.

#1 – University of Sioux Falls

Online Master's in Educational Administration/Adult and Higher Education

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,840

The most affordable online master's in higher education degree program on our list is located at University of Sioux Falls. This flexible master's program can be completed entirely online earning a total of 33 credits. Courses are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include current issues in management, foundations of postsecondary education, higher education administration, managing organizational dynamics, organization development and change, and sociology of adult education. To be eligible for admission, students must have an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. University of Sioux Falls is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 79th best regional university in the Midwest.

This concludes our list of the 30 best affordable online master's in higher education administration degree programs.