Many young adults in the USA are going back to school to earn a master’s degree, with the majority being self-funded. These students must demonstrate an ability to pay to be accepted into a graduate program.
As a result, these cheapest master’s degrees in the USA will be a handy piece of information, saving thousands of students from losing a chance at graduate education.
The majority of these universities that charge a fair tuition fee are regional public universities. Although they may not be very popular schools, their quality of education is above average.
Stay with us as we discuss the cheapest master’s degrees in the USA.
Table of contents
- Why Go for Your Masters in the USA?
- How is the Masters’ Tuition Determined in the USA?
- 17 Cheapest Masters Degrees in the USA
- #1 Fitchburg State University
- #2 Lehigh University
- #3 University of Central Arkansas
- #4 New Mexico Highlands University
- #5 Mississippi Valley State University
- #6 California State University San Bernardino Campus
- #7 Loyola University Chicago
- #8 Sonoma State University
- #9 San Diego State University
- #10 University of Arkansas
- #11 Dakota State University
- #12 California State University-Chico Campus
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendation
Why Go for Your Masters in the USA?
The USA is still the most popular country to pursue a master’s degree abroad. The reasons will form the basis of the conversation in this section.
The USA is widely known for its quality education, teaching with updated technology, and drive for excellence. The graduate programs are research-intensive.
In addition, students can work at their universities and get their expenses covered. Most students who take up this offer work as research assistants or interns with a senior professor. This aids students in obtaining professional experience.
Students obtain their masters in the USA with a bigger picture in mind which is working after studies. Since the USA has a high standard of living, employers pay a decent salary. The work culture is stress-free in a conducive environment.
Lastly, there are tons of funding opportunities for both international and domestic students. Your university, in collaboration with organizations, offers different funding schemes you can apply for. It is essential to apply for them because the master’s tuition in the USA is expensive.
How is the Masters’ Tuition Determined in the USA?
A graduate degree is research-intensive, hence, the tuition fees depend on the number of credit hours taken per semester. While most schools use this method, others have adopted the flat tuition for individual program approach.
How much is a master’s degree? This article explains it all.
17 Cheapest Masters Degrees in the USA
We have already mentioned that the master’s degree tuition at US universities can be expensive, especially when enrolled in popular universities.
In this list, you’ll realize that most of the universities that fit as the cheapest are not very popular. However, their programs are of good quality.
The cheapest master’s degrees in the USA are outlined below in no particular order.
Read this: Cheapest United States Graduate Schools in 2024 | Programmes, Requirements, Cost
#1 Fitchburg State University
The first cheapest master’s degree in the USA is Fitchburg State University.
Flitchburg state university is a public university located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Fitchburg State is known for high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and science studies.
The master’s program has an emphasis on career-oriented learning.
The important features of this university I small class size, hands-on professional education, and accessible professors.
The master’s program includes both online and offline classes.
This cheapest master in the USA has these features:
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Tuition Fee: Masters tuition per credit is $334.00. The accelerated online master’s for MBA is $417.00 and M. Ed is $372.00.
- Course Duration: 1.5 Years
You can read this: Cheapest Universities in Switzerland in 2024
#2 Lehigh University
Lehigh University is a private institution in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania found in 1865.
The best master’s degree in Lehigh is the master’s in computer science.
This computer science master’s program conducts cutting-edge research in a variety of fields, including database and information systems, Internet search, graphics, user interfaces, Web-based systems, multimedia and image processing, bioinformatics, and intelligent systems.
In addition, they also teach in-depth computer architecture, robotics, secure systems, networks, embedded systems, and mobile computing.
Although it is one of the cheapest master’s degrees in the USA, Lehigh ranks high as a top university to prepare the next generation of scholars in an academic environment that thrives on creativity, innovation, and interaction.
- Affiliation: NAICU
- Tuition Fee: The tuition is per credit hour: MBA $870; MS/Analytical Finance, science, Engineering, Health $1,500; MS Accounting and Information Analysis $1,280; Masters of Science in Management – 9-month program (30 credits) $49,530
- Course Duration: 2 Years and an accelerated 1 year MBA
#3 University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas is a public university in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School, the university is one of the oldest in the U.S. state of Arkansas.
Meanwhile, students can enroll in this master’s degree at the University of Central Arkansas either as a full-time program or an online program.
There are over 33 master’s degree programs to choose from.
At UCA, students grow as mature professionals and will be willing to take leadership roles with advanced knowledge of computer science and applications in inter and cross-disciplinary areas.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition Fee: Tuition Fee: Flat rate of $354 per credit hour and $4,376.62 for 12 hours.
- Course Duration: 1.5 Years
#4 New Mexico Highlands University
New Mexico Highlands University opened its doors in 1898 in Las Vegas
Master’s at New Mexico Highlands University teaches students all the new, latest, and state-of-the-art techniques they need after graduation. With a small class size of 15:1, it is one of the biggest universities in New Mexico.
This cheapest master’s degree program in the USA features the following:
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Tuition Fee: in-state students $221 and $4040 for out-of-state/international students
- Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 Years
#5 Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University is a public, coeducational university established in 1950. It is the youngest institution in the Mississippi Public University System.
The University offers one of the most affordable cheap master’s degree programs in the USA.
Masters at Mississippi Valley State University train students through the core and advanced courses.
There are high-quality research opportunities with scientists, which prepare students for a successful carer.
As one of the cheapest master’s degrees in the USA;
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Tuition Fee: $9,114
- Course Duration: 2 Years
#6 California State University San Bernardino Campus
California State University, San Bernardino is a public university in San Bernardino, California. Founded in 1965, it is one of the 23 general campuses of the California State University system.
At California State University, there are over 41 master’s degrees for students to enroll for.
The Master of Science in Computer Science is the most prestigious program at the university.
Similarly, the program is technically-oriented for those who wish to acquire or extend their knowledge in the field of computer science.
It helps students develop analytical, problem-solving, and practical skills in computer science through advanced coursework, directed software development, supervised research, and independent studies.
- Tuition Fees: $2,709.83(0-6 units), $4215.83 (6+ units)
- Course Duration: 2 Years
Also, you can check this: 10 Possible Masters Degree Programs for B.sc. Students in 2024
#7 Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago (Loyola or LUC) is a private Jesuit research university in Chicago, Illinois.
Founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus, Loyola is one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States.
The master’s degree program at Loyola is designed for current and aspiring professionals in charge of developing, implementing, operating, and managing information systems.
Students gain a broad technical understanding of current and emerging technologies in the industry.
This cheapest master’s degree in the USA has these features:
- Tuition Fee: The tuition per credit hour for all masters except medical sciences is $1,055. Medical sciences $1,920 and English $360
- Course Duration: 2 Years
#8 Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University is a public institution in the California northern bay area that was founded in 1961.
At Sonoma State University, Master’s programs are multidisciplinary and built on a strong foundation of physics, mathematics, computer science, and/or electrical sciences and are recognized as PSM programs by the Council of Graduate Schools.
It applies these fields to the design, analysis, and synthesis of engineering problem solutions.
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California State Board of Education
- Tuition Fee: $9,386 for campus residents, and $6,336 for non-residents
- Course Duration: 1 Year
#9 San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in the beautiful La Jolla, San Diego, California.
It was founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, it is the third-oldest university in the region.
Actually, it is one of the cheapest master’s degrees in the USA.
One of the most popular MS programs is Master in Business Administration (Information System). It prepares students for a leadership career in information systems.
- Tuition Fee: $9,570
- Course Duration: 1.5 Years
#10 University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public land-grant research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas founded in 1871.
It is noted for its strong programs in architecture, agriculture, communication, creative writing, history, and law.
Its MBA program in supply chain management was ranked the best in North America by Gartner in July 2024.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
- Tuition Fee: $10,336 and $28,042 for residents and non-residents respectively
- Course Duration: 2 Years
Read: Top 20 Lists of Arkansas Scholarships 2024 | USA Scholarship
#11 Dakota State University
Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university in Madison, South Dakota. It was founded in 1881.
Interestingly, it is one of the most technically advanced universities in the midwest. Its Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management at DSU provides professional support in healthcare with advanced knowledge of IT.
Therefore, graduates work as healthcare IT professionals.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition Fee: $370.00 per credit hour
- Course Duration: 2-2.5 Years
#12 California State University-Chico Campus
Just like its contemporary in San Bernando, the Chico Campus is also renowned for its master’s in computer science. It provides students with a high quality of experience.
MS in Computer Science from California State University-Chico Campus advances knowledge in the computing sciences where students are able to explore diverse areas of application through elective courses.
This cheapest master’s degree in the USA is highly rated as a top regional public university in the West.
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Tuition Fee: $3,116.00 for 0-6 units and $4,622.00 for 6+ units
- Course Duration: 1.5 to 2 Years
Read this: How Long Does It Take To Get A Masters Degree?
FAQs
The reason is that the USA is widely known for its quality education, teaching with updated technology, and drive for excellence. The graduate programs are research-intensive.
Here are some of the cheapest master’s degree programs in the USA
Fitchburg State University
Lehigh University
University of Central Arkansas
New Mexico Highlands University
Mississippi Valley State University, etc.
Conclusion
There are many affordable master’s degree programs in the USA. These schools that seem unpopular actually have top ratings just like the popular universities.
In conclusion, you can get a quality master’s degree education by studying at these cheap and affordable universities in the USA. Sometimes, cost and quality are asynchronous!
References
Recommendation
- List of Cheapest Universities in Canada for Master’s degree
- 15 Cheapest Universities in Paris for International Students
- 10 Free Masters Degree For International Students In 2023 –
- 12 Cheapest Online Masters Program in Canada 2024
- 10 Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Early Childhood
- Check out the Cheap IT Masters Degree in Australia
