Bearing educational expenses for students is a tough task, especially in this age of inflation. Let’s say you are an aspiring educator and want to pursue a master’s degree with a limited budget, then finding a cost-efficient program is necessary. 

We have listed the most affordable education master’s programs below based on our findings. It will help you stay within your education budget.

Affordable Education Master’s Programs

Here are some budget-friendly education master’s programs to help you make the right academic choice without increasing your financial burden. 

University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts offers an affordable online master’s in education program with licensure. You can complete the program within one year, and the curriculum is designed for individuals who want to teach from grade five to twelve. 

You can choose from concentrations in mathematics and history according to your area of interest. The program offers flexibility through a two-year part-time and a one-year full-time option. If you are a working professional, then choose a part-time option or decide according to your feasibility. 

Most courses in the program are related to teaching mathematics, teaching students with disabilities, and teaching bilingual learners. The tuition cost of this program is $15,060. 

Regis University

Regis University offers a master’s in education for individuals who want to attain secondary education with teacher’s licensure. Earning this degree will only make your licensure valid in Colorado, so keep this in mind and seek employment opportunities accordingly. 

This program contains 40 credit hours. 10 credit hours are for student teaching, 15 credit hours are for core courses, and 15 credit hours are for professional teaching methods. 

Concentration areas are related to business, foreign languages, science, and social studies. Courses are related to behavior management, educational research, and an inclusive environment that will help you build skills as an educator. The tuition cost of this program is $13,177. 

Western Colorado University

Another university that offers a master’s of education program with licensure is Western Colorado University. You have to complete four courses in each semester and spend 24 hours per week. Once your licensure year is completed, you have to complete an additional 16 credit hours to earn the degree.

The program also has some courses related to special education. So, if you want to serve students with disabilities, then earning this degree can prepare you to overcome the challenges of special education teaching. The tuition cost of this program is $19,399. 

Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University is one of the most affordable institutes that offers four online master’s education programs. Their programs include a master’s in educational leadership, a master’s in instructional technology, a master’s in library media, and a master’s of education in curriculum and instruction. 

Each program comprises 36 credit hours, and students can complete the degree within two years. The virtual portal provides students access to curriculum theory, library media selection, and other relevant academic materials. 

Furthermore, you have to complete an internship and capstone project to earn the degree. Each program’s curriculum is designed to help students learn about classroom improvement and advanced educational leadership tactics. The annual tuition cost is $4,320. 

Evangel University

The Evangel University is a private institution that offers a master’s of education in literacy. The flexible 30-credit program allows students to take two to three courses in one semester. It means if you are a working professional, you can easily manage your coursework and complete the degree within two years. 

Students get access to the LMS Canvas, which helps distance learners to efficiently access the relevant learning material. The courses in the program are related to reading education trends, language development, and literacy issues. By earning a degree, you can get in-depth literacy knowledge that will help you become a competent educator. The annual tuition cost of the program is $4,500.

California Coast University

If you want to enroll in a private institution that offers a cost-effective master’s of education in administration program, then consider California Coast University. This program has 39 credit hours, and there are no specific class timings, which gives students flexibility to plan their daily schedule. 

The university’s portal helps students to create their academic plans and keep track of other relevant activities. Online books and guides for different courses are also available in the portal. 

Most courses in the program are related to the fundamentals of teaching, leadership and technology, and personnel management. The curriculum of every course is designed to prepare individuals to tackle the challenges of modern-day teaching. The annual tuition cost of the program is $4,875. 

Purdue University

Purdue University hosts a master’s in education program at a reasonable cost. It is an online program that offers licensure for special education teachers. If you are already a licensed educator, then you do not have to opt for additional licensure. 

Being a top institute, Purdue University offers a variety of programs that you can explore according to your passion. The tuition cost of this program is $9,992. 

Averett University

Averett University offers an online master’s in education degree. If you are looking for initial teaching licensure in Virginia, then this program can be the right fit for you as it also meets the licensure requirements for other states. 

It can take around 24 to 32 months to complete the degree. The online coursework provides flexibility to students. You will also study special education teaching courses that will positively impact your professional development as an educator. The tuition cost of the program is $11,790.

How to Choose an Affordable Degree

Cost is one of the major concerns of college students. According to a research study, around 3 in 4 American students think that college is difficult to afford.

The following factors can affect the cost of a degree. 

• Type of institution (private or public)
• Type of program
• Modality of program
• Residency status
• In-state and out-of-state tuition 
• Scholarships

Having 15 years of experience in the education sector, Kelsey Ludeman explains that understanding your financial situation is key in order to make the right decision that won’t cause you to go broke: 

“When searching for an affordable education master’s program, consider the financial situation you anticipate being in after graduation. Compare the amount of income you plan to receive with the amount of money to be invested into the degree plan. 

Choosing a program that more closely suits your own personal and professional needs may very likely be worth a moderate tuition, rather than the least expensive. Keep searching until you find the best of both worlds.”

Another report revealed that the average debt that college graduates have is $29,900. Considering this high amount, it is important to consider the important factors for choosing an affordable program. 

Related Questions

Here are some common questions that students who are looking for an affordable master’s program have. 

What Is the M.Ed. Program in the USA?

The Master’s in Education in the USA is a two-year graduate program. The completion time can vary according to the program’s policies and the personal preferences of individuals. The program is designed for educators who want to build a career in counseling or education leadership. 

What Is the Cheapest Master’s Program in the USA?

Some of the universities that offer cheap master’s programs in the US include Dakota State University, The City University of New York, Alcorn State University, Mississippi, and California State University, Long Beach.

How Much Does a Master’s Cost in the USA for International Students?

The cost of a master’s program in the US depends on the program type, modality of the program, and other factors. The average annual tuition for a bachelor’s in the US ranges from from $8,000 to $35,000 USD. The average annual tuition for a master’s in the US ranges from $10,000 to $35,000. It is advisable for students to do some research beforehand to find the program that suits their budget.

Conclusion

Choosing an affordable education master’s degree can help you manage your education expenses efficiently and become an inspiring educator. You can also serve students with different disabilities by opting to become a special education teacher. By doing this, you can add real value to the lives of many students.