Tapping high-end jobs in project management usually requires a master’s degree. However, staggering tuition fees, lack of quality education, and accreditation issues can hinder your path to it.

To make it easier for you, we have done extensive research to create a list of accredited options. This list covers top universities with affordable online master’s in project management. Let’s get into them! 

Top 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Project Management 

Project managers are the backbone of every business. They manage, lead, and execute projects of prime importance. That’s why they are among the high-paid professionals. 

Project managers make an average of $87,764 as their projected salary per year. According to BLS data, this profession is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032. However, ideally, you should get higher education from a reputed institution to claim these benefits without hassle. 

To check if a university is worth attending, it’s crucial to consider factors such as credit hours, graduation rates, and test requirements. I’ve highlighted these factors along with the tuition fee and aid options for all so you can compare these universities and make an informed choice. 

Arizona State University 

Arizona State University’s online Master’s in Project Management is a great deal for those looking to tap into this highly marketable industry. Whether you’re a professional or a recent graduate, ASU delivers value by teaching you how project management (PM) works. You’ll learn to apply predictive, adaptive, and hybrid approaches to the field.  

The best part? ASU helps you rack up credits and practical PM hours, which help you get certifications. However, the cost of this program might be a bit higher compared to other options on the list. 

• Tuition Fee: $779 (per credit)
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Arizona 
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Acceptance Rate: 90% 
• Credits Required: 33 
• Standardized Test Requirements: No GRE or GMAT required

Missouri State University 

If you have a business or liberal arts background, then a Master of Science in PM at Missouri State Online is a great fit. It welcomes students who wish to pursue STEM education for project management in those fields. The curriculum abides by the PMI standards, making it more appealing for Missouri residents. 

Plus, an accelerated option is available for those who wish to finish their degree sooner. However, it requires spending a summer on campus to wrap things up in 18 months. 

• Tuition Fee: $13,534
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Missouri 
• Graduation Rate: 38% 
• Acceptance Rate: 94%
• Credits Required: 30
• Standardized Test Requirements: GMAT or GRE Scores required

Charleston Southern University 

Charleston Southern University’s online MS in Project Management is an accredited program designed for students looking to take lead roles in the field as soon as they graduate. The courses revolve around critical thinking, decision-making, and managing project risks. The university focuses on employing an ‘applied’ approach to all the management programs.

So, as soon as you graduate, you’re ready for the PMP exam too. This fully online major offers up-to-date content to stay on top of today’s needs in the field. On top of that, an accelerated 7-week format makes it perfect for working individuals. Yet, it may be too intense for students who prefer a more relaxed study pace. 

• Tuition Fee: $650 per credit hour 
• Aid: Yes 
• Location: South Carolina 
• Graduation Rate: 34%
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Credits Required: 30
• Standardized Test Requirements: No GRE or GMAT required

Bellevue University 

Bellevue University offers a pretty cheap online Master’s in PM that’s fully accredited by GAC and PMI. The core focus of this program is research, data collection, and hands-on learning experience. It includes courses such as PM in Global and Virtual Workplaces, Managing Project Risks, Schedule Management, and more. 

While this program is entirely online, you might opt for hybrid mode for a more personalized experience. Nonetheless, BU has a relatively low brand recognition, which might impact your future job prospects. 

• Tuition Fee: $649 per credit hour
• Location: Nebraska
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Graduation Rate: 19%
• Acceptance Rate: 100
• Credits Required: 36 
• Test Requirements: No GRE or GMAT Required. 

Amberton University 

Amberton University offers an online master of science in Agile Project Management accredited by GAC. It’s a 30-credit hour program designed for full-time students to complete within a year. AU employs the Moodle Learning system to cover courses including Agile Frameworks, Agile Methods, and Ethics for Decision Making. 

Once you graduate, you can pursue different jobs such as purchasing manager, senior project manager, or marketing project manager. One potential downside of Amberton is that you might not get vast networking opportunities as compared to the larger institutions on the list. 

• Tuition Fee:  $300 per credit hour
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Texas 
• Graduation Rate: 74%
• Credits Required: 30 
• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• Standardized Test Requirements: No GRE requirement 

Boston University 

Accredited by both AACSB and PMI’s GAC, Boston University’s MS in Project Management online program offers an all-inclusive degree in project management. It offers a perfect blend of management and business principles, coupled with specialized strategies in the field. 

Additionally, it taps into various areas like global supply chain, financial concepts, and innovation methods. Nevertheless, this program requires 40 credit hours that typically take 18 to 24 months to complete. So, if you wish for a quicker completion time, Boston University may not be the right option for you. 

• Tuition Fee:  $36,820 to $38,500
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Location: Boston 
• Graduation Rate: 83% 
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Credits Required: 40 
• Standardized Test Requirements: No GRE or GMAT required 

Sam Houston State University 

Sam Houston State University offers a 100% online or a hybrid PM master’s program specially designed for industry professionals. Also, it equips you for careers focusing on project life cycles in industries that constantly introduce new products and services. Sample courses cover topics such as seminars in HRM and management of IT. 

Once you’re done, you can head on to pursue certification from the PMI. However, SHSU’s master’s program may not offer your preferred electives. So, if you don’t want to settle for unspecialized tracks, you might pick another online university for project management. 

• Tuition Fee: $30,000 per semester
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Location: Texas 
• Graduation Rate: 34%
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Credits Required: 36
• Standardized Test Requirements: Requires cumulative undergraduate GPA and GMAT

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

The online Master’s in Project Management program at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a top choice for many. It covers both traditional and agile PM methods employed by industry experts today. Better yet, their program is nationally recognized by PMI and gears you up for PMP certification. 

The best part is that Harrisburg University works on a rolling admission basis with no application fee or deadline. However, the program’s ranking may be relatively lower compared to some others on the list. 

• Tuition Fee: $650 per credit hour
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Pennsylvania 
• Graduation Rate: 23%
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Credits Required: 36
• Standardized Test Requirements: No GRE or GMAT required 

Columbia Southern University 

Columbia Southern University’s MBA in Project Management requires 36 credit hours for completion. Full-time students can complete it within a year if they opt for a PM concentration comprising 12 credit hours. Some of the key courses include Project Stakeholders and Economics for Managers. 

CSU delivers its program through the Blackboard learning management system, which ensures flexible and asynchronous learning. 

• Tuition Fee: $349 per credit hour
• Financial Aid: Yes 
• Location: Alabama
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Credits Required: 36
• Standardized Test Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required

University of Alaska Anchorage 

The University of Alaska’s online Master’s in Project Management is perfect for professionals looking to advance their careers. This fully online program features synchronous courses that can be completed in under 18 months of dedicated study. Plus, students at UAA are taught by industry experts and scholars for a deeper outlook. 

However, their tuition fee is the highest on the list, which may not be affordable for as many students. 

• Tuition Fee: $1,079 per credit hour
• Financial Aid: Yes
• Location: Alaska
• Graduation Rate: 14%
• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• Credits Required: 33 
• Standardized Test Requirements: GMAT or GRE Scores are required

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Do I Choose a Master’s in Project Management?

When choosing a master’s degree in project management, check out costs, student-to-faculty ratio, financial aid, and the existing student body. You might also look for PMI accreditation to ensure the program is worth your time and attention. 

Is a Master’s in Project Management Better Than an MBA?

An MBA focusing on project management gives you a solid business background with specialized project management knowledge. On the flip side, a master’s program goes deep into the field of project management. Which one you go for depends on your personal preferences. 

Is a Project Management Master’s Difficult?

Getting through project management is no child’s play. However, like every other degree, one size doesn’t fit all. It requires technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. If you’re good at these skills, this master’s degree might be your best bet. 

Conclusion 

Project management is an ever-growing field, ensuring projects stay on track and within the company’s allocated budget. So, no matter where you are in your career, an online master’s in project management can boost your career standings.