When looking for an online program, you should consider factors like academic rigor, student support, and learning flexibility. However, for many professionals and students, the most crucial factor in choosing an online master’s in education program is affordability. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from. We’ve rounded up the list of cheap 1 year online master’s in education degrees that don’t compromise quality. 

Cheap 1 Year Online Master’s in Education Degrees

Want to upskill your teaching career but don’t know what colleges offer low-cost tuition? 

Whether you’re an experienced educator or passionate about pursuing a career in Academia, an affordable online master’s in education degree can help. 

Below are the top 5 schools and colleges that provide cheap one-year online master’s programs.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides professionals and students who want to become teachers with affordable and accelerated 12-month online master’s degrees in Education. 

Tailored for education professionals, the program prepares you for leadership or administrative roles. Although it doesn’t lead to certification in Oklahoma, students can find a curriculum focusing on the public and overall American school system. 

All education courses are offered asynchronously and online in eight-week terms. Students can easily complete the 30-credit program in a year, even part-time. Some courses include “Fundamentals of Curriculum Development” and “School and Community Relations.”

• Location – Durant, Oklahoma
• Degree – Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
• Completion Time – 12 months
• Credits – 30
• Tuition – $8,400 (total)
• School Accreditation –  The Higher Learning Commission

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit online university that offers degrees in four high-demand fields: business, information technology, Education, and healthcare. 

Students can earn an accelerated master’s in Education online, opening doors to a rewarding career in K–12 education or instructional and training roles beyond the classroom. There are many options, from Science Education and Mathematics Education to Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. 

WGU is recognized among America’s best colleges for education degrees in 2024.

• Location – Salt Lake City, Utah
• Degree – Online Master of Science in Science Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Mathematics Education, and more
• Completion Time – 12-18 months
• Credits – 33
• Tuition – $8,444 (total)
• School Accreditation – Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley allows working professionals to enroll in accelerated online master’s in Education. There are various options available, such as Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. 

Geared toward Texas-licensed teachers with a minimum of two years of experience, these 100% online programs offer asynchronous courses and curricula with an eight-week format. Additionally, no matter the program you choose, it requires 30 credits, a comprehensive oral and written exam, and capstone projects. 

Moreover, students can complete internships or practicums within Texas and choose from courses like “Administration of Human Resources and Budgeting” or “Curriculum Leadership for School Improvement.” You can also get financial aid upon request.  

• Location – Edinburg, Texas
• Degree – Online Master of Education in Special Education, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum and Instruction
• Completion Time – 10-12 months
• Credits – 30
• Tuition – $13,750 (total)
• School Accreditation – “Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)”

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas offers an online “Master of Science in Early Childhood Education” – an accelerated 12-month program that prepares educators for various roles. Coursework includes educational statistics, advanced studies in early childhood education, and multicultural schooling, with each course lasting eight weeks. 

Besides, students can select a range of other master’s programs, from Autism Intervention and School Counseling to Educational Leadership and more. 

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, along with a personal essay and resume. The program accepts applications for fall, summer, and spring semesters.

• Location – Denton, Texas
• Degree – Online Master of Education in Autism Intervention, Educational Leadership, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and more
• Completion Time – 12-24 months
• Credits – 30
• Tuition – $15,754 (total)  
• School Accreditation – “Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)”

Capella University

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University is one of the best and cheapest graduate schools in America. It offers 63 graduate programs that students can take online or through distance education and hosts over 25,000 graduate learners. 

The MS in Education programs at Capella help strengthen your basic skills and make you an expert. Some specializations you can pursue include Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership in Educational Administration, Special Education Teaching, or Reading and Literacy. 

In addition to providing affordable and accelerated master’s in education programs, the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To apply, students need a bachelor’s degree and an official transcript with a minimum CGPA of 2.3 or higher. However, it doesn’t require a GRE or GMAT. 

• Location – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Degree – Online Accelerated Master of Science in Education
• Completion Time – 12 months
• Credits –  46 total quarter credits
• Tuition – $21,150 (total)
• School Accreditation – Higher Learning Commission

Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Your Online Master’s in Education

Although students should seek financial aid and scholarships for their online programs, there are other ways to keep tuition costs low. 

Here are a few things students need to consider to make their master’s in Education even more affordable.

Private vs. Public

Whether you enroll in a private or public university can influence the cost of your master’s in Education. 

According to one report, the average annual graduate tuition at public colleges is $12,394, while private school graduate students pay around $26,621 annually. 

Non-Resident vs. Resident Status

If you attend a public school in your home state, you can save money because these schools get state funding for resident students. 

In the 2020-2021 school year, resident students paid around $10,560 on average, while non-residents paid about $27,020.

Online Tuition Rate

Online tuition at certain schools and colleges is often lower than on-campus rates. Private schools may also offer a discounted price for online students. 

In addition to that, some public schools allow online learners to pay the resident tuition rates – regardless of their location.

Fees

When planning a budget, students may overlook fees other than tuition. While online students skip campus-based expenses like parking passes, campus housing, and gym memberships, they still face additional costs. 

Online students often encounter fees for technology and student services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Online Master’s Degrees in Education Respected?

Yes. Whether it’s a graduate education degree or some other, if you earn it from a reputable college or university that is accredited, your degree will get the same respect as an on-campus one. 

How Long Do Online Education Master’s Programs Take To Complete?

Most online master’s programs in Education usually take 10 to 24 months to complete. Students can easily finish the accelerated graduate degrees mentioned in this ranking in less than two years.

How Much Can You Make with an Online Master’s in Education?

According to one report, education professionals with a master’s can earn between $60,000 and $127,000. This covers those working in PreK-12 and higher education (private and public schools) and professional development instructors. 

The salary range includes various roles like school superintendents, principals, counselors, administrators, and instructional coordinators.

Conclusion

Online masters in education programs can help professionals deepen their knowledge of educational theory, teaching, and administration in certain areas. Compared to in-person degrees, they’re flexible, more affordable, and help you earn generously. Before enrolling in any low-cost school or college, ensure it’s accredited.