10 Affordable Online Master’s Programs in 2026
A master’s degree can boost your career without breaking the bank. Here are 10 affordable online master’s programs from accredited universities, with total costs under $17,000.
Note: Tuition figures are approximate and change yearly. Always verify current rates on each university’s official website before applying.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.gatech.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1885
- 📍 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
- 📞 Contact: admission@gatech.edu | (404) 894-2000
Program: Online MS in Computer Science (OMSCS)
Cost: ~$7,000 total (30 credits, same rate for all)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
One of the world’s most well-known affordable online master’s degrees. Specializations in ML, computing systems. Same diploma as on-campus.
2. Eastern University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.eastern.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1925
- 📍 Location: St. Davids, PA, USA
- 📞 Contact: admissions@eastern.edu | 1-800-732-7669
Program: MS in Data Science (Online)
Cost: ~$9,900 total (30 credits)
Accreditation: MSCHE
100% online, self-paced, completable in 10 months. 7-week courses in ML, statistics, big data.
3. University of Texas at Austin
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.utexas.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1883
- 📍 Location: Austin, TX, USA
- 📞 Contact: (512) 475-7399
Program: Online MS in Artificial Intelligence
Cost: ~$10,000 total (30 credits)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
One of the first fully online AI master’s from a top-tier university. Flexible 1-6 year pacing.
4. Western Governors University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.wgu.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1997
- 📍 Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- 📞 Contact: 1-866-225-5948
Program: Online MBA
Cost: ~$5,005/6-month term; ~$10,010 for 1-year completion
Accreditation: NWCCU; ACBSP
Competency-based MBA with flat-rate tuition. Faster learners pay less. Nonprofit for working adults.
5. Texas A&M International University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.tamiu.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1969
- 📍 Location: Laredo, TX, USA
- 📞 Contact: enroll@tamiu.edu | 1-888-489-2648
Program: Online MBA
Cost: ~$11,010 total (TX residents)
Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
100% online AACSB-accredited MBA, 6 emphasis areas, 7-week courses, 12 months, no GMAT/GRE.
6. Amberton University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://amberton.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1971
- 📍 Location: Garland, TX, USA
- 📞 Contact: (972) 279-6511 | Advisor@Amberton.edu
Program: Online MBA
Cost: ~$325/credit; ~$11,700 total (36 credits)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Nonprofit for working adults. Pay-as-you-go, 4 sessions/year, no entrance exam.
7. Fort Hays State University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.fhsu.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1902
- 📍 Location: Hays, KS, USA
- 📞 Contact: (785) 628-4000
Program: Online MBA
Cost: ~$12,900 total (~$430/credit)
Accreditation: HLC; AACSB
AACSB-accredited online MBA, multiple concentrations, no GMAT/GRE.
8. Lamar University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.lamar.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1923
- 📍 Location: Beaumont, TX, USA
- 📞 Contact: (409) 880-8888
Program: Online MBA
Cost: ~$14,688 total (~$336/credit)
Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
30-credit online MBA, healthcare admin and IS concentrations, 12 months.
9. Chadron State College
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.csc.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1911
- 📍 Location: Chadron, NE, USA
- 📞 Contact: (308) 432-6000 | 1-800-242-3766
Program: Online MBA / Master’s in Education
Cost: ~$490/credit; ~$14,700 (30 credits)
Accreditation: HLC
7 online master’s, flat rate for all, no out-of-state surcharge.
10. UT Rio Grande Valley
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.utrgv.edu/
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 2013
- 📍 Location: Edinburg, TX, USA
- 📞 Contact: admissions@utrgv.edu | 1-888-882-4026
Program: Online MBA
Cost: ~$17,000 total in-state
Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
UT System public university, 10 concentrations, strong financial aid.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an affordable program doesn’t mean compromising on quality. All institutions listed above are regionally accredited, ensuring your degree holds value with employers and other institutions. Take time to compare total costs, not just per-credit rates, and explore financial aid options.
