A master's degree in education and teaching is a graduate-level program that explores advanced educational theory and practices. Completing these programs can help you launch an education career or develop new skills in the field. To qualify for admission to an online master's in education program, you need a bachelor's degree.
Many K-12 classroom teachers pursue master's degrees in education to improve their teaching knowledge and boost their earning power. A master's in education can also help you qualify for other types of career opportunities in education, including curriculum development and instructional design.
Explore the top 10 cheapest master's in education online programs. This guide covers what to expect from these affordable degrees, including typical program requirements, admission criteria, and potential career outcomes for graduates.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Cheapest Master's in Education Online
Price Check
The average master's degree in education costs $42,010, according to Feb. 2024 data from the Education Data Initiative.
Why Get an Online Master's in Education and Teaching?
Earning a master's in education through online learning can be a convenient and flexible option if you want to maintain full-time employment while in graduate school. According to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers earn a median salary of $65,220, which may vary by grade level.
A master's degree in education and teaching builds advanced knowledge in the theory and practice of teaching. Degree-seekers may also build specialized subject knowledge in math and language arts. Programs prepare graduates for K-12 teaching jobs and other specialized roles.
Is an Online Master's in Education Cheap?
Online graduate degrees can be cheaper than in-person programs, depending on the school. A master's degree in education costs an average of $42,010, according to EducationData.org.
However, costs vary by school, learners' residency status, and program length. Most master's programs take about two years to complete. Students attending public in-state schools typically pay less than enrollees at private or out-of-state schools.
Learners pursuing online master's degrees in education and teaching can save on commuting and relocating costs. Online programs also increase availability, increasing access to programs that would otherwise require relocation or commuting.
Explore Payment Options
Graduate students can pursue various financing options to help pay for their master's degrees, including scholarships, loans, and grants. Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal financial aid.
Even if you don't qualify for federal aid, colleges and other funders use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their programs. The following section outlines some popular payment options.
Student Loans
Many students use loans to pay for their master's programs. The federal government offers public loans for graduate students. You can apply by filling out the FAFSA. If public loans aren't an option, consider applying for a private loan. Unfortunately, loans require repayment — often with interest.
Scholarships
Master's students can apply for scholarships to help offset the cost of their degree. Scholarships are highly sought after as sources of free money that do not require repayment. This form of funding can be need-based or merit-based. Look for scholarships from colleges, private companies, community groups, and government agencies.
Fellowships
Fellowships are short-term funding and learning opportunities offered by universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. This option is typically available to graduate students and may include research, training, and advanced study in their major.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants don't usually require repayment. To receive a grant, applicants typically must demonstrate financial need, but some grants are based on merit and/or identity. You can apply for state and federal grants. Federal TEACH Grants offer up to $4,000 a year for students pursuing teaching careers.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate programs sometimes offer graduate research and teaching assistantships. These programs provide funding for graduate students through tuition waivers and living stipends in exchange for their part-time work. Typical duties include teaching undergraduate classes, conducting literature reviews, and helping with program development.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Education and Teaching?
Many graduates with master's degrees in education work as classroom teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with some concentrating in special education. Master's-level teachers can qualify for higher salaries than those with just a bachelor's degree.
Graduates can also consider roles that focus on education outside of the classroom, like instructional coordinator. The following section highlights some popular career choices to consider with an online master's in education.
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary school teachers instruct students in subjects like reading, writing, and basic math, usually in kindergarten through fifth grade. Frequent duties include grading assignments, developing lesson plans, supervising students at recess, and helping learners prepare for standardized tests.
Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree and teaching license
Median Annual Salary: $67,670
Job Outlook (2022-32): +1%
Middle School Teacher
Middle school teachers teach public and private school students in grades 6-8. They prepare children to succeed in high school. Common tasks include planning lessons, grading assignments, and communicating with families. Many middle school teachers specialize in certain subjects, like English or math.
Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree and teaching license
Median Annual Salary: $64,290
Job Outlook (2022-32): +1%
High School Teacher
High school teachers prepare students in grades 9-12 for life after high school. They specialize in subject areas like history, physical education, and math. Typical tasks include providing instruction, grading exams, reviewing assignments, and supervising students in and out of the classroom.
Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree and teaching license
Median Annual Salary: $65,220
Job Outlook (2022-32): +1%
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers support and instruct students with various learning, physical, and mental disabilities. Most work at public schools with children from preschool through high school. Duties include assessing needs; creating, implementing, and updating individual education programs; and discussing student progress.
Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree and teaching license
Median Annual Salary: $65,910
Job Outlook (2022-32): 0%
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators create, implement, oversee, and assess curriculums and teaching standards. They work in public and private schools, state and local government agencies, and educational support services.
Required Education/Licensure: Master's degree. A teaching or education administrator license may be required for positions in public schools.
Median Annual Salary: $74,620
Job Outlook (2022-32): +2%
What to Expect From Affordable Online Graduate Programs
Online master's degrees in education and teaching focus on advanced educational theory and practice. These programs prepare students to work as classroom teachers or in other advanced education roles, like curriculum developer or instructional coordinator.
A master's in education takes 1-2 years to complete and requires 30-33 credits. The price for an education master's degree varies by program, but the Education Data Initiative reports an average cost of $42,010.
Many master's in education programs require final projects or thesis courses to graduate. You may also need to complete student teaching or a field experience, depending on the program.
Popular Courses
The types of courses offered in online master's programs vary by school. Explore three popular courses offered in education master's degree programs below.
Educational Research Methodology: This course provides a foundation in various methods, theories, and concepts used in educational research. Students learn when to apply certain strategies as they develop experience with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
Disability Education Policy and Law: If you want to concentrate in special education or become a special education teacher, this is an essential course. Students learn about the historical, social, legal, and political issues of disability in education, along with applications for the classroom.
Master's Project: Students typically complete master's projects in their final semester. Their work may include compiling portfolios or conducting research in real schools.
Degree and Specialization Options
Schools offer various master's in education programs, such as MA, MS, and M.Ed. degrees. If you need to obtain licensure, an M.Ed. program might offer the most direct route. MA programs usually focus more on theory, while MS degrees in education spend more time on science, math, and the technical side of teaching.
Some programs offer concentrations within the education field. We describe three popular concentrations below.
Teacher Leadership: This concentration focuses on management skills and can prepare candidates to oversee teams of educators. Specialized courses explore mentoring and coaching teachers, teacher leadership in the classroom, and designing curriculum and instruction.
Special Education: A special education concentration can help enrollees better serve students with disabilities in any classroom teaching role. This concentration explores practical strategies for helping learners with disabilities, advocating for students, and assistive technology.
Technology and Innovation: A technology and innovation concentration can help teachers learn to use new tools to improve classroom instruction and learner outcomes. Topics include leadership, research, and analytical skills.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements for online master's in education programs vary by school and program. Some conclude with capstone courses, which may require thesis, portfolio, internship, or master's research projects. These requirements allow learners to synthesize the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the program.
A licensure-track master's in education programs is more likely to require an internship or hands-on teaching. Non-licensure programs typically require thesis or master's projects.
How Do You Choose the Right Education Program?
You should consider several factors to find the right online master's in education program. Considerations include:
Accreditation: Make sure that any education program you consider is at an institutionally accredited college to ensure you can qualify for federal financial aid. You might also want to prioritize programs with separate programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Attending a program accredited by CAEP can benefit you in the job market and as you pursue certifications.
Cost: Make sure to research your estimated cost of attendance. Along with tuition and required fees, think about other costs like textbooks and technology upgrades. Reach out to the school directly to find out about financial aid opportunities.
Available Specializations: If you want to specialize in an area like special education or middle school math, make sure that any prospective program offers it.
Location: Even if you choose an online program, you might want to consider the benefits of a school within driving distance to take advantage of study groups, library resources, and career services.
Questions About the Cheapest Online Master's in Education
What can you do with a master's degree in teaching?
The most obvious pathway with a master's degree in teaching is becoming a teacher or continuing in your current education role. You can also consider becoming an instructional coordinator, educational consultant, or corporate trainer.
Do teachers with master's degrees get paid more?
Teachers with master's degrees typically receive higher salaries than those with just bachelor's degrees. A survey of 124 large school districts by the National Council on Teacher Quality found that teachers with master's degrees earned $5,285 more each year, on average.
What is the cheapest master's degree in education online?
To find some of the cheapest master's in education online programs, consult the rankings in this guide. Personal factors, such as location, can affect your tuition costs.
How much does a master's degree cost?
The price for a master's degree in education varies depending on the type of school (public or private), level of prestige, and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. The Education Data Initiative reports that a master's degree in education costs $42,010 on average.
Is a master's degree in education and teaching worth it?
A master's degree in education can help you earn a higher salary than you would with just a bachelor's degree. However, you need to consider how much it will cost to earn your degree to determine if it's worthwhile.
