Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Q: What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in higher education?

College administrators routinely make six-figure salaries, with university vice presidents in areas such as fundraising, marketing, and student affairs earning upwards of $250,000 annually. Graduates working for corporations, private foundations, and government agencies can also earn salaries exceeding $100,000.

Q: How long does it take to earn a master's in higher education?

Earning an online master's degree in higher education can take 1-2 years or more. Students attending full time often finish sooner, while part-time students can take longer, depending on the program's degree requirements.

Earn your online master’s degree in higher education to prepare for a dynamic and challenging career in university administration or a related field.

Edited by

Updated April 30, 2024

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Today’s colleges and universities are complex organizations operating in challenging times.

University leaders manage finances, marketing and recruitment, student life, accreditation, and government relations while dealing with campus issues such as the changing admissions landscape, external threats to racial diversity, and the effects of artificial intelligence on the curriculum.

It’s no wonder college administrators are highly compensated, typically earning a median salary of more than $100,000 per year.

An online master’s degree in higher education can prepare you for this exciting and rapidly changing career path, along with other related fields.

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In this Article

Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

51%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers an online master's in higher education program that builds on teaching and leadership skills. Enrollees can specialize in educational leadership, student affairs, or instructional design and technology.

Available courses include leadership in educational technology, economics and finance of higher education, and student support services and retention. This program takes one year to complete.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,417

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

85,586

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,980

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,980

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

92%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,417

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

85,586

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Available courses include leadership in educational technology, economics and finance of higher education, and student support services and retention. This program takes one year to complete.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Commerce, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$3,630

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,232

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $407
Out of State | $815

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

TAMUC offers an online master's in higher education for learners interested in working at colleges, universities, and related agencies. The two-year program emphasizes administration for early and mid-career professionals.

Courses explore teaching adult learners, community college curricula, and the history of U.S. higher education. Students also complete an internship. Graduates may pursue TAMUC's Ed.D. in higher education.

Applicants submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,460

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

12,109

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,630

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,232

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Commerce, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,630

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,232

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,460

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

12,109

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $407
Out of State | $815

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$23,580

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,580

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,054
Out of State | $1,054

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne delivers ecumenical education emphasizing moral and spiritual values. The school's online master's in higher education program serves professionals in all areas of higher education.

Students learn about university structures and operational areas. Course topics include identifying and analyzing problems, devising data-driven solutions, and envisioning the future.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,992

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,992

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

9,197

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,580

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,580

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,580

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,580

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,992

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,992

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

9,197

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,054
Out of State | $1,054

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Students learn about university structures and operational areas. Course topics include identifying and analyzing problems, devising data-driven solutions, and envisioning the future.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Madonna University

Livonia, MI4 yearCampus + Online

$15,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Either Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $935
Out of State | $935

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A Catholic institution in Livonia, Michigan, MU offers an online master's in higher education administration geared toward professionals working with diverse populations. The curriculum balances theory with evidence-based practice.

Courses explore student development theory, impact of college on students, and law and public policy in higher education. Students complete six practicum credits and a higher education research project.

Applicants submit transcripts, a personal goals statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,992

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,930

Madonna University

Livonia, MI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,930

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,992

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Either Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $935
Out of State | $935

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants submit transcripts, a personal goals statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Bay Path University

Longmeadow, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$14,670

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,670

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $830
Out of State | $830

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Students pursuing Bay Path's online master's in higher education can choose from concentrations in enrollment management, administrative leadership, institutional advancement, and online teaching and program administration.

Degree-seekers learn to support the success of diverse students. They explore the history and economics of higher education. Each course lasts eight weeks.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit an essay detailing how the degree aligns with their personal and professional goals.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,081

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,081

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

3,324

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,670

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,670

Bay Path University

Longmeadow, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,670

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,670

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,081

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,081

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

3,324

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $830
Out of State | $830

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Degree-seekers learn to support the success of diverse students. They explore the history and economics of higher education. Each course lasts eight weeks.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit an essay detailing how the degree aligns with their personal and professional goals.

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,356

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

35%

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UWA offers an online master's in higher education for scholars and practitioners of higher education.

This degree requires nine credits of professional courses and 24 concentration credits. Courses explore counseling for multicultural populations, ethics and law in student affairs, and student affairs theory and philosophy. Learners also complete a three-credit practicum.

Applicants must reside in a state other than California and submit to a background check.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,200

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

5,653

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment

77%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,200

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

5,653

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UWA offers an online master's in higher education for scholars and practitioners of higher education.

Applicants must reside in a state other than California and submit to a background check.

Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

$17,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $675
Out of State | $675

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Rooted in the Catholic Dominican traditions, Caldwell University offers an online master's in higher education that equips students for leadership roles in university settings.

Courses cover diversity and multicultural issues in higher education and college student development in the 21st century. Learners also explore curriculum, technology, and digital identity. The program concludes with a three-credit capstone.

Courses use a seven-week modular format. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,990

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

2,206

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,910

Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,910

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,990

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

2,206

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $675
Out of State | $675

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Rooted in the Catholic Dominican traditions, Caldwell University offers an online master's in higher education that equips students for leadership roles in university settings.

Courses use a seven-week modular format. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment

100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $635
Out of State | $730

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A public institution in New York State, Stony Brook offers an online master's in higher education program. Full-time students can graduate in 16 months.

The curriculum covers enrollment management, leadership in higher education, student affairs administration, and diversity and higher education. Students can enroll for five terms each calendar year.

Applicants should hold a minimum 2.5 GPA. Stony Brook does not require GRE scores.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,740

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

26,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,740

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

26,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $635
Out of State | $730

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A public institution in New York State, Stony Brook offers an online master's in higher education program. Full-time students can graduate in 16 months.

The curriculum covers enrollment management, leadership in higher education, student affairs administration, and diversity and higher education. Students can enroll for five terms each calendar year.

Applicants should hold a minimum 2.5 GPA. Stony Brook does not require GRE scores.

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY4 yearCampus + Online

$13,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,114

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

12%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $752
Out of State | $752

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A public institution in Kentucky, UofL delivers an online master's in higher education with concentrations in sports administration and higher education administration.

Courses explore diversity in higher education, U.S. college students, and athletics in higher education. Sports administration students complete an internship, and higher education majors undertake a project.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,732

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,758

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

21,670

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,114

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,114

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

12%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,732

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,758

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

21,670

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $752
Out of State | $752

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A public institution in Kentucky, UofL delivers an online master's in higher education with concentrations in sports administration and higher education administration.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

#10

Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $476
Out of State | $476

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A Lutheran school located outside of Chicago, CUC offers an online master's in higher education with an emphasis on the globalization of higher education.

This degree requires four core courses, six specialization courses, and a capstone experience. Coursework covers law and higher education, ethical and social leadership, and fiscal and social responsibility. The program takes 24 months to complete.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA for full admission.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,926

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,926

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

6,205

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,910

Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,910

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,910

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,926

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,926

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

6,205

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $476
Out of State | $476

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

A Lutheran school located outside of Chicago, CUC offers an online master's in higher education with an emphasis on the globalization of higher education.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA for full admission.

What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Higher Education?

Online master’s programs in higher education can vary slightly from one university to the next, but they share some common characteristics.

In general, programs will require earning 30-45 credits and can be completed in one or two years. The degree you receive will be a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), master of education (M.Ed. or Ed.M.), depending on the institution.

You can pursue specializations within your degree program, including student affairs administration, leadership and policy, organizational change, college teaching, community colleges, or financial management. Often, you will be required to complete a campus-based practicum related to your concentration, along with a capstone project or thesis.

Coursework covers macro (what role colleges and universities play in society) and micro (how these institutions function and are managed). Sample courses include:

History of Higher Education
Sociology of Higher Education
Research Methods
Organization and Governance
Finance and Budget Management
Multiculturalism and Diversity in Higher Education
Curriculum Design

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Higher Education?

You can pursue careers in colleges and universities, nonprofit management, government service, public policy, and business administration. Job growth in these fields is expected to remain strong throughout the decade.

Median Salaries for Master’s in Higher Education Graduates
Job Title	Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
Postsecondary Education Administrator	$102,610
Postsecondary Education Teacher	$84,380
Instructional Coordinator	$74,620
Fundraiser	$64,160
Administrative Services Manager	$104,900

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Is a master’s in higher education worth it?

Yes, earning a master’s degree in higher education is worth the investment. These programs enable you to learn how colleges and universities function. They can open doors to several higher-paying career paths within education and related industries. Some graduates earn doctorates in higher education and pursue leadership positions.