After completing an undergraduate degree program, many students begin looking for options to continue their education, in order to gain more expertise in their field of study. By pursing an online graduate degree, students are able to expand their earning potential while gaining an even greater understanding of their field of study.
As undergraduate degrees become more commonplace, earning a graduate degree is a fantastic way for a student to set themselves a part from others when it comes to applying for jobs and when starting a career.
But as there are many options for schools for undergraduate degrees, there are many places for which students can enroll in an online graduate degree program. For many students, finding the right online graduate school to enroll in may seem like a daunting task. To help make this search a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of online universities offering the most affordable online graduate degrees and other graduate-level programs and certificates.
Ranked by tuition cost, we’ve focused on online graduate schools accredited by nationally-recognized accreditation boards. The tuition rates chosen for this ranking were out-of-state tuition rates as that is typically what most students will be paying when enrolling in an online program of study. We hope that you find this ranking helpful when considering where to begin your online graduate studies.
1. Fort Hays State University
Established in 1902, Fort Hays State University was originally known as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School. Accepting its first students that year, the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School was founded as an extension to the Kansas State Normal School. Quickly, the new school became just as popular, if not more so, than Kansas State Normal School from which it was spun-off. Originally, Fort Hays State University was founded on the site of a former frontier military base called Fort Hays. However, the campus grew to be too small and classes were moved close to the town of Hays, Kansas.
Students at Fort Hays State University can enroll in a variety of different programs offered through the schools at the university. Those who are interested in enrolling in undergraduate studies can choose from over sixty different academic majors. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies can choose from the nineteen different graduate degree programs offered at Fort Hays State University. Nineteen of the undergraduate programs are offered to students online along with ten online graduate degree programs. Fort Hays State University has received regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation applies institution-wide to all the programs offered to students at the university. In order to earn this regional accreditation, Fort Hays State University had to submit all of its program to a variety of tests and benchmarks administered by the Higher Learning Commission to ensure high academic standards.
Still located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University has grown to become Kansas state’s third-largest public school with an enrolled student population of 11,200 students. Fort Hays State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $213/per credit
2. Amberton University
Facing a large amount of growth in its student population at the end of the 1960s, Abilene Christian University moved to establish a brand new school. Choosing the nearby town of Mesquite, Texas, as the site for its new school, Abilene Christian University established what would eventually become Amberton University in 1971. Created as an extension campus the school remained in Mesquite, Texas, for the next three years at which point it was moved to the nearby town of Garland, Texas in 1974. By 1982, the school was renamed to Amberton University and then renamed again to Amberton University in 2001.
Amberton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commissions on College. This is an institution-wide accreditation meaning that it applies to all of the academic programs offered to students at Amberton University. By earning this regional accreditation, Amberton University submitted all of its academic programs to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges for review for academic excellence. Students at Amberton University are able to enroll in a litany of different programs a dozen of which are Master’s degrees. Many of these degree programs also include different specializations that allow students to customize their degree program.
Known for its high-quality adult education programs, Amberton University currently enrolls thousands of students both online and on-campus. Amberton University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $265/per credit
3. Columbia College
In 1851, the Missouri State Legislature called for the creation of a new college that would be known as the Christian Female College. Citing a lack of institutions of higher education for women in Missouri, the Missouri State Legislature figured that they could remedy this problem by establishing a new, all-women’s school. Upon its establishment, Columbia College was the first women’s college to be located west of the Mississippi River. For over a century, Columbia College operated as a women’s college until it became coeducational in 1971.
Columbia College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation applies institution-wide to all of the academic programs offered to students at Columbia College. In order to earn this regional accreditation, Columbia College had to submit all of its academic programs to a variety of tests created by the Higher Learning Commission in order to ensure that all of the programs offered at the school met academic standards. Students interested in undergraduate academic studies can choose from ten different Associate’s degrees and thirty-nine different bachelor’s degrees. Those interested in pursuing a graduate degree can choose from eight different Master’s degrees. Twenty-nine of these programs are available to students online.
Founded upon Christian teachings, Columbia College still maintains its ties to the Christian-faith. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has a student body of nearly 2,100 students offers seventy-five different degree programs to choose from. Columbia College is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $305/per credit
4. Southeast Missouri State University
At the close of the 1870s, the Missouri State Legislature began searching for the perfect site to locate a new state university. Many cities soon began campaigns to attempt to woo the state into locating the new university within their city limits. The city of Cape Girardeau banded together its politicians and business owners to create a plan to attract the state, and succeeded. Southeastern Missouri State University was to be established in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Originally named the Southeast Missouri Normal School, Southeast Missouri State University originally held its classes in the Lorimier School until construction on the new campus was completed.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides students with a large amount of programs that are also individually accredited by a variety of different accreditation organizations. It’s regional accreditation, offered by the Higher Learning Commission, ensures that all of the programs offered at the institution meet a certain standard of academic excellence, while other programs are individually accredited to show their specific academic excellence in regard to a particular field of study. Students at Southeast Missouri State University are able to enroll in 145 different undergraduate majors, 100 minors, and 75 graduate programs.
Over the years, Southeast Missouri State University enjoyed periods of steady growth, much of which was fueled by the completion of Interstate 55. Today, Southeast Missouri State University is home to a student body of around 12,000 students who are able to enroll in over 200 different areas of study. Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $334/per credit
5. Dakota State University
Over the past two decades, Dakota State University has positioned itself at the cutting-edge of technology-use in the classroom. Beginning in the early 2000s, Dakota State University offered every student that enrolled in the university both a tablet and laptop computer to aid with their studies. Dakota State University also began to require that all students take introductory courses in programming or computing skills. By focusing on this use of technology and computer literacy, Dakota State University was soon recognized by the National Security Agency and received the distinctions of “National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operation” and “National Center of Academic Excellence in Research”
Dakota State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation can be applied to all of the academic programs offered to students at Dakota State University. Through earning this regional accreditation, Dakota State University had all of its different academic programs scrutinized by the accreditation board at the Higher Learning Commission to ensure that the programs met all current academic standards. Students at Dakota State University are able to enroll in a variety of different programs at the school. Dakota State University offers its students over thirty-five different undergraduate majors to choose from as well as several online graduate degrees to choose from.
Founded in 1881, Dakota State University now enrolls nearly 3,000 students at its Madison, North Dakota campus. Dakota State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $335/per credit
6. University of South Dakota
Established by the Dakota Territorial Legislature, the University at Vermillion was founded in 1826 and was the precursor to what would eventually become the University of South Dakota. Dating back prior to the Dakota’s statehoods, the University of South Dakota has the distinction of being one of the oldest educational institutions in South Dakota. It is also older than any of the educational institutions in North Dakota. Founded in the city of Vermillion, South Dakota, the University of South Dakota has become the focal point for which the city has focused around.
Students at the University of South Dakota can be assured of the quality of their education as the University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation is designed to ensure that all of the academic programs offered at the University of South Dakota meet a certain baseline of academic excellency. Students can enroll in University of South Dakota and be assured that they are receiving a high-quality education that has been properly inspected and regulated. By enrolling at this school, students are able to enroll in many different programs. The University of South Dakota offers 205 different programs for undergraduate studies and an additional 73 programs for graduate studies.
Home to the only medical and law schools in the state, the University of South Dakota offers 270 different degree programs to its student body of just shy of 10,000 students. University of South Dakota is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $335/per credit
7. Mississippi State University
At its outset, Mississippi State University was originally named the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi. However, students almost immediately began referring to the school as “Mississippi A&M”. Receiving a large amount of federal funding through the Morill Act, Mississippi State University was founded on the mission that it would teach its students “agriculture, horticulture, and the mechanical arts…without excluding other scientific and classical studies, including military tactics.”
Ensuring the quality of the education provided to students by Mississippi State University, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, has accredited the entire institution and its programs. Students at Mississippi State University are able to enroll in the over 175 different Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees offered to students at the university. Students can enter into topics including Agriculture and Life Sciences; Architecture, Art and Design; Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering; Forest Resources; and Veterinary Medicine.
By 1932, the school’s name was implied to Mississippi State College and then later to Mississippi State University. Today the school enrolls a student body of nearly 3,400 students at its Starkville, Mississippi campus. Mississippi State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $342/per credit
8. University of Missouri
Upon the successful passage of the Geyer Act towards the end of the 1830s, the state of Missouri was able to establish the University of Missouri in 1839. Through this crucial piece of legislation, the University of Missouri was established as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Established originally within the Louisiana Purchase territory, the University of Missouri began offering higher education to the people of the Midwest before state lines were even drawn. Following guidelines established by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Missouri experienced high amounts of growth.
The University of Missouri is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Through earning this regional accreditation, the University of Mississippi has submitted all of its academic programs to be tested to ensure that they meet the highest academic standards. Those enrolled at the University of Missouri can be assured that they are receiving a high-quality education that has been properly vetted and maintained by a reputable accreditation board . Students can enroll in a variety of programs including over ninety different Bachelor’s programs, over eighty different Master’s programs, and over sixty different Doctoral programs. A number of online graduate degrees are offered through the school’s Mizzou Online program.
Today, the University of Missouri offers students over 300 different degree programs to its student body of approximately 33,000 students. University of Missouri is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $360/per credit
9. University of Illinois Springfield
The Illinois General Assembly passed a key piece of legislation that called for the establishment of Sangamon State University in 1969. Sangamon State University would, in time, eventually become the University of Illinois Springfield. Known as Sangamon State University until the year 1995, the school was then absorbed into the the University of Illinois school system at which point it was decided that it would be renamed to the Univeristy of Illinois Springfield.
Students at the University of Illinois Springfield can be confident in the quality of the education they will be receiving as the institution has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation is designed to apply to all of the academic programs made available to students at the University of Illinois Springfield. By earning this regional accreditation, the University of Illinois Springfield has demonstrated to the Higher Learning Commission that all of its academic programs meet a rigorous standard of academic excellence set forth by the Commission. At the University of Illinois Springfield, students will be able to enroll in a variety of different programs including thirty-one Bachelor’s degrees, twenty Master’s degrees, a doctoral degree, and over 1,681 different online majors.
Currently, the University of Illinois Springfield is home to a student population of over 5,500 students. Located in in Springfield, Illinois, the University of Illinois Springfield offers its students over fifty different programs from which to choose. University of Illinois Springfield is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $362/per credit
10. University of Alabama
After being admitted into the Union, the newly created General Assembly of Alabama began calling for the establishment of a new institution of higher-learning for the state. Eventually, this school would come to be known as the University of Alabama. By 1820, the first classes began at the University of Alabama making it one of the United States’ oldest public institutions of higher learning that is still in operation. Borrowing from Thomas Jefferson’s plans for the University of Virginia campus, the University of Alabama features many design similarities to more modern universities.
The University of Alabama has received regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, thus students can rest assured they are receiving a quality education. To earn this regional accreditation, the University of Alabama had to submit all of its academic programs for review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges to ensure that they meet a variety of different academic standards. Students at the University of Alabama are able to enroll in over seventy-two different undergraduate programs, as well as over 125 different master’s and doctoral degree programs. A number of online graduate programs are offered as well.
Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama has become home to a student body of nearly 37,000 students. University of Alabama is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $375/per credit
11. Western Governors University
In a 1996 meeting of the Western Governors Association, Governor of Utah Mike Leavitt called for the creation of a new school that would serve the area. Mike Leavitt’s plan had the school following a competency-based learning model that would have the school focus on providing the highest-quality distance education possible, in order for the school to serve the wide-area represented by the Western Governors Association. This focus on distance education would allow the school to service more students and and control costs.
Students at Western Governors University can be confident in the quality of their education as the institution is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This regional accreditation is designed to ensure the quality of all the academic programs offered at Western Governors University. To earn this distinction, Western Governors University has to ensure that all of its online graduate programs meet the guidelines and standards set forth by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. At Western Governors University, students are able to enroll in programs offered through their College of Health Professions, Information Technology, Business, and Teachers College, all which offers all of their degrees online for students to pursue at their convenience.
Founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University currently operates campuses in the states of Washington, Missouri, Indiana, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas and enrolls a student population of 77,000 students. Western Governors University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $382/per credit
12. Kennesaw State University
Eventually becoming Kennesaw State University, the Cobb County Junior College was founded by the Georgia Board of Regents. Established in 1966, the school’s name was quickly changed to Kennesaw Junior College. Continuing under this name for the following thirteen years, Kennesaw Junior College soon began to offer students the ability to enroll in four-year degrees prompting the school’s name to be changed to account for the increased breadth of curriculum. The school was renamed to Kennesaw College in 1988.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, has regionally accredited Kennesaw State University as an institution ensuring the quality of education offered to students at the school. This regional accreditation ensures students that every academic program offered at Kennesaw State University meets the standards laid out by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. At Kennesaw State University, students are able to enroll in over 150 different undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as over a dozen different doctoral programs. Kennesaw State University continues to expand it’s offerings of online graduate programs.
In 2015, the school was renamed to Kennesaw State University after merging with the nearby Southern Polytechnic University. Today, Kennesaw State University is home to nearly 36,000 students with its main campus located in Kennesaw, Georgia. Kennesaw State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $385/per credit
13. California State University, Dominguez Hills
Pat Brown, the Governor of California at the time, called upon the state legislation in 1960 to allocated funding for the construction of a brand new state university. Initially, this new school was planned to be located in Palos Verdes and was to be named South Bay State College. As plans progressed on the new school, it was decided at the last moment to move the school’s site from Palos Verdes to the nearby town of Dominguez Hills. Being a newer town, the state hoped that they’d be able to draw students to the town through the establishment of the school.
Students at California State University, Dominguez Hills will be attending a school that has been regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. With this regional accreditation, the entirety of all the programs are ensured to have met the standards laid out by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Students can be assured that they are receiving an education that has been properly maintained and inspected by an esteemed accreditation board. California State University, Dominguez Hills offers students a wide variety of different academic programs from which to enroll. California State University, Dominguez Hills offers six different colleges of study including several online graduate programs to choose from.
Today, California State University, Dominguez Hills, is located in the Dominguez Hills region of Carson, California with a student body of nearly 15,000 students. California State University, Dominguez Hills is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $396/per credit
14. Saint Joseph’s College
Established just beyond the city limits of Portland, Maine, Saint Joseph’s College is located in the small town of Standish along the shores of Sebago Lake. Named originally the Portland Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s College was founded in 1912 as an institute for the education of women. The school also incorporated Catholic history and teachings into its curriculum. Over the coming decades, Saint Joseph’s College continued to operate as a women’s only institution until it began accepting men in 1970.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has received regional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools & Colleges ensuring the the quality of education offered to students at the school is up to rigorous standards. To earn this regional accreditation, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine had to ensure that all of its academic programs met the standards laid out by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges. That means that every program offered at the school meet the New England Association of Schools & Colleges standards for academic excellency. Students at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine are able to enroll in over one hundred different undergraduate and graduate programs. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine also offers a number of online graduate programs as well.
Now, Saint Joseph’s College is the only Catholic college in the state of Maine. Enrolling over 1,000 students, Saint Joseph’s College offers students over forty different programs of study to choose from. Saint Joseph’s College is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $400/per credit
15. Adams State University
Located among the scenic Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Adams State University was founded in Alamosa, Colorado. Petitioning and campaigning for thirty years, Governor of Colorado Billy Adam was finally able to receive funding from the state legislature for the creation of Adams State Normal School in 1921. The school was named after Billy Adams in order to honor his relentless campaign to fund the school.
To ensure the highest quality education, Adams State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To earn this regional accreditation, Adams State University had to ensure that all of the programs offered to students at the university meet or exceeded the guidelines and benchmarks set forth by the Higher Learning Commission. Meeting the rigorous requirements necessary to maintain this accreditation, Adams State University students can rest assured they are receiving a quality education. Students at Adams State University are able to enroll in over forty different programs of study ten of which are graduate programs. Adams State University offers many of its programs online.
Renamed to Adams State University in 2012, Adams State University has become the foundation of the town of Alamosa, Colorado. Currently, the school is offers over forty different programs of study and enrolls approximately 3,000 students. Adams State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $435/per credit
16. University of North Texas
Through the hardworking of Joshua C. Chilton, the University of North Texas was established in 1860 as the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute. Growing and changing over the coming centuries to become the University of North Texas, the school has enjoyed a storied history. During World War II, the University of North Texas became an integral facility for military training which resulted in the school dropping “Teachers” from its name.
Receiving accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of North Texas is held to rigorous academic standards in order to ensure that students are receiving the highest quality education possible. These academic standards are applied institution-wide and mean that every academic program at the University of North Texas had to be tested to ensure that they meet the standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The University of North Texas offers students a variety of degrees across its thirteen different colleges. Students are able to enroll in over two-hundred different degree programs, many of which are graduate programs that are also offered online for students who are hoping to pursue a distance education.
Renamed to the University of North Texas in 1988, the University of North Texas is currently located in Denton, Texas and enrolls a student body of 38,000 students. University of North Texas is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $439/per credit
17. Palo Alto University
Founded in 1975, the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology was established creating the framework for what would grow to become known as Palo Alto University. As the original name implies, the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology primarily focused on the study of psychology. By 1988, the school had relocated to it current campus at East Meadow Drive in Palo Alto in order to accommodate for growth. Adding additional courses of study to the curriculum over time, the school was eventually renamed to Palo Alto University.
As an institution, Palo Alto University has received regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. To earn this regional accreditation, Palo Alto University had to ensure that every academic program offered through the university met the standards set forth by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation board. Through the attainment of this accreditation, Palo Alto University has committed to maintaining the highest education standards for its programs and students. By enrolling at Palo Alto University, students can be assured they are receiving a quality education. Palo Alto University offers students in Psychology and Counseling at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Today, Palo Alto University still remains in Palo Alto, California and enrolls a student body of over 1,000 students in a variety of different programs. Palo Alto University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $457/per credit
18. Emporia State University
Laid out in the conditions that were established upon Kansas’s statehood, the State of Kansas called for the creation of a state university to serve the newly-founded state. By the year 1863, a plot of land had been purchased and the Kansas State Normal School was open in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1876, a vote was called to direct more funding toward the development of the school that would eventually be renamed to Emporia State University.
Emporia State University has received its regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation is applied institution-wide meaning that all of the academic programs offered to students at Emporia State University have been designed to meet the standards set forth by the Higher Learning Commission. By meeting the guidelines set out in order to receive regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, students at Emporia State University can be assured they are receiving an education of high value. Students at Emporia State University are offered a wide variety of over 185 different degree programs to choose from. Emporia State University offers many of these programs online for students to enroll in through distance education.
A major part of the city of Emporia, Kansas, Emporia State University is currently home to almost 6,000 students and offers eighty different courses of study. Emporia State University is a public institution.
Emporia State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $470/per credit
19. University of North Dakota
A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, George H. Walsh called for a vote that would ask for the establishment of what would eventually become the University of North Dakota. Soon after submitting the bill to the North Dakota Legislature, the plan was approved and construction began. By 1884, the first classes were begin held path the University of North Dakota. The school is so old that it actually predates North Dakota’s statehood.
Students at the University of North Dakota are offered a wide variety of different courses and degree programs to choose from upon enrolling in the university. Offering hundred of undergraduate, graduate, and online degrees, the University of North Dakota offers programs in Aerospace, Arts & Sciences, Business & Public Administration, Education & Human Development, Engineering & Mines, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Nursing. The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the education offered to students at the University of North Dakota is up to high, rigorous standards.
Currently, the University of North Dakota is home to a student population of just under 15,000 students enrolled in a wide variety of different degree programs. University of North Dakota is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $485/per credit
20. Tiffin University
From its very moment of establishment, the leaders at Tiffin University stressed that Tiffin University would focus not only on informing students and educating them within the classroom, but also that education must continue outside of the confines of a traditional classroom. With this mindset from the very outset, Tiffin University urged students to seek additional experience through internships, apprenticeships, and work in the field. Established in 1888, Tiffin University has continued to make good on its initial vision.
By enrolling at Tiffin University, students will be able to enroll in a number of professionally-focused academic programs. Tiffin University offers students Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Humanities, and Master of Science degrees to its students. The Higher Learning Commission has awarded Tiffin University regional accreditation helping to ensure that students at the university are receiving a proper education.
Today, Tiffin University, located in Tiffin, Ohio, for which the school received its name, enrolls a student population of nearly 4,300 students. Tiffin University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $500/per credit
21. University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was originally established as the Ouachita Parish Junior College in 1931. The University of Louisiana at Monroe operated under the name of Ouachita Parish Junior College until 1969 at which point it received university-status and then was renamed in 1999 to the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In 2002, the newly renamed University of Louisiana at Monroe underwent a large revitalization of its campus.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe has received regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through this regional accreditation, the University of Louisiana at Monroe has demonstrated its ability to commit to providing students with an education that has met rigorous academic standards. Students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe are able to enroll in dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs offered both online and on-campus.
Located in Monroe, Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Monroe offers students over forty different programs of study to its student population of nearly 9,000 students. University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $500/per credit
22. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Taking control of a local private school located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the State of Pennsylvania worked to revitalize and revamp what would eventually become West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Known as West Chester Normal School, West Chest University of Pennsylvania was eventually renamed to West Chester State Teachers College in 1927 after expanding its curriculum to include a four-year program for aspiring teachers. The school was renamed again in 1960 to West Chester State College.
Students at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are able to enroll in a wide variety of different degree programs. Offering hundreds of different degree programs, many of which are graduate programs offered entirely online, students would be hard-pressed to find a degree program that doesn’t suit their needs at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education, ensuring students that they are receiving a top-notch education.
Renamed West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 1983 after being incorporated into the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, West Chester University of Pennsylvania currently enrolls about 16,500 students at its West Chester, Pennsylvania campus. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $510/per credit
23. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Calling for the establishment of a new university, the North Carolina State Legislature established the State Normal and Industrial School. Eventually, this school would become the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Originally operating as a women’s-only college, the State Normal and Industrial School was renamed to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1963 which coincided with the school’s first enrollment of male students.
Students at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro are able to enroll in a variety of different programs offered across dozens of departments. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers its degrees across a variety of colleges including the Bryan School of Business and Economics, the Joint School of Nanoscience & Nanoengineering, the Lloyd International Honors College, and many more. the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on College has granted the University of North Carolina at Greensboro regional accreditation.
Established on West Lee Street in the heart of downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro enrolls nearly 20,000 students in over 100 different programs of study. University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $511/per credit
24. University of West Georgia
Founded on the former site of Bonner Plantation in Georgia, the University of West Georgia was originally established as the Fourth District Agricultural and Mechanical School. Initially, the school operated under the goal of providing the local rural youth an opportunity to earn a higher education, the school remained under its original name until it was renamed to West Georgia College in 1933. It was at this point that the school began to offer students associate’s degree.
The University of West Georgia has earned regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. By earning this designation, students can be assured that the education they will receive by enrolling at the University of West Georgia is met rigorous academic standards. Students at the University of West Georgia are able to enroll in forty-three different undergraduate programs as well as twenty-nine programs offered to students at the graduate level. Many of these programs are also offered to students online.
Now, the University of West Georgia offers students a full roster of undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in Carrollton, Georgia, the University of West Georgia enrolls 13,300 students. University of West Georgia is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $517/per credit
25. California State University, Fullerton
The precursor to California State University, Fullerton, Orange County State College enrolled its first fifty-two students in September of 1959. Being California’s twelfth state to receive authorization to grant degrees, the school was established in the town of Fullerton, California, in order to provide the local population with greater access to a higher education. Renamed in 1962 to Orange State College in 1962, the school was eventually renamed to California State University, Fullerton, in 1972 following a series of name changes.
Students enrolling at California State University, Fullerton, are offered a wide variety of different educational opportunities from which to choose from. The school offers students over 109 different degree programs including fifty-seven different undergraduate degrees and fifty-two different graduate programs for students to enroll in. California State University, Fullerton, is regionally accredited by the prestigious Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. This body has granted the California State University, Fullerton accreditation ensuring the quality of the education provided at the school.
Located in Fullerton, California, California State University, Fullerton is home to a student body of nearly 40,000 students. California State University, Fullerton is public institution.
Tuition per credit: $518/per credit
26. Frostburg State University
Representative of Allegany County in Maryland, John Leake, introduced legislation to the floor of the state legislature in 1898 that called for the establishment of a second normal school to serve the people of the state of Maryland. Originally it was to be called the State Normal School No. 2, and over time it would grow to become Frostburg State University. With construction beginning in 1899, the first class of students was enrolled in 1900. The school originally operated as a training school for the teachers of Maryland’s public education system.
Frostburg State University has amassed a vast catalog of degree program offerings available to students enrolled at the university. Students at Frostburg State University are offered forty-eight different undergraduate programs to choose from with eighty different specialized programs of study. Frostburg State University also offers students sixteen different graduate degree programs from which two choose from. The Middle States Commission of Higher Education has granted Frostburg State University its regional accreditation ensuring the quality of its education.
Renamed to Frostburg State University in 1987, Frostburg State University is home to a student body of nearly 6,000 students and its main campus is located in Frostburg State University. Frostburg State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $547/per credit
27. Upper Iowa University
After the community rallied to gather personal donations and a partnership with the town’s local branch of the Methodist Church, Upper Iowa University was established in 1857. Led by pioneer Elizabeth Alexander, the newly-established Upper Iowa University was created to serve the new settlers of the Iowa Territory. In close partnership with her husband, Robert, Elizabeth Alexander was able to create a new school in the newly settled Fayette, Iowa.
Through enrollment at the Upper Iowa University, students are able to enroll in a vast array of different educational experiences offers by the university. Students are able to enroll in dozens of undergraduate programs including topics ranging from Accounting and English, to Psychology and Software Engineering. Upper Iowa University also offers students the ability to enroll in a variety of different graduate level degrees that are also made available to students their online graduate school. Upper Iowa University has received regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission which guarantees the quality of education offered at the school
Located along the Volga River in Fayette, Iowas, Upper Iowa University is home to a student population of nearly 6,000 students. Upper Iowa University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $548/per credit
28. Adler Graduate School
Established by the Minnesota Adler Society, Adler Graduate School was established in 1967. Created with the ideals instilled and taught by Alfred Adler, the Adler Graduate School experienced a surge in enrollment as Adlerian theory grew in popularity. By 1969, the Adler Graduate School opened additional campuses throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. Named the Alfred Adler Graduate School, the name was simplified in 2004 to Adler Graduate School.
Students enrolling at the Adler Graduate School will find a school that specifically deals in offering only graduate-level education programs to its enrolled students. Students in this program of study are able to enroll in a eight different Master’s programs. The Adler Graduate School offers many of these programs online in order to better serve students looking to attend class online. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Adler Graduate School with regional accreditation.
Founded in Richfield, Minnesota, Adler Graduate School enrolls a modestly-sized student body and offers a wide-variety of different degree programs to choose from. Adler Graduate School is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $550/per credit
29. University of Wisconsin-Stout
James Huff Stout, former State Senator of Wisconsin, called for the creation of a manual training school in the town of Menomonie, Wisconsin, in 1891. The first of its kind in the region, the manual training school’s goal was to teach students a variety of different vocational skills in order to prepare the youth in the area with the skills needed to enter into the workforce. Over the following decades, the school would grow and absorb other nearby programs and would eventually become the Stout Institute. In 1955, the State of Wisconsin absorbed the school into the Wisconsin State Colleges system.
Students enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stout are offered hundred of different academic programs from which to enroll in at the university. The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers just over two dozen different graduate degrees for students to enroll in. Many of these programs are also offered entirely online allowing students to pursue them entirely as distance students. The Higher Learning Commission has provided the University of Wisconsin-Stout with its regional accreditation, guaranteeing the quality of education at the institution.
Renamed to the University of Wisconsin-Stout in order honor the university’s founder, the University of Wisconsin-Stout is located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, and has a student body of almost 9,600 students. University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $558/per credit
30. West Virginia University
Established in 1862, West Virginia University was originally named the Agricultural College of West Virginia. Through the acquisition of federal funding through the Morill Land-Grant Act, West Virginia University began enrolling its first classes in 1867. The school would encompass the sites of three former schools: the Morgantown Female Academy, the Woodburn Female Seminary, and the Monongalia Academy. After six years of operation, the school was renamed to West Virginia University in 1868.
By enrolling in West Virginia University, students are able to choose from one of the over 340 different programs offered at the school. West Virginia University offers all these programs through its fourteen different colleges that make up the school. Students are able to enroll in programs including agriculture, natural resources and design, arts and sciences, and much more. West Virginia University has received its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission which has worked to ensure that West Virginia University is offering educational opportunities that meet their rigorous standards.
Today, West Virginia University holds the distinction of “R1” designation by the Carnegie Foundation for its high-levels of research activity. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University enrolls a student body of nearly 30,000 students. West Virginia University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $561/per credit
31. Kansas State University
One of the first recipients of funding from the federal government through the Morill Land-Grant Act, Kansas State University is now one of the United States’ oldest institutions of public education. Founded in 1862, Kansas State University was originally established as the Kansas Agricultural College. Over the coming years the school would grow and change, resulting in a series of name changes to better reflect Kansa State University’s growing curriculum and educational opportunities.
By enrolling at Kansas State University, students are able to enroll in one of the many programs offered at the school. Students interested in an undergraduate program are offered over 250 different programs from which to choose from. Kansas State University also offers students almost 160 different graduate programs to choose from, as well. Many of these programs are also offered to students online through distance education. Kansas State University has also received regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools ensuring the quality of education offered at Kansas State University.
Today, Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and offers over four-hundred different degree programs to its student body of 24,000 students. Kansas State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $563/per credit
32. Bellevue University
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University was created with the mission of providing current working adults and professionals with the ability to pursue an opportunity for a higher education. Named Bellevue College, the new school would grow immensely over the coming decades. Come 1975, Bellevue College had grown to become the State of Nevada’s fourth-largest private college. A few years later, Bellevue College began offering Master’s programs resulting in the school receiving university status.
Students enrolled at Bellevue University are able to enroll in many different undergraduate and graduate offerings at the school. Bellevue University offers over thirty different undergraduate offerings to its students and more than twenty-five different graduate degree programs to students. Bellevue University offers many of these programs online for students, as well. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Bellevue University with regional accreditation. Through this accreditation, students can be assured that they are receiving a high-quality education by enrolling at Bellevue University.
Renamed to Bellevue University in 1994, Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nevada with an additional satellite campus in west Omaha. Today, Bellevue University enrolls a student body of almost 10,000 students. Bellevue University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $565/per credit
33. Liberty University
Through the work and guidance of Senior Pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, Jerry Falwell, Liberty University was established in the year 1971. Founded as the Lynchburg Baptist College, Liberty University would transform over the coming decades. Originally, Jerry Falwell established Liberty University with the goal of providing students with a high-quality education that incorporated Christian teachings and beliefs into the university’s curriculum.
Liberty University offers its students over 550 different programs of study from which to choose from. Students at Liberty University are able to pursue graduate degrees in a wide variety of topics including Accounting, Business Administration, Cyber Security, Music Education, Nursing, Public Health, and many more. Liberty University also offers over 200 of its programs online. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges has granted Liberty University with its regional accreditation ensuring its education.
Originally named for its location in Lynchburg, Virginia, the school was renamed to Liberty University in 1985. Today, Liberty University enrolls approximately 15,000 students on-campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, and an additional 100,000 students online. Liberty University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $565/per credit
34. University of Massachusetts Lowell
Its earliest history dating back to the beginning of the 1890s, the University of Massachusetts Lowell originally operated as two distinct institutions. Beginning as Lowell Technological Institute and Lowell State College, the school would eventually merge in the coming years to become the University of Massachusetts Lowell. By 1975, the school would be integrated into the University of Massachusetts system, and in 1991 it would be decided that the school should be renamed in order to match the naming scheme used by the other school’s in the university system.
Students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Lowell are able to enroll in six different colleges including the Manning School of Business, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, Francis College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, Kennedy College, and the College of Education. The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers over one-hundred different undergraduate degrees, over forty different Master’s programs, and over thirty different doctoral degrees for students to choose from. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges has granted the University of Massachusetts Lowell with its regional accreditation which helps to uphold the high-quality of education offered at the institution.
Now known as the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the school has grown to become Massachusetts’ second-largest public university with an enrolled student population of 17,500 students enrolled in over 150 different programs of study. University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $575/per credit
35. Winston-Salem State University
Established by Dr. Simon Green Atkins, Winston-Salem State University was created to act as a training facility for teachers. Initially named the Winston-Salem Teachers College, Winston-Salem State University was also operated to help serve the African-American community within the city of Winston-Salem. Over time, Dr. Simon Green Atkins would eventually transfer control of the university over to the state of North Carolina. After receiving operational capacity over the school, the State of North Carolina renamed the school to Winston-Salem State University.
Winston-Salem State University has received regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Through guidance and monitoring by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Winston-Salem State University has maintained a college educational experience that is of the highest-quality and meets the groups rigorous standards. Students at Winston-Salem State University are able to enroll in over forty different undergraduate majors and ten different graduate programs, many of which are offered to students online.
Now, Winston-Salem State University is recognized as a Historically Black College/University with a student population nearly 6,500 students. Winston-Salem State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $576/per credit
36. Sam Houston State University
One of the oldest schools for teachers west of the Mississippi River, Sam Houston State University has also earned the distinction of being the third-oldest public university that is still in operation in the State of Texas. Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University was established in the town of Huntsville, Texas. Named in honor of politician Sam Houston, Sam Houston State University is also located in the town in which Sam Houston was buried.
Students at Sam Houston State University are able to enroll in the school’s many different academic offerings. Sam Houston State University offers students over eighty different bachelor’s degree programs to choose from as well as fifty different master’s degree programs and six different doctoral programs to choose from. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges has granted Sam Houston State University with its regional accreditation. Through this accreditation, students can be assured that the programs at Sam Houston State University have been properly maintained and are held to high academic standards ensuring their quality.
Currently part of the Texas State University system, Sam Houston State University is home to a student body of around 21,000 students who are enrolled in over 130 different programs of study. Sam Houston State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $579/per credit
37. Angelo State University
After a local election called for the creation of a new school, what would eventually become Angelo State University was established as San Angelo College in 1926. For the next two decades, the school would operate as a two-year college until locals began calling for the expansion of the school’s curriculum. New facilities began construction in 1947. After construction was completed, the school received university status and was eventually renamed to Angelo State University in 1969.
Students at Angelo State University can be assured that the quality of their education is of the upmost due to the school being regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. By receiving this accreditation, Angelo State University is held to a high standard of academic requirements that it must uphold to uphold its accreditation. Students are able to enroll in over one-hundred different programs offered through Angelo State University’s colleges including Archer College of Health and Human Services, College of Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Graduate Studies and Research, and Science and Engineering.
Today, Angelo State University is home to a student body of almost 10,000 students and is located in the city of San Angelo, Texas. Angelo State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $584/per credit
38. Fielding Graduate University
Renata Tesch, Hallock Hoffman, and Freder M. Hudson entered into a three-way partnership in 1974 in order to cofound their new school. Believing that current working professionals were not afforded opportunities to enroll in educational programs that suited their scheduling needs, Tesch, Hoffman & Hudson wanted to create a school that would specifically address this concern. The three established Fielding Graduate University. Offering only graduate programs, the school was able to focus on providing students with the education needed to make a career change.
Students enrolling in Fielding Graduate University are able to enroll in a variety of different graduate programs offered. Fielding Graduate University is made up of two different schools: the School of Leadership Studies, and the School of Psychology. Within both of these schools are a variety of Master’s and Doctorate degrees, as well as a variety of different certifications available for students to earn. Fielding Graduate University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in order to ensure the quality of education offered to students enrolled at the university.
Established in Santa Barbara, California, Fielding Graduate University is home to a student body of nearly 1,200 students. Fielding Graduate University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $585/per credit
39. Arizona State University
Originally named the Territorial Normal School, Arizona State University was founded in Tempe, Arizona. Its main campus still located in the city of Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State University has had to add additional satellite campuses throughout the State of Arizona in order to accommodate for additional growth. In 2014, Arizona State University adopted a new model known as the “New American University” model. This model would have the school focusing on enrolling as many students as possible in order to foster their unique skills rather than defining itself through exclusivity.
By enrolling in Arizona State University, students are afforded an incredibly large amount of different programs from which to enroll in. Students interested in enrolling in an undergraduate program are able to choose from over 350 different programs. Those who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree are able to choose from one of the 450 different programs offered to students enrolled at Arizona State University, a number of which are also offered through ASU’s online graduate school. Arizona State University has received regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Through the earning of this accreditation, students can be assured that the quality of their education has been properly vetted by the Higher Learning Commission.
Today, Arizona State University is home to a student body of 82,000 students making it one of the largest schools in the nation. Arizona State University is a public institution.
Tuition per credit: $587/per credit
40. Missouri Baptist University
Established at the Tower Grove Baptist Church, Missouri Baptist University was originally created as the Hannibal-Lagrange College in 1957. Serving originally as an extension campus, the Hannibal-Lagrange College was created to serve the people of St. Louis with an education with an evangelical Christian bent. In 1964 the school was chartered and liberal arts were added into the curriculum. Soon, land was purchased for a campus and the school moved out from Tower Grove Baptist Church.
Those enrolled at Missouri Baptist University are offered a wide variety of different educational programs form which to enroll in. Students are able to enroll in programs involving Business, Education, Fine Arts, Health & Sport Sciences, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Honors, Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Missouri Baptist University has received regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. By earning this accreditation, Missouri Baptist University has met the standards of operation set out by the Higher Learning Commission regarding the quality of the programs provided to students.
Today, Missouri Baptist University is located in the city of St. Louis, Missouri and enrolls a student body of approximately 4,800 students. Missouri Baptist University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $588/per credit
41. Regent University
Established as the Christian Broadcast Network University, Regent University was founded in Virginia Beach Virginia. Founded by Pat Robertson, the Christian Broadcast Network University opened its doors to its first class of students in 1977. Over the coming decades the school would transform and evolved to become Regent University. Operating as the Christian Broadcast Network University for thirteen years, the school was renamed to Regent University in 1990. In 1997, Regent University began offering a Master’s degree program entirely online, making it one of the first online graduate schools.
By enrolling in Regent University, students are able to choose in a wide-variety of programs. Regent University offers 128 different areas of study for students to choose from. Students are able to enrolling graduate programs in topics including Business, Communication, Education, Film & Animation, Government & National Security, Information Systems Technology, Law, Leadership, Psychology & Counseling, Public Administration, Religion & Theology, Science, and Theater & Music. Regent University has received regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges ensuring that the quality of education provided to students is of the highest quality.
Today, Regent University is home to a student body of approximately 6,100 students enrolled in seventy different courses. Regent University is a private institution.
Tuition per credit: $595/per credit
42. University of the Southwest
In 1956, Clarence Evans founded the University of the Southwest as the Hobbs Baptist College. Established to provide students in the area with a high-quality Christian education, the University of the Southwest still incorporates Baptist principles and teachings into its curriculum and culture. In under two years, the school began to offers students the ability to enroll in a four-year degree program resulting in the school being renamed to New Mexico Baptist College in 1958 and then renamed eventually to the University of the Southwest.
Students at the University of the Southwest can be assured of the quality of their education as the institution has received regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. By receiving this regional accreditation, the University of Southwest has to meet a litany of rigorous standards and rules set forth by the Higher Learning Commission. The University of the Southwest offers students over fifty different degree programs to enroll in as well as fifteen graduate programs to choose from as well. Many of these programs are offered online as well as on-campus, providing a greater deal of flexibility for enrollees.
Located just outside of Hobbs, New Mexico, the University of the Southwest enrolls a student body of about 1,000 students and offers sixty-five different programs of study. University of the Southwest is a