Is it worth it to earn an online master's in ESL?

Earning an online master's in ESL can be valuable, enhancing your teaching opportunities and salary prospects. Online ESL master's programs afford students flexibility and cover rigorous content similar to on-campus programs. However, weigh the costs and consider if a master's aligns with your career goals, as it's not always required to teach ESL.

How long does it take to earn a master's in ESL online?

Earning a master's in ESL online usually takes 2-3 years for full-time students, depending on the program's credit requirements, which range anywhere from 30-40 credits.

Best Online Master’s in ESL Programs

Discover the benefits of getting an online master’s degree in ESL, including potential career paths, salary ranges, and program costs.

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Updated April 17, 2024

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Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers continues to grow. In the U.S., an estimated 5 million public school students were English learners in 2020, and the number continues to increase, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). With this in mind, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in this field.

Whether you’re already a teacher looking to advance your career or someone interested in entering the field of ESL, earning an online master’s degree in the subject can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this growing industry.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of earning this degree, the cost of programs, and potential salary ranges for graduates.

Featured Online Master’s in ESL Programs

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In this Article

Best Online Master’s in ESL Programs

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

13%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Acceptance Rate

13%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Albizu University-Miami

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,628

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,628

Retention Rate

42%

Students Enrolled

863

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,774

Albizu University-Miami

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,774

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,628

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,628

Retention Rate

42%

Students Enrolled

863

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$12,582

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,618

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,056

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,820

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

13,928

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,582

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,618

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,582

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,618

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

78%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,056

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,820

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

13,928

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online

$9,691

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,774

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

95%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,111

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,265

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

8,848

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,691

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,774

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,691

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,774

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,111

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,265

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

8,848

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

56%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,500

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

2,740

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,500

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

2,740

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$16,571

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,571

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$40,830

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,830

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

8,126

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,571

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,571

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,571

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,571

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

34%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$40,830

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,830

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

8,126

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Harding University

Searcy, AR4 yearCampus + Online

$10,540

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,540

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

45%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,690

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,690

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

4,793

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,540

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,540

Harding University

Searcy, AR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,540

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,540

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

30%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,690

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,690

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

4,793

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Concordia University-Nebraska

Seward, NE4 yearCampus + Online

$8,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

28%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,600

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

2,989

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,650

Concordia University-Nebraska

Seward, NE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,650

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

28%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,600

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

2,989

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Newman University

Wichita, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

28%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,400

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

2,617

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,920

Newman University

Wichita, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,920

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

28%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,400

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

2,617

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Biola University

La Mirada, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$12,006

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,006

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,382

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,382

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

5,387

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,006

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,006

Biola University

La Mirada, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,006

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,006

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$44,382

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$44,382

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

5,387

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should You Get an Online Master’s Degree in ESL?

Flexibility: Online programs are designed to accommodate the schedules of busy working professionals and those with family responsibilities. You can typically access course materials and complete assignments at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
Career Advancement: An advanced degree in ESL can boost your teaching salary and help you meet state-mandated teaching qualifications. This can lead to more job opportunities and potential promotions. In fact, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that those with master’s degrees earned over $200 more each week than those with a bachelor’s degree in 2022.
Leadership Opportunities: A master’s degree in ESL not only prepares you to teach but also to assume leadership roles in your school or district. You could become an instructional coordinator, curriculum developer, or even an academic advisor.
Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, online programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Enrolling in an online course can save you money on housing and commuting fees. Plus, online programs offer more flexibility, so you can work while earning your degree.

How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in ESL Cost?

The cost of an online master’s degree in ESL can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific school and program. The following table displays the average annual cost of tuition and fees at different kinds of institutions.

Average Annual Tuition and Fees for Online ESL Master’s Programs
Institution Type	Average Annual Tuition and Fees (2021-2022)
Public Schools	$12,596
Private Schools	$28,017

Source: NCES

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in ESL?

With an online master’s in ESL, you can choose from various careers — both in and out of the classroom. You can find roles at K-12 and postsecondary settings or at nonprofits, working with underserved communities. You can even work in government agencies, working both domestically and internationally.

Popular positions for ESL graduates include:

Adult education teacher
Academic advisor
Corporate trainer
Instructional designer
Curriculum leader
ESL textbook editor
ELL program manager

According to the BLS, the jobs for ESL teachers are projected to decline over the next decade. So broadening your horizons by gaining experience outside the classroom might help your chances of securing a job after graduation.

Meanwhile, the BLS projects jobs for corporate trainers, instructional designers, and academic advisors to grow in the coming years.

How Much Can You Make With a Master’s in ESL?

It’s no secret that teachers don’t choose their profession to become rich. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a fair salary with a master’s in ESL. The following table displays the average annual salaries for workers with different types of master’s degrees.

Average Annual Salaries for Master’s in ESL Program Graduates
Degree	Average Annual Salary (2024)
MAT in ESL	$50,000
M.Ed. in ESL	$55,000
MA in ESL	$60,000

Source: Payscale

Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master’s in ESL

Online master’s programs in ESL are respected. These courses of study offer rigorous curricula similar to in-person programs and can lead to career advancement opportunities. They provide flexibility for working professionals and can help them meet state requirements, potentially increasing salary.

The best way to ensure a program is reputable is to check its accreditation status. Typically, a program must be accredited for students to transfer credits and qualify for federal financial aid.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 15, 2024.