Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.
By
Updated on April 30, 2024
Edited by
Learn more about our editorial process
Earn your online master’s degree in higher education to prepare for a dynamic and challenging career in university administration or a related field.

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.

Featured Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Liberty University

  • Location-markerLynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,417
  • Out-of-state$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,980
  • Out-of-state$7,980
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled85,586
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Texas A & M University-Commerce

  • Location-markerCommerce, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,790
  • Out-of-state$17,460
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,630
  • Out-of-state$11,232
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate43%
  • Students Enrolled12,109
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Duquesne University

  • Location-markerPittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$39,992
  • Out-of-state$39,992
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,580
  • Out-of-state$23,580
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled9,197
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Madonna University

  • Location-markerLivonia, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$23,100
  • Out-of-state$23,100
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,930
  • Out-of-state$15,930
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled2,992
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Bay Path University

  • Location-markerLongmeadow, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,081
  • Out-of-state$35,081
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,670
  • Out-of-state$14,670
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled3,324
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

University of West Alabama

  • Location-markerLivingston, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,100
  • Out-of-state$18,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,678
  • Out-of-state$13,356
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate35%
  • Students Enrolled5,653
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Caldwell University

  • Location-markerCaldwell, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,990
  • Out-of-state$33,990
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,910
  • Out-of-state$17,910
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled2,206
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Stony Brook University

  • Location-markerStony Brook, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$23,100
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled26,814
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

University of Louisville

  • Location-markerLouisville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,732
  • Out-of-state$27,758
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,000
  • Out-of-state$27,114
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled21,670
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Master’s in Higher Education Programs

Concordia University-Chicago

  • Location-markerRiver Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$31,926
  • Out-of-state$31,926
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,910
  • Out-of-state$8,910
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled6,205
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes

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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

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 TitleMedian 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

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.

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