There is no official list of the cheapest master’s programs in the US, so treat any article that names one as fact with care. The real answer is that the cheapest option depends on the field, the format, and where you live. Online programs are usually the lowest priced. The average online master’s costs around $25,000 in total, and some programs at public universities cost under $5,000 a year.
To find a low cost program, compare the full price, not just the advertised tuition. Check the per credit rate, the number of credits required, mandatory fees, and the cost of books and materials. A program with a low per credit rate can still be expensive if it requires many credits or adds heavy fees.
Public regional universities often charge less than big name private schools. Some schools charge the same online tuition no matter where the student lives, which removes the out of state markup. Scholarships, employer tuition help, and assistantships can cut the price further.
Useful comparisons: where the cheapest master’s degree is, what the cheapest university in the world is, cheapest online master’s degrees with scholarship options, and understanding the annual tuition model.

