Many universities now offer online master’s degrees. Large public universities, private schools, and fully online schools all run programs you can complete from home. Fields include business, computer science, engineering, education, and healthcare.
Stanford University, for example, offers online graduate-level courses through Stanford Online. Programs like this are usually run by the same departments that teach on campus. Many other established schools follow the same model.
When you compare programs, start with accreditation. A degree from a properly accredited school carries more weight with employers and other schools. Also look at total cost, admission requirements, and how much of the work is self-paced.
Money is a big factor. Tuition varies widely. Federal student loans for graduate study begin with the FAFSA, the standard form for federal aid. Grants, scholarships, and work-study programs can also help. Ask each school’s aid office what is available for online students, and check scholarship opportunities early.
On-campus programs sometimes offer research labs and in-person groups that online programs cannot match. Online programs trade that for flexibility. Choose the format that fits your schedule and your goals. Read about how working professionals use online learning and online master’s degrees with flexible payment plans to narrow your list.

