2027 Best Value Online Biomedical Sciences Master's Degrees: Affordable Accredited Programs with the Highest ROI
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Choosing an affordable, accredited online biomedical sciences master's program with strong career ROI is increasingly complex amid expanding options. Nearly 45% of graduate enrollments now come from adult learners balancing work and study, according to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, reflecting a shift toward flexible, accessible formats. For prospective students-especially first-generation graduates and career changers-navigating cost, program credibility, and post-degree outcomes demands clear, evidence-based guidance. This article offers a focused analysis to help weigh tradeoffs, decode essential admissions criteria, and identify programs that align with both financial realities and long-term professional growth in biomedical sciences.
Key Things to Know About the Best Value Online Biomedical Sciences Master's Degrees
- Affordable online biomedical sciences degrees often require balancing lower tuition with limited in-person lab access, which may restrict hands-on skill development crucial for research-focused careers.
- Accredited programs signal rigor to employers, enhancing graduate competitiveness amid growing demand for biomedical expertise, but variations in curriculum depth can affect specialization readiness.
- With online enrollment rising over 20% since 2020 among adult learners per NCES, flexible admission policies improve access but may extend time to degree, affecting opportunity costs for career changers.
What Are the Best Value Online Biomedical Sciences Master's Programs in the U.S.?
Best value in an online biomedical sciences master's program arises from a nuanced combination of affordability, credible accreditation, timely graduation, and the program's ability to significantly enhance earnings potential. Consider a working professional balancing full-time employment and family obligations: paying less tuition is clearly advantageous, but if the program stretches completion timelines or lacks firm industry ties, the financial and opportunity costs may outweigh initial savings. Employers increasingly scrutinize accreditation rigor and real-world competencies, pushing candidates to seek programs that ensure both recognized quality and measurable salary lift. This multifactor calculus also intersects with diverse career trajectories within biomedical sciences, where specialization and delivery format flexibility can make or break career transitions and ongoing employment.
- University of Florida: Estimated total tuition around $14,000, asynchronous delivery; noted for its research-driven curriculum with strong linkage to biotech industry partnerships.
- Texas A&M University: Approximately $22,000 total tuition, primarily asynchronous; distinguished by a flexible, interdisciplinary structure accommodating diverse biomedical interests.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Roughly $23,500 total tuition, synchronous format; offers intensive virtual lab experiences supporting applied biomedical research competencies.
- Ohio State University: About $26,000 total tuition, hybrid synchronous/asynchronous; features comprehensive career services aligning graduates with biomedical innovation sectors.
- Northeastern University: Total tuition near $30,000, asynchronous with optional live sessions; emphasizes translational biomedical sciences with industry mentorship.
- Accreditation Quality: All listed programs hold regional accreditation and biomedical sciences-specific recognition ensuring academic rigor and industry relevance.
- Graduation Rates: Programs report 70% or higher completion within three years, increased by flexible scheduling and tailored academic support.
- Post-Degree Salary Lift: Graduates demonstrate a 25-40% median salary increase in roles such as clinical research coordinator, biomedical analyst, or medical science liaison.
- Delivery Formats: Both synchronous and asynchronous options accommodate working professionals balancing career and education.
- Tuition Figures: Reflect current academic year data drawn from IPEDS and verified institutional reports, ensuring currency and accuracy.
Students exploring top accredited biomedical sciences graduate degrees with highest career value in America should weigh these variable costs and pedagogical formats against expected ROI. The programs listed here provide accessible tuition combined with formats suited to professionals in clinical or research settings, while also delivering post-degree salary improvements that justify the financial investment. These tradeoffs, rather than sticker price alone, shape the real-world outcomes crucial to informed decision-making. For those uncertain about program fit or seeking comparative approaches, reviewing options from institutions with transparent cost and accreditation records avoids pitfalls often encountered by first-generation graduate students and career changers alike. Additionally, those considering transitions within healthcare fields may benefit from exploring good nursing schools with high acceptance rates, where some overlap in biomedical foundations can support broader professional goals.
What Accreditations Should an Online Biomedical Sciences Master's Program Have?
Choosing an online biomedical sciences master's program without verifying its accreditation can lead to costly consequences, including difficulty securing federal financial aid, transfer credits, or employer recognition. Graduates from non-accredited or weakly accredited programs often face barriers in competitive job markets and further academic pursuits, where degrees must meet recognized quality standards.
Accreditation for these programs operates on two levels. Regional accreditation is the baseline institutional approval granted by one of seven U.S. Department of Education-recognized bodies-such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This accreditation ensures that the institution adheres to broad academic and administrative standards, directly impacting a student's eligibility for federal aid, credit transferability, and degree legitimacy in professional settings.
Programmatic accreditation focuses more narrowly on discipline-specific standards. While specialized accreditors are less common in biomedical sciences compared to fields like engineering (ABET) or public health (CEPH), students should look for credible endorsements from recognized bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or affiliations with established scientific and professional organizations. These distinctions convey stronger industry alignment and practical rigor, factors that employers increasingly weigh alongside general academic credentials.
Programs accredited solely by national or unrecognized agencies risk invalidating access to federal aid and raise doubts about the quality of instruction. It is crucial to avoid institutions offering accreditation that is pending, self-styled, or not currently recognized by the Department of Education.
Ask admissions representatives these essential questions before committing:
- Regional Accreditation: Is the institution accredited by one of the seven recognized regional agencies such as HLC or SACSCOC?
- Programmatic Endorsement: Does the biomedical sciences program hold relevant, current programmatic accreditation or strong affiliations with recognized professional bodies?
- Accreditation Status: Are all accreditations officially recognized and current according to the U.S. Department of Education?
- Financial Aid Eligibility: Can the school confirm federal financial aid eligibility based on its accreditation?
How Much Does an Online Biomedical Sciences Master's Degree Cost on Average?
Total costs for an online biomedical sciences master's degree typically lie between $15,000 and $50,000, with per-credit prices varying significantly based on institution type and residency status. For working professionals and career changers assessing cost-effectiveness, understanding the nuanced components beyond tuition is critical, as overlooked fees can inflate the overall financial commitment and affect program accessibility.
- Tuition Range: Public universities often price between $400 and $900 per credit for online courses, offering lower rates to in-state students but sometimes implementing flat tuition rates for all online learners regardless of residency. Private nonprofit institutions usually charge between $700 and $1,200 per credit, maintaining uniform rates across residency statuses according to IPEDS and institutional disclosures.
- Mandatory Fees: These include registration, library access, and student activity fees that can add several hundred dollars to the total cost, though fees vary widely across institutions and can impact the budget unexpectedly.
- Technology and Proctoring Fees: Online students frequently encounter charges supporting digital platforms and secure exam proctoring, essential for academic integrity but rarely accounted for in initial cost estimates.
- Thesis or Capstone Fees: Programs requiring a thesis or capstone project may levy additional supervision or submission fees, which can raise the total expenses non-trivially.
- Residency Requirements: Some degrees necessitate brief on-campus residencies or intensive in-person components, introducing travel and accommodation costs that first-generation and part-time students should budget carefully.
- Cost Comparison: Public universities generally afford a more affordable option for residents, while private nonprofits offer a consistent but often higher price point. Flat-rate tuition for online learners may simplify comparison but often leads to slightly elevated costs compared to traditional in-state tuition.
Given these variations, prospective students must weigh affordability against program quality and practical outcomes, particularly as a biomedical sciences master's degree cost in the United States can influence both debt load and long-term career trajectory. Carefully analyzing these factors is crucial before committing tens of thousands of dollars to a program.
For candidates interested in related fields, exploring options such as nursing PhD programs may offer additional perspectives on balancing educational investment with demand in healthcare systems.
The financial viability of pursuing an online biomedical sciences master's degree hinges on its return on investment (ROI), measured by salary gains relative to the program's total cost. Specifically, ROI is calculated by subtracting the program cost from the post-degree salary increase, then dividing by that cost-commonly expressed as a percentage or through the number of years needed to recoup the investment. For professionals considering this route, understanding these figures is crucial, as payback periods can influence not only affordability but also career trajectory decisions.
In practical terms, individuals with a bachelor's degree working in roles like lab management or clinical coordination typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. Holding a master's degree in biomedical sciences often elevates median salaries to roughly $70,000-$90,000 depending on the geographic region and demand. Given that most programs cost between $25,000 and $45,000, the expected payback can range from three to seven years, reflecting a moderate financial return that varies considerably based on several factors:
- Work Experience: Candidates with substantial relevant experience tend to benefit from quicker career advancement and a shorter ROI timeline.
- Institution Prestige: Degrees from highly regarded schools generally command stronger salary premiums and open more competitive job markets.
- Regional Demand: Labor markets with expanding biomedical sectors offer greater wage growth and job availability, directly improving ROI prospects.
- Specialization: Fields such as regulatory affairs or bioinformatics often yield higher salary increments compared to general biomedical sciences tracks.
Beyond financial measures, the ROI of the degree also includes qualitative benefits like enabling career shifts, fulfilling promotion prerequisites, and increasing employment stability. These intangible factors can sometimes outweigh the immediate monetary return, influencing the overall decision-making process of potential students.
One graduate recounted enrolling after a prolonged period of indecision during rolling admissions. Despite initial hesitation tied to balancing part-time work and the application's preparation, the timely acceptance relieved uncertainty. Taking additional months to secure recommendation letters meant acceptance notifications came just before the enrollment deadline, underscoring the importance of strategic timing and readiness in maximizing the program's payoff. This experience highlights that, aside from financial calculations, managing admission logistics plays a pivotal role in capitalizing on the degree's ROI.
Meeting admission criteria for online biomedical sciences master's programs requires more than just a baseline academic record; it signals preparedness for a demanding, technical field where quantitative aptitude and clear professional intent matter. Applicants often face a minimum undergraduate GPA around 3.0, but some programs may be flexible, weighing other strengths instead. For example, a working professional with extensive lab experience but a slightly lower GPA might still gain admission if other components strongly demonstrate capability.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically two or three endorsements from instructors or supervisors familiar with the applicant's academic rigor or professional contributions, which carry significant weight in evaluating readiness for graduate-level research.
- Statement of Purpose: A detailed essay outlining motivations for pursuing biomedical sciences, career objectives, and specific program fit, critical to differentiating candidates beyond grades.
- Professional Resume or CV: A current record of relevant employment, research, or internships that evidences practical skills and commitment to the field.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Foundational classes in biology, chemistry, statistics, or related disciplines are commonly required to ensure essential technical knowledge.
- Standardized Test Scores: While GREs were traditionally standard, an increasing number of programs now adopt test-optional policies, reducing one barrier but shifting emphasis to other application areas.
- Quantitative Competency: Given biomedical sciences' technical nature, demonstrated proficiency in quantitative analysis through coursework or experience is frequently required.
Because admission requirements and competitiveness vary widely, applying strategically to a mix of reach, match, and safety programs maximizes acceptance chances and aligns applications with individual academic profiles and career intents.
Admission decisions for accredited online biomedical sciences master's programs often hinge on nuanced distinctions in GPA requirements, reflecting real consequences for applicants' eligibility and competitiveness. Most programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 to establish basic academic readiness, but a competitive GPA is typically higher-commonly 3.2 or more-and more indicative of accepted candidates' profiles. This gap represents a significant tradeoff: meeting the minimum may grant consideration but rarely ensures admission, particularly when applicant pools grow more competitive.
Applicants facing a below-threshold GPA can still navigate pathways through conditional admission or alternative criteria. Programs increasingly recognize professional experience, portfolio work, or standardized test scores as viable substitutes, offering GPA waivers to accommodate diverse backgrounds. This flexibility reflects a broader holistic evaluation framework where research experience, personal statements, and career objectives also weigh heavily alongside GPA, rather than reliance on rigid numeric cutoffs.
For first-generation graduate students or career-changers who may not have the highest GPAs, understanding these enrollment subtleties is crucial to identifying programs that balance academic standards with real-world experience. This approach aligns with practical career outcomes, given that many employers and healthcare systems place growing emphasis on applied competencies over GPA alone. Those evaluating minimum GPA requirement for online Biomedical Sciences master's programs should consider how these standards interact with broader employability factors and program credibility.
Additionally, exploring complementary educational options like a fastest online MHA may offer alternative pathways for students targeting efficient advancement within healthcare sectors.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: Most accredited programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 to be eligible for admission consideration, establishing a threshold for foundational academic ability.
- Competitive GPA: Successful applicants generally have GPAs of 3.2 or higher, reflecting an elevated benchmark associated with actual enrollment rates at many institutions.
- GPA Waivers: Many programs allow substitution of professional experience, portfolios, or standardized exams in place of strict GPA criteria, supporting applicants with diverse educational and career backgrounds.
- Conditional Admission: Students below minimum GPA thresholds may obtain provisional acceptance contingent on meeting academic performance standards during initial coursework.
- Holistic Evaluation: GPA is one of multiple factors, alongside research history and personal statements, used to assess a candidate's readiness and long-term potential beyond numerical metrics.
Graduate students pursuing an online biomedical sciences master's degree face financial aid landscapes distinctly different from undergraduate experiences, with fewer grant options and a heavy reliance on loans or institutional support. Navigating this complexity demands strategic planning to balance borrowing limits, tuition relief, and practical workforce implications.
- Federal Loans: Options are mainly Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. Unlike undergraduates, graduate students don't qualify for subsidized loans, meaning interest accumulates immediately. The FAFSA calculates a Student Aid Index that influences eligibility but does not enforce strict borrowing caps as tightly as at the undergraduate level.
- Institutional Scholarships and Fellowships: Award availability varies widely; some programs earmark funds for biomedical sciences students, including online cohorts. These awards often hinge on merit or need, and select fellowships may require research or teaching involvement, offering both financial and experiential benefits.
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: For working students, employer-sponsored tuition programs provide significant relief but usually necessitate maintaining employment during or beyond the study period, requiring careful consideration of job stability and career goals.
- Graduate Assistantships: Though these roles remain scarce for online learners, they offer a dual advantage-cutting costs while building relevant skills. Securing such positions can be competitive but impactful for both finances and employability.
- External Scholarships: Targeted scholarships from biomedical and health sciences associations serve as critical supplementary funding, particularly for underrepresented students, though they demand proactive research and timely application.
Since federal grants like Pell Grants are generally unavailable for graduate studies, applicants should apply early, explore discipline-specific scholarships thoroughly, negotiate aid offers when possible, and investigate state-level grants aimed at graduate education. Combining these approaches can substantially reduce debt burdens while aligning costs with long-term career objectives.
One graduate recounted navigating a rolling admissions process marked by delayed financial aid information, which complicated budgeting decisions. Initially hesitant to commit without clear funding details, they prioritized submitting FAFSA as early as possible and engaged frequently with the university's financial aid office. This persistence helped unlock a combination of institutional scholarships and a modest employer tuition plan. Their experience underscores that timing and proactive communication can be as critical as eligibility criteria in securing meaningful aid.
Determining how long it takes to complete an accredited online biomedical sciences master's degree in the US depends largely on enrollment status and program structure, both of which have direct implications for workforce entry and career trajectory. Full-time students typically complete such programs within 18 months to 2 years, allowing them to maintain momentum and enter the job market sooner. However, part-time learners-who constitute the majority in online graduate education-generally extend their studies to between 2.5 and 4 years, balancing coursework with ongoing work and personal responsibilities. This elongated timeline can affect how quickly they respond to evolving job market demands and salary opportunities.
- Credit Hour Requirements: Most programs require 30 to 45 credit hours, establishing the academic workload that influences overall completion time.
- Course Load Per Semester: Students taking heavier course loads can shorten the duration but must manage increased stress and competing demands effectively.
- Transfer Credits: Incorporating prior graduate-level coursework can reduce program length, but transfer policies vary widely and require careful verification.
- Program Format: Cohort-based structures mandate fixed pacing that may extend duration if students fall behind, while self-paced tracks offer flexibility at the cost of requiring strong self-management skills.
- Accelerated Options: Some programs claim completion in as little as 12 months, yet such speed demands intense dedication and may not suit all learners; accreditation and employer perception remain more critical than speed alone.
- Thesis or Capstone Requirements: Adding a thesis or capstone project commonly extends completion by one or two semesters, depending on student progress and faculty availability.
Recent enrollment data indicate a growing share of working professionals choose part-time study modes, emphasizing the relevance of understanding these timeframes for realistic planning. Additionally, professionals assessing degree value should consider reported healthcare information management salary trajectories associated with degree timing and format to maximize return on investment. Choosing a program that balances academic rigor, affordability, and manageable timelines is fundamental to aligning educational attainment with long-term career goals.
For further insights into career pathways linked to similar healthcare areas, see healthcare information management salary.
Specializations within online biomedical sciences master's programs substantially shape graduates' career trajectories, affecting employability, salary differentiation, and suitability for specific roles. For example, a candidate targeting regulatory affairs will benefit from deeper regulatory knowledge but may forgo the broader flexibility of a generalist curriculum. Many programs offer a general track with elective freedom, while others mandate early concentration declaration, which can limit adaptability but deepen niche expertise. Aligning concentration choice with targeted jobs by analyzing employer postings is essential to maximize the practical value of the degree.
- Molecular Biology: Focuses on cellular mechanisms and genetic research techniques integral to pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
- Clinical Research: Trains students to design and oversee clinical trials emphasizing regulatory compliance and patient safety.
- Biomedical Informatics: Combines data science with healthcare to enhance research precision and clinical decisions.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: Centers on drug development, effects, and safety assessments.
- Immunology: Studies immune system function and related disorders, critical for vaccine and therapy development.
- Neuroscience: Investigates nervous system processes for neurodegenerative disease research and cognitive science.
- Medical Microbiology: Focuses on pathogens, infection control, and antimicrobial resistance.
- Regulatory Affairs: Prepares students to navigate FDA and international biotech regulations, a high-demand niche.
Students are advised to consult with alumni and program advisors to understand labor market distinctions among concentrations, as not all hold equal weight in job availability or salary potential. Investigating actual employer requirements and regional job markets sharpens decision-making. Additionally, affordable biomedical sciences specializations in the US vary widely in return on investment, making thorough research critical before enrollment. Programs' flexibility and cohort structures further influence the feasibility for working professionals.
- Accrediting Bodies: Accreditation through entities like the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), or other discipline-specific agencies ensures rigor and employer recognition.
- Program Structure: Courses may be cohort-based or asynchronous, impacting scheduling for career changers or employed students.
- Career Outcomes: Salary and job placement often strongly correlate with chosen specializations and geographic considerations.
For those exploring ancillary health fields that complement biomedical sciences, examining fastest online medical billing and coding certificate programs can offer additional pathways to workforce entry and stability.
Employer surveys, including those by SHRM, consistently indicate that hiring managers generally do not differentiate between online and on-campus biomedical sciences master's degrees if the institution is regionally accredited and reputable. The primary credential equalizer is accreditation: regionally accredited programs confer the same degree value regardless of delivery format because diplomas rarely specify online study. This parity is crucial given that graduates with biomedical sciences degrees often compete within tight labor markets where institutional reputation and practical skills outweigh modality concerns.
Despite comparable credential recognition, on-campus programs often retain advantages in hands-on training and networking-elements vital for some biomedical sciences roles requiring lab proficiency or clinical practicums. Physical access to specialized facilities and direct peer-faculty engagement can influence job-readiness in fields where practical skill demonstration affects employability. Conversely, many online programs address these limitations by incorporating hybrid residencies, virtual collaboration platforms, and employer partnership internships that cultivate industry connections and applied experience, a necessary adaptation given the growing share of working professionals and career changers who require flexible scheduling.
Deciding between online and on-campus biomedical sciences programs should hinge on specific institutional outcomes rather than modality stereotypes. Evaluating alumni employment patterns through LinkedIn and similar sources provides actionable insight into how graduates fare in salary and job placement across specializations. Since sectors like biotechnology and healthcare report steady demand and divergent salary ranges depending on expertise-often between $70,000 and $110,000 annually-program selection must balance academic credibility with experiential opportunities and career alignment.
- Accreditation: Regional accreditation equalizes degree credibility, ensuring online and on-campus credentials carry equivalent weight when conferred by the same institution.
- Employer Perception: Surveys reveal most recruiters prioritize institutional reputation over delivery method, focusing on program rigor and graduate capabilities.
- Practical Experience: On-campus programs offer superior lab and practicum access; however, innovative online formats provide hybrid residencies and virtual training to mitigate gaps.
- Networking: Direct, in-person networks remain valuable but online platforms and scheduled employer interactions partially bridge this divide.
- Program Evaluation: Prospective students should analyze alumni career trajectories and salary outcomes rather than rely on modality assumptions.
What Graduates Say About the Best Value Online Biomedical Sciences Master's Degrees
- Danny: "Balancing a full-time job and family commitments meant I needed a program with flexible scheduling and a reasonable cost. I chose an accredited online biomedical sciences master's that allowed asynchronous classes, which was crucial. After graduating, I secured a remote research assistant position, but I found that without additional certifications, moving into leadership roles might be limited."
- Jamir: "Switching careers into biomedical sciences came with financial constraints, so affordability was key in my decision. I prioritized programs with strong internship connections and practical application. Thanks to the internship I completed during the program, I landed a role in clinical research quickly; however, I realized many employers still value hands-on experience over just a degree, so I continue to seek lab opportunities to build my portfolio."
- Ethan: "I underestimated the workload at first, juggling coursework alongside job hunting. I picked a high-ROI program that was well-regarded for its strong curriculum and accreditation. Post-graduation, I noticed salary growth was steady but somewhat capped unless I pursued licensure or specialized certifications, so I'm now planning to balance work experience with further credentialing to advance my career."
Other Things You Should Know About Biomedical Sciences Degrees
Most online biomedical sciences master's programs for 2027 require a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology or biochemistry. Additionally, some programs may require relevant work experience or specific coursework in areas like human anatomy or genetics.
Beyond tuition, students may face expenses such as specialized software licenses, laboratory kits mailed for at-home experiments, proctored exam fees, or travel requirements for in-person intensives. These costs can add several thousand dollars to the total investment, impacting the program's true affordability and ROI. Prospective students should request detailed cost breakdowns upfront and factor these into their budget, especially when comparing programs priced similarly in published tuition.
Online biomedical sciences master's programs with high ROI often offer various research opportunities, such as collaborating on faculty projects or conducting laboratory research remotely. Some programs may also include partnerships with industry laboratories or research facilities that enrich the learning experience and enhance career prospects.
Graduates can anticipate diverse career paths in academia, research, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals, with roles like biomedical scientist, clinical researcher, or healthcare manager. The degree enhances prospects for leadership positions and often leads to improved salary potential and job stability in these fields.
- Biomedical Sciences Department https://www.barry.edu/en/academics/health-sciences/biomedical-sciences-ms
- Unlock research opportunities with a master's degree in biomedical sciences - College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences https://www.unthealth.edu/college-of-biomedical-and-translational-sciences/degree-programs/ms-in-biomedical-sciences.html
- Masters in Biomedical Sciences program Miami, South Florida https://www.larkin.edu/admissions/college-of-biomedical-sciences-admission-requirements/
- Financial Aid for Master's Degrees https://online.norwich.edu/online/paying/financial-aid-masters-degrees
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences https://www.atsu.edu/arizona-school-of-health-sciences/academics/master-of-science-in-biomedical-sciences
- Is a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Right for You? - Roseman University https://www.roseman.edu/student-experience/news/is-a-masters-in-biomedical-sciences-mbs-right-for-you-2/
- Online M.S. Biomedical Sciences Degree | Master’s Biomedical Sciences https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/programs/medicine/biomedical-sciences/ms/
- Master of Biomedical Sciences Costs https://www.une.edu/sfs/online/costs/master-biomedical-sciences-costs
- Master of Biomedical Science https://online.une.edu/master-of-biomedical-science/
- Average Cost of a Master's Degree: 2025 Analysis https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-masters-degree
