Master's in Adult Education

Corporate trainer and community college instructor are two destinations for the same master's in adult education, and they reward different coursework. Workforce development and extension programs want adult learning theory plus documented teaching; corporate roles want instructional design and evaluation.

Cost, delivery format and whether the degree reads M.Ed., M.A. or M.S. vary more than the curriculum does. The programs ranked below sit at that intersection.

What separates them in practice is accreditation and how employers in your sector read the credential, not the letters after the degree.

Best Master's in Adult Education Schools, Ranked for 2027

The programs below all award a master's degree in adult education or a closely related field such as higher education leadership, and most are designed for people who are already teaching, training, or administering programs. Each entry notes the delivery format, the concentration options, and the practical supports, from transfer credit to assistantships, that make a program workable alongside a full-time job.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Liberty University	Lynchburg, VA	~$9,000/yr (est.)	Working adults needing flexible online coursework
Liberty University is a private nonprofit institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, and one of the largest providers of online graduate education in the country. Its education school offers a Master of Education in Higher Education with three concentration options, all delivered fully online in eight-week terms with eight start dates a year. The university reports an institution-wide graduation rate of 65 percent. Admission is test optional, and up to 18 credits may transfer. Master of Education in Higher Education — Online Non-licensure program aimed at college and university roles Concentrations in leadership, instructional design, and student affairs 3.0 GPA minimum for admission No entrance exam required Up to 18 transfer credits accepted Fully online format for working professionals Visit Website Master of Education in Higher Education (Educational Leadership) — Online Military benefits Prepares for provost, dean of students, and curriculum director roles Eight start dates per year Eight-week online courses Military tuition discount available Transfer up to half of the degree Visit Website Master of Education in Higher Education (Instructional Design and Technology) — Online No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optional Asynchronous online classes Capstone required for completion Full-time and part-time options 2.5 GPA minimum $50 application fee Visit Website Master of Education in Higher Education (Student Affairs) — Online No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optional Prepares for student affairs and campus programming roles No standardized testing for admission Transfer up to 50 percent of graduate credits Visit Website
#2	Southern Arkansas University	Magnolia, AR	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)	Aspiring adult education program administrators
Southern Arkansas University is a public institution in Magnolia, Arkansas, whose Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education master's runs entirely online in a 30-credit, two-year format. Students choose between a higher education and an adult education emphasis and finish with a capstone project. The university reports an institution-wide graduation rate of 49 percent, and out-of-state tuition waivers keep the program reachable for remote students. Master of Education in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (Higher Education) — Online 30 total credit hours, about two years 100% online delivery for working professionals Capstone project applies coursework to real challenges Electives include distance learning design and budgeting Prepares for academic administration and student services roles Visit Website Master of Education in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (Adult Education) — Online Out-of-state tuition waivers available Faculty advisor guidance throughout the program Same 30-credit core as the higher education track Emphasis on administrative roles in adult and continuing education Visit Website
#3	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	Charlotte, NC	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)	Early-career staff aiming for campus leadership
UNC Charlotte is a public research university whose higher education graduate program sits inside its educational leadership department. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a higher education focus runs 30 semester hours, mixes core leadership coursework with electives drawn from other departments, and finishes with an electronic portfolio rather than a thesis. Full-time and part-time course sequences accommodate working staff, and graduate assistantships are available. The university reports an institution-wide graduation rate of 69 percent. M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Higher Education), Master's — On-Campus 30 semester hours total 9 hours of professional education core 15 hours of higher education leadership coursework 6 hours of electives, advisor approved Internship course can count for 3 elective credits Electronic portfolio required for completion Full-time and part-time course sequences Graduate assistantships available Visit Website
#4	University of North Carolina Wilmington	Wilmington, NC	$8,000 – $24,000/yr (est.)
UNC Wilmington is a public university on the North Carolina coast whose higher education master's blends remote participation with in-person sessions. The 36-credit program is aligned with ACPA and NASPA competencies and keeps cohorts small, typically 25 to 30 students. Distinctive add-ons include an international internship in Ireland and the option to earn a Community College Leadership certificate at the same time. Master of Education in Higher Education — Hybrid Employer tuition reimbursement 36 total credit hours Hybrid format with remote and in-person sessions Curriculum aligned with ACPA and NASPA competencies International internship at Maynooth University in Ireland Concurrent Community College Leadership certificate option Small cohort of 25 to 30 students Certified Internship Program plus a culminating project Employer tuition reimbursement supported Visit Website
#5	University of Utah	Salt Lake City, UT	$9,000 – $28,000/yr (est.)
The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City with a student affairs master's taught on campus. Full-time students finish 36 credits in four semesters, while part-time students spread the work over three or four years. The program does not require the GRE, admits on a rolling basis after a December 1 priority deadline, and supports full-time students through 20-hour graduate assistantships. M.Ed. with an Emphasis in Student Affairs, Master's — On-Campus No entrance examRolling admissionsTest optional 36 credits over four semesters, full time Part-time students finish in three or four years No GRE score required Priority deadline December 1, 2026 Rolling admissions through March 31, 2027 Assistantships of at least $25,000 for 20 hours weekly Internship and capstone seminar required Courses meet mid-afternoon to early evening Visit Website
#6	Weber State University	Ogden, UT	~$9,000/yr (est.)
Weber State University is a public university in Ogden, Utah, serving a large share of working adults across the region. Its higher education leadership master's pairs 12 credits of foundation coursework with 24 credits of professional core covering admissions, academic advising, residence life, and student affairs. Students finish with either an intensive internship or a site-based research project, and the hybrid schedule stays compatible with full-time campus employment. Master of Education (Higher Education Leadership) — Hybrid 36 total credit hours 12 credits of foundation coursework 24 credits of professional core in admissions and student affairs Internship or site-based research project as the capstone 3.0 GPA minimum, B- or better in foundations Hybrid delivery Visit Website
#7	Delaware State University	Dover, DE	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Delaware State University is a public land-grant HBCU in Dover and one of a small number of historically Black institutions offering a master's in adult and higher education. The 36-credit program is built on a "core four" of diversity, adult and college student development, assessment, and student success, and it feeds directly into the university's doctoral program. Eight-week sessions and evening classes are designed for professionals already working in colleges or community organizations. M.Ed. in Educational Leadership in Adult & Higher Education, Master's — Online 36 credits across 12 courses Finish in about two to two and a half years Core four: diversity, student development, assessment, success Evening classes in eight-week sessions Rolling admissions Direct MEd to EdD pathway Synchronous and asynchronous options Visit Website
#8	University of Oklahoma	Norman, OK	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
The University of Oklahoma is a public research university in Norman whose adult and higher education master's is taught by full-time faculty. The 36-credit degree pairs a 12-hour core, including a course devoted to the adult learner, with a 15-hour emphasis area and 9 hours of electives. Students must earn a B or better in core courses and pass a comprehensive exam, and those without a year of field experience add a three-hour practicum. Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education (Higher Education Administration) — On-Campus Rolling admissions 36 total credit hours 12-hour core includes a course on the adult learner 15-hour emphasis area plus 9 hours of electives B or better required in core courses Comprehensive exam after the core and 75% of coursework Three-hour practicum for students without field experience Rolling admissions; CV and statement of purpose required Visit Website
#9	University of New Mexico	Albuquerque, NM	~$10,000/yr (est.)
The University of New Mexico is a public research university in Albuquerque and a designated Hispanic-serving institution. Its master's in Organization, Information and Learning Sciences carries an adult education and professional development concentration that mixes adult learning theory with instructional design, program evaluation, and human resource development. Students choose a 30-credit coursework plan or a 36-credit thesis plan and finish with a capstone. Master's in Organization, Information and Learning Sciences (Adult Education and Professional Development) — On-Campus 30-credit coursework plan or 36-credit thesis plan 15-credit core includes a course on the adult learner and program evaluation 9 concentration credits in adult learning and HR development 6 elective credits 3-credit capstone required for graduation Project-based assignments that double as work samples Visit Website
#10	University of South Florida	Tampa, FL	~$10,000/yr (est.)
The University of South Florida is a large public research university in Tampa with a higher education administration master's built for people already working full time. The 36-credit curriculum covers student affairs practice, assessment, and data-informed decision-making, and 12 elective credits can be routed toward graduate certificates in academic advising, learning analytics, or college student well-being. Coursework runs online in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Master of Education in Higher Education Administration — Online Fully online option 36 total credit hours Fully online with synchronous and asynchronous options 12 elective credits can apply toward graduate certificates Certificate options include academic advising and learning analytics Built for professionals working full time Covers student affairs practice, assessment, and data use Visit Website

The Scorecard Math Behind This Lineup

Graduate students in education are increasingly judging programs by what they cost and where they lead, not by name recognition alone.

The ranking weighs four factors: price, completion, online availability, and what graduates earn afterward. Cost and outcomes carry the most weight because they hit your finances directly. Graduation rate and online availability show whether you can realistically finish while working.

What the Federal Data Can Show

The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard reports each institution's tuition and fees and graduation rate, plus median earnings and typical debt for some programs. Program-level figures are the most useful, since they describe graduates of a specific credential rather than the whole campus.

Where the Numbers Fall Short

Graduation rate and net price are institution-wide figures, often driven by undergraduates, so they say less about a master's cohort in adult education. Some programs have no published earnings at all, often because too few graduates appear in the data. Those schools are judged on the remaining measures instead.

Treat the scores as a starting point for your shortlist. Tuition, delivery format, and admission requirements change, so confirm current details with each school's admissions office before you apply.

What a Master's in Adult Education Costs: Total Price, Not Just Per-Credit

Federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data show annual graduate tuition and fees for the most affordable programs here ranging from $6,157 to $9,114 in-state and from $8,730 to $27,983 out-of-state, so a 30- to 36-credit degree will usually cost between one and two years of these figures, depending on how quickly you finish. Per-credit quotes can mislead because credit totals differ and technology, proctoring, book, and course fees are often billed separately: LSU-Shreveport's flat-rate online M.Ed. with an adult education concentration lists $378 per credit, yet its published 30-credit total is $11,353, and the school notes that totals are subject to change. Residency is the biggest swing factor, since Liberty University charges every student the same rate and flat-rate online pricing removes the out-of-state premium, while some campus programs, such as the University of Utah's, charge nonresidents more than three times the in-state rate.

M.Ed., M.A. or M.S.: Which Adult Education Degree Fits Your Career

The M.Ed. versus M.S. question comes down to practice versus research emphasis, but the letters are not a reliable guide because schools label similar curricula differently. Federal job data does not separate outcomes by degree letters. It shows a master's is the typical entry credential for instructional coordinators (median wage $77,440 in May 2025), while adult basic and ESL teachers (median $61,540) typically need a bachelor's. Compare course lists and capstone requirements, not abbreviations.

Related Articles

Admission Requirements: GPA, GRE Waivers, Experience and Transfer Credit

Most adult education master's programs use similar checklists, but GPA cutoffs, testing rules and transfer limits vary by school.

• Bachelor's degree

  An accredited bachelor's degree is the baseline. SUNY Empire State reviews applicants holistically rather than setting a numeric GPA floor.
• Minimum GPA

  Valdosta State, Indiana and Texas State look for 2.75. Texas State accepts that figure overall or for your last 60 hours. Michigan State generally expects 3.0 but may admit provisionally below it, and URI recommends 3.0. Auburn auto-accepts above 3.0 and denies below 2.75 unless you document mitigating circumstances.
• GRE policy

  Auburn, URI, Michigan State, Texas State and Newman don't require the GRE. Indiana asks only international applicants. Valdosta State requires the GRE or MAT unless your undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or higher.
• Statement and references

  URI requires a personal statement showing your experience or interest, plus two recommendation letters.
• Resume and experience

  Michigan State strongly prefers two to three years of professional work, though it isn't mandatory.
• Teaching license

  Usually not needed for non-licensure adult education tracks. Auburn and Valdosta State, for example, set no license requirement.
• Transfer credit

  Valdosta State and Newman cap transfer at 6 hours. Auburn allows 6, or up to 12 with adviser approval. SUNY Empire accepts up to 12 combined transfer and prior-learning credits.

What You Study Online: Core Courses, Pacing, Live Sessions and Capstones

You can earn a master's in adult education fully online. Michigan State, Ball State, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Buffalo State and SUNY Empire State all describe their programs as online, and Capella is offered online as well. Delivery for Arkansas State is not clearly stated, so confirm it with the school.

Live Sessions vs. Self-Paced Work

Michigan State and Texas A&M-Kingsville are asynchronous.¹ Ball State and SUNY Empire State are both mostly asynchronous, though Ball State adds some Zoom meetings. Whether those sessions are mandatory is not always spelled out, so ask admissions before enrolling.

Length and Pacing

Most programs run about 30 credits (Michigan State, Buffalo State, SUNY Empire State, Arkansas State). Texas A&M-Kingsville requires 36¹, and Capella requires 46 quarter credits in 10-week terms. Buffalo State lists 12 to 24 months, Texas A&M-Kingsville about 18 months, and Michigan State is self-paced. Part-time study stretches these timelines, so treat them as typical rather than fixed.

Core Courses

Expect adult learning theory, program design and instructional technology, plus research methods. Michigan State has two core courses and eight electives. Capella has four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective and a capstone. Not every school publishes full course titles.

How Programs End

• Thesis or research course: Ball State offers this route, which suits students eyeing doctoral study.
• Capstone or project: Capella requires a capstone course. SUNY Empire State offers a project, practicum or policy brief, which fits working practitioners.
• Practicum: Arkansas State lists a 3-credit practicum (ADLL 55553)², and SUNY Empire State's runs about 120 hours. It suits career changers who want field experience.
• Exam or essay: Buffalo State uses a comprehensive exam, and Michigan State a final essay.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Adult Education? Careers and Earnings

Training and development specialists earned a median of $69,280 in May 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with roughly 46,000 openings a year.¹ These are occupation-level figures, not pay specific to master's holders.

Common Career Paths

• Corporate trainer or training specialist: The strongest outlook of the group, with 472,500 jobs in 2025.
• Instructional designer or coordinator: Instructional coordinators had a median of $77,440, with 2% growth (slower than average) and about 23,100 openings a year.²
• Workforce development: Community colleges, nonprofits and public agencies use the same adult learning and program design skills, and these roles often overlap with training work.
• HR and talent development: A common crossover. Many graduates pair adult learning theory with onboarding, leadership development and performance programs inside HR teams.
• Postsecondary or community education administration: Postsecondary education administrators had a median of $104,590, with 2% growth and about 14,500 openings a year.³

What Program Graduates Report

Among the programs here, University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates had median earnings of $91,947 five years after finishing. Southern New Hampshire University's figure was $86,106 at five years, against median debt of $39,443. UNC Charlotte reported $75,252 at five years with median debt of $20,356. The University of Utah showed $75,629 four years after finishing, with median debt of $27,739. Most of these programs are higher education focused, so these earnings track the administration path more closely than corporate training.

Is It Worth It for Corporate Trainers?

It depends on the debt you take on. A trainer starting near the $69,280 national median and borrowing in the $20,000 to $40,000 range faces a manageable load. Employer tuition benefits can shrink it further. The degree pays off most when it moves you into design, HR or leadership roles, not when the job would hire you without it.

Top Program-Level Earnings Figure From the Federal Data

Among the schools ranked here, one program-level figure stands out.

More Adult Education Master's Programs to Consider

Below is a plain directory of additional adult and higher education master's programs, organized by location and delivery format rather than by score. These entries sit outside the ranked lineup above and are not ordered by rank. Use them to widen your search once you know which format and schedule fit your work life.