Top Online MA Colleges in Chennai
March 16th, 2025: 15 min
Emerging as a new hot destination for higher learning in India, especially in online learning, the city of Chennai promises to avail flexible and convenient modes of online master's arts programs for students belonging to all walks of life who can pursue their and their work-related activities simultaneously. Almost any academic interest or professional goal can be met by these programs. In the following sections, the reader will learn more about online MA colleges in Chennai, which are highly regarded and known to offer outstanding quality education in abundant courses of study.
Top Private MA Colleges in Chennai
1. University of Madras
The University of Madras is one of the top online MA colleges in Chennai and the most ancient university in India that offers multiple online MA courses. It has a phenomenal reputation for academic brilliance and research.
- Ranking in NIRF: 13 (All India)
- Accreditation: UGC status, NAAC Grade A
- Available Specializations: English, History, Political Science, Sociology
- Tuition Fee / Return on Investment: INR 11 K - 55 K; INR 1 LPA - 5.9 LPA
2. Amity University Chennai
Amity University Chennai among the good online MA colleges in Chennai, offers pioneering online MA courses. It is reckoned to be among the centers which make use of highly practical and industry-related course curricula as well as very qualified professors.
- NIRF ranking: 25 Private Universities
- Accredited: UGC status, NAAC Grade A
- Specialization Areas: MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, Psychology, and Education.
- Fee Structure/Return on Investment: Fee - INR 1.3 L - 2.5 L, Average Salary - INR 12.3 LPA
3. SASTRA University
SASTRA University offers full-fledged online MA courses that cater to the needs of modern students. It is rich in research and practical experience.
- NIRF Rank: 31
- Accreditation and Affiliation: UGC status, NAAC Grade A+
- Specialization Offered: MA in Tamil and English
- Fees Structure / ROI: Fee- INR 1.8 L, Average Salary- INR 4 LPA
4. Periyar University
Periyar University, one of the top online MA institutes in Chennai, has a base for inclusive learning and innovative teaching. It provides multiple online MA courses based on the interest.
- NIRF Ranking: 85
- Accreditation and Affiliation: UGC status, NAAC Grade B++
- Specialization Offered: MA in Social Work, History, and English
- Fee Structure / ROI: Fee - INR 16 K - 22 K, Average Salary - INR 2 LPA
5. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU stands out to be one of the most well-known distance-learning universities that run online MA programs. The primary focus of the University is to impart education to all sections of society.
- NIRF rank: 4 (Open Universities)
- Achievement: Got UGC status, NAAC Grade A++
- Specializations: MA in Sociology, Political Science, and English
- Fee Structure/ROI: Fee - INR 11.6 K - 24.5 K, Average Salary - INR 2.5 LPA to INR 20 LPA
6. Bharathiar University
Being one of the top online MA schools in Chennai, Bharathiar University is particularly famous for taking up research and community engagement. They have MA in quite a number of subjects undertaken which can be industry-specific based on requirements.
- Ranking in NIRF: 32
- Accreditation: UGC status; NAAC Grade A
- Specializations Available: MA in English, Tamil, and Sociology
- Fee Structure / ROI: Fee- INR 46.6 K - 65.2 K, Average Salary- INR 6.4 LPA - 6.8 LPA
7. Vels University
Vels University has a new online MA with global exposure and practical skills. This is a quality university.
- NIRF Ranking: 89
- Accreditation: UGC status, NAAC Grade B+
- Specializations: MA in English, Journalism, Psychology
- Fee Structure / ROI: INR 76 K - 2 L, Average Salary - INR 4.5 LPA
8. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)
HITS provides critical thinking and analytical skills through various online MA programs. It has experienced faculty members and is famous for its modern curriculum.
- Ranking NIRF: 88
- Accreditation: UGC status, NAAC Grade A
- Specializations: MA in English, Media Studies
- Fee structure / ROI: Fee - INR 87 K, Average Salary - INR 3.9 LPA
9. Jain University
Jain University has a strong online learning platform with diversified MA programs that create creativity and innovation in the minds of students.
- NIRF Ranking: 38 Private Universities
- Recognition: UGC status, NAAC Grade A
- Specializations offered: MA in Journalism, English, Public Administration
- Fee structure / ROI: Fee: INR 90 K, Average Salary: INR 4 LPA - 4.5 LPA
10. SRM Institute of Science and Technology
SRM Institute is known for the most contemporary and top online MA programs in Chennai with a focus on industry relevance. It is renowned for its impeccable standard of academics and research opportunities.
- NIRF Ranking: 38
- Recognition: UGC status, NAAC Grade A+
- Specializations offered: The MA English History program is offered here.
- Fee Structure / ROI: Fee: INR 1.2 L - 1.4 L, Average Salary: INR 4.5 LPA
Eligibility and Admission in Private Colleges
Most of the top rated online MA colleges in Chennai will accept students without entrance exam scores, but some might ask for valid entrance exams. The entrance exams commonly considered are :
- CAT
- MAT
- XAT
- GMAT
Top Government MA Colleges in Chennai
1. Madras University
Madras University is one of the leading online MA colleges in Chennai that offers online MA programs with a research orientation and holistic development.
- Rank in NIRF: 13 (Overall)
- Accreditation: UGC status, NAAC Grade A
- Specialization Offered: MA Tamil, English, History
- Fee/ Return on Investment: INR 11 K - 55 K; INR 1 LPA - 5.9 LPA
2. Tamil Nadu Open University
The option of online MA programs is available in Tamil Nadu Open University for working professionals as well as for non-traditional learners.
- Rank in NIRF: 74
- Accreditation: UGC status, NAAC Grade B
- Specializations Available: MA in English, History
- Fee Structure / ROI: Fee - INR 6 K - 7.6 K, Average Salary - INR 2.5 LPA - 3.5 LPA
Eligibility and Admission in Government Colleges
As with the private colleges, most of the government colleges do not have entrance exams for online MA admissions. Some colleges, however, may demand that score on the entrance exam. Popular ones are:
- CAT
- MAT
- XAT
Top MA Colleges in Chennai with Low Fees
Some best online MA colleges in Chennai charge relatively low fees for online MA programs. Here's a list of some of them:
1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Ignou has affordable online MA programs for most student sections with relatively low costs.
- Tuition Fee: INR 11.6 K - 24.5 K
- Common Specializations: Master of Arts in Sociology, Political Science
- Average Salary: INR 2.5 LPA to INR 20 LPA
2. Tamil Nadu Open University
Tamil Nadu Open University provides MA programs online with relatively very cheap tuition fees.
- Tuition Fee: 6 K - 7.6 K
- Common Specializations: Master of Arts in English, History
- Average Salary: INR 2.5 LPA - 3.5 LPA
Online MA Colleges in Chennai Known for the Highest Salary Package
The following colleges offer online MA programs that lead to the most handsome salary packages.
1. University of Madras
The University of Madras offers excellent-quality online MA courses, leading to great salary packages.
- Highest Salary: INR 14 LPA
- Specializations Offered: English, Sociology
- Fee Structure: INR 11 K - 55 K
2. Amity University Chennai
Amity University will be providing industry-specific MA courses online, and thereby, there will be enhanced employability.
- Highest Salary: INR 18 LPA
- Available Specializations: MA in Journalism, Psychology
- Fee: INR 1.3 L - 2.5 L
FAQs
Which are the best MA colleges in Chennai?
The best online MA colleges available in Chennai are in abundance, and there are plenty of those who have excellent goodwill in their respective sectors.
Which is the No.1 MA college in Chennai?
Practically, the top MA College in Chennai is the Madras University.
Which are the most common exams accepted for top MA colleges in Chennai?
The most popular entrance exams for MA college are- CAT, MAT, and XAT.
What is the range of specializations in Chennai MA colleges?
Sociology, Political Science, English, and History.
What are the qualifying criteria for admission to Chennai's best MA colleges?
Eligibility varies with each college, but generally, a bachelor's degree is required in a relevant stream.
Which is the best MA college in Chennai under 10 lakhs?
An institution like IGNOU Tamil Nadu Open University offers programs in this budget.
Conclusion
Chennai houses a wealth of online MA colleges in Chennai in which students can find various options to meet multiple needs in either their academic or career lives. These institutions have a very wide range of specializations offered, thereby making it possible for the student to pursue their interests while following a career path. Yet the flexibility of online learning allows students to carry on their other commitments while balancing their studies. Online learning, therefore, becomes a perfect option for working professionals and professional individuals wanting to expand their mastery and skills in their respective fields