CMU MSA degree

[natshar]

From your first link, the MSA degree requires 36 credits (not 30). From the catalog:

1. Earned a minimum of 36 semester hours of acceptable graduate credit (15-18 semester hours of which must be in the area of concentration).
   
2. Earned a minimum of 18 semester hours from Central Michigan University.
   

At $682/credit, 18 credits would cost $12,276 for US residents.

hmmmmm. So lets say someone was able to get the other 18 credits super cheap like 1k from NCCRS and certs, etc. And then the $682/credit is just the per credit price, it doesn't include the fees. You have to pay $120/credit for a portfolio assessment fee in addition to other fees. So even on the cheap it would probably be 15k for the degree. But that is before financial aid and tuition reimbursement from an employer. 15k isn't terrible for a masters degree compared to some, but there are cheaper options.