Are There Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Alaska?

Although fully free online master's degrees are not available, students seeking an affordable degree path can significantly reduce costs through various financial aid options. Federal and state aid, scholarships from higher education institutions, and other funding sources can cover a portion of tuition costs for eligible students. However, it is important to note that additional costs beyond tuition may apply.

If you still want to learn more about free master's degrees online and you live in Alaska, you've come to the right place. Read on as we explore what it takes to complete a low-cost or tuition-free online master's degree program in your state. We'll also look at some top in-state and out-of-state colleges offering affordable master's degree programs.

Can I Get a Master's Degree Online for Free in Alaska?

There is only one truly tuition-free online college in the U.S.: the University of the People (UoPeople). This online school doesn't charge tuition; however, students will still have course fees to pay.

If you're looking to attend a college in Alaska or an out-of-state school other than UoPeople, it's important to note that no schools offer completely free degree programs. That said, you can use financial aid to greatly reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses, effectively helping you graduate for free or nearly free.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

There are many different types of financial aid available for those pursuing graduate degrees. Use the following tips to help you secure as much aid as possible and complete your degree on a budget.

• Choose a school with low tuition costs: Different schools charge widely different tuition fees. By choosing an in-state school or an out-of-state program with affordable rates, you can save a lot of money and cover more with your financial aid.
• Apply for grants and scholarships: You can find grants and scholarships, including full-tuition scholarships, available through your school, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. These need- and merit-based awards do not need to be paid back.
• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) enables you to apply for government assistance like federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs. You'll want to ensure you attend an accredited online college that accepts FAFSA so you can use any aid you're eligible for.
• Explore assistantships and fellowships: Graduate students can often apply for assistantships and fellowships at their schools. These competitive programs allow students to gain hands-on experience in teaching or their chosen field of study while earning funds toward their education.
• Understand military and employee benefits: Working professionals often receive tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits from their companies, while those with a military background may qualify for tuition discounts, assistance, and waivers. Ensure you understand these benefits thoroughly and take advantage of them to save on your educational costs.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs in Alaska

Getting an advanced degree doesn't have to break the bank. Let's look at some top schools in Alaska and beyond that provide affordable online courses and degree programs to help learners graduate with as few expenses as possible.

1. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public school offering some of the cheapest online master's degrees in the state. Several Master of Science, Master of Education, and professional master's degrees are available in areas such as:

• social work
• special education
• project management

The school provides a wealth of scholarship opportunities to help students pay for school. In addition, federal financial aid is accepted, and even students who don't qualify can sign up for payment plans to help them afford their studies.

• Average in-state tuition: $9,234
• Average out-of-state tuition: $19,422
• Financial aid: Scholarships, student loans, federal aid, payment plans
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Alaska Southeast

The University of Alaska Southeast is a public school in Juneau. It offers many flexible programs for online students looking to pursue their education at their own pace. Some of the master's degrees available include:

• elementary education
• public administration
• reading specialist

Many different kinds of federal aid are available to students at this school. Students can also apply for scholarships to help them save even more.

• Average in-state tuition: $11,132
• Average out-of-state tuition: $23,414
• Financial aid: Federal aid, grants, scholarships, student loans
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is another school belonging to the University of Alaska System. Students at this school can pursue various full-time and part-time degree programs, including:

• business administration
• security and disaster management
• Arctic and northern studies

Graduate students have various financial aid options at this school. These include federal loans, graduate scholarships, tuition assistance, and more.

• Average in-state tuition: $11,459
• Average out-of-state tuition: $23,492
• Financial aid: Scholarships, tuition assistance, grants, student loans, federal aid
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public school in Kansas that provides a wealth of online programs to students throughout the U.S. Some of the many master's degree concentrations available include:

• computer science
• healthcare management
• criminal justice

All online learners pay the same affordable tuition rates and have access to numerous financial aid opportunities. The school offers many scholarships and accepts federal aid and funding from outside sources.

• Average in-state tuition: $3,979
• Average out-of-state tuition: $11,334
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal aid, grants, student loans
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online college with an enrollment of more than 150,000 students worldwide. Headquartered in Utah, its master's degree programs include:

• nursing
• information technology management
• human resource management

Enrollees who study on accelerated timeframes can save big with term-based tuition rates as they can earn credit for any courses they complete within that term. Additionally, all students pay the same low rates and have access to a wealth of financial aid options to help them afford their schooling.

• Average in-state tuition: $8,302
• Average out-of-state tuition: $8,302
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, student loans, federal aid
• Accreditation: NWCCU

Discover Affordable Online Master's Degrees

If you're ready to save on your graduate-level studies and pursue a cheap or free master's degree online, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their graduate programs and to choose the best online learning opportunity for you.