Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Alaska 2027

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

Other Low-Cost Online Master's Degrees in the U.S.

If you don't find the right fit in Alaska, you can widen your search to fully online schools based elsewhere. These out-of-state options offer low or flat-rate pricing that applies no matter where you live.

1. University of the People

UoPeople is a nonprofit, fully online school headquartered in Pasadena, California, and it's the only truly tuition-free online college in the U.S. Its master's degree programs cover:

• business administration
• information technology
• education

Instead of paying tuition, students pay an application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. Scholarships are available to help cover these fees for students who need extra support.

• Average in-state tuition: $0 (course assessment fees apply)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $0 (course assessment fees apply)
• Financial aid: Scholarships
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. 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

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Since no school offers a completely free master's degree, we look for programs that come closest. That means schools with low tuition, flat rates for online learners, or strong funding options that can cover most of a student's costs. We also make sure each school is a realistic choice for Alaska residents studying online. Here are the main factors we consider:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation affects whether you can use federal aid, transfer credits, and have your degree recognized by employers.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare graduate tuition rates and give extra weight to schools that charge online students the same rate regardless of where they live. We also look at scholarships, grants, assistantships, payment plans, and alternative fee structures that lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Online availability: Each school must offer master's degrees that can be completed fully or mostly online. This is especially important for students in rural parts of Alaska who may live far from a campus.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, retention rates, and post-graduation earnings data where it's available. These figures help show whether a low-cost program is also a good long-term value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Online Master's Degrees in Alaska

Paying for graduate school has changed in recent years, and new federal rules took effect in 2026. Below, we answer some common questions Alaska students have about finding a low-cost or tuition-free online master's degree.

How do the 2026 federal student loan changes affect online master's students?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made major changes to graduate student loans. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program has been eliminated for new borrowers. Graduate students are still eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, but those loans now have a $20,500 annual limit and a $100,000 aggregate limit. Some students who started a program earlier are covered by an exception. Students who were enrolled in a graduate program as of June 30, 2026, and had already borrowed a federal Direct Loan for it can keep borrowing Grad PLUS loans for the rest of the program's normal length or three years, whichever is shorter. Because federal loans may no longer cover the full cost of attendance, it's more important than ever to choose a low-cost program and apply for scholarships and grants. msstatecurry

Can Alaska residents get reduced tuition at out-of-state graduate schools?

Possibly. Alaska is a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), which runs the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Through WRGP, residents of WICHE member states can enroll in selected out-of-state graduate programs at no more than 150% of the school's in-state tuition, and some participating programs charge the full in-state rate. Online students should check eligibility carefully, though. Some schools exclude online programs from WRGP, and some note that online students don't qualify for a discount because they aren't charged out-of-state tuition in the first place. hawaiinmsu

Can I use federal financial aid at University of the People?

No. UoPeople doesn't participate in federal student aid programs, so you can't use FAFSA-based loans or grants there. Since the school doesn't charge tuition, its costs are limited to application and course assessment fees. Students who need help covering those fees can apply for scholarships through the school.

How long does it take to earn a master's degree online?

Most online master's programs take about 1.5 to 2 years to finish with full-time enrollment. Part-time students may need three years or more. Some schools, like Western Governors University, use competency-based models that let motivated students move faster and finish sooner. This can also lower the total cost of the degree.

How can I tell if an online master's program is accredited?

You can search for a school in the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) or in the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) directory. Both show which agency accredits the school. Be cautious of programs that advertise free degrees but don't list a recognized accreditor. Credits and degrees from unaccredited schools may not be accepted by employers or other institutions.

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.