Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in California 2027

By choosing a low-cost online college and applying for financial aid, graduate students in California may be able to earn their master's degrees for free.

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.

After earning a bachelor's degree, some students may choose to pursue an advanced degree, like a master's degree. They may do this to reach specific career goals or to help them thrive in the job market.

For many students, especially working professionals, online degrees are more flexible than in-person programs. However, these degrees can still be expensive. To help cover costs, many look for free master's degrees online.

Though there aren't any completely free master's degrees online, there are many ways to reduce costs. Keep reading to learn how you could potentially earn your master's degree for free in California.

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

While it is possible to earn a very low-cost degree, especially with financial aid, there is no such thing as an entirely free degree. All degrees have some costs associated with them, which may include tuition, fees, costs for supplies, and living expenses.

The only truly tuition-free online master's degree programs come from the University of the People (UoPeople). While this school does not charge for tuition, it does have fees for each course. While this makes the degrees here significantly less expensive than most, they are still not completely free. The only other tuition-free online colleges are that way because of financial aid.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although there are no inherently free online master's degrees, there are ways to make your master's degree affordable and potentially completely cover your costs. These include:

• Choose a low-cost school: Costs can vary significantly between schools, with some institutions in California charging over $1,000 per credit. Choosing a low-cost school sets you up for an affordable degree.
• Fill out FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines what federal and state aid you qualify for. Some institutional aid programs, especially those that are need-based, may also require you to have filed the FAFSA.
• Look for other types of aid: Many colleges and universities offer aid to students, including grants, tuition scholarships, and assistantships. You can also pursue opportunities through independent organizations and associations.
• Pursue employer-sponsored programs: Some employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement to employees to help them further their careers.
• Utilize transfer credits: If you've already begun your graduate degree at another institution, look for schools that accept transfer credits so that the time and money you've already spent don't go to waste.

There are multiple accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in California. However, FAFSA may not offer gift aid for your graduate program, so you may need to pursue other aid options.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

California is home to a few affordable online master's degrees. We've listed some of the lowest-cost options below.

1. University of the People

The University of the People is a private, nonprofit online university based in Pasadena, CA. It's the closest you can get to a free master's degree online, as it does not charge tuition. Instead, it charges a $60 application fee and an assessment fee per course.

The online master's degrees available at the University of the People are a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) in information technology. Both require 12 courses and cost $490 per course, for a total of $5,940 per program. The university also offers a Master of Education (MEd) in advanced teaching, which requires 13 courses at $440 per course, for a total of $5,780.

Because the University of the People does not charge tuition, graduate students here cannot use aid through FAFSA. However, the university offers scholarships and accepts private aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $473.33 per course
• Average out-of-state tuition: $473.33 per course
• Financial aid: University of the People offers institutional scholarships and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. California State University, Dominguez Hills

At California State University, Dominguez Hills, students can choose from several online master's degrees. Tuition varies by program, and some of the least expensive options include:

• Master of Arts (MA) in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding ($337 per credit)
• Master of Science in quality assurance ($347 per credit)
• Master of Science in radiologic imaging sciences ($433 per credit)
• Master of Science in systems engineering ($553 per credit)

This public university is located in Carson, CA, and is a member of the California State University (CSU) system. The university also offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Science in nursing (MSN). Because these online programs are run through CSUDH's College of Continuing and Professional Education, California residents and out-of-state students pay the same rate.

• Average in-state tuition: $449.80 per credit$417.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $417.50 per credit
• Financial aid: CSUDH offers institutional scholarships and accepts federal loans through FAFSA, as well as private aid. Students in these online programs are not eligible for federal or state grants.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

3. The Master's University

The Master's University offers five master's degree programs through online learning. TMU is a private Christian school in Santa Clarita, CA.

Tuition varies depending on the program. The MA in biblical studies is only $425 per credit, while the MBA program, MEd in teaching, and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) are $595 per credit. The university also offers an online MA in biblical counseling for $760 per credit. Students also pay a $60 student support fee for each session they are enrolled.

• Average in-state tuition: $594 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $594 per credit
• Financial aid: TMU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

4. National University

Various online master's degrees and certificate programs are available through National University. These degrees cover multiple subjects, including education, business, healthcare, and social sciences.

National University, based in San Diego, is a private, nonprofit institution geared toward adult and non-traditional learners. In 2026, the university began moving select programs from quarter units to semester credits. Most of its online master's degrees now cost between $644 and $916 per credit, with many priced at $683 per credit. Some programs also charge a per-course materials fee.

• Average in-state tuition: $683 per credit (most programs)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $683 per credit (most programs)
• Financial aid: National University accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

5. Humphreys University

Humphreys University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Stockton, CA. It offers master's degrees online in business administration, education, teaching, and legal studies.

The MBA program offers concentrations in information technology and organizational leadership. A multiple-subject teaching credential is also available online. Most graduate programs, including the MBA, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Legal Studies, cost $460 per quarter unit. The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) has a lower rate of $375 per quarter unit.

• Average in-state tuition: $438.75 per quarter unit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $438.75 per quarter unit
• Financial aid: Humphreys accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

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.

For this list, we focused on California-based schools offering fully online master's degrees at the lowest possible cost. Because no master's degree is entirely free, we gave the most weight to per-credit or per-course tuition and to the funding opportunities that can reduce a student's out-of-pocket costs. We also considered the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Accreditation helps ensure that a degree meets quality standards and is recognized by employers and other institutions.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compared published graduate tuition rates and noted whether schools charge the same rate for California residents and out-of-state students. We also reviewed each school's financial aid options, including FAFSA eligibility, institutional scholarships, and private aid.
• Online availability: We included only master's programs that can be completed online, so working professionals and students outside major cities can enroll without relocating.
• Student outcomes: Where data was available, we reviewed graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help gauge the value each school offers.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

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

Earning an affordable master's degree online often comes down to understanding your financial aid options and how tuition is charged. Below are answers to some common questions from prospective graduate students in California.

Can I Use FAFSA for an Online Master's Degree in California?

Yes. Many accredited online programs in California accept federal aid through the FAFSA. However, graduate students are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants, so most federal aid for master's students comes in the form of loans that must be repaid. Some schools also limit aid for online students. For example, students in CSU Dominguez Hills' online master's programs are not eligible for federal or state grants. The University of the People does not participate in federal aid programs at all, although it offers its own scholarships.

How Have Federal Student Loans for Graduate Students Changed?

Starting July 1, 2026, new graduate borrowers can no longer take out Federal Grad PLUS Loans. Graduate students are now generally limited to Direct Unsubsidized Loans of up to $20,500 per year, with a $100,000 lifetime limit for graduate study. Students enrolled less than full-time may qualify for less. Because borrowing is now capped, choosing a low-cost program and securing scholarships or employer tuition assistance matters more than ever.

Do Online Students Pay Out-of-State Tuition at California Schools?

Not always. Every school on this list charges the same tuition rate for online students regardless of where they live. At CSU Dominguez Hills, for example, online master's programs are run through the College of Continuing and Professional Education, and California residents and out-of-state students pay the same per-unit rate. Policies vary by school, so it's a good idea to confirm tuition rates with each institution before applying.

Is a Degree From the University of the People Accredited?

Yes. The University of the People is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same accrediting body that oversees many major California universities. The school earned WSCUC accreditation in 2025 and was previously accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

What Is the Cheapest Online Master's Degree in California?

The University of the People offers the lowest-cost online master's degrees in California. Because it charges assessment fees instead of tuition, its MBA and MS in information technology cost about $5,940 in total, and its MEd costs about $5,780. Among schools that charge traditional tuition, CSU Dominguez Hills offers some of the lowest per-credit rates, starting at around $337 per credit.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Find the perfect low-cost program for you by exploring the affordable, high-quality master's degrees featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.