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

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.

Some students choose to continue their education beyond a bachelor's degree to a master's degree. This may be due to certain requirements in their career field or to boost their prospects in the job market.

For many students, especially working professionals, online degrees are more convenient than on-campus programs. They can also be less expensive, as students don't need to live near campus or commute.

That being said, these degrees can still have a high price tag. Although no schools offer completely free master's degrees online, by choosing the right school and applying for financial aid, you may be able to reduce or completely eliminate your costs and avoid taking out student loans. Keep reading to learn more about how to get low-cost or free master's degrees online in Louisiana.

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

There are no free online colleges in Louisiana. However, there are many that offer affordable master's degrees.

The only school in the U.S. that really offers tuition-free online master's degree programs is the University of the People, and degrees here are still not completely free. UoPeople, a private, nonprofit online school based in Pasadena, CA, still charges an assessment fee per online course. For master's degrees, that fee is between $350 and $400 per course. While this is much cheaper than many other schools, it's still not 100% free.

Graduate students in Louisiana can choose a low-cost college and couple that with financial aid to significantly reduce costs. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what aid they qualify for. Students can find numerous accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Louisiana.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

There are many ways for students in Louisiana to make their graduate degrees affordable � and even earn free master's degrees online. These include:

• Choose a low-cost school: Several colleges and universities in Louisiana, especially public institutions, offer highly affordable master's degrees.
• Fill out the FAFSA: The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, as well as need-based state and institutional aid programs.
• Look for institutional aid: Many schools offer scholarships, grants, and assistantship opportunities to help students pay for their advanced degrees.
• Apply for private aid: Several private organizations offer scholarships; you can use scholarship finders online to find ones that you qualify for.
• Take advantage of employer-sponsored programs: If you're employed, check to see if your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement options.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Louisiana has relatively low tuition, so there are many affordable online master's degrees available in the state. We've highlighted some low-cost options below.

1. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University is a public university in Thibodaux, LA. It offers a handful of online master's degrees, including a Master of Business Administration, Master of Education (MEd) options, and Master of Science (MS) degrees in mathematics and nursing.

The school charges a tuition rate of $236.90 per credit hour for most programs; the MBA program is an additional $50 at $286.90 per credit hour. Out-of-state students may pay an additional cost depending on the program and their state of residency.

• Average in-state tuition: $236.90 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $236.90 per credit
• Financial aid: Nicholls State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Southeastern Louisiana University

At Southeastern Louisiana University, students can choose from four online master's degrees. Areas of study for these programs are child life, nursing, population health management, and strategic communication.

This public university is located in Hammond, LA. It charges an estimated tuition of $286 per credit for in-state residents and $806 for out-of-state residents. The graduate-level nursing programs are fully funded, meaning students in these programs often do not pay any tuition at all.

• Average in-state tuition: $286 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $806 per credit
• Financial aid: Southeastern offers institutional aid, including fully-funded nursing degrees. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Louisiana State University Shreveport

Louisiana State University Shreveport offers nearly two dozen master's degrees through online learning. LSUS is a public university in Shreveport, LA.

Online graduate degrees are available in fields like business analytics, curriculum and instruction, data science, and healthcare administration. Tuition depends on the program; MEd programs are $374 per credit, while the MBA programs are $479 per credit, and the Master of Public Health (MPH) is $775 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $511 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $511 per credit
• Financial aid: LSUS offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Multiple master's degrees are available to online learners at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Areas of study include business administration, healthcare administration, information technology, and nursing.

ULL, located in Lafayette, LA, is a public research institution. Tuition varies by program, with rates starting at $387 per credit hour and going up to $480 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $434 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $434 per credit
• Financial aid: ULL accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana Christian University is a private Baptist institution in Pineville, LA. It offers a handful of online master's degree programs in fields like business administration, education and teaching, strategic leadership, and social work.

The online teaching programs have a tuition rate of $412 per credit hour. All other online master's degrees at LCU cost $442 per credit hour.

• Average in-state tuition: $442 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $442 per credit
• Financial aid: LCU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Louisiana State University

Students at Louisiana State University will find nearly 20 online master's degrees. Areas of study include data analytics, environmental sciences, liberal arts, and public administration.

The flagship LSU campus is a public research university located in Baton Rouge, LA. Tuition here is program-dependent � rates start at $459 per credit for education programs and go up to $1,110 for the MBA program.

• Average in-state tuition: $784.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $784.50 per credit
• Financial aid: LSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University offers over a dozen online degree programs to online students. NSU is a public university based in Natchitoches, LA.

Online programs are available in fields like computer science, elementary education, healthcare, and social sciences, many of which offer additional concentrations. Tuition at NSU is a flat $475 per credit for online graduate students.

• Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit
• Financial aid: NSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Start your journey toward a master's degree by exploring the affordable online options featured on Learn.org. Contact specific schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, full tuition costs, and financial aid.