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

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.

Online master's degrees are a great way for busy students, like working professionals, to advance their education. They are often far more flexible than on-campus programs and can sometimes cost less.

While it would be ideal to find free master's degrees online, these don't really exist without financial aid. However, there are ways to reduce your costs enough that you may earn your degree for free. Keep reading to learn more about low-cost and free master's degrees online in South Dakota.

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

As you may have determined, there aren't any free online colleges in South Dakota. However, there are many offering affordable master's degrees.

The only school in the U.S. that offers tuition-free online master's degree programs is the University of the People, an accredited, nonprofit online university based in California. While UoPeople doesn't charge for tuition, it does charge an assessment fee of between $350 and $400 per graduate-level online course. This makes the school much more affordable than many others, but it's still not totally free.

To lower your cost, fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and see what financial aid you qualify for. South Dakota has several accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

There are multiple strategies you can utilize to make your online graduate degree more affordable � and possibly even earn a free master's degree online. These include:

• Choose an affordable school: Costs vary significantly between schools, and even between different programs within schools.
• File your FAFSA: FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid, as well as for many state and institutional aid options.
• Speak to your financial aid office: The financial aid office at your school can help you find both institutional and private aid options you may qualify for, which could include full-tuition scholarships.
• Pursue employer aid: If you're employed, your employer may offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement.
• Consider the military: Many students enlist in the military specifically for the educational benefits.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

As we mentioned above, one of the best ways to keep your costs low is to look at the most affordable online master's degrees. We've listed some of the most affordable options in South Dakota below.

1. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public university in Rapid City, SD. It offers two online master's degrees: a Master of Science (MS) in construction engineering and management and an MS in engineering management.

In-state residents pay a tuition rate of $339 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $470 per credit, if they're studying through online courses.

• Average in-state tuition: $339 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $470 per credit
• Financial aid: South Dakota Mines accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Dakota Wesleyan University

At Dakota Wesleyan University, students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Education (MEd) online. Both offer multiple concentrations.

This private Christian school is located in Mitchell, SD. It charges $400 per credit for the education program and $425 per credit for the MBA program.

• Average in-state tuition: $412.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $412.50 per credit
• Financial aid: DWU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Sioux Falls

Two online master's degrees are offered at the University of Sioux Falls: an MBA and an MEd. USF is a private Christian school in Sioux Falls, SD.

The MEd offers specializations in educational administration and higher education and costs $415 per credit. The MBA program has an optional concentration in healthcare and costs $450.

• Average in-state tuition: $432.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $432.50 per credit
• Financial aid: USF offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of South Dakota

Graduate students at the University of South Dakota will find around two dozen online degree programs at the master's level. Areas of study include artificial intelligence, business analytics, elementary education, and healthcare.

USD, located in Vermillion, SD, is a public research university. It charges a tuition rate of $470.45 per credit for online advanced degrees, regardless of where the student lives.

• Average in-state tuition: $470.45 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $470.45 per credit
• Financial aid: USD accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public research institution in Brookings, SD. It offers numerous online graduate degrees in data science, mass communication, nursing, social sciences, and more.

Online students pay $470.45 per credit for their master's degrees. There are no out-of-state tuition costs for online learning at SDSU.

• Average in-state tuition: $470.45 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $470.45 per credit
• Financial aid: SDSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Black Hills State University

Students at Black Hills State University can find about half a dozen graduate programs online. Areas of study include secondary education, special education, strategic leadership, and sustainability.

This public university is located in Spearfish, SD. Tuition for online graduate degrees here is $470.45 per credit hour.

• Average in-state tuition: $470.45 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $470.45 per credit
• Financial aid: BHSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers several master's degrees to online learners. DSU is a public university in Madison, SD.

Online programs are available in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology. The tuition rate is $484.10 per credit hour for online programs at the graduate school.

• Average in-state tuition: $484.10 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $484.10 per credit
• Financial aid: DSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Start your journey toward a graduate degree by exploring the affordable online master's programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.