Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in South Dakota 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.

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.

One of the best-known tuition-free options in the U.S. is the University of the People, an accredited, nonprofit online university based in California. While UoPeople doesn’t charge tuition, it does charge a one-time $60 application fee and an assessment fee of $400 to $450 per graduate-level 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 Federal 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 three online master’s degrees: a Master of Science (MS) in construction engineering and management, an MS in engineering management, and an MS in mining engineering and management.

In-state residents pay a tuition rate of $374 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $519 per credit for online courses, plus a $188 per-credit institutional fee for courses in these programs. The fee is waived for South Dakota residents.

• Average in-state tuition: $374 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $519 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 $425 per credit for both the MBA and MEd programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $425 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $425 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 online MEd offers a specialization in educational administration/adult and higher education and costs $430 per credit. The MBA program has an optional concentration in healthcare and costs $450 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $440 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $440 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 $495.70 per credit for online graduate programs, regardless of where the student lives.

• Average in-state tuition: $495.70 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $495.70 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 $495.70 per credit for their master’s degrees. There are no out-of-state tuition costs for online learning at SDSU.

• Average in-state tuition: $495.70 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $495.70 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 curriculum and instruction, reading, secondary education, strategic leadership, and sustainability.

This public university is located in Spearfish, SD. Tuition for online graduate degrees here is $495.70 per credit hour.

• Average in-state tuition: $495.70 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $495.70 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, analytics, business administration, computer science, cybersecurity, educational technology, health informatics, and information systems. The tuition rate is $495.70 per credit hour for online graduate programs. Nonresident students pay $613.40 per credit for computer science courses.

• Average in-state tuition: $495.70 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $495.70 per credit
• Financial aid: DSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Tuition-Free Online Colleges in the U.S.

No South Dakota school offers a fully tuition-free master’s degree. However, students who are open to studying outside the state have at least one well-known option. The school below doesn’t charge traditional tuition, though students still pay fees to complete their degrees.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit online university based in Pasadena, California. It’s accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). UoPeople offers three graduate programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (MEd) in Advanced Teaching. All programs are fully online and asynchronous.

Instead of tuition, UoPeople charges a one-time $60 application fee and a per-course assessment fee. Assessment fees are $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the MEd. At these rates, the 12-course MBA costs about $5,940 in total. Students who can’t afford the assessment fees can apply for scholarships through the university.

• Tuition: None
• Assessment fees: $440–$490 per course
• Application fee: $60 (one-time)
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (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.

Because this list focuses on keeping the cost of a graduate degree as low as possible, we rank schools primarily by their published per-credit tuition for online master’s programs. Where a school charges different rates for online students, we use the online rate. Where in-state and out-of-state rates differ, we compare both. We also consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited. Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid, credit transfer, and how employers view a degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We look at per-credit tuition and required fees. We also look at whether a school accepts FAFSA and offers institutional scholarships or other aid that can lower the net cost.
• Online availability: Each school must offer at least one master’s degree that can be completed fully online. We give weight to schools offering a wider range of online programs.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, retention rates, and post-graduation earnings data where available. These help show whether a low-cost program also delivers value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Online Master’s Degrees in South Dakota

Finding an affordable graduate program often raises questions about cost, residency, and financial aid. Below are answers to some of the most common ones.

How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost in South Dakota?

Online master’s tuition at the schools on our list ranges from $374 to $495.70 per credit for most students. Most master’s programs require 30 to 36 credits, so total tuition typically falls between about $11,000 and $18,000. Fees, books, and the length of your specific program can push that number higher.

Do Out-of-State Students Pay More for Online Programs in South Dakota?

Usually not at the state’s public universities. USD, SDSU, Black Hills State, and Dakota State charge the same $495.70 per-credit online graduate rate regardless of where you live. There are a few exceptions. South Dakota Mines charges nonresidents $519 per credit plus a program fee. Dakota State charges nonresidents a higher rate for computer science courses.

Can South Dakota National Guard Members Earn a Master’s Degree for Free?

Possibly. South Dakota National Guard members may qualify for free in-state tuition at the state’s public universities after federal tuition benefits are applied. For graduate programs, this benefit is limited to 32 credit hours. That covers most or all of many master’s degrees. Guard members should confirm eligibility with their unit and their school’s financial aid office.

Have Federal Student Loans for Graduate School Changed?

Yes. Under federal legislation passed in 2025, new borrowers can no longer take out Grad PLUS loans starting July 1, 2026. Graduate students can still borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans, up to $20,500 per year and $100,000 total for most master’s programs. These limits make low-tuition programs, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance more important than ever. You’ll still need to file the FAFSA to access federal loans.

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.