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

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.

Many students wish to go beyond a bachelor's degree to earn a master's. However, it can be hard for busy students, especially working professionals, to find the time or funds to continue their education.

Learning online can be incredibly helpful, as it's typically more flexible than learning on campus. And while online programs are often less expensive, they're still an expense for most students.

Although there are no free master's degrees online, combining a low-cost school with financial aid can significantly lower your costs. Keep reading to learn more about how to earn an affordable or even free master's degree online in Alabama.

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

While there aren't any totally free online colleges in Alabama, there are many schools with low tuition rates. In fact, the only school really offering tuition-free online master's degree programs is University of the People.

UoPeople is an accredited, nonprofit online university that does not charge a tuition rate. It does, however, charge an assessment fee per online course. For graduate-level courses, this rate is between $350 and $400 per course. This is a lot more affordable than many colleges, but it's still not totally free.

As mentioned, Alabama has several schools with low tuition rates. However, you can reduce your costs by applying for financial aid. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they qualify for. Alabama has several accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although you won't find a totally free master's degree online, you can reduce your costs through several strategies, including:

• Choose an affordable school: Tuition can vary wildly between schools. Most affordable online programs in Alabama come from public schools, but not all.
• Compare program costs: Tuition can also vary by program. Consider which school offers your area of study at the lowest rate.
• Apply for financial aid: In addition to filling out the FAFSA, look for institutional and private aid options. Your school's financial aid office can help you find programs you qualify for, which could potentially include full-tuition scholarships.
• Take advantage of employer-sponsored programs: Many employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs to employees.
• Consider the military: One major benefit of military service is the tuition coverage. Coverage will vary depending on how long you've been enlisted and what branch you're in.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Choosing one of the most affordable online master's degrees in Alabama is a great start for keeping your costs low. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable online master's degrees in Alabama.

1. Athens State University

Athens State University is a public institution in Athens, AL. It offers graduate degrees online in fields like business analytics, computer science, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.

The tuition rate at Athens State is $369 per credit for online graduate programs. This rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

• Average in-state tuition: $369 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $369 per credit
• Financial aid: Athens State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of West Alabama

Students at the University of West Alabama can find a variety of online master's degrees in areas of study like business administration, counseling, data science, and education. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) offers multiple concentrations, including cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and human resources.

This public university is located in Carrollton, GA. It charges $429 per credit to all online master's degree students.

• Average in-state tuition: $429 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $429 per credit
• Financial aid: UWA offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University offers a variety of master's degrees through online learning. JSU is a public university in Jacksonville, AL.

Programs are available in business administration, elementary education, nursing, and public administration. Tuition is $434 per credit for advanced degrees, with the exception of the MBA program, which is $525 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $434 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $434 per credit
• Financial aid: JSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Montevallo

A handful of online master's degrees are available at the University of Montevallo. These include an MBA, as well as Master of Education (MEd) degrees in applied instruction, instructional leadership, and professional education.

UM, located in Montevallo, AL, is a public university. It charges online graduate students $438 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $438 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $438 per credit
• Financial aid: UM accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public research institution in Huntsville, AL. It offers online master's degrees in fields like cybersecurity, elementary education, engineering management, and supply chain management.

Tuition for most online degrees is $445 per credit. However, those from the College of Business are $575, and those from the College of Engineering and the College of Science are $655.

• Average in-state tuition: $536.67 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $536.67 per credit
• Financial aid: UAH accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Troy University

Students at Troy University can choose from various online master's degrees. Areas of study include artificial intelligence, computer science, education, and social science.

The public institution is located in Troy, AL. It charges $475 per credit hour for all online graduate degrees.

• Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit
• Financial aid: Troy University offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers several master's degrees through online learning. ASU is a public, historically black university (HBCU) in Montgomery, AL.

Online master's degrees are available in business administration, elementary education, social work, and technology. Tuition for these degrees is $477 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $477 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $477 per credit
• Financial aid: ASU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Alabama

Dozens of master's degrees are available through online learning at the University of Alabama. Areas of study include communication, education, healthcare, and management.

'Bama, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a public research university. It charges $480 per credit for online graduate degrees.

• Average in-state tuition: $480 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $480 per credit
• Financial aid: 'Bama accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama is a public research university in Mobile, AL. It offers advanced degrees online in fields like business administration, education, nursing, and public administration.

Tuition is $480 per credit for the education and public administration degrees and $505 per credit for the healthcare, computing, and business programs. The Master of Science in nursing (MS) is $594 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $495 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $495 per credit
• Financial aid: USA accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Faulkner University

Through Faulkner University, students can choose from a handful of master's degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, education, religious studies, and social sciences.

Faulkner University, a private Christian school, is located in Montgomery, AL. Tuition is program dependent, starting at $465 per credit and going up to $750 per credit hour.

• Average in-state tuition: $607.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $607.50 per credit
• Financial aid: Faulkner University accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Find Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Find the perfect online master's degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.