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

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.

According to the Council of Graduate Schools, enrollment in graduate programs has expanded significantly over the past five years. Naturally, interest in tuition-free online master's degree programs has increased as well. Read on for more information on the potential of earning your free master's degree online from an Arizona school.

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

While the idea of tuition-free master's degree programs is extremely appealing, a truly free degree does not exist. University of the People (UoPeople) is the only completely tuition-free online college; though it does not charge for tuition, UoPeople does charge fees for applications and assessments.

However, you can greatly reduce the cost of your degree by combining financial aid with the right school. Here we outline ways to keep coursework and overall education costs low.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

The following are tips to reduce your education costs. Depending on your personal experience and circumstances, utilizing these strategies will make your master's degree much more affordable.

• Credit for work and life experience: Some colleges accept professional work or life experience in the form of college credit. This can reduce the total number of credits needed to be completed in order to receive your degree.
• Graduate tuition waivers: A graduate tuition waiver either reduces or wholly eliminates costs associated with tuition. These waivers can be either merit-based or need-based.
• Military discounts: Many schools offer financial support for military service members, veterans, and their dependents. Examples are reduced tuition rates, scholarships, and translating military experience into college credits.
• Federal student aid: According to the Education Data Initiative, the federal government is projected to give out $135 billion in student aid in 2025. Federal aid comes via grants, low-interest rate loans, and work-study programs. To find out if you qualify for this type of financial assistance, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Your employer may be an excellent source of financial support. Many companies have tuition assistance programs; these subsidize the cost of tuition for degrees that advance their employees' professional expertise.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

The five Arizona schools highlighted here are educational institutions offering a variety of online graduate degree programs, from information security to public health. Along with featuring relatively low tuition rates, these are all accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

1. Aspen University

Aspen University is located in Phoenix, Arizona. It has some of the most affordable online master's degrees, like project management, forensic nursing, and finance. Students can reduce tuition costs by applying transfer credits, whether the credit was earned at another institution or accrued by real-world experience.

• Average in-state tuition: $430 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $430 per credit
• Financial aid: Financial support is provided in the form of grants and loans. Students must apply for FAFSA to see if they qualify for federal and state aid.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona provides high-quality education to learners both on campus and online. The school has dozens of master's degree programs, including healthcare management, data science, and cybersecurity. According to its website, more than 60% of its online students receive some type of financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $650 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $650 per credit
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available by applying for FAFSA. The University of Arizona extends scholarships unique to online learners and transfer students, like those who are transferring from an in-state community college.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Phoenix

Established in 1976, University of Phoenix is a pioneer in online learning. It runs comprehensive programming for all levels of higher education, from bachelor's degrees to doctoral degrees. Graduate students can receive their Master of Business Administration (MBA) or specialize in fields like information technology and special education. The University of Phoenix helps students save on tuition by accepting transfer credits; you can also earn credit for work and life experience.

• Average in-state tuition: $698 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $698 per credit
• Financial aid: The University of Phoenix accepts FAFSA for federal student aid. The university also offers scholarships (like their Transfer Student Scholarship).
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Arizona State University

ASU is one of Arizona's public universities, offering a variety of online programs for all degree levels. Popular areas of interest for master's degrees include educational leadership, computer science, and criminal justice. Enrolling full-time will help you save on tuition, as part-time students pay a slightly higher rate per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $705 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $705 per credit
• Financial aid: Aid comes in the form of federal and state grants (as determined by FAFSA) and institutional scholarships. ASU provides tuition assistance for military service members.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Northern Arizona University (NAU)

Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, NAU has more than 60 online master's degree options. These range from a Master of Science (MS) in geography to a Master of Public Health (MPH). Save on tuition by applying for NAU's graduate tuition waiver program or applying to work as a graduate assistant. Employees of the Department of Defense (DoD) receive a significant tuition discount.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,330 per credit ($500 per credit for DoD)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,330 per credit ($500 per credit for DoD)
• Financial aid: Eligible students receive federal student aid in the form of grants and loans. NAU provides financial support for military service members and their families; the school also offers scholarships and graduate assistantships.
• Accreditation: HLC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

While there is no such thing as a completely free master's degree online, there are many affordable options at accredited schools. Reach out to the institutions featured on Learn.org to discover which online degree program is best for you.