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

By choosing a low-cost online college and applying for financial aid, graduate students in California may be able to earn their master's degrees for free.

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.

After earning a bachelor's degree, some students may choose to pursue an advanced degree, like a master's degree. They may do this to reach specific career goals or to help them thrive in the job market.

For many students, especially working professionals, online degrees are more flexible than in-person programs. However, these degrees can still be expensive. To help cover costs, many look for free master's degrees online.

Though there aren't any completely free master's degrees online, there are many ways to reduce costs. Keep reading to learn how you could potentially earn your master's degree for free in California.

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

While it is possible to earn a very low-cost degree, especially with financial aid, there is no such thing as an entirely free degree. All degrees have some costs associated with them, which may include tuition, fees, costs for supplies, and living expenses.

The only truly tuition-free online master's degree programs come from the University of the People (UoPeople). While this school does not charge for tuition, it does have fees for each course. While this makes the degrees here significantly less expensive than most, they are still not completely free. The only other tuition-free online colleges are that way because of financial aid.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although there are no inherently free online master's degrees, there are ways to make your master's degree affordable and potentially completely cover your costs. These include:

• Choose a low-cost school: Costs can vary significantly between schools, with some institutions in California charging over $1,000 per credit. Choosing a low-cost school sets you up for an affordable degree.
• Fill out FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines what federal and state aid you qualify for. Some institutional aid programs, especially those that are need-based, may also require you to have filed the FAFSA.
• Look for other types of aid: Many colleges and universities offer aid to students, including grants, tuition scholarships, and assistantships. You can also pursue opportunities through independent organizations and associations.
• Pursue employer-sponsored programs: Some employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement to employees to help them further their careers.
• Utilize transfer credits: If you've already begun your graduate degree at another institution, look for schools that accept transfer credits so that the time and money you've already spent don't go to waste.

There are multiple accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in California. However, FAFSA may not offer gift aid for your graduate program, so you may need to pursue other aid options.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

California is home to a few affordable online master's degrees. We've listed some of the lowest-cost options below.

1. University of the People

The University of the People is a private, nonprofit online university based in Pasadena, CA. It's the closest you can get to a free master's degree online, as it does not charge for tuition. Instead, it charges a $60 application fee and an assessment fee per course.

The online master's degrees available at the University of the People are a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) in information technology � both of which require 12 courses and cost $400 per course for a total of $4,860 per program. The university also offers a Master of Education (MEd), which requires 13 courses at $350 per credit, for a total of $4,610.

Because the University of the People does not charge tuition, graduate students here cannot use aid through FAFSA. However, the university offers scholarships and accepts private aid.

Average in-state tuition: $384 per course

Average out-of-state tuition: $384 per course

Financial aid: University of the People offers institutional scholarships and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. California State University, Dominguez Hills

At California State University, Dominguez Hills, students can choose several online master's degrees. Tuition varies by program, and some of the least expensive options include:

• Master of Arts (MA) in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding ($337 per credit)
• Master of Science in quality assurance ($347 per credit)
• Master of Science in radiologic imaging sciences ($412 per credit)
• Master of Science in systems engineering ($553 per credit)

This public university is located in Carson, CA, and is a member of the California State University (CSU) system. The university also offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Science in nursing (MSN).

Average in-state tuition: $449.80 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $449.80 per credit

Financial aid: CSUDH offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: WSCUC

3. The Master's University

The Master's University offers five master's degree programs through online learning. TMU is a private Christian school in Santa Clarita, CA.

Tuition varies depending on the program. The MA in biblical studies is only $425 per credit, while the MBA program, MEd in teaching, and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) are $595 per credit. The university also offers an online MA in biblical counseling for $745 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $591 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $591 per credit

Financial aid: TMU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

4. National University

Various online master's degrees and certificate programs are available through National University. These degrees cover multiple subjects, including education, business, healthcare, and social sciences.

National University, based in San Diego, is a private, nonprofit institution geared toward adult and non-traditional learners. It charges $442 per credit hour for the majority of its online master's degrees, although some programs have a higher rate.

Average in-state tuition:$442 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $442 per credit

Financial aid: National University accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

5. Humphreys University

Humphreys University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Stockton, CA. It offers six master's degrees online in business administration, education, teaching, and legal studies.

The MBA program offers concentrations in information technology and organizational leadership. A multiple-subject teaching credential is also available online. Nearly all online courses are $460 per credit, although some specific MEd courses have a lower tuition rate.

Average in-state tuition: $460 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $460 per credit

Financial aid: Humphreys accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Find the perfect low-cost program for you by exploring the affordable, high-quality master's degrees featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.