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

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.

While tuition-free online master's degree programs are not available, Colorado residents can choose from a range of low-cost graduate programs offered by accredited universities. These schools feature competitive tuition and a wide array of financial aid options. Keep reading to discover the best online master's degree program for your goals.

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

Currently, there are no tuition-free online colleges or free master's degrees online in Colorado. However, with financial aid, scholarships, and other funding options, students can significantly reduce the cost of their graduate-level education.

One notable option is the University of the People (UoPeople), which offers tuition-free online programs. While tuition is $0, students are responsible for certain fees, such as application and assessment fees. It's important to note that UoPeople is not based in Colorado but is accessible to residents seeking affordable online education.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although there are no fully free master's degrees online, pursuing a graduate degree online can be cost-effective with the right strategies. Full-time students today have many options for making earning their degree more cost-effective:

• Apply for federal student aid through FAFSA: Seek out accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Fill out the FAFSA form to discover your eligibility for student loans, work-study programs, and federal grants such as the Pell Grant.
• Seek state-specific scholarships and grants: Colorado offers programs like the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend for eligible undergraduate students. This program can sometimes be applied to graduate studies. In addition to state-wide opportunities, consider exploring scholarships and grants in your local community.
• Ask about employer tuition reimbursement plans: Some companies help employees advance their education by offering partial or full-tuition coverage for relevant master's degrees.
• Consider online programs that offer in-state tuition to all learners: If you don't want to enroll in a university based in Colorado, many other institutions offer the same rate for in-state and out-of-state graduate-level students.
• Look into graduate assistantships: While more common for on-campus students, some programs offer remote assistantships that provide stipends or tuition discounts in exchange for academic or administrative work.
• Consider part-time enrollment: If you are a working professional, enrolling part-time can provide the flexibility to manage both job responsibilities and coursework. Although it may extend your time to graduation, spreading out costs over more semesters can make expenses more manageable.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Several Colorado universities offer accredited online master's degree programs with various financial aid options. Check out the most affordable online master's degrees below.

1. Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) offers online master's programs in areas like business administration and nursing. Tuition rates vary by program, with most programs charging approximately $577 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for eligible students�$77 million in financial aid was awarded to CMU students in 2023.

• Average in-state tuition: $577 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $886 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid and scholarships are available. Graduate or professional students enrolled at least half-time are eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate or Professional PLUS loan.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Colorado Boulder

Known as a R1 research university, The University of Colorado Boulder offers nearly 100 advanced degree programs. At CU Bolder, you could earn Master of Science (MS) degrees in areas like computer science, data science, business analytics, and more. Tuition and fees vary by degree type, but graduate enrollment costs $625 per credit hour on average.

• Average in-state tuition: $625 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $625 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CU Bolder accepts FAFSA for federal financial aid and offers scholarships, graduate assistantships, and grants to eligible students.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU) offers approximately 10 master's degree programs that offer an MS degree in areas like information technology, cybersecurity policy, or healthcare management. Learners earning their bachelor's degree in nursing can transition into the graduate-level nursing program to earn an MS in either nursing administration or family nurse practitioner. Tuition and fees vary by degree type, but graduate enrollment costs $610 per credit hour on average.

• Average in-state tuition: $610 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CTU participates in the FAFSA program for federal financial aid and also provides a range of scholarships and grants. Eligible students may qualify for institutional awards such as the Advantage Grant, Commitment Grant, Liberty Grant, Lifelong Learning Grant, or the Patriot Scholarship.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Colorado State University Online

Colorado State University (CSU) offers a variety of online courses for students to earn graduate degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), or a master's degree in engineering. Tuition rates vary by program, with many ranging from $580 to $998 per credit hour. CTU offers in-state tuition rates for all learners, including international students. Additionally, CTU offers scholarships for K-12 teachers, active duty military, veterans, and nontraditional students returning to college.

• Average in-state tuition: $580 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal financial aid is available for eligible graduate students. CTU also offers scholarships to a wide variety of online students, including K-12 teachers, active duty military, veterans, and nontraditional students returning to college.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Colorado State University Global

CSU Global offers fully online master's programs in fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, healthcare administration, project management, and information technology. Tuition is a flat rate of $675 per credit hour, regardless of residency, and the university charges no additional fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students. CSU Global offers discounts such as 10% off to new degree-seeking graduate students.

• Average in-state tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid and many institutional scholarships are available, including full-tuition scholarships�more than 95% of CSU Global students receive financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Colorado residents have access to several affordable options through accredited institutions. To compare programs and find additional resources, further explore Learn.org for expert guidance on navigating your graduate degree journey.