Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Colorado 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.

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 master's programs in business administration, education, and information technology. While tuition is $0, students pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course. UoPeople is not based in Colorado, but its programs are open to Colorado 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's College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend is only available to undergraduates, so graduate students should look to university scholarships, professional associations, and scholarships and grants in their 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: Many online programs, including several at Colorado public universities, charge the same tuition regardless of where you live. This can also open up affordable options at schools outside Colorado.
• 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. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa that offers online graduate programs through Adams State Online. Students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or master's degrees in counselor education, teacher education, humanities, and kinesiology. Graduate tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Rates range from $376.80 per credit hour for graduate teacher education courses to $461.80 per credit hour for the online MBA, including fees.

• Average in-state tuition: $376.80–$461.80 per credit hour (including fees)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $376.80–$461.80 per credit hour (including fees)
• Financial aid: Adams State accepts the FAFSA, and Adams State Online offers payment plans to help students spread out the cost of their degree.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is an R1 research university that offers nine fully online graduate degrees. Through its programs hosted on Coursera, you could earn a Master of Science (MS) in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or electrical and computer engineering. These programs use performance-based admission, meaning students earn admission by completing designated pathway courses with strong grades. Tuition is $525 per credit hour for the computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence programs regardless of residency, while the electrical and computer engineering program costs $667 per credit hour.

• Average in-state tuition: $525 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $525 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CU Boulder accepts the FAFSA. Tuition for its Coursera-hosted degrees is pay-as-you-go, so students pay only for the courses they take each eight-week session.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. 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: HLC

4. Colorado State University Online

Colorado State University (CSU) offers more than 40 online graduate degrees through CSU Online, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Computer Science, and several Master of Engineering programs. Tuition varies by program, with most online master's degrees costing between $604 and $1,228 per credit hour. Residency status doesn't affect tuition for online programs, so all students pay the same rate. CSU also offers military discounts, the CSU Online Learner Scholarship, and scholarships for nontraditional students returning to college.

• Average in-state tuition: $604–$1,228 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $604–$1,228 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Federal financial aid is available for eligible graduate students. CSU also offers tuition discounts for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses, plus scholarships for online and returning students.
• 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 student fees. CSU Global also guarantees that a student's tuition rate stays the same from their first class to their last.

• Average in-state tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and partner tuition discounts are available. More than 95% of CSU Global students receive financial aid or employer tuition benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

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

Truly tuition-free online colleges are rare. Most schools that advertise free tuition still charge application, assessment, or other fees, and some cover tuition only for students who meet specific requirements. If you're open to a school outside Colorado, the university below is one of the few that charges no traditional tuition for master's students.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, accredited online university that doesn't charge tuition. Instead, graduate students pay a one-time $60 application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. UoPeople offers three master's degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Advanced Teaching
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Assessment fees are $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the M.Ed. Courses use open educational resources, so students don't pay for textbooks. Scholarships are available for students who can't afford the assessment fees. UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

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 no accredited school in Colorado offers a fully free online master's degree, we focus on programs that keep graduate education as affordable as possible. That means low per-credit tuition, the same rate for in-state and out-of-state online students, and strong financial aid. Each school on our list is evaluated using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the Higher Learning Commission. This affects credit transfer, employer recognition, and eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare current per-credit graduate tuition, mandatory fees, and total program costs. We also look at aid available to graduate students, including federal loans, institutional scholarships, military discounts, and tuition guarantees.
• Online availability: We prioritize master's programs that can be completed fully online, with flexible formats that work for full-time employees.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, loan repayment data, and post-graduation earnings to make sure each school offers a strong return on investment.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Online Master's Degrees in Colorado

Paying for a graduate degree looks different than it did just a few years ago, especially after recent changes to federal student loans. Below are answers to common questions about financing an online master's degree in Colorado.

Are Grad PLUS Loans Still Available for New Graduate Students?

No. As of July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers. Students starting a new graduate program can still use Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, but these are now capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 total. Students who received a federal loan for their current program before July 1, 2026, may continue borrowing under the previous rules for up to three years or until they finish their program, whichever comes first.

Can Graduate Students Use Colorado's College Opportunity Fund?

No. The College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend is only available to in-state undergraduate students. Graduate students in Colorado should look to federal aid, university scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and outside scholarships instead.

Do Out-of-State Students Pay More for Online Master's Programs in Colorado?

Not always. Many Colorado public universities charge the same tuition for online programs regardless of where a student lives. CSU Global, CSU Online, and CU Boulder's Coursera-based master's programs all use flat rates. However, some schools still charge non-residents more, so check each program's tuition page before applying.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Colorado?

Costs vary widely by school and program. At the public universities on our list, online graduate tuition ranges from under $400 to more than $1,200 per credit hour. Most master's degrees require 30 to 36 credits. For example, CU Boulder's online MS in computer science costs $15,750 in total, and a standard 30-credit master's degree at CSU Global costs $20,250.

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.