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

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.

Pursuing a master's degree is an excellent way to advance your career. Many Florida colleges and universities offer a variety of online graduate degree programs, from computer science to healthcare to business administration. Here, we discuss various strategies for keeping your education costs low and highlight a few Florida graduate programs offered online.

If you're searching for a tuition-free online master's degree, read on to learn strategies to achieve a low-cost degree in Florida.

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

Despite the appeal of a free master's degree online, there is no such thing as an entirely zero-cost degree. All accredited educational institutions charge some level of tuition and fees. The only tuition-free online college is University of the People (UoPeople). Please note that while tuition at UoPeople is $0, there are other costs involved (like application and assessment fees).

While a truly 100% free master's degree online may not exist, there are many ways you can keep costs as low as possible, including grants, tuition scholarships, and employer-sponsored tuition assistance.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

There is a variety of strategies you can employ to earn your degree at a very affordable rate. These may be used alone or in conjunction: the more you utilize, the lower your overall education costs. Here are a few great places to start:

• Federal student aid: Federal student aid comes in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the best way to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
• Military service: Leveraging military service is an excellent way to keep tuition costs low. Many schools offer military discounts on tuition rates; tuition assistance is also available directly from specific branches of the military.
• Grants and/or scholarships: Grants and scholarships are forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Generally speaking, grants are need-based, while scholarships are merit-based, awarded by individual organizations or the school itself.
• Graduate fellowships: Fellowships are similar in spirit to grants and scholarships, in that the money does not need to be repaid; however, fellowships are specific to graduate degrees and the focus of study.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some companies help full-time employees with continuing their education by reimbursing partial tuition fees, or for things like books, supplies, and other expenses.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

The following schools offer some of the most affordable online master's degrees in Florida. We highlight examples of low-cost or free online master's degree programs, outline general tuition costs, and forms of financial aid available to graduate students in each school.

1. University of Central Florida (UCF)

The University of Central Florida offers dozens of graduate degrees for working professionals. Examples of UCF's online master's degree programs include criminal justice, healthcare systems engineering, and nonprofit management. By completing their master's degrees online, graduate students at UCF save $42.33 per credit hour as compared with those attending class in person.

Average in-state tuition: $288 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $288 per credit

Financial aid: The University of Central Florida accepts FAFSA and offers more than 200 scholarships available to online students.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Located in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University has more than 20 different online master's degree programs, including business administration and data science. Its online programming ranks among the best, according to U.S. News & World Report. Roughly 92% of FAU's students receive some type of financial aid, much of which comes via grants and scholarship opportunities. One major way to keep tuition costs low is to apply as an in-state resident.

Average in-state tuition: $345 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,025 per credit

Financial aid: Financial assistance is available via FAFSA for needs-based aid, such as grants and low-interest-rate loans. FAU also offers a broad range of scholarships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of West Florida (UWF)

The online degree programs at the University of West Florida are self-paced and competitively priced. Students can choose from 10 different master's degree options, like cybersecurity and computer science. The University of West Florida boasts a generous transfer credit policy, which is an excellent way to keep your master's degree costs affordable.

Average in-state tuition: $385 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,045 per credit (Alabama residents pay $490 per credit)

Financial aid: UWF encourages its students to apply for FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships. Military service members and their spouses can receive tuition discounts and scholarships.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Florida State University (FSU)

Florida State University serves thousands of students both through its on-campus classes and its online programs. FSU has affordable online master's degree programs, including entrepreneurship, social work, business administration, and criminology. FSU is one of the many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Florida.

Average in-state tuition: $445 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,075 per credit

Financial aid: Students may apply for FAFSA and receive assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. FSU also offers institutional grants and scholarships to online graduate students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Florida International University (FIU)

If you've received your bachelor's degree and are looking to earn an affordable master's degree online, Florida International University is a great option. FIU has more than three dozen online graduate degree programs, ranging from cybersecurity and information technology to degrees in the social sciences. Learners study at their own pace and can keep tuition costs low by applying for FIU's scholarships exclusive to online students.

Average in-state tuition: $455 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,000 per credit

Financial aid: Students may apply for FAFSA to qualify for federal and state assistance. They may also apply for scholarships, such as the FIU Online Distance Learning Scholarship.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

While there is no online master's degree option that is completely cost-free, there is a multitude of affordable options for Florida residents and beyond. Explore more education opportunities here on Learn.org and connect with one of our featured schools to get started on your advanced degree journey.