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

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.

Many students choose to continue their education beyond their bachelor's degree to earn a master's degree. A master's degree may be required for certain careers, or students may choose this route to boost their chances in the job market.

Online programs are a great option for many students, especially working professionals, as they provide more flexibility than learning on campus. However, whether you earn your degree online or in person, the cost can feel overwhelming.

While there aren't really any free master's degrees online, there are ways students can lower their costs and avoid student loans. Keep reading to learn about affordable and free master's degrees online in Georgia.

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

There are no inherently free online colleges in Georgia, although many offer very affordable tuition rates. The only school in the country offering tuition-free online master's degree programs is the University of the People.

UoPeople is a private, nonprofit, online school based in Pasadena, CA. While it does not charge for tuition, it still charges an assessment fee per online course. This does make the degrees much more affordable for online students, but there is still a cost associated with attending the school.

The best way to make your degree affordable is to combine a low-cost school with financial aid options. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what they qualify for. Between aid and low tuition, you may be able to earn a free master's degree online.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although no school offers completely free master's degrees online, there are ways to significantly reduce your costs. These include:

• Choose a low-cost school: Many colleges and universities in Georgia, especially public schools, offer relatively low tuition rates.
• Fill out the FAFSA: The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal aid, and some state-run and school-run programs require your FAFSA as well. There are several accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Georgia.
• Check out aid through your school: Colleges often offer institutional aid to help students pay for their higher education; your financial aid office should be able to help you find options.
• Apply for private aid: Look for private organizations offering scholarships. Scholarship finders, like the one on the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop site, can help.
• Take advantage of employer-sponsored programs: Many companies offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs, some that cover full tuition costs, to their employees.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Several schools offer affordable online master's degrees in Georgia. We've highlighted some of these options below.

1. Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University is a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Fort Valley, GA. It offers two online graduate degrees: a Master of Science (MS) in clinical rehabilitation counseling and an MS in school counselor education.

In-state graduate tuition at FVSU is $186 per credit, while out-of-state tuition is $706 per credit. Financial aid, including scholarships, is available to students.

Average in-state tuition: $186 per credit,

Average out-of-state tuition: $706 per credit

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

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

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

At the Georgia Institute of Technology, students can choose from a variety of Master of Science and professional master's degrees online. These include degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, management, and operations research.

This public research university is located in Atlanta. Tuition varies by program, with the computer science degree at $195 per credit and some of the engineering degrees costing over $1,000 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $600 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $600 per credit

Financial aid: Georgia Tech offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Augusta University

Augusta University offers several master's degrees through online learning. Augusta is a public research university in Augusta, GA.

Degrees are available in fields like business administration, education, intelligence studies, and public health. Most online master's degrees are $236 per credit, but a few of the healthcare programs are $441 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $236 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $236 per credit

Financial aid: Augusta offers institutional aid, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private student aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Middle Georgia State University

Students at Middle Georgia State University can earn two advanced degrees online. The first is a Master of Arts (MA) in public relations, and the other is an MA in technical and professional writing.

MGA, located in Macon, GA, is a public university. It charges $261 per credit for both graduate programs, with no difference for out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $261 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $261 per credit

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

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public institution in Americus, GA. It offers four online master's degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Science in computer science
• Master of Science in nursing (MSN) with multiple concentrations

Graduate students pay a tuition rate of $263 per credit for most online programs. The exception is the MSN degrees, which are $395 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $263 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $263 per credit

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

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Georgia Southern University

Students at Georgia Southern University can choose from dozens of online master's degrees. Areas of study include business administration, education, healthcare, and supply chain management.

This public university is located in Statesboro, GA. Tuition ranges from $284 per credit to $757 per credit for the online MBA program. Most online graduate-level degrees are either $284 or $367 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $361.77 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $361.77 per credit

Financial aid: Georgia Southern offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Valdosta State University

Several master's degrees are available to online learners at Valdosta State University. VSU is a public university in Valdosta, GA.

Programs here are available in fields like criminal justice, education, healthcare administration, and information technology. The tuition rate for all programs is $300 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $300 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $300 per credit

Financial aid: VSU offers institutional aid, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private student aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Start your journey toward furthering your career by exploring the high-quality online degrees featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.