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

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.

Enrollment in online courses is already a lower-cost option for graduate students. On-campus fees are usually waived for remote students, and some schools offer in-state tuition for all fully remote students. However, while there are options for tuition-free online master's degrees, students will still have to pay some fees.

The next best thing to getting a free master's degree online is finding an affordable program and using scholarships, federal aid, or tuition assistance to bring down the total as much as possible. Keep reading to learn how to turn your bachelor's degree into a master's without drowning in student loan debt.

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

You cannot get a free master's degree online in Hawaii or any other state. The closest option is the University of the People (UoPeople), which offers tuition-free online master's degree programs. However, at both UoPeople and other free online colleges, some fees do still apply.

But an advanced degree is not out of reach. Financial aid can help lower many costs, and taking graduate-level online classes will allow you the flexibility to complete your degree at your own pace.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

A graduate degree gives you the knowledge to grow in your career and opens up other opportunities across the job market, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Below are a few tips that all online learners should be aware of as they research graduate programs.

• Choose an In-State School: While some schools offer a flat rate for all fully online students, regardless of where they live, not all do. Staying in your home state ensures lower tuition rates.
• Apply for Federal Aid: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to see if you are eligible for federal aid, like the Pell Grant, or additional scholarships.
• Apply for Scholarships and Grants: Along with your FAFSA, look into any need- or merit-based scholarships and grants you qualify for. These do not need to be paid back � and some offer full-tuition scholarships.
• Map Out Your Program Length: Do you want to work full-time and get to work fast, or part-time and spread your payments out over a few years? Both will impact your budget differently.
• Research Employer-Sponsored Tuition Assistance: If you are a working professional, see if your employer offers any tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Many companies offer educational benefits, from fast-food shops to Fortune 500 enterprises.
• Military Assistance: Many schools offer special rates to military members and their families. Federal programs like the GI Bill can also offset costs.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Now that you know how to pay for school, you are probably ready to take a look at a few of the most affordable online master's degrees. Some schools are in Hawaii, others are in neighboring states or are online schools. But all offer low tuition fees and financial aid.

1. University of Hawaii at Hilo

The University of Hawaii (UH) Hilo currently offers three online master's programs. The fully remote options include:

• Master of Arts (MA) in counseling psychology
• Master of Arts in indigenous language and culture education
• Master of Education (MEd)

UH Hilo is one of many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Hawaii. Their virtual financial aid office is available to help remote students with any questions about funding.

• Average in-state tuition: $489 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,107 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, state and institutional scholarships, veterans benefits, child care subsidies
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission

2. University of Hawaii at Manoa

Hawaii residents have options for both online and hybrid classes at UH Manoa. Online programs are available in:

• counseling
• educational foundations
• learning design and technology
• nursing
• social work
• special education

The nursing program does have a higher cost per credit hour. There are several scholarship opportunities for graduate students at UH Manoa, including international students. Fellowships and assistantships can also help lower costs.

• Average in-state tuition: $650 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,402 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, achievement scholarships, fellowships, assistantships
• Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)

3. Chaminade University

As a private university, Chaminade has some of the highest prices on our list. However, the three cheapest programs cost $925 per credit hour, and financial aid is available. The most affordable programs are the MA in educational leadership, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, and the Master of Education program. Students can finish each of these programs in just 18 months, lowering costs even further.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,100.55 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,100.55 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, $5,000 scholarship for eligible master's programs, other scholarships and grants, federal work-study programs
• Accreditation: WASC

4. National University

National University, based in San Diego, is an excellent choice for Hawaii residents because it offers in-state tuition to all students. National currently offers 49 different master's degree programs, all available fully online.

Programs include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), computer science, information technology, forensic science, and many others. Accelerated programs are available for eligible students.

• Average in-state tuition: $442 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $442 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, Believe and Succeed scholarship, Whisper Military Spouse scholarship, the Key Grant, other scholarships and grants
• Accreditation: WSCUC

5. California State University Dominguez Hills

California State University (CSU) Dominguez Hills, another neighbor of Hawaii, offers five online master's degrees. Options include an MA in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding (MA-NCRP), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and three Master of Science (MS) programs.

Costs vary per program, but the cheapest options are the MA-NCRP at $337 per credit hour and the MS in quality assurance at $347. Students in the online systems engineering program can only register part-time.

• Average in-state tuition: $460 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $460 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, state and institutional scholarships, no state or federal grants for online programs
• Accreditation: WSCUC

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a nonprofit university that offers the same tuition rates for all students, making it an affordable option for Hawaiians.

It offers over 80 online master's degrees, including an MBA program that can be completed in about one year. Other programs are geared towards a career in health science, supply chain management, cybersecurity, or healthcare. There is no application fee at SNHU.

• Average in-state tuition: $637 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $637 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships and grants. Tuition for active-duty military is $470 per credit hour
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Few things in life are truly free, including an online master's degree. But by choosing the right school and taking advantage of funding opportunities like scholarships and employer assistance, you can get close. There are more quality accredited schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to one today to discuss which master's program is right for you.