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

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 want to pursue their education beyond a bachelor's degree, but sometimes, it can be difficult to find the time � especially for working professionals. Online programs provide flexibility so students can work at their own pace.

These programs are often less expensive than on-campus programs. They sometimes offer lower tuition rates and don't require students to commute or find a place to live near campus. Unfortunately, even though they can be less expensive, they're still too pricey for most students to pay out of pocket.

Choosing tuition-free online master's degrees can help lower costs, but these are very rare. Regardless, there are ways to lower tuition rates so that online learners don't need to take out student loans. Keep reading to learn about finding affordable and free master's degrees online in Kentucky.

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

Unfortunately, there aren't any completely free online colleges in Kentucky. However, there are many affordable schools in the state.

The only college that really offers tuition-free online master's degree programs is the University of the People. UoPeople is a nonprofit online college based in Pasadena, CA, that does not charge a tuition rate for its programs. Instead, it charges an assessment fee per online course, between $350 and $400 for graduate-level courses. While this is still far more affordable than a traditional degree, it's still not totally free.

Students in Kentucky could reduce or completely cover their costs with financial aid. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see what they're eligible for. Kentucky has several accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

With the right strategies, you may be able to earn a free master's degree online. Some ways to lower your costs and potentially cover them completely include:

• Choose an affordable school for your program: Some schools charge different rates for different programs, so check what school offers the lowest rate for your intended degree.
• Fill out the FAFSA: The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid, as well as some need-based state and institutional aid programs.
• Pursue institutional aid: Many colleges offer financial aid, including full-tuition scholarships, to help graduate students cover their costs.
• Apply for private aid: You can find scholarships and other funding options through numerous private organizations.
• Take advantage of military and employer aid: If you are a military service member, you may qualify for free tuition. Additionally, many employers offer aid programs to their employees.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

As we mentioned above, one of the best ways to keep your costs low is to choose one of the most affordable online master's degrees. We've featured some low-cost programs in Kentucky below.

1. Midway University

Midway University is a private Christian school in Midway, KY. It offers online master's degrees in fields like business administration, educational leadership, healthcare administration, and information technology.

The tuition rate at Midway varies by program. The online Master of Education (MEd) degrees cost just $295 per credit hour, and most of the other programs come in at $485 per credit hour.

• Average in-state tuition: $390 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $390 per credit
• Financial aid: Midway accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Campbellsville University

At Campbellsville University, students can choose from over 40 online graduate degrees. Areas of study include computer science, data science, social work, and special education.

This private Christian school is located in Campbellsville, KY. It charges different tuition rates based on the program, with costs ranging from $319 for MEd programs and $603 for nursing and social work programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $461 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $461 per credit
• Financial aid: Campbellsville offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands offers around two dozen master's degrees online. The private Christian institution is located in Williamsburg, KY.

Online master's degrees are available in fields like business analytics, computer science, education, and healthcare administration. Tuition ranges from $315 per credit for MEd programs to $549 per credit for the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

• Average in-state tuition: $355 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $355 per credit
• Financial aid: University of the Cumberlands offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Union Commonwealth University

A handful of online master's degrees are available through Union Commonwealth University. Areas of study include business administration, digital marketing, human resource management, and information systems management.

Union, located in Barbourville, KY, is a private Christian school. It charges a flat rate of $370 per credit hour for all online graduate degree programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $370 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $370 per credit
• Financial aid: Union accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Morehead State University

Morehead State University is a public institution in Morehead, KY. It offers nearly 20 online master's degree programs in business, education, health sciences, and social sciences.

Kentucky residents earning degrees in education pay $405 per credit hour. All other students and programs have a tuition rate of $570 per credit hour, regardless of major or where the student lives.

• Average in-state tuition: $570 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $570 per credit
• Financial aid: MSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Eastern Kentucky University

Students at Eastern Kentucky University will find more than a dozen advanced degrees online. Areas of study include artificial intelligence, computer science, nursing, and social sciences.

This public university is located in Richmond, KY. Tuition varies based on the program, ranging from $419 for education and teaching degrees to $703 for business administration, psychology, and nurse practitioner programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $561 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $561 per credit
• Financial aid: EKU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers several online degree programs at the master's level. NKU is a public university in Highland Heights, KY.

Fields of study for online learning include business analytics, cybersecurity, social work, and teaching. Tuition starts at $428 per credit for education and teaching programs and tops out at a little over $500 per credit for the MBA program and tech degrees.

• Average in-state tuition: $472.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $472.50 per credit
• Financial aid: NKU offers institutional aid, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Find the perfect affordable online master's degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.