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

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.

Graduate programs can be expensive, and many people try to find tuition-free online master's degrees to get a quality education at no cost. The reality is, finding fully free programs just isn't possible as schools will require fees in some form; however, financial aid can sometimes offset these costs and cover all tuition.

Online learning is the perfect way to earn an affordable degree while managing the other parts of your life. Taking graduate-level courses online typically reduces the cost of a degree and finding an affordable school drives that cost down further. Keep reading to find the right online master's degree for you.

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

There isn't an entirely free master's degree online in Montana, but there are various financial aid opportunities that can significantly bring the costs down. From loans and grants to scholarships and work-study programs, students have numerous options to earn a degree for cheap.

The only tuition-free online master's degree programs are offered by the University of the People (UoPeople), located in Pasadena, California. While tuition is free, there are other fees that come with attendance, including application fees and course assessment fees.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Even though there aren't any completely tuition-free online colleges in Montana, earning a graduate degree online doesn't have to break the bank. From full-tuition scholarships to federal and state loans, learners can make their master's degrees more affordable by following the tips below.

• Choosing an in-state school: Schools often offer lower tuition costs for in-state students, meaning residents can earn their degrees cheaper at local colleges than in other states.
• Applying for financial aid: Using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can apply for loans, grants, and scholarships offered by the government. Cheap online schools that accept FAFSA ensure students can access quality education regardless of cost.
• Applying for work-study programs: The federal work-study program is available to all undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to earn wages that can go toward tuition costs.
• Using military benefits: Active-duty military members and qualified veterans can apply for education assistance.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to employees returning to school to earn degrees relevant to their field. While this won't reduce the costs up front, it can make a graduate program more affordable.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Whether you're a working adult looking to make a career change or a single parent going back to school, an online master's program could be the right option for you. Below are affordable graduate degree programs in Montana.

1. Montana Technological University

In addition to numerous online courses, Montana Technological University offers two fully online master's programs at affordable rates. Students can enroll in the Master of Science (MS) in industrial hygiene or the MS in project engineering and management programs. The school offers numerous fellowships and assistantships to help make its programs more affordable.

• Average in-state tuition: $269.32 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $269.32 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Montana State University

As a leading online degree program provider, Montana State University offers numerous master's options. Program options include degrees in science education, mathematics education, financial planning, and land resources and environmental studies. The school offers various scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to reduce the cost of a degree.

• Average in-state tuition: $282.70 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $381.65 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Montana State University-Northern

Located in Havre, Montana State University-Northern offers an MS in education, instruction, and learning in addition to its numerous bachelor's degree options. The school prepares students with the skills they need to enter the job market upon graduation.

• Average in-state tuition: $398.50 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,037.87 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Montana State University Billings

Offering some of the most affordable online master's degrees, Montana State University Billings is a public school with several fully remote programs. Degree options include a Master of Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Health Administration, and an MS in rehabilitation and mental health counseling.

• Average in-state tuition: $579.16 per credit (for a 12-credit semester)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,111.67 per credit (for a 12-credit semester)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal and state loans, grants
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. University of Montana

Located in Missoula, the University of Montana offers 10 online master's degrees. Program options include a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts in counselor education, an MS in business analytics, and a Master of Social Work.

UM offers numerous scholarship opportunities funded by alumni, donors, and partners, meaning all students are automatically considered for aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $700 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $2,103 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal and state loans, grants
• Accreditation: NWCCU

Find Affordable Online Master's Degrees

If you're a working adult considering returning to school either part-time or full-time, online master's programs are the perfect way to get an education at your own pace. While there's no truly free master's degree online, there are ways to earn a degree for cheap.

From scholarships and loans to grants and assistantships, there are plenty of options to make getting an advanced degree affordable. Continue browsing affordable online master's degrees on Learn.org.