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

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.

Are you interested in finding tuition-free online master's degree programs in Rhode Island? Keep reading. Below, we'll highlight schools offering the best alternatives to free master's degrees online.

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

You can find numerous master's degrees with online coursework in Rhode Island, but none offer tuition-free programs. Instead, schools might provide lower tuition rates or financial assistance such as scholarships, fellowships, or grants to reduce costs.

If you're searching for free online colleges, consider the University of the People (UoPeople). This school charges no tuition, enabling students to earn a free master's degree online. UoPeople does charge application and assessment fees; however, eligible learners can apply for scholarships to cover these fees.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Attending a school with low tuition is a great way to ensure your master's degree is affordable. But keep in mind that individual programs might have slightly different rates, even at the same institution.

Factors like enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), program choice (e.g., computer science or artificial intelligence), and whether your school is 100% online or has on-campus components can impact costs. If you'd like more ways to save, consider the tips below:

• Apply for federal aid: Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in qualifying for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• Seek tuition discounts: Institutions sometimes offer tuition discounts to alumni, school employees, and students affiliated with corporate partners or local organizations.
• Take advantage of military benefits: Veterans, active service members, and their families can use military benefits like the GI Bill, military assistance, grants, or scholarships to cover some or all school costs.
• Pursue state aid and school scholarships: Many schools accept state-based grants and offer scholarships to increase savings for enrollees. In some cases, FAFSA is required to qualify for this aid.
• Consider private scholarships: In addition to school-based scholarships, many colleges allow students to use awards from outside sources to cover tuition and fees.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

While you can't earn a free master's degree online in Rhode Island with no tuition charges, schools in the state provide programs with low tuition or financial aid. Review the list below to find the state's top options.

1. New England Institute of Technology

Students looking for Rhode Island's cheapest online master's degrees can find great options at the New England Institute of Technology. The school's Master of Science in nursing (MSN) costs just $375 per credit and offers scholarships and grants to lower costs. Other programs accepting financial assistance include Master of Science (MS) degrees in cybersecurity defense and information technology.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $375 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $375 per credit
• Financial aid: At NEIT, students can secure scholarships, non-repayable grants, and student loans to boost savings.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Roger Williams University

Rogers Williams University offers graduate degrees with hybrid or fully online courses, including MS degrees in criminal justice or real estate and the Master of Arts (MA) or MS in cybersecurity.

Enrollees can benefit from aid such as the Soar Higher Scholarship, which offers RWU undergraduate students a 25% discount on graduate tuition, and the Alumni Scholarship, which provides a 20% discount for RWU alumni. Graduate assistantships offering $4,000 annually are also available.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $780 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $780 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, scholarships, and assistantships help graduate students reduce school costs.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island is one of several accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in the state. The institution also offers funding, such as the Tuition Scholarship, which covers individual tuition and graduate standard student fees for the fall and spring semesters.

All online master's programs, including the MS in healthcare management, Master of Public Health, and MS in data science, are eligible for this scholarship.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $887 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $887 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, scholarships, fellowships, and other assistance options are available to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: NECHE

Affordable Online Master's Programs Near Rhode Island

Do you want to continue your search for master's degrees? Explore affordable programs at schools in states bordering Rhode Island.

Fitchburg State University

Learners with bachelor's degrees seeking master's programs in business and education can find advanced degrees at Fitchburg State University. Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are available in accounting, marketing, management, finance, and beyond. The school also offers two non-licensure Master of Education (MEd) programs. In addition to low-cost tuition, students looking to save can benefit from federal financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $385 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $385 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships can reduce the cost of an online education at Fitchburg State University.
• Accreditation: NECHE

University of Massachusetts Lowell

At the University of Massachusetts Lowell, students can choose from online master's degrees in business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, and beyond. Programs include an MS in business analytics, Master of Public Administration (MPA), MEd degrees, MBA programs, and beyond. UMass Lowell offers affordable tuition and provides federal financial assistance to 75% of its enrollees.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $470 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $470 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal student aid make learning at UMass Lowell more affordable.
• Accreditation: NECHE

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Take the next step toward your journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to find out how they can help you reach your goals.