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

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.

Even though there are no tuition-free online master's degrees, Tennessee residents have access to a variety of low-cost graduate school programs from accredited universities. These institutions offer competitive tuition rates and plentiful financial aid options. Continue reading to find the best online master's degree program for you.

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

While there are currently no free online colleges offering entirely free master's degrees online, you can still achieve a very low-cost degree by taking advantage of financial aid like institutional scholarships, grants, and federal aid. You can also explore options like University of the People (UoPeople), where it is possible to find a tuition-free online master's degree program. Keep in mind that while there is no charge for tuition, you'll still be responsible for additional fees and expenses.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Pursuing a graduate degree online can be cost-effective with the right strategies. Full-time students today have many options for making earning their degree more cost-effective:

• Apply for federal student aid through FAFSA: Seek out accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Fill out the FAFSA form to discover your eligibility for loans, work-study programs, and federal grants such as the Pell Grant.
• Seek state-specific scholarships and grants: Tennessee offers programs like the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest and the Hearts for Community Service Grant for eligible residents. In addition to state-wide opportunities, consider exploring scholarships and grants in your local community.
• Use employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for employees pursuing advanced degrees.
• Explore military education benefits: Active-duty service members, veterans, and certain family members of veterans may access educational enrollment benefits through programs like the GI Bill.
• Choose an in-state school with lower tuition costs: In-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition, even if you are seeking your degree online. Many universities offer affordable in-state tuition rates.
• Research your institution's scholarship opportunities: Universities often have scholarships specifically for graduate students in certain fields or demographics. If scholarships do not cover your full tuition, they can still help alleviate part of the financial burden.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

If you are searching for a free master's degree online, several Tennessee universities offer accredited, affordable online master's degree programs with various financial aid options. Check out the most affordable online master's degrees below.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University (APSU) provides flexible master's programs with online courses and a tuition structure that benefits students enrolling in more than 10 credit hours per semester. Out-of-state students also benefit from capped tuition rates, enhancing affordability. APSU is the right choice for you if you are interested in a Master of Science (MS) in computer science and quantitative methods.

Average in-state tuition: $98 per credit hour (11 credit hours and up)

Average out-of-state tuition: $386 per credit hour (11 credit hours and up)

Financial aid: Scholarships and assistantships are available. Additionally, students can fill out the FAFSA form to qualify for financial aid. If you do want to spend some time on campus, APSU offers paid graduate teaching assistant positions.

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

2. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has more than 50 graduate programs of study you can choose from. Popular programs include data science, healthcare administration, information technology, and cybersecurity management. MTSU is a fast-growing school focused on student support and competitive tuition rates. The graduate program also offers 10 different concentrations for students pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Average in-state tuition: $112 per credit hour (11 credit hours and up)

Average out-of-state tuition: $311 per credit hour (11 credit hours and up)

Financial aid: Assistantships and scholarships are available. Additionally, federal and state aid programs can help make tuition more manageable.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has something for everyone with over 200 high-quality graduate programs to choose from. Program offerings include an MBA and business analytics dual program, applied artificial intelligence, educational psychology, civil engineering, computer science, and other specialized fields.

Average in-state tuition: $13,720 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $32,208 per year

Financial aid: Grants, departmental scholarships, disability scholarships, and federal student aid are available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University (TSU) offers affordable online master's programs and is ranked as one of Tennessee's largest educator preparation programs, offering bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in education. Learners entering the graduate program can earn a Master of Education (MEd) in instructional leadership or curriculum and instruction. If you are a non-traditional learner, you might qualify for TSU's lottery scholarship program. Other funding opportunities include foundation grants and federal aid.

Average in-state tuition: $575 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,206 per credit hour

Financial aid: TSU accepts FAFSA. Grants and scholarships are also available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis (UofM) offers online master's programs in many specialty areas. The university also provides a tuition cap for graduate students taking more than 10 credit hours per semester. UofM has a robust online MBA program with multiple concentrations and confidently preparing students to enter the competitive job market. UofM offers dozens of scholarships and grants to eligible students.

Average in-state tuition: $646 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $880 per credit hour

Financial aid: UofM accepts FAFSA for federal financial aid and offers scholarships, graduate assistantships, and grants to eligible students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Johnson University

Johnson University offers flexible and affordable online master's programs designed to support working professionals and non-traditional students. You can earn a Master of Arts (MA) in organizational leadership, an MBA, or a Master of Strategic Ministry online. There are more graduate program offerings for learners with the flexibility to attend in person. The cost of attendance varies by degree program.

Average in-state tuition: $475 to $610 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $475 to $610 per credit hour

Financial aid: Johnson University encourages students to complete the FAFSA to access federal student aid. They also offer educational assistance for state residents.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Affordable online education is within reach for Tennessee students willing to explore financial aid, scholarships, and low-cost program options. To compare programs and find additional resources, explore Learn.org for expert guidance on navigating your graduate degree journey.