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

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 aren't any truly free master's degrees online in the U.S., it doesn't mean you can't graduate without taking out student loans. If you'd like to obtain a free master's degree online, make sure to research the most cost-effective options for your field.

You may find great opportunities to attend graduate school with tuition-free online master's degree programs after securing a generous financial aid package of scholarships, grants, and other award resources. Here's how online learners can do this while going to school remotely in Utah.

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

While there aren't any accredited institutions that offer a 100% free degree, some colleges offer more affordable programs than others. You're welcome to explore some of the tuition-free online colleges in Utah, but even those institutions charge other non-tuition fees.

The University of the People (UoPeople) offers tuition-free coursework that way. So, if you want to find the closest thing to a free master's degree online, consider the strategies and universities outlined below.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

These are the top strategies you can use to get an advanced degree and have the convenience of 100% online courses. After using these practical ways to save on tuition costs, all you have to do is find schools that accommodate these cost-cutting measures.

• Find schools that advertise financial aid: Almost every university website mentions financial aid. It's well worth your time to research this to see what school-specific scholarships and grants universities provide.
• Capitalize of military veteran status: Military veterans qualify for generous tuition discounts for graduate-level education. This applies to full-time and part-time graduate students who take online courses at their own pace.
• Focus on in-state universities: It's usually cheaper to opt for in-state enrollment at a public university. The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition could be at least $200 per unit at many state universities, even for online students.
• Identify private scholarships: Some of the best tuition-free options come from private organizations and nonprofit groups. Some private donors award scholarships based on high test scores and grades, whereas others give generously to low-income students or working professionals.
• Get help from your employer: Many businesses will pay for their employees' education through tuition reimbursement programs. Part-time employees might obtain a 50% tuition discount, whereas qualified full-time employees could get full-tuition scholarships for bachelor's degrees or master's degrees.
• Apply for federal grants: Once you've selected a degree program, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify for award money. Your school should provide a five-digit code for the application. There are many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Utah.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

It's also important to choose carefully from the cheapest online graduate schools in Utah. The following universities charge lower tuition rates while still providing a solid, hands-on graduate education.

1. Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University gives students the option to pursue low-cost master's degrees either online or through a combination of on-campus courses and virtual instruction. It has three fully online degrees for healthcare administration, nursing education and leadership, or sports management.

The tuition is comparably low for in-state residents, but even out-of-state students should consider this option since Utah Tech grants significant tuition waivers to residents of neighboring states like Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico.

• Average in-state tuition: $230.50 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $548.50 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university offers tuition waivers and several other financial aid packages through Utah's 'Scholarship Universe' system.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Utah State University

Utah State University (USU) grants over 20 online master's degrees in aerospace engineering, business administration, public health nutrition, and several social sciences. The Master of Education (MEd) costs $477 per credit hour, but there are numerous ways to receive funding for education degrees, including the Adult Learner Grant and other scholarships.

USU also helps graduates track their expenses with its Student Money Management Center.

• Average in-state tuition: $463.17 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,494.67 per credit hour
• Financial aid: You can also participate in monthly payment plans and apply for federal aid through FAFSA.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University offers a wide range of degree options, including an online MBA program with concentrations in lucrative fields like business analytics. The MBA track also permits students to finish in as little as 12 months for about $504 per credit hour. Southern Utah's Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity charges the same rate and you can compete within 11 months.

• Average in-state tuition: $504 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $504 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Southern Utah devotes a website section to ''Graduate Aid,'' featuring housing scholarships, tuition waivers, and assistantships.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University charges different tuition rates depending on the selected program. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) costs more than other degrees ($16,728 per year), but you can still offset it with financial aid.

Utah Valley also offers low-cost master's degrees in computer science, cyber security, and public administration, which charge less than $5,600 per year. Its website also mentions tuition waivers for in-state, out-of-state, and international students.

• Average in-state tuition: $5,592 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $13,464 per year
• Financial aid: Graduate students receive consideration for tuition waivers, private scholarships, and special tuition assistance administered through the Western Regional Graduate Program.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University has a large offering of online degree programs for diverse subjects like business administration, information technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer science. It offers three featured scholarships:

• Sage Scholarship
• Learn Where You Live Scholarship
• Active-Duty Scholarship

The university only charges slightly more for graduate degrees than for undergraduate enrollment, which students pay on a per-term basis rather than per credit hour � and students are free to enroll in as many courses as they'd like.

• Average in-state tuition: $8,856 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $8,856 per year
• Financial aid: The Learn Where You Live Scholarship gives eligible graduate and undergraduate students $750 every six months.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

You can learn more about affordable online master's degrees by utilizing our other helpful resources. Now is your time to improve your chances on the job market with high-paying, in-demand credentials, which you can get by attending graduate school online.