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

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.

If you want to advance further in your career than your bachelor's degree has gotten you, a master's degree is a reliable way to achieve this. If cost is a potential barrier, you can begin by seeking an online degree versus the on-campus version, which is generally more expensive. You may wonder how much more money you can save, perhaps if it is even possible to earn a free master's degree online.

Unfortunately, with only one exception, it is impossible to find tuition-free online master's degree programs in the U.S., but Vermont residents can achieve a nearly free master's degree online with some investigative effort. This article will reveal the only tuition-free online college and provide you with information to help you achieve a very low-cost online master's degree in Vermont.

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

The only accredited tuition-free online college is the University of the People (UoPeople), which offers a few master's programs. Even without tuition, graduate students enrolled at UoPeople still pay course fees, so it is not possible to obtain a truly free online master's degree in Vermont or elsewhere. You can, however, make your tuition and other expenses significantly more affordable by tapping into financial aid.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

The following are strategies you can pursue to earn the cheapest online master's degree possible. Combine methods whenever you can to maximize savings.

• Select an in-state, public college: Tuition rates are usually cheaper at these schools, although other factors, including your field of study, access to financial aid, and the environment provided for online learners, can influence your final decision.
• Apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other grants: These opportunities, which typically do not have to be repaid, can come from the state, your institution, or community-based entities. Eligibility may be determined by financial need, merit, special interests, or an exchange of research for aid.
• Keep working while you earn your degree: If you must leave your current full-time job, try obtaining a suitable part-time position for online students through a federal work-study or student employment program. You may also apply for an assistantship, which pays a stipend you can use toward expenses.
• Ask your employer to help pay for your graduate degree: If you plan to continue under your current employment, inquire about tuition assistance. Many employers will sponsor your education if you agree to remain at the company for a certain period after graduation.
• Utilize benefits provided through the military or service-based organizations: Many institutions will offer waivers or special rates to service members, veterans, and members of the Peace Corps or similar organizations.

Before applying for any assistance, be sure to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This will help to determine what aid you may be eligible for in addition to federal student loans.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Below are several institutions in Vermont that offer online master's programs. These accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA offer multiple financial aid options to help students achieve an affordable master's degree.

1. Vermont State University

Vermont State University (VTSU) is a public university resulting from three colleges�Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College�merging. More than 20 online master's degrees are offered, including Master of Arts (MA) degrees in middle-level English education and middle-level math education, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Master of Education (MEd) in learning, design, and technology.

• Average in-state tuition: $388 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $388 per credit hour
• Financial aid: More than 250 scholarships are available to master's students, as well as scholarships for Vermont residents and forgivable loans for Vermonters if they intend to work in the state after graduating. Assistantships and grants may be offered within the university's colleges, while student employment and aid for military members and veterans are also available.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Champlain College

Located in Burlington, the private institution Champlain College (CC) offers 45 master's degrees, all designed with accelerated pathways, through its online program. Just a few include MS degrees in business analytics, information technology, and healthcare administration, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with various specializations.

• Average in-state tuition: $450 and $595 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $450 and $595 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CC offers lower tuition for alumni, military members, veterans, and families of military members and veterans. As a Vermont resident, you have the same access to the state's scholarships and forgivable loans as VTSU students. You may also explore federal work-study opportunities, specific college awards, private scholarships, and education tax credits and deductions.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. Saint Michael's College

A private non-profit school in Colchester, Saint Michael's College (SMC) grants an online MEd in curriculum and instructional design. It is one of several concentrations within SMC's MEd program and the only one to be presented fully online.

• Average in-state tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Military members may be eligible for financial assistance under the Post 9-11/GI Bill, while civilian students are advised to seek aid from foundations, special grants, and employer education funds. Federal loans are also available; see the college's financial aid office for help investigating graduate-level funding sources.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. University of Vermont

A public land-grant research university in Burlington, the University of Vermont (UVM) is home to online master's degrees in education, social services, medical science, public health, and sustainability leadership. These degrees are offered within some of the graduate schools and specialties that U.S. News & World Report recently ranked among the best in the nation.

• Average in-state tuition: $692 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,860 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may find support in assistantships that involve teaching or research. Other types of aid include grants for academic work shown at conferences, UVM-based and external scholarships and grants, and federal work-study options.
• Accreditation: NECHE

5. Norwich University

As a private senior military college in Northfield, Norwich University (NU) provides educational experiences designed for military members and civilian students. The university offers 16 online master's degrees. Examples include an MS in criminal justice, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and MA degrees in diplomacy and museum administration.

• Average in-state tuition: $698 to $825 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $698 to $825 per credit hour
• Financial aid: You may seek assistance through military benefits, employer sponsorship, or NU scholarships for alumni or academic achievement. Professional and trade associations often grant scholarships or fellowships, as well as organizations that support critical research in your field of study.
• Accreditation: NECHE

6. Middlebury College

Middlebury College (Midd), named for its location, is a private liberal arts college. It offers several fully online master's programs through the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, including asynchronous online courses in cybersecurity, international education management, and translation and localization management.

• Average in-state tuition: $850 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $850 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Online students can seek funding through federal and private education loans, employer sponsorship, or external aid, which may be available in such forms as the American Association of University Women Career Development Grant, the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Scholarship, or the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) membership discount.
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Bennington College

Two master's degrees are offered at the private liberal arts school Bennington College: an MA in clinical mental health counseling and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in dance. The institution provides unique hybrid experiences in these programs. To earn the MA in clinical mental health counseling, students must begin each semester with a 10-day, on-campus residency. The MFA in dance also has a low-residency requirement throughout its four terms. Residency fees are $1,320 each semester for the former and $1,000 total for the latter.

• Average in-state tuition: $934 and $1,076 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $934 and $1,076 per credit hour
• Financial aid: All students enrolled in clinical mental health counseling receive the Inaugural Royce Stanley Pitkin Scholarship, which covers 20% of tuition. Students in the dance program receive the Bennington Ulysses Dove Scholarship, a generous tuition scholarship awarded upon admission. Federal loans are available to cover the remaining financial gaps.
• Accreditation: NECHE

8. Vermont Law & Graduate School

You can choose from six online master's degrees at Vermont Law & Graduate School (VLGS), a private law and public policy graduate school in South Royalton. Options include an Executive Master of Environmental Policy (EMEP), a Master of Climate and Environmental Policy (MCEP), and a Master of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL). All online degrees can be completed in as few as 18 months of enrollment.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,508 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,508 per credit hour
• Financial aid: VLGS assists with scholarships based on academic abilities, achievements, leadership potential, and financial need. In addition, you may earn a fellowship, including a summer work-study fellowship, and be eligible for federal aid or veterans' benefits.
• Accreditation: NECHE, American Bar Association (ABA)

Find Affordable Online Master's Degrees

We invite you to explore the programs offered by accredited institutions on Learn.org and discover the best and most affordable online colleges to suit your needs. Contact schools for more information regarding how you can advance your educational goals today.