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

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.

Earning a master's degree can considerably increase your earning potential in the job market. You may be curious about tuition-free online master's degree programs. If you're looking for a low-cost, flexible approach to an advanced degree and want to learn more about the possibility of earning a free master's degree online, read on.

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

The possibility of getting your master's degree from a tuition-free online college is extremely appealing. However, there is no such thing as a completely free degree. The only 'tuition-free' college is University of the People (UoPeople); while UoPeople does not charge for classes, it does charge fees for other administrative expenses.

Though you cannot earn an entirely free master's degree online in Virginia, you can utilize several strategies to keep costs low. Below, we explore ways to reduce tuition costs and feature five Virginia schools with affordable graduate degree programs.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

The following are strategies to help keep your master's degree program costs down. It's smart to select a school that provides the degree program you want while also offering the best financing options that fit your individual lifestyle. For example, some universities have generous credit transfer policies, while others offer tuition discounts for specific working professionals.

• Scholarships: Applying for scholarships is one of the most popular ways to significantly reduce education expenses. This type of financial aid does not need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded at the federal, state, or smaller institutional level. They are typically merit-based.
• Federal student aid: Federal student aid comes as grants (money that does not need to be repaid) and loans (money that does require repayment). To determine your eligibility, you must apply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• State student aid: These are packages uniquely aimed at Virginia graduate students, like the Virginia Graduate Commonwealth Award and the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program.
• Work-study programs: A work-study program serves a dual purpose: In exchange for working, students gain hands-on experience and receive pay to cover education and living expenses. Work-study programs are available both to students on campus and to online learners.
• Military discounts: Military education discounts come from the US military in the form of tuition assistance, and directly from colleges and universities as reduced tuition rates and scholarships. 'Military' typically encompasses active service duty members, retirees and veterans, and their spouses.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

The following schools are some of the cheapest online graduate schools in Virginia. Please note that tuition fees are estimates, as some graduate programs have varied pricing. Some schools charge a higher rate for part-time versus full-time students.

1. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Students may enroll in one of the two dozen graduate degree programs offered at Virginia Commonwealth University. Popular online options include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Education (MEd) in educational leadership. VCU extends educational benefits to those who serve nonprofit groups through AmeriCorps; this is an excellent way to leverage volunteer service for reduced tuition costs.

• Average in-state tuition: $460 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $940 per credit
• Financial aid: VCU distributes federal and state grants to students eligible through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university also offers a range of institutional scholarships, loans, and military discounts.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Radford University (RU)

Radford University is a public, nonprofit university with multiple affordable online master's degree programs, from healthcare administration to special education. Its relatively low tuition rate is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it an appealing option for learners who live outside Virginia. Full-time Virginia educators are eligible for reduced tuition.

• Average in-state tuition: $485 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $485 per credit
• Financial aid: Financial aid is disbursed in the form of grants and loans through the FAFSA. Select graduate students receive fellowships as another means of financial support.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Liberty University (LU)

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University (LU) offers a broad range of high-quality online courses for those looking to pursue an advanced degree. Students can enroll in master's degree programs like computer science, information technology, and entrepreneurship. Liberty University extends generous military benefits to active duty members, veterans and retirees, and their spouses; working professionals at the Department of Defense are also eligible for reduced tuition.

• Average in-state tuition: $580 per credit (military rate is $290 per credit)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $580 per credit (military rate is $290 per credit)
• Financial aid: In addition to being one of the many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA, LU provides tuition scholarships and interest-free payment plans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Old Dominion University (ODU)

Old Dominion University (ODU) offers more than 30 online master's degree options. Some of its more popular advanced degree programs include business administration, data science, and business analytics. ODU is a military-friendly school ranked 'Best for Vets' eight years in a row. Veterans, active duty service members, and their spouses receive benefits via scholarships and discounted tuition rates.

• Average in-state tuition: $620 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $642 per credit
• Financial aid: ODU accepts FAFSA and offers special scholarships to online-only graduate students, like its Monarch Pride scholarship.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Hampton University

Hampton University is a private, nonprofit school with a selection of online master's degrees, including business administration and cybersecurity. Close to 95% of students enrolled at Hampton University receive some type of financial assistance, the majority of which comes as federal grants and institutional tuition scholarships.

• Average in-state tuition: $695 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $695 per credit
• Financial aid: Students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA in order to receive federal aid and for any applicable Hampton University scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

While a truly free master's degree online is not feasible, there are many affordable options. If you've already earned your bachelor's degree and are ready for the next step, connect with the featured schools on Learn.org to learn which is right for you.