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

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.

Students who want to further their knowledge or skills in a particular area or make a career change may benefit from earning a master's degree. If you're a working professional looking for a low-cost master's degree, continue reading.

See ways to reduce costs and essentially earn a free master's degree online or tuition-free online master's degrees. We'll share everything you need to know about financial aid, including loans, grants, and tuition payment plans.

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

While it is not possible to earn a free master's degree online, financial aid, private loans, and graduate assistantships can help reduce the overall cost of tuition. Though accredited colleges don't offer 100% tuition-free online master's degree programs, students should still submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.

Students can search for tuition-free online colleges, but the only truly tuition-free college they will find is the University of the People (UofPeople). Students who attend UofPeople do not pay tuition but do pay an assessment fee for each course they complete.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Graduate degrees can be expensive. Students looking to save money on their education can research accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA, work-study or tuition reimbursement programs, or military benefits. Below, we highlight five ways students can make earning their online graduate degree more affordable.

• Work-Study Programs: Graduate students can participate in work-study programs to finance their degrees while working part-time. Students can find more information on their university's website or Handshake portal.
• Payment Plans: Many universities offer payment plans to help students make their education more affordable. Available payment options may include cash, checks, e-checks, credit cards, or money orders.
• Military Benefits: Veterans may receive discounted tuition through fee waivers or full tuition scholarships via ROTC programs. Students who are veterans typically have to present proof of military service, such as their DD-214 forms.
• University Partnerships: Some universities partner with organizations such as nonprofits to offer discounted tuition to students. Students can contact the university or the applicable organizations for more information about the partnership and discounts.
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Students who are also working professionals can check with their employers to see if they offer tuition reimbursement benefits. Employers offering this type of benefit pay for part or all of their employee's tuition.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Multiple universities in Wisconsin offer accredited online master's degree programs. We highlight 10 of the state's cheapest online master's degrees below.

1. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater offers online graduate degree programs in:

• business administration
• applied kinesiology
• data analytics
• cybersecurity
• computer science
• finance
• marketing

According to the school, the university's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is the state's top-ranked single-school MBA program. Online classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing learners to earn their degrees at their own pace.

Students who want to reduce the overall cost of their education can apply for FAFSA or graduate research grants and assistantship programs. The university also offers advanced opportunity grants to students from underrepresented groups.

Average in-state tuition: $595 to $875 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $595 to $875 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, offers advanced opportunity grants, graduate research grants, and assistantships, and waives admission fees for veterans

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

The University of Wisconsin at La Crosse offers online courses to learners who want to complete an advanced degree. Upon completing this program, learners may earn degrees such as a Master of Science (MS) in data science or information technology (IT) management or a Master of Public Health (MPH).

Tuition costs are $575 per credit, with multiple financial aid options, including loans and graduate assistantships, available to students looking to earn an affordable education. In addition, graduate students are eligible for part-time employment as student workers.

Average in-state tuition: $575 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $575 per credit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, offers graduate assistantships, and provides veteran tuition benefits

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point offers online graduate degree programs in healthcare administration, social work, applied biotechnology, and more. These programs are suitable for working adults who are seeking more flexibility than an in-person, on-campus education provides.

Tuition costs range from $465 to $850 per credit and vary by area of concentration. To reduce the cost of earning a degree, the university accepts FAFSA and student loans and offers payment plan options via cash, check, e-check, money orders, or credit cards. International students may also qualify for the university's nonresident tuition fee waiver.

Average in-state tuition: $465 to $850 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $465 to $850 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers opportunities for student employment and payment plans

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh offers online graduate degree programs in areas such as health science, public administration, and business administration. Tuition costs generally begin at $558 per credit for residents and at $1,107.49 per credit for nonresidents. However, costs may vary according to program, with tuition for business degrees beginning at $832.29 per credit for residents and $1,381.38 for nonresidents.

Students can reduce the overall cost of their education by submitting the FAFSA or applying for loans. The university also offers work-study programs to help students receive additional aid.

Average in-state tuition: $558 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,107.49 per credit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, loans, and grants, and offers work-study programs

Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

The University of Wisconsin at Platteville offers hybrid and online master's degree programs in areas, including criminal justice, engineering, sport administration, and project management. While tuition costs vary according to area of study, the typical range associated with one of the university's online programs is between $725 to $875 per credit.

Multiple financial aid options can help students pay for their tuition, such as the advanced opportunity grant, awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

Average in-state tuition: $725 to $875 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $725 to $875 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, advanced opportunity grants, and loans

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Wisconsin - Stout

The University of Wisconsin at Stout offers online graduate degrees in:

• education
• operations and supply management
• rehabilitation counseling

Students who enroll in this program receive a high-quality, hands-on education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to advance their careers and stand out in the competitive job market. Since the program is 100% online, students can earn their degree at their own pace.

Among the financial aid options available to students through enrollment in this program is graduate assistantships. Students can search for a relevant assistantship via the university's Handshake portal.

Average in-state tuition: $448.37 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $951.81 per credit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, grants, federal PLUS loans and private loans, and offers graduate assistantships

Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire offers three online graduate degree programs in business administration, public health, and communication sciences and disorders. Students applying to the program should submit their transcripts from the institution where they completed their bachelor's degree, resumes, three professional references, and an essay.

Depending on the area of study selected, tuition costs range from $592.48 to $850 per credit hour. FAFSA, loans, and state grants such as the Wisconsin grant can help make students' tuition more affordable.

Average in-state tuition: $592.48 to $850 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $592.48 to $850 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, grants, and loans, including private loans, and offers work-study opportunities

Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Wisconsin - Parkside

The University of Wisconsin at Parkside offers online graduate degree programs in business or sport management. Students who enroll in the online MBA program can also choose concentrations in areas, including finance, accounting, data analytics, human resources, or marketing.

Tuition costs for the MBA program are $707.80 per credit hour, while costs for the sport management program are $655.80 per credit hour. To make the process of earning a degree more affordable, students can apply for FAFSA or private loans. Graduate students can also apply for advanced opportunity grants.

Average in-state tuition: $655.80 to $707.80 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $655.80 to $707.80 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, advanced opportunity grants, private loans, offers work-study programs, and international student scholarships

Accreditation: HLC

9. Marquette University

Marquette University offers online graduate programs focusing on business administration and mental health counseling. Because this is a 100% online degree that provides more flexibility than a traditional degree, students in either program may complete their education within two to three years. In addition, both tracks offer specializations such as business analytics or child and adolescent counseling.

Students who want to reduce the overall cost of their education can apply for FAFSA or take advantage of the university's tuition reimbursement program in which employers pay for some or all of their employee's education.

Average in-state tuition: $1,400 per credit (for online MBA program), $1,045 per credit (for online mental health counseling program)

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,400 per credit (for online MBA program), $1,045 per credit (for online mental health counseling program)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and private scholarships, offers tuition reimbursement

Accreditation: HLC

10. Marian University

Marian University offers seven-week accelerated, online graduate degree programs. Upon completing this program, students earn degrees such as a Master of Arts (MA) in education or an MS in organizational leadership.

Tuition costs begin at $698 per credit hour and financial aid options, including loans, are available to help students lower the cost. In addition, the university partners with organizations like nonprofits to provide tuition discounts.

Average in-state tuition: $698 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $698 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, offers opportunities for student employment, tuition partnership discounts, and international student awards

Accreditation: HLC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Find an affordable online master's degree program by exploring additional content on Learn.org or by reaching out to individual schools of interest.