How To Get a Free Human Resources Degree

If you're hoping to pursue or advance your career in human resources, you'll probably need a specific degree in the field. But the thought of paying for that degree can be overwhelming.

Is there any way to get a free or affordable human resources degree online? In some cases, you can get a degree in human resources for free or at a low cost.

Some schools have lower tuition costs than others, and some offer better financial aid options than others. Additionally, you can save money on your degree by testing out of courses and using transfer credits to graduate more affordably.

Keep reading to learn how to reduce the cost of a human resources degree.

Is It Possible to Earn a Free Human Resources Degree?

Most human resource management bachelor's degrees are not free. Even schools that offer tuition-free options for some students usually have other costs associated with getting the degree, such as fees and book costs.

That said, aspiring HR professionals can still find ways to reduce the cost of a degree. Some of these options include:

• applying for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities
• participating in work-study programs
• applying transfer credit to their degree
• testing out of college courses

We'll explore each of these options in greater depth a little later in this article. If you want to begin an HR career, know that an affordable degree is within reach.

Where Can I Find Free HR Courses?

If you're looking for an option that's truly free, consider taking free online HR courses and certification programs. These courses are short-term training programs designed to teach the fundamentals of good HR practices and skills.

Some of the topics commonly covered in free HR certification courses include:

• HR functions
• employee relations
• HR strategies
• people management
• talent acquisition

These interactive courses are typically self-paced, enabling learners to study and complete assessments on their own time. You can find these courses online through websites like Coursera and Alison.

Keep in mind, however, that these courses are not designed to replace a college education. For more in-depth training and to earn the credentials necessary for many HR jobs, you'll need to earn at least a bachelor's degree in the field.

Tips for Making an HR Degree Affordable

If you are still concerned about how to pay for your human resources degree, keep reading. The following tips will make it easier to afford college, potentially helping you reduce or even eliminate your expenses.

Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is one of the best ways to save money on college. Various financial aid options, like grants and work-study programs, are available through state and federal funding.

You may also qualify for financial assistance from your school. Many provide options for students demonstrating a financial need. To be considered for the various options available, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online form.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are typically more competitive than financial aid options, but they can also be a great way to earn money for school. They are commonly merit-based, so you'll need to follow the application instructions for each scholarship to ensure you meet all requirements.

Scholarships may be available through your school or outside organizations, such as nonprofit organizations and businesses. You can look online or check with local organizations to find out about local opportunities.

Consider a Work-Study Program

Many schools provide work-study programs for students who demonstrate financial need. These programs allow students to work for the school, earning money to cover college expenses.

Typically, you must fill out the FAFSA to be considered for a work-study program. Check with your school to determine what programs and positions are available.

Test Out of Courses With CLEP Exams

CLEP, AP, and DSST exams are all offered through different organizations, but each provides a way to earn college credit with examinations. If you pass the tests, you apply the credit earned toward your degree instead of enrolling in the course at the college.

Taking these tests may enable you to test out of many basic general education courses in college. This can save you money in the long run by reducing the number of courses you have to take to earn your degree.

Utilize Transfer Credits

If you have already taken some college classes or earned an associate degree, you may be able to apply your previous credits to your current degree program.

Transfer policies can vary across different schools. For example, they may accept certain types of credits or may award different amounts of credit hours. Check with your school to determine how many of your previous credits you can transfer.

Top Schools Offering Low-Cost HR Degrees Online

Let's take a closer look at some schools offering inexpensive HR degrees. With the right combination of financial aid, scholarships, and transfer credits, you may be able to earn your degree for free.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a fully online public campus. It is part of the Colorado State University System. It offers the following human resources degrees:

• BS in HR management
• MS in HR management
• Undergraduate specialization in Human Resources and organizational development
• Graduate specializations in HR management and HR performance

Though free tuition isn't available, online tuition is affordable and costs the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Scholarships and financial aid are also available.

Florida International University

Florida International University is a large public school in Miami. It offers a couple of human resources degrees, as follows:

• BBA in HR management
• MS in HR management

In-state students pay low tuition rates, and all students have access to financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Military discounts may also be available for qualifying students.

University of Houston Downtown

The University of Houston Downtown is a public school offering many online degree programs. One of these is a Bachelor of Business Administration in HR management. This program helps students learn about various topics, including:

• performance management
• employee training and development
• employee engagement
• employment laws
• staffing issues and employee retention
• talent management

Tuition exemptions are available for qualifying Texas residents. Affordable tuition rates and financial aid options are available for others.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school known for providing a wide range of degree programs, many of which are online. The following human resources degrees are available:

• BS in HR management
• BS in Business Administration with an HR management concentration
• MS in HR management
• MBA with an HR management concentration

All students pay the same low tuition rates regardless of residency. Further discounts are available for military members.

American Public University

American Public University is an online-only school providing a range of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Students at this school can complete the following HR degrees:

• BA in HR management
• MA in HR management

The school doesn't offer free tuition, but rates are affordable for all students. Those with a military background receive additional tuition discounts, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available.