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

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 live in Arkansas and you'd like to find out more about tuition-free online master's degrees, you're in the right place. Below, we'll talk about how to get a free master's degree online and explore some tuition-free online master's degree program options in your state.

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

There are no tuition-free online colleges in Arkansas. In fact, there is only one tuition-free college in the U.S., known as University of the People (UoPeople), and even this popular online college charges course fees for its degree programs.

Regardless of where you choose to study, you can greatly reduce your educational costs with financial aid. There are many different types of financial aid that you can combine to keep your costs low; that said, there is no such thing as an entirely free master's degree online or on-campus.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

As noted above, combining different forms of financial aid can help you save money on your online courses and degree programs. Let's look at some top options to consider when pursuing a graduate degree online.

• Federal and state aid: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you qualify for state and federal aid like grants, loans, and work-study programs. Studying at accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA can help you graduate more affordably.
• Private grants and scholarships: Sometimes businesses, nonprofits, and other private organizations offer grants and scholarships. These financial awards don't have to be paid back and may be either need-based or merit-based.
• School-specific aid: Many schools offer scholarships to their students. Check with your school to find out what types of scholarships are available and to see which ones you qualify for.
• Employer or veteran benefits: If you have a job or a military background, you may receive financial benefits that you can use toward your education.
• Affordable tuition: Finally, choosing a college with lower tuition rates and fees can help your financial aid go farther, in turn helping you save money on your education.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

If you're ready to learn more about pursuing an advanced degree affordably, check out these colleges and universities in Arkansas that provide low costs and generous financial aid opportunities.

1. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University offers some of the cheapest online master's degrees in the state. Students can pursue areas of study such as:

• business administration (MBA)
• educational leadership
• health informatics

In addition to low tuition costs, this public school offers many types of financial aid opportunities. Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantships, among various other options.

• Average in-state tuition: $5,661
• Average out-of-state tuition: $5,661
• Financial aid: State and federal aid, scholarships, grants, assistantships, work-study
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway. This public school offers a range of affordable online master's degrees, including:

• sport management
• nutrition
• special education

Students can earn financial aid to attend this school by completing the FAFSA. A variety of scholarship opportunities and grants are also available.

• Average in-state tuition: $5,281
• Average out-of-state tuition: $10,562
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, state and federal aid
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham is a public online college affiliated with the University of Arkansas System and designed for working professionals. Students can pursue online master's programs at their own pace, with options including:

• healthcare administration
• information technology
• several MBA programs

Students can earn federal and state aid through the FAFSA, while those with employer or military benefits can easily take advantage of them. Learners can also apply scholarships, grants, and other types of funding to their education.

• Average in-state tuition: $4,200
• Average out-of-state tuition: $4,200
• Financial aid: Federal aid, employer assistance, military benefits
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Arkansas Little Rock

The University of Arkansas Little Rock is another affordable institution belonging to the University of Arkansas System. Students can pursue several online master's programs. Specific areas of study include:

• social work
• mass communication
• learning systems technology

The school offers many different types of financial aid, ranging from scholarships and grants to work-study programs, student loans, and military benefits.

• Average in-state tuition: $5,850
• Average out-of-state tuition: $13,266
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal and state aid, work-study, military benefits
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public school offering many flexible options for online graduate students. Various types of graduate degrees are available, including Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Master of Science. Specific majors include:

• public administration
• agricultural business
• engineering management

Students can apply for various financial aid opportunities through the FAFSA as well as the school itself. Scholarships, grants, and many types of federal and state aid can help students save money on already affordable master's programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $6,534
• Average out-of-state tuition: $11,970
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, grants
• Accreditation: HLC

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

If you're ready to pursue full-time or part-time enrollment in an affordable or free master's degree online, explore the schools on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to find out more about their graduate-level options and to choose the best program for you.