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

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.

Schools in Delaware don't offer tuition-free online master's degrees; however, budget-friendly programs are available. Keep reading to explore FAQs about earning a free master's degree online and discover where to find low-cost programs in the state.

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

All schools in Delaware charge tuition and fees, though some provide scholarships and financial aid to lower or eliminate costs. If you're looking for truly free online colleges, one to consider is the University of the People (UoPeople). This school offers tuition-free online master's degree programs and only charges assessment and application fees. For select learners, UoPeople provides first-come, first-served scholarships to cover these fees.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Applying to a school with low tuition is one of the best ways to make your online master's degree affordable. But keep in mind that rates can vary based on factors like residency, enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), program of choice (e.g., artificial intelligence vs. nonprofit management), and whether your program is completely online or has on-campus requirements. If your degree falls outside of your budget, consider these tips for reducing costs:

• Pursue federal aid: Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) qualifies students for federal financial assistance. To maximize savings, consider applying to cheap online schools that accept FAFSA.
• Apply for state and school aid: Students often apply for federal financial aid and overlook state and school aid, including scholarships and grants, that can lower the cost of a master's degree.
• Use military benefits: The GI Bill, scholarships, grants, and military tuition assistance (TA) are funding options for service members and veterans. Spouses and dependents could also qualify for some benefits and aid.
• Consider assistantships and fellowships: These funding options, usually specific to graduate students, could lead to full tuition coverage and a stipend. Since the awards are often granted to campus-based students, checking with the school for eligibility is important.
• Earn prior learning credits: Whether you transfer credits from a previous school or receive credit for work experience and certificates, taking advantage of prior learning credits can save hundreds or thousands in tuition.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Students looking to earn a free master's degree online in Delaware can find several low-cost options. Explore the schools below to discover the state's most affordable programs.

1. Delaware State University

Delaware State University is home to nearly a dozen online master's degree programs exploring education, healthcare, social sciences, and more. Low-cost degrees include:

• Master of Education (MEd) in educational leadership
• Master of Science in nursing (MSN)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

In addition to affordable tuition, students might be eligible for fellowships, assistantships, waivers, and other aid to lower costs.

• Average in-state tuition: As low as $412.56 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: As low as $412.56 per credit
• Financial aid: Research fellowships, assistantships, part-time employment, and tuition fee waivers can boost savings.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Wilmington University

Students seeking affordable advanced degrees with fully online courses can find some of the state's cheapest online master's degrees at Wilmington University. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in business analytics, MS in computer science, MSN in nursing leadership, and MS in cybersecurity are a few programs to consider.

The school offers graduate-level students budget-friendly tuition and scholarships of up to $10,000.

• Average in-state tuition: $551 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $551 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships and federal student aid (work-study jobs and student loans) lower costs for graduate students.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Strayer University

Strayer University, with a campus in Wilmington, DE, offers online bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees in areas of study like information technology, management, and cybersecurity. Master's degrees include a Master of Public Administration (MPA), MEd, and MBA programs.

To help learners save, Strayer provides scholarships of up to $4,000, a 50% tuition discount once enrolled in two master's courses, and financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $560 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $560 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, tuition discounts, and federal financial aid make graduate programs at Strayer more affordable.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. University of Delaware

At the University of Delaware, students can find multiple online master's degrees in varied disciplines. An MPA, MSN, MS in applied statistics, MEd in teacher leadership, and Master of Arts (MA) in strategic communication are a few available options.

To help learners save, the school offers assistantships with minimum stipends of $24,500 and other funding, such as the Delaware Educator Support Scholarship and the University Graduate Scholars Award.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $844 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $844 per credit
• Financial aid: Graduate students can reduce costs with assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and other funding.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Affordable Online Master's Programs Near Delaware

Are you interested in more low-cost online master's programs? Review the list below to find additional degrees.

University of Maryland Global Campus

Over 55 graduate programs are available at the University of Maryland Global Campus, including online master's programs, doctoral degrees, and certificates. Master's degrees prepare students for careers in accounting, digital forensics, cloud computing, marketing, and many others.

Tuition at UMGC is affordable, and financial aid is available to increase savings.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $534 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $659 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, military benefits, scholarships, and other funding options help enrollees save.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Discover Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Take the next step toward an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to discover ways they can help you reach your goals.