Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Hawaii 2027

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.

Enrollment in online courses is already a lower-cost option for graduate students. On-campus fees are usually waived for remote students, and some schools offer in-state tuition for all fully remote students. However, while there are options for tuition-free online master's degrees, students will still have to pay some fees.

The next best thing to getting a free master's degree online is finding an affordable program and using scholarships, federal aid, or tuition assistance to bring down the total as much as possible. Keep reading to learn how to turn your bachelor's degree into a master's without drowning in student loan debt.

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

You cannot get a free master's degree online in Hawaii or any other state. The closest option is the University of the People (UoPeople), which offers tuition-free online master's degree programs. However, at both UoPeople and other free online colleges, some fees do still apply.

But an advanced degree is not out of reach. Financial aid can help lower many costs, and taking graduate-level online classes will allow you the flexibility to complete your degree at your own pace.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

A graduate degree gives you the knowledge to grow in your career and opens up other opportunities across the job market, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Below are a few tips that all online learners should be aware of as they research graduate programs.

• Choose an In-State School: While some schools offer a flat rate for all fully online students, regardless of where they live, not all do. Staying in your home state ensures lower tuition rates.
• Apply for Federal Aid: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to see if you are eligible for federal aid, like Direct Unsubsidized Loans or federal work-study, as well as school-based scholarships that use FAFSA data.
• Apply for Scholarships and Grants: Along with your FAFSA, look into any need- or merit-based scholarships and grants you qualify for. These do not need to be paid back and some offer full-tuition scholarships.
• Map Out Your Program Length: Do you want to study full-time and finish fast, or study part-time and spread your payments out over a few years? Both will impact your budget differently.
• Research Employer-Sponsored Tuition Assistance: If you are a working professional, see if your employer offers any tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Many companies offer educational benefits, from fast-food shops to Fortune 500 enterprises.
• Military Assistance: Many schools offer special rates to military members and their families. Federal programs like the GI Bill can also offset costs.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Now that you know how to pay for school, you are probably ready to take a look at a few of the most affordable online master's degrees. Some schools are in Hawaii, while others are mainland or online-focused schools that accept Hawaii residents. But all offer low tuition rates and financial aid.

1. University of Hawaii at Hilo

The University of Hawaii (UH) Hilo currently offers two fully online master's programs and one low-residency option. The fully remote options include a Master of Arts (MA) in Indigenous language and culture education and a Master of Education (MEd).

UH Hilo is one of many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Hawaii. Its virtual financial aid office is available to help remote students with any questions about funding.

• Average in-state tuition: $489 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,107 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, federal work-study programs, state and institutional scholarships, veterans benefits, child care subsidies
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. University of Hawaii at Manoa

Students have options for both online and hybrid classes at UH Manoa. Online programs are available in:

• counseling
• educational foundations
• learning design and technology
• nursing
• social work
• special education

The nursing program has a higher cost, at $1,001 per credit hour. There are several scholarship opportunities for graduate students at UH Manoa, including some open to international students. Fellowships and assistantships can also help lower costs.

• Average in-state tuition: $650 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,402 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, achievement scholarships, fellowships, assistantships
• Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)

3. Chaminade University

As a private university, Chaminade has some of the highest prices on our list. However, its four most affordable programs cost $925 per credit hour, and financial aid is available. These include the MA in curriculum and instruction leadership, the MA in educational leadership, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and the Master of Education (MEd). Each requires 30 to 39 credits, and accelerated terms are available. Online courses carry a $93 fee per course.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,100 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,100 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, $5,000 scholarship for eligible master's programs, other scholarships and grants, federal work-study programs
• Accreditation: WASC

Other Low Cost Online Master's Programs in the U.S.

Hawaii has only a handful of colleges that offer online master's degrees, so it's worth looking beyond the islands. The following schools are based on the mainland but charge the same tuition rate no matter where students live, making them strong options for Hawaii residents.

1. University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit online university that doesn't charge tuition. Instead, students pay a one-time $60 application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. That puts the estimated total cost of a master's degree at about $5,650 to $5,940, far below what most graduate programs charge.

UoPeople offers three fully online master's degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education (MEd) in advanced teaching, and a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). Keep in mind that UoPeople does not participate in federal financial aid programs, so students can't use the FAFSA or federal student loans there. Students who need help with fees can apply for the school's own scholarships.

• Tuition: None. Assessment fees are $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $430 per course for the MEd
• Financial aid: Institutional scholarships; federal aid (FAFSA) is not accepted
• Accreditation: WSCUC

2. National University

National University, based in San Diego, is a good choice for Hawaii residents because it charges the same tuition rate regardless of where students live. It offers dozens of master's degree programs, most available fully online.

Programs include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), computer science, cybersecurity, data science, forensic sciences, and many others. Most programs use four-week courses with new start dates every month, so students can move through their degree quickly.

• Average tuition: $644 to $1,090 per credit hour, depending on the program (MBA: $867 per credit hour)
• Financial aid: FAFSA, Believe and Succeed scholarship, Whisper Military Spouse scholarship, the Key Grant, other scholarships and grants
• Accreditation: WSCUC

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a nonprofit university that offers the same online tuition rate for all students, with no out-of-state fees. That makes it an affordable option for Hawaii residents.

It offers a wide range of online master's degrees, including a 30-credit MBA. Other programs are geared toward careers in healthcare, supply chain management, cybersecurity, and more. There is no application fee at SNHU.

• Average in-state tuition: $659 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships and grants. Tuition for active-duty military is $470 per credit hour
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

No accredited school offers a completely free master's degree, so this list focuses on the next best thing: programs with low tuition, generous funding opportunities, or both. Because Hawaii has relatively few colleges that offer online graduate programs, we also include mainland schools that charge all online students the same rate. Here's what we look at when choosing schools:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation helps ensure your degree will be respected by employers and other schools.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare per-credit tuition rates for both residents and nonresidents, including any extra fees for online courses. We also consider the scholarships, grants, assistantships, and military discounts each school offers.
• Online availability: We prioritize programs that can be completed fully online. If a program requires campus visits, we note it, since travel costs add up quickly for students in Hawaii.
• Student outcomes: Where data is available, we review graduation rates, loan repayment, and post-graduation earnings to make sure an affordable program is also a worthwhile one.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Online Master's Degrees in Hawaii

Paying for graduate school can raise a lot of questions, especially with recent changes to federal student loans. Below, we answer some common questions about earning an affordable online master's degree as a Hawaii resident.

How Have Federal Student Loans for Graduate Students Changed?

Starting July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers. Graduate students can now borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a lifetime limit of $100,000 for graduate study. Students who are enrolled less than full-time may qualify for less. These new limits make low tuition, scholarships, and employer assistance more important than ever when choosing a program.

Is University of the People Really Tuition-Free?

Yes, but it isn't completely free. UoPeople doesn't charge tuition or require students to buy textbooks. However, it does charge a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course, which adds up to roughly $5,650 to $5,940 for a master's degree. Because the school doesn't accept federal financial aid, students pay these fees out of pocket or through institutional scholarships.

Do Online Students Have To Pay Campus Fees?

Often, no. At UH Hilo, for example, students enrolled in fully online programs are excluded from certain mandatory student fees. Students in hybrid programs, however, may be charged those fees during terms when they take in-person courses. Some schools also charge a separate online course fee, so it's worth reviewing each school's full fee schedule before you enroll.

Can Hawaii Residents Get Lower Tuition at Out-of-State Schools?

In many cases, yes. Some online schools, including SNHU and National University, charge all online students the same rate no matter where they live. Hawaii is also a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WICHE's Western Regional Graduate Program, Hawaii residents can pay reduced tuition at participating graduate programs in other western states.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Few things in life are truly free, including an online master's degree. But by choosing the right school and taking advantage of funding opportunities like scholarships and employer assistance, you can get close. There are more quality accredited schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to one today to discuss which master's program is right for you.