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

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 Idaho and want to learn more about what it takes to get a free master's degree online, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we discuss affordable schools and financial aid options that can help you pursue low-cost and potentially tuition-free online master's degree programs.

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

There are no schools in Idaho offering truly free graduate degrees. The only tuition-free online college in the U.S. is University of the People (UoPeople), which does not charge tuition but does have course fees that students have to pay.

Though Idaho's colleges and universities don't offer free degrees, there are ways to reduce your college costs, if not eliminate them entirely. Various types of financial aid can help you slash your out-of-pocket expenses, and attending a school with low tuition rates, fees, and/or book costs can help you save even further.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Graduate students can save big on their advanced degrees with financial aid like full-tuition scholarships. Let's look at some top tips for learners aiming to reduce their financial burden.

• Apply for scholarships: Many schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for school. These need- and merit-based awards typically have different requirements, so check eligibility standards before applying.
• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help students earn grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through state and federal governments. Be sure to attend an accredited online college that accepts FAFSA to take advantage of the funds you earn.
• Consider assistantships and fellowships: As a graduate student, you may be able to apply for assistantships and fellowships through your school. These programs are competitive but often greatly reduce or eliminate your degree costs while helping you gain hands-on experience in your chosen job market.
• Use military benefits: Students with experience in the military often have access to educational benefits through their GI Bills. They may also be eligible for tuition discounts and waivers at certain schools.
• Explore employer tuition assistance: Businesses are often happy to help employees advance their education. If you have a job, check with your employer to find out about any tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits your company may offer.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Whether you're looking to pursue full-time or part-time enrollment, there are many schools offering affordable online courses and programs to help students study on a budget. Let's look at the top affordable online schools for master's degree students.

1. Boise State University

Boise State University is a large public school that offers some of the cheapest online master's degrees in Idaho. Some of its many online master's programs include:

• business administration
• special education
• accountancy

In addition to keeping tuition low, the school strives to help students afford their education. Students can apply for many different types of financial aid, which makes it easy to reduce or eliminate college expenses.

• Average in-state tuition: $7,645
• Average out-of-state tuition: $25,764
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, grants, military benefits, work-study
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Idaho

The University of Idaho is a public university located in Moscow, ID. Students can pursue many online graduate programs at this school, including Master of Education (MEd), Master of Business Administration (MBA programs), and Master of Science (MS) degrees in fields like:

• computer science
• cybersecurity
• criminology

Students can save on their degrees with scholarships, loans, grants, work-study programs, and more. Affordable tuition rates for in-state students also help learners study on a budget.

• Average in-state tuition: $8,272
• Average out-of-state tuition: $27,508
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal and state aid, work-study
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Idaho State University

Idaho State University is a public school located in Pocatello, ID. It offers both online and on-campus graduate degrees, with online options including:

• healthcare administration
• public health
• anthropology (Master of Science and Master of Arts available)

Students at this school can apply for scholarships through the university or through outside sources. Other financial options here include grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans.

• Average in-state tuition: $8,904
• Average out-of-state tuition: $27,788
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, student loans
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College is a public school located in Lewiston. It offers a handful of online master's degrees, one in accounting and two in nursing.

Lewis-Clark is known for offering some of the lowest tuition fees in the state. To help make school even more budget-friendly, students can apply for scholarships and make use of a wide array of financial aid opportunities.

• Average in-state tuition: $9,932
• Average out-of-state tuition: $24,560
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, state and federal aid
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University is a private school in Nampa. A variety of online master's degrees are available at this school, including:

• elementary education
• youth, children, and family ministry
• leadership and education

Though the university charges slightly higher tuition rates than the public colleges on this list, it compensates for this with a generous financial aid offering. The school provides scholarships and grants to 100% of students, and learners typically graduate with less debt than the national average.

• Average in-state tuition: $11,108
• Average out-of-state tuition: $11,108
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, state and federal aid
• Accreditation: NWCCU

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

If you have a bachelor's degree and are ready to start pursuing a cheap or free master's degree online, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their programs for working professionals and to choose the best one for you.