Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Indiana 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.

While an advanced degree can increase your earning potential, it can also lead to steep education bills and student loan debt. There are many options for affordable online master's degree programs, and while there are options for tuition-free online master's degrees, students should still expect to pay program fees.

Even though there aren't programs that allow you to complete a free master's degree online, there are many ways to lower costs. Keep reading to learn more about how to finance your graduate program, as well as six low-cost online master's programs in Indiana.

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

Unfortunately, you cannot get a free master's degree online in Indiana or any other state. However, with financial aid opportunities, scholarships, grants, or employer tuition assistance programs, you can earn a degree for very little.

Working professionals should research a few options for free online colleges. The only truly tuition-free online master's degree programs are available at University of the People (UoPeople). However, students still pay a one-time $60 application fee, plus an assessment fee of $440 to $490 for each graduate course, depending on the program.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Even as you research the most affordable online master's degrees, you should also know that there are many ways to lower your bill even further. Before you enroll, take a look at our list below to learn more about financing your graduate degree.

• Choose an in-state school: Many schools have higher rates for out-of-state students. However, if you are looking at a school in a neighboring state, check to see if they offer any deals for non-local students.
• Apply for federal aid: Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the best ways to lower costs. It's required for federal loans and work-study, and many schools use it to award institutional scholarships. While Pell Grants are generally reserved for undergraduates, graduate students in education programs may qualify for the federal TEACH Grant.
• Research employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Working professionals should talk to their employer about any tuition assistance programs. Many large employers, including some national restaurant and retail chains, offer scholarships or reimbursement for tuition and fees.
• Apply for scholarships and grants: Along with the FAFSA, you should research any additional scholarships and grants. Unlike loans, these don't need to be repaid, and some may even offer full tuition.
• Map out your program length: Ask yourself how long you want to take to complete your online courses. Full-time courses cost more upfront but allow you to finish faster. Part-time studies allow you to spread out payments over time.
• Military assistance: Finally, there are many benefits for service members, veterans, and their families. Military Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, and the Yellow Ribbon Program can all help you complete your master's degree at little cost.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

They may not be free, but there are still many low-cost, high-quality online learning options for Indiana students. All of the below are accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Complete your master's degree at your own pace and without expensive tuition fees.

1. Indiana University East

Indiana University (IU) East offers some of the most affordable online master's programs in the state at $349.27 per credit hour for residents. Students can choose from more than 25 graduate degrees and certificates, including a Master of Science (MS) in criminal justice and public safety, several Master of Arts for Teachers (MAT) programs, and a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) degree, with focuses on arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

• Average in-state tuition: $349.27 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $515.94 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships, transfer scholarships
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Southern Indiana

There are currently 11 online master's programs available at the University of Southern Indiana. Programs include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts (MA) in criminal justice, Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and others.

Additionally, the MBA program offers several concentrations, including artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and healthcare administration. Online learners can complete the MBA in as little as one year.

• Average in-state tuition: $446.94 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $496.94 per credit hour (select accelerated online programs, including the MBA, offer bundled rates of $430 to $465 per credit hour)
• Financial aid: FAFSA, graduate assistantships, institutional and outside scholarships
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Ball State University

Online students at Ball State can earn their degrees in computer science, data science, journalism, public relations, and many other fields. Most programs are available 100% online, though a few offer hybrid options. Ball State's trustees also froze tuition and mandatory fees through the 2026-27 academic year.

Students at the Ball State Teachers College will complete all their classwork online, except for required in-person field experience. Eligible students in Transition to Teaching programs can apply for Indiana's Transition to Teaching Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, in exchange for a five-year teaching commitment in the state.

• Average in-state tuition: $464 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $696 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, graduate assistantships, Indiana fee remissions
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Indiana University

Indiana University Online offers dozens of online master's degree programs. Options include an MS in cybersecurity risk management, an MS in business analytics, and several education and healthcare programs.

Tuition varies by campus and program, but some of the most affordable options, like the biology MAT, cost just $350 per credit hour for Indiana residents. Students can use IU's online cost estimator to see the total price for their specific program.

• Average in-state tuition: Varies
• Average out-of-state tuition: Varies
• Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships and grants, discounts for faculty and staff
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Indianapolis

Graduate students at the University of Indianapolis can choose from one of 12 different online programs. The cheapest are the MA in special education leadership and practice at $428 per credit hour and the MA in curriculum and instruction at $488 per credit hour.

Hybrid programs and certificates are also available. Graduate students must meet certain criteria to be eligible for financial aid, including enrolling in enough credit hours and maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

• Average in-state tuition: $547 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $547 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, assistantships, scholarships, grants
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

There are dozens of online master's degree options at Indiana Wesleyan, but tuition depends on which program you choose. Some programs, like the master's in organizational leadership, cost as little as $499 per credit hour.

As a Christian university, Indiana Wesleyan also offers online divinity programs. Indiana Wesleyan also locks in your tuition rate when you start, so it won't increase as long as you stay continuously enrolled in the same program.

• Average in-state tuition: $545 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $545 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, state and institutional scholarships and grants
• Accreditation: HLC

Other Tuition-Free Online Colleges in the U.S.

Indiana doesn't have any tuition-free online master's programs, but students can look beyond state lines. A few schools nationwide use alternative pricing models that replace traditional tuition with small per-course fees. These programs can cost a fraction of what a typical master's degree costs, though students should still budget for required fees.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, fully online university that doesn't charge tuition. Instead, students pay a one-time $60 application fee and an assessment fee at the end of each course. Graduate assessment fees are currently $440 per course for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and $490 per course for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT).

All three graduate programs are 100% online and asynchronous, with courses divided into weekly learning units. That makes them a flexible option for working professionals. UoPeople also uses free open educational resources, so students don't pay for textbooks. Students who can't cover the assessment fees can apply for scholarships, which may cover some or all of their course costs.

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.

Because no school offers a completely free master's degree, we focus on programs that come closest. These are accredited online master's programs with low per-credit tuition or strong financial aid opportunities. We prioritize schools based in Indiana, since in-state students often qualify for the lowest rates. Here's what we consider:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the regional accreditor for Indiana. Accreditation ensures that a degree meets quality standards and that students can use federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare published per-credit tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state online students. We also look at available aid, such as scholarships, graduate assistantships, and state programs like Indiana's Transition to Teaching Scholarship.
• Online availability: We favor schools that offer multiple master's degrees fully online. Programs with only minimal in-person requirements, such as student teaching or field experience, may also qualify.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, retention rates, and post-graduation earnings data where available. These help us gauge whether a program offers a strong return on investment.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Indiana

Paying for graduate school can raise a lot of questions, especially with recent changes to federal student loans. Below, we answer some of the most common questions from Indiana students exploring low-cost online master's programs.

Can I Still Get Grad PLUS Loans for My Master's Degree?

Most new students cannot. As of July 1, 2026, the federal Grad PLUS loan program is closed to new borrowers starting a new program. Graduate students can still borrow federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, but they're limited to $20,500 per year and $100,000 total for a graduate degree. Students who borrowed for their current program before July 1, 2026, may be able to keep using Grad PLUS loans for a limited time. Because borrowing is now capped, choosing a low-tuition program is more important than ever.

Has Tuition Gone Up at Indiana Public Universities?

Many Indiana public universities have held tuition flat. In 2025, the state asked public schools to keep tuition and mandatory fees unchanged for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. Both Ball State University and the University of Southern Indiana froze their rates through 2026-27. Even so, students should always check current rates directly with each school, since some programs carry additional fees.

Do Out-of-State Students Pay More for Online Programs in Indiana?

It depends on the school. Many Indiana universities charge out-of-state online students less than their standard nonresident rate. For example, IU East charges $515.94 per credit hour for out-of-state online students, compared with $830.82 for its standard out-of-state graduate rate. Private schools like Indiana Wesleyan and the University of Indianapolis typically charge the same rate regardless of where students live.

Is University of the People Accredited?

Yes. University of the People is an accredited institution, so its degrees are recognized by employers and other schools. Students considering a UoPeople degree for a specific purpose, such as a teaching license, should confirm that the program meets their state's requirements before enrolling.

Can I Use FAFSA for an Online Master's Degree?

Yes. Students in eligible online programs at accredited schools can use the FAFSA to apply for federal loans and work-study. Many schools also use FAFSA information to award institutional scholarships and grants. All of the Indiana schools on our list accept the FAFSA.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

A master's degree opens up the job market for graduates, but you don't have to sink into debt or worry about being on campus to get there. And while there are no free online master's programs, full-tuition scholarships and other tips can help you get close. Take a look at more accredited schools featured on Learn.org and reach out to one today.