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

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, they do charge applications fees of up to $400 for graduate-level classes.

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. Along with federal aid, students may be considered for additional scholarships or grants, such as the Pell Grant.
• Research employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Working professionals should talk to their employer about any tuition assistance programs. Several fast-food restaurants offer scholarships and 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 paid off, 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. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships, the GI Bill, and service grants 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 the cheapest online master's programs at $342.42 per credit hour for residents. There are 15 graduate programs available, including a Master of Science (MS) in criminal justice and public safety, several Master of Arts in Teaching (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: $342.42 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $505.82 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 some programs in as little as two years.

Average in-state tuition: $446.94 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $446.94 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 others. Nearly all are available 100% online, but three programs have hybrid options.

Students at the Ball State Teachers College will complete all their classwork online, except for required in-person field experience. Eligible students can apply for the Transition to Teaching scholarship, worth up to $10,000.

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 56 different master's degree programs. Options include an MS in cybersecurity risk management, an MS in business analytics, as well as several education and healthcare programs.

Tuition varies, but some of the cheapest programs, like the biology MAT, cost just $350 per credit hour. Residents of Indiana taking online courses should contact the bursar's office about online course refunds.

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 and $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 Indian Wesleyan, but tuition depends on which program you choose. Some programs at the lowest $499 rate include:

• early childhood education
• organizational leadership
• school administration
• special education

As a Christian university, Indiana Wesleyan also offers online divinity programs. Online courses are open for seven days. During that time, students will log on and complete their classwork, giving you extra flexibility but the same high-quality education in-person students receive.

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

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.