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

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're looking for a free master's degree online, it's important to understand that while tuition may be covered, fees often remain. True tuition-free online master's degrees are rare. However, several Kansas schools offer low-cost ways to earn a graduate degree. Keep reading to learn about your options.

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

While Kansas offers several low-cost online master's programs, there are no tuition-free online colleges. However, full-time and part-time students can significantly reduce costs through partial or full-tuition scholarships, assistantships, and grants.

If you're looking at schools outside of the state, tuition-free online master's degree programs are incredibly rare. In fact, the University of the People (UoPeople) offers the only options for a free master's degree online, though students must still pay modest application and course assessment fees.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Online master's degrees are more accessible than ever, especially for students who explore creative ways to fund their education. From military benefits to employer support, several strategies can help reduce or even eliminate tuition costs. Below are some key methods students can use to earn their degree affordably.

• Apply for scholarships and grants: Many universities and outside organizations offer scholarships and grants with various eligibility criteria, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
• Use military education benefits: Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits, or military-specific scholarships to cover program costs.
• Choose an in-state or flat-rate tuition program: Attending a public school in your home state or selecting an online program with flat-rate tuition can offer major savings.
• Explore employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or direct payments for employees pursuing advanced degrees that align with their job roles.
• Consider accelerated programs: Some online master's degrees offer accelerated formats, helping students graduate faster and save on overall tuition and living expenses.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

If you're looking for the cheapest online master's degrees, many options are available. Below, we'll discuss several Kansas schools offering affordable graduate degrees.

1. Newman University

Newman University is a private Catholic school offering flexible, fully online master's programs in education, theology, business administration, and more. Though these programs are flexible for working adults, the students can expect similar engagement levels as on-campus programs with discussions over Zoom.

With tuition ranging from $245 to $640 per credit hour, students can lower costs by selecting lower-priced programs and applying for institutional and federal financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $587.50 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $587.50 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Several institutional scholarships are available to graduate students, including the McKenna award and the Star Lumber award. Students may also qualify for government loans, grants, and outside aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution known for its affordable, high-quality online graduate programs. It has the most diverse selection of online graduate fields available in Kansas, from liberal studies and English to healthcare and computer science.

Tuition is the same low rate for in-state and out-of-state students, plus scholarship opportunities specifically for online learners can help make the cost of a degree more affordable.

• Average in-state tuition: $338.62 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $338.62 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for loans or other aid opportunities. Accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA often offer additional forms of aid. FHSU offers the Sunflower Start Scholarship, which is available to Kansas residents pursuing online master's degrees. A $500 scholarship is also reserved for out-of-state graduate students.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public research university offering affordable online master's programs in education, criminal justice, and health sciences. The university encourages students to meet with its financial aid team to explore funding options and reduce costs through assistantships, departmental awards, and scholarships.

• Average in-state tuition: $338.87 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $338.87 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school awards more than 30% of graduate students with assistantships or fellowships, amounting to around $4 million annually. Additionally, various grants, scholarships, and awards are given by individual departments and likely require a faculty nomination to be considered.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers affordable, fully online master's programs in education, information technology, library science, and more. Thanks to multiple funding opportunities, students can reduce costs through assistantships, scholarships, and tuition reduction programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $363 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $363 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students may qualify for tuition reduction programs, graduate assistantships, and institutional scholarships, such as the McNair Scholarship worth $5,000 or the New Graduate Scholarship worth $500.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University offers over 50 affordable online graduate programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and health sciences. All online students pay the in-state tuition rate, regardless of residency, and can further reduce costs through scholarships, assistantships, and federal financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $406 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $406 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for student loans. Additional funding options include graduate assistantships and institutional scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

Discover Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Whether you want to pursue a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Science, there are plenty of online graduate degrees. Explore affordable graduate-level programs for working professionals on Learn.org and contact individual schools directly to find information on enrollment and financial aid opportunities.