Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Maine 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 a bachelor's degree is a great way to get a leg up in the job market, many careers require a master's degree. However, it can be hard for many students, especially working professionals, to make an on-campus degree work with their schedules. As a result, many students prefer to earn their master's online.

Online learning can often be less expensive than learning in person, but most online learners can't pay their full tuition out of pocket. While there aren't really free master's degrees online, there are ways to cover costs without resorting to student loans. Keep reading to learn more about earning a low-cost or free master's degree online in Maine.

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

There are no completely free online colleges in Maine. In fact, the closest you can get to tuition-free online master's degree programs without financial aid is through the University of the People.

UoPeople is a nonprofit online school that does not charge for tuition. Instead, it charges a one-time $60 application fee and an assessment fee for each online course. For graduate courses, this fee is currently between $440 and $490. This means the degrees here are not totally free, but they are more affordable than most.

At Maine institutions, students can lower their tuition by applying for financial aid. All students should fill out the FAFSA each year to find out what they're approved for. There are many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Maine.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although there are no free master's degrees online in Maine, there are ways to significantly reduce your costs. These include:

• Choose a low-cost college: Tuition rates can vary quite a bit between schools in Maine, so choose one that offers a low tuition rate.
• Submit your FAFSA: The FAFSA determines what federal aid you qualify for, and is also required for many types of need-based programs through the state and your school.
• Apply for institutional aid: Many schools offer tuition scholarships, grants, and assistantship opportunities to help students pay for their graduate degrees.
• Look for private aid: You can also find aid through private organizations; several scholarship finders online can help you find options for which you qualify.
• Take advantage of employer-sponsored programs: Many employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement to employees.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Choosing one of the most affordable online master's degrees in Maine is a great way to keep your costs low. We've highlighted some of the most affordable options in Maine below.

1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a private Catholic institution in Standish, ME. It offers several online master's degrees in fields like business administration, education, healthcare, and theology.

Tuition for online degrees at SJC varies by program. The least expensive are the theology programs, at just $434 per credit; the most expensive are the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, at $746 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $592 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $592 per credit
• Financial aid: SJCME accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. University of Maine Augusta

At the University of Maine at Augusta, students can choose from two online master's programs. One is a Master of Science (MS) in cybersecurity, and the other is an MS in trauma-informed emergency management.

This public school, located in Augusta, ME, is in the University of Maine System. The in-state tuition rate for graduate students is $491 per credit, while out-of-state online students pay $648 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $491 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $648 per credit
• Financial aid: UMA offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine offers a range of master's degrees through online learning. The southernmost member of the University of Maine System is based in Portland, ME.

Students at USM can earn online degrees in fields like education, nursing, leadership, and public policy. All fully online graduate programs are charged the same e-tuition rate of $548 per credit, regardless of where students live.

• Average in-state tuition: $548 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $548 per credit
• Financial aid: USM offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. University of Maine at Fort Kent

An online Master of Science in nursing is available from the University of Maine at Fort Kent. This program offers two concentrations: adult-gerontology acute care nursing practice and psychiatric/mental health nursing practice.

UMFK, located in Fort Kent, ME, is another member of the University of Maine System. It charges $500 per credit hour for the online MSN.

• Average in-state tuition: $500 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $500 per credit
• Financial aid: UMFK accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

5. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University is a private, nonprofit school focused on the environmental sciences. It offers graduate-level degrees in fields like animal science, environmental data analytics, sustainability studies, and wildlife conservation, as well as a Sustainable Master of Business Administration (SMBA).

Tuition at Unity is $550 per credit for all online advanced degrees, and the school has locked in this rate through 2030. There is no difference in tuition for different majors, including the SMBA program.

• Average in-state tuition: $550 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit
• Financial aid: Unity accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

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

Truly tuition-free online master's programs are rare anywhere in the country, not just in Maine. Most schools that market themselves as low-cost still charge per-credit tuition. One school takes a different approach, and it's open to students in Maine and every other state.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, fully online university that does not charge tuition. Instead, students pay a one-time $60 application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. Graduate students can choose from three master's programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Advanced Teaching.

Assessment fees are $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the M.Ed. Students who can't afford these fees can apply for scholarships through the university. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

• Tuition: None; assessment fees of $440 to $490 per course
• Application fee: $60 (one-time)
• Financial aid: Scholarships are available to help cover assessment fees.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

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 keep the overall cost of a graduate degree low, through either affordable per-credit tuition or strong financial aid. We also prioritize schools where working professionals can complete the full degree online. Our rankings consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation helps ensure academic quality, and it's required for students to receive federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare per-credit graduate tuition for online students, including any differences between in-state and out-of-state rates. We also consider whether schools accept FAFSA and offer institutional aid like scholarships, grants, or assistantships.
• Online availability: We look for master's programs that can be completed fully online, so students can balance graduate school with work and family responsibilities.
• Student outcomes: We review metrics like retention rates, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings to gauge how well each school supports students through completion and beyond.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition-Free Online Master's Degrees in Maine

Paying for graduate school takes some planning, especially for working professionals. Here are answers to some common questions about earning an affordable online master's degree in Maine.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Maine?

Among the schools on our list, online graduate tuition ranges from about $491 to $746 per credit, depending on the school, program, and your residency. Most master's degrees require 30 to 36 credits, so total tuition typically falls between about $15,000 and $27,000 before financial aid. Keep in mind that fees, books, and other costs may be added on top of tuition.

Can Out-of-State Students Get Affordable Tuition at Maine Schools?

Yes. Several schools on our list charge the same rate to all online students, regardless of where they live. These include the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Unity Environmental University, and Saint Joseph's College of Maine. Residents of other New England states may also qualify for reduced tuition in certain programs through the New England Board of Higher Education's Tuition Break program.

How Have Federal Student Loan Limits Changed for Graduate Students?

New federal rules that took effect on July 1, 2026, cap graduate student borrowing at $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total. The Grad PLUS loan program has also ended for new borrowers. This makes choosing a low-cost program more important than ever, since students may no longer be able to borrow enough to cover the full cost of a more expensive degree.

Does Accreditation Matter for an Online Master's Degree?

Accreditation matters a great deal. Attending an accredited school is required to receive federal financial aid, and many employers and licensing boards only recognize degrees from accredited institutions. All of the Maine schools on our list are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Discover the perfect online master's degree by exploring the high-quality programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.