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

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.

For many students earning an advanced degree, especially adult learners, online programs are preferable to those that are in person. Online degrees usually allow students to complete their coursework on their own time without having to appear on campus.

Online degrees can also help students save money. The tuition rate can sometimes be lower, and students don't have to pay for gas to commute. Students also have the freedom to choose lower-cost schools that aren't located near them.

While there may not be tuition-free online master's degrees, there are ways to significantly reduce your costs. Keep reading to learn about affordable and free master's degrees online in Michigan.

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

It's important to note that only one school in the U.S. offers tuition-free online master's degree programs, and that's University of the People. However, this private, nonprofit online school does still charge an assessment fee per course, so while UoPeople is less expensive, it's not completely free.

That being said, while there aren't really free online colleges in Michigan, you can reduce your costs by choosing an affordable school and applying for financial aid.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as this determines your eligibility for federal and state aid. There are many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Michigan.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

While no colleges or universities in Michigan offer inherently free tuition, with the right financial aid strategy, you could significantly reduce or even completely eliminate costs for your graduate degree. There are several things you can do to make your degree affordable:

• Choose a low-cost school: Tuition varies significantly between schools in Michigan, with both public and private options offering affordable options.
• Explore state-run aid programs: The state of Michigan offers a variety of scholarships and grants for students. Some are only for undergraduate programs, but there are some for graduate students as well.
• Look for aid through your school: Many schools offer financial aid options to students, including full-tuition scholarships. You may automatically qualify for some after filling out the FAFSA, but you may need to apply to others.
• Apply for private financial aid: There are a number of organizations that offer scholarship opportunities to students, and you can find these through scholarship finder tools like the one hosted on the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop site.
• Utilize employer-sponsored aid: If you're a working professional, check to see if your employer offers tuition assistance or a tuition reimbursement program.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

There aren't any free master's degrees online in Michigan. However, by choosing one of the most affordable online master's degrees, you can start saving money on your tuition costs right away. Below, we've highlighted a few of Michigan's low-cost options.

1. Baker College

Baker College is a private, nonprofit university in Owosso, MI. It offers one of the cheapest online master's degrees in the state: a Master of Science (MS) in information systems for $350 per credit hour.

The school also offers an RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for $500 per credit hour. The other online programs at Baker College�the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the MS in data science, and the MS in occupational therapy�are $600 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $483.33 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $483.33 per credit

Financial aid: Baker College accepts FAFSA, offers numerous institutional scholarships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Grace Christian University

At Grace Christian University, students can choose from four online master's degrees: an MBA, a Master of Arts (MA) in higher education leadership, an MA in ministry, and an MA in organizational leadership.

Grace Christian, a private religious institution, is located in Grand Rapids, MI. It charges the same rate, $495 per credit hour, for all online graduate programs.

Average in-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Financial aid: Grace Christian offers institutional scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University offers several online master's degrees in fields like business administration, counseling, public administration, and religious studies. The private Christian school is located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Tuition rates vary by program. The master's degrees in ministry and education cost $515 per credit, while the degrees in counseling and leadership cost $565 per credit. The online MBA program, with concentrations in areas such as healthcare, human resources, and project management, is $610 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $563.33 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $563.33 per credit

Financial aid: Cornerstone University offers institutional scholarships, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Michigan State University

Dozens of master's degrees are available online through Michigan State University. The cost of tuition depends on the program, with some of the most affordable online options being:

• MA in youth development: $600 per credit
• MA in family community services: $610 per credit
• MA in foreign language teaching: $700 per credit
• Master of Public Health (MPH): $725 per credit

MSU, located in East Lansing, MI, is a public research university. Other online master's degrees here include an MS in accounting and data analytics ($817.25 per credit), an MA in criminal justice ($857 per credit), and an MA in special education ($933 per credit).

Average in-state tuition: $850 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $850 per credit

Financial aid: MSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Olivet

The University of Olivet is a private Christian school in Olivet, MI. It offers four graduate-level degrees through online learning: an MBA, a Master of Education (MEd), an MA in counseling, and an MA in leadership.

The programs are offered via online courses through UOlivet's Graduate School. The tuition rate is $600 per credit hour regardless of the program you choose.

Average in-state tuition: $600 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $600 per credit

Financial aid: UOlivet accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Give yourself a boost in the job market and explore the online master's degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual institutions to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.