Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Mississippi 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.

If you're looking to earn a free master's degree online in Mississippi, you can find low-cost options throughout the state. Keep reading to learn which schools offer great alternatives to tuition-free online master's degrees.

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

Tuition-free online master's degree programs don't exist in Mississippi. If you're looking for tuition-free online colleges, you'll only find one: the University of the People (UoPeople). The institution doesn't charge tuition; however, students must pay application and assessment fees. Some enrollees receive scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis to offset these fees.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

The cost of earning an online master's degree can vary based on factors like enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and program choice (e.g., business analytics vs. artificial intelligence). Fortunately, no matter the amount schools charge for tuition, opportunities are available to save. Explore popular financing options for online master's students below:

• Attend an in-state school with low tuition: Students often find that some of the most affordable institutions for earning an online master's degree are located within their state.
• Pick a school that doesn't charge out-of-state fees: You can find private institutions and state colleges that charge the same rate to online learners, whether they're residents or live in other states.
• Apply for scholarships: Scholarships are among the best options for financing an online master's degree. These funds don't require repayment and might be able to cover the majority or all of your tuition and fees.
• Pursue a degree with military assistance: Current military service members, veterans, and their spouses and dependents can significantly reduce the cost of earning an online master's degree through the GI Bill, military tuition assistance (TA), and other benefits.
• Use employer-based tuition assistance: Many major companies offer tuition assistance via upfront payments or tuition reimbursement to help learners cover some or all costs related to earning a master's degree.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Are you looking for the most affordable online master's degrees in Mississippi? Review the schools below to discover low-cost programs near you.

1. Belhaven University

Students at Belhaven University can choose from affordable online master's degrees such as the Master of Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction generalist, Master of Science (MS) in information technology management, and Master of Public Administration (MPA). The online MPA costs less than $10,000 in total tuition, and educators can qualify for a discounted rate on MEd programs.

The school offers on-campus undergraduate learners the opportunity to earn a free master's degree online. Eligible students cover costs with full-tuition scholarships worth up to $25,000 and pay fees and books out of pocket.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $277 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $277 per credit
• Financial aid: Belhaven offers tuition discounts, special scholarships, fellowships, and federal and state aid to lower the cost of graduate degrees.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Mississippi Christian University

Mississippi College officially became Mississippi Christian University in June 2026, coinciding with the school's 200th anniversary. The name change doesn't affect the school's accreditation or academic programs. The university offers MC7 online accelerated master's degrees for students interested in advancing their careers in education. These programs feature flexible seven-week sessions and include MEd options in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, elementary education, and special education. Students pursuing these degrees pay affordable rates and can use various forms of financial assistance to save more.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $305 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $305 per credit
• Financial aid: Students can increase affordability with scholarships, student loans, military benefits, and other financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Delta State University

Delta State University helps increase affordability for learners at all levels of education by charging in-state rates, regardless of where students live. These low rates extend to enrollees pursuing graduate education in teaching, healthcare, business, and beyond. Programs available to these students include an integrated MBA, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), MEd in counseling, and Master of Commercial Aviation.

• Average in-state tuition: As low as $324 per credit (full-time)
• Average out-of-state tuition: As low as $324 per credit (full-time)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid help students lower the cost of attendance.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Mississippi

Online master's degrees at the University of Mississippi prepare students for business, elementary education, higher education, public health, and other job markets. Degree options include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), MEd in educational leadership, and Master of Laws (LLM) in air and space law. Ole Miss online programs have no campus requirements, and many offer low tuition rates for budget-conscious students.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $334 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $312 per creditStarting at $334 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships keep costs low for students pursuing advanced degrees.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Mississippi University for Women

Learners looking for fully online master's degrees can choose from programs in public health, women's leadership, and business administration at MUW. The MBA costs a flat $10,000 in total tuition and has no GRE/GMAT score requirements. Degrees with in-class components or low-residency requirements are available in teaching, creative writing, and theatre education. Out-of-state graduate students pay a small per-credit fee that is capped at $500 per semester, which keeps The W affordable for learners across the country.

• Average in-state tuition: As low as $377 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: As low as $433 per credit
• Financial aid: The W helps students lower costs with federal student aid, scholarships, military benefits, and more.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi takes pride in offering affordable online bachelor's degrees and graduate programs. Learners interested in master's programs can study criminal justice, elementary education, higher education, physics, public health, and more.

Online accelerated bachelor's/master's programs are also available. Graduate students who enroll full-time pay a flat per-semester rate, which lowers the per-credit cost for those taking a heavier course load.

• Average in-state tuition: As low as $411 per credit (full-time)
• Average out-of-state tuition: As low as $488 per credit (full-time)
• Financial aid: Learners can reduce costs using scholarships, federal and state aid, graduate-eligible grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. William Carey University

Online master's degree programs at William Carey University enhance students' professional skills while preparing them for advanced careers in various disciplines. Degrees are available in educational leadership, Christian theology, health informatics and information management, music in worship studies, and more. Learners enrolled in graduate programs at this institution enjoy the same affordable tuition rates, no matter their location.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $495 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $495 per credit
• Financial aid: William Carey offers federal and state grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans for enrollees seeking savings opportunities.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Jackson State University

Jackson State University is one of several Mississippi accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Students can save with low tuition costs and various forms of financial assistance.

The school offers over a dozen online master's programs that prepare working professionals for higher-paying roles. Learners in the education, politics, and business fields can pursue degrees like the MBA, MAT, and MA in political science.

• Average in-state tuition: $512 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $512 per credit
• Financial aid: JSU offers scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid to make degrees more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Blue Mountain Christian University

Blue Mountain Christian University's online master's degrees enable enrollees to learn on their own schedule, with flexible scheduling and continuous eight-week sessions. For learners ready to take their careers to the next level, the institution offers three MEd degrees, a Master of Kinesiology, and an MBA. Students benefit from affordable tuition and various forms of financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $552 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $552 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, student employment, employee discounts, and loans decrease the cost of attendance at BMCU.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Mississippi State University

At Mississippi State University, online learners can choose from dozens of online graduate programs, including an MBA, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) options, and Master of Science (MS) degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, and data science. MSU makes learning affordable by charging all online students in-state tuition. Learners also save with financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $603 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $603 per credit
• Financial aid: Graduate students can significantly reduce costs with fellowships, assistantships, part-time employment, grants, scholarships, and student loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

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

If you're open to studying outside Mississippi, a handful of institutions across the country offer online master's degrees without charging traditional tuition. These schools still charge fees, but total costs can be far lower than at most universities. Since these programs are fully online, Mississippi residents can enroll without relocating.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, tuition-free online university that offers master's degrees in business administration (MBA), information technology (MSIT), and education (MEd). Instead of charging tuition, UoPeople charges an assessment fee for each course students complete. The current rate is $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the MEd. Students also pay a one-time application fee. Scholarships are available to help eligible learners offset these costs.

UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), so it's a credible low-cost alternative for working professionals seeking a flexible graduate degree.

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 online master's degree, we focus on institutions that keep graduate costs low through affordable per-credit rates, flat-rate tuition, residency-neutral pricing, or generous funding opportunities. We compare each school's current graduate tuition and confirm that its master's programs can be completed fully or mostly online. Schools are listed in order of their lowest starting per-credit rate. We evaluate each school based on the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, such as SACSCOC. This helps ensure that degrees meet quality standards and that students qualify for federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We prioritize schools with low graduate tuition, especially those that charge the same or similar rates to in-state and out-of-state online students. We also consider scholarships, tuition discounts, assistantships, and other aid that can further reduce costs.
• Online availability: We look for schools that offer multiple master's programs online, with flexible formats such as accelerated seven- or eight-week courses that suit working professionals.
• Student outcomes: We consider metrics such as graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to make sure affordable programs also deliver long-term value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

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

Choosing an affordable online master's program can raise questions about costs, residency, and financial aid. Below, we answer some of the most common questions from prospective graduate students in Mississippi.

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

Graduate tuition at the schools on our list ranges from about $277 to roughly $600 per credit. Most master's degrees require 30–36 credits, so many students can expect to pay roughly $10,000–$22,000 in total tuition before financial aid. Fees for technology, online delivery, and course materials are often charged separately, so check each school's full cost breakdown.

Do Mississippi Universities Charge Out-of-State Tuition for Online Master's Programs?

It depends on the school. Delta State University charges the same rate to all students, and Mississippi State University charges all online students in-state tuition. Many private schools, such as Belhaven and William Carey, also use a single rate. Others, including the University of Southern Mississippi, charge higher rates to non-residents. Mississippi University for Women adds a small per-credit fee for out-of-state graduate students, which is capped at $500 per semester.

What Is the Most Affordable Online MBA in Mississippi?

Mississippi University for Women offers one of the state's best values, with a flat-rate tuition of $10,000 for its 36-credit online MBA. For students interested in public service, Belhaven University's online Master of Public Administration also costs less than $10,000 in total tuition.

Can I Use Federal Financial Aid for an Online Master's Degree?

Yes. Online students at accredited institutions can generally use the same federal aid as on-campus students, as long as they're enrolled in an eligible program. Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students should also ask their schools about institutional scholarships, assistantships, and employer or military tuition benefits.

Did Mississippi College Change Its Name?

Yes. Mississippi College officially became Mississippi Christian University on June 1, 2026, as part of the school's 200th anniversary celebration. The university has kept its "MC" branding. According to school leadership, the change doesn't affect its accreditation or academic programs, including its MC7 accelerated online master's degrees in education.

Discover Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to find out how they can help you achieve your goals.