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

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.

There are, however, a variety of almost free master's degrees online at various Missouri colleges. If you follow our advice and research carefully, you can identify scholarship opportunities and enjoy a practically free master's degree online.

Students who seek financial aid and select low-cost programs are more likely to finish their graduate degrees debt-free. We invite you to learn the most effective strategies for finding tuition-free online master's degree programs (or close to free) in Missouri.

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

While it's possible to earn a very low-cost degree with financial aid resources, you won't be able to enroll in a ''free degree program'' per se. We consider a free degree something you construct by eliminating the full tuition costs and enrolling in the most affordable advanced degree programs. Also, while there are tuition-free online colleges, like the University of the People (UoPeople), even those schools charge other non-tuition fees to attend.

So, the goal is to identify the almost-free master's degrees online. This is possible for degree seekers in Missouri who desire the convenience of online courses while earning marketable master's degrees in fields like computer science, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and information technology.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Consider these five effective strategies for lowering your tuition bill. This covers everything from employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement to leveraging your status as a military veteran.

• Get your employer to pay: Many American businesses partner with online colleges to offer discounts and tuition reimbursement for employees seeking a bachelor's degree or graduate degree. If you or your spouse wants to return to school, then speak to your employer to see if the company has tuition assistance options.
• Obtain federal financial aid: Most of the financial aid process revolves around completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must do so before receiving consideration for scholarships and grants, but there are many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA and award generous funding packages through it.
• Ask about institutional scholarships: There are also many merit-based and needs-based scholarships tied directly to specific colleges. You should research the financial aid section of your intended school's website. This will show if they have endowed scholarships tailored specifically for graduate students.
• Focus on in-state tuition opportunities: While some online colleges charge the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students, many programs do not. You could save several hundred dollars, per course, by choosing a graduate program in your state, especially among public universities.
• Utilize military discounts: Former military service members receive solid tuition discounts at most universities. If you served in the armed forces, then you don't want to forget to mention that when you apply for financial aid.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Here is a list of the cheapest online graduate schools with solid reputations in Missouri. These universities offer affordable tuition, 100% online or hybrid master's degrees, generous financial aid, and are fully accredited.

1. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri offers many online master's degrees for full-time or part-time students. This includes eight Master of Education (MEd) concentrations in areas like special education and early childhood education. You can also get your degree in the university's unique Master of Science (MS) in data science and artificial intelligence.

Average in-state tuition: $366.50 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $597.00 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graduate students can finance their education with tuition scholarships, grants, and low-interest student loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University offers eight online graduate programs in fields like data analytics, healthcare administration, and justice studies. Working professionals can also bolster their resumes by getting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) 100% online at an affordable rate. The university promises to support online graduate students with financial aid from private, institutional, state, and federal sources.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $685 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graduate students, undergraduate students, and international students have the chance to obtain more than 300 foundation scholarships.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Missouri State University

Missouri State University (MSU) charges the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students for online courses. Online learning students can obtain scholarships funded by MSU, alumni donors, corporations, and outside donors, like the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF). The university offers several online degrees in the health sciences and social sciences, along with several MBA program concentrations.

Average in-state tuition: $394 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $394 per credit hour

Financial aid: You can finance your degree with scholarships and numerous grant opportunities, like the Wartime Veteran's Survivors grant.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University grants an MBA degree to future business leaders seeking careers as project managers, marketing managers, business analysts, and other profitable positions. The total tuition cost is $14,280, a competitively low rate for MBA programs, which students can complete in as little as one year or at their own pace. It's also a solid option for former military members who can pursue over half a dozen veteran-focused grants or scholarships.

Average in-state tuition: $464 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $464 per credit hour

Financial aid: Qualified applicants can pursue scholarships and grant opportunities, like the Northwest Promise Grant.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Truman State University

Truman State University helps working professionals earn graduate-level credentials without having to attend in-person classes on campus. Most of their degree programs cost between $488 to $501 per credit hour, but you might find a bargain opportunity by pursuing the school's Master of Arts (MA) in gifted education. That program charges a low tuition rate of $310 for online enrollment.

Average in-state tuition: $488 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $488 per credit hour

Financial aid: Truman State participates in several federal or Missouri grant programs, such as Pell Grants, the Access Missouri Grant, and the Truman Access Grant.

Accreditation: HLC

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Online learners can discover much more about affordable graduate programs by utilizing the wealth of information on Learn.org. This includes low-cost options for online degrees in business administration, healthcare, education, and more.