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

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 wondering if a free master's degree online is possible in Nebraska, we'll clarify your options below. While no accredited Nebraska colleges offer truly tuition-free online master's degrees, many institutions provide affordable online degrees supported by financial aid, which may sometimes cover all costs. Read on to explore low-cost schools, funding strategies, and programs that can make your online master's education more accessible.

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

While you may be able to earn a very low-cost online master's degree in Nebraska through financial aid, assistantships, or scholarships, tuition-free online colleges are rare. The only true tuition-free online master's degree programs come from the University of the People (UoPeople), a nonprofit online university. However, UoPeople still charges assessment and application fees � only the tuition itself is $0. All other accredited programs require some level of financial contribution.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

An online master's degree can be an excellent investment, especially when you take steps to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. With careful planning and a proactive approach, students can take advantage of different funding sources to make graduate education significantly more affordable. Consider the following financing strategies:

• Choose an in-state public university: Attending a public institution in your home state often comes with lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state or private schools. For example, schools within the University of Nebraska system charge significantly lower rates for in-state students.
• Pursue department-specific scholarships and grants: If you know the field you want to pursue, look for schools with department-specific scholarships and grants you qualify for.
• Take advantage of military education benefits: Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for substantial education benefits through the GI Bill or other military tuition assistance programs.
• Seek graduate assistantships or fellowships: Assistantship positions often provide a stipend and tuition waiver in exchange for research or teaching duties.
• Use employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs to employees pursuing degrees in fields related to their job or industry, often in healthcare or education.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Schools in Nebraska do not offer a free master's degree online. However, students can explore several online schools offering affordable tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities. Keep reading to explore these programs.

1. University of Nebraska at Kearney

UNK provides over 30 online master's programs in fields such as English, special education, and health sciences. Online learners may qualify for various types of financial aid. Graduate assistantships, institutional and departmental scholarships, and tuition assistance are some of the most common ways to manage the cost of a degree.

• Average in-state tuition: $337 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $540 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Many scholarships are available to graduate students, such as the UNK Carpenter Scholars Business and Arts Scholarship, which is awarded to a student pursuing a master's in business, art, music, or English. Full-time employees of the University of Nebraska System can receive tuition assistance for themselves, spouses, and dependents.
• Accreditation: HLC

2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers many college degrees in a flexible, online format. Master's degree programs span diverse fields, from journalism to engineering.

Tuition rates vary by program, with general graduate courses priced at $365 per credit hour for in-state students. Specialized programs like the MBA and Master of Engineering Management have a flat rate of $700 per credit hour for all students. To lower costs, students can utilize federal loans, apply for fellowships or assistantships, and explore employer tuition assistance programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $365 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $724 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can utilize federal student loans to help with out-of-pocket costs. Students may also qualify for fellowships or assistantships.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Peru State College

Peru State College, Nebraska's first public college, offers two online graduate degrees: the Master of Science in Education (MSED) and the Master of Science in Organizational Management (MSOM). Students can choose from several specializations to narrow their focus toward professional goals. Online courses are delivered in an accelerated eight-week schedule.

The MSED is priced at $378 per credit hour and can be completed in as little as 19 months, while the MSOM is $400 per credit hour. Both programs feature no application fees, no GRE requirement, and a flat-rate tuition fee for all students, regardless of residency.

• Average in-state tuition: $389
• Average out-of-state tuition: $380
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Work study and scholarships may be available.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Chadron State College

Chadron State College is a public institution known for its affordable and flexible remote degree programs designed to support working professionals. It offers low-cost online master's degrees in business administration, education, organizational management, and more. Students can save money by transferring credits, applying for graduate-specific scholarships, and utilizing employer tuition reimbursement programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $400 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can complete the FAFSA for government aid. The school also offers a couple of scholarships reserved for graduate students who meet certain eligibility criteria.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Wayne State College

Wayne State College offers affordable, fully online graduate programs in fields like organizational management, information technology management, and elementary education. Students can potentially reduce costs through graduate assistantships, which offer stipends and tuition waivers, and by applying for outside scholarships and federal aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $400 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA, like Wayne State, allow students to qualify for federal or state aid programs. Graduate assistantships may also be available.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Nebraska Omaha

The University of Nebraska Omaha is a public research university with many online degree programs available. Students can choose from remote master's degrees in fields such as computer science, criminal justice, and public administration.

Tuition rates vary by program and residency status. Graduate students can reduce costs through federal loans, institutional scholarships, and graduate assistantships.

• Average in-state tuition: $401 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $848 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students may receive institutional scholarships, like the UNO Women's Club Scholarships, or federal loans to help manage the tuition costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution offering online master's degrees in data science, business analytics, cybersecurity, and more. Tuition is set at $680 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students can reduce costs through federal loans, institutional scholarships, and employer tuition assistance programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $680 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $680 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may qualify for federal loans or institutional scholarships. Eligibility requirements for each scholarship are set by the donor.
• Accreditation: HLC

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Tuition-free online master's degree programs aren't common; however, earning an online master's degree doesn't have to come with a high price tag. Find the most affordable online master's degrees on Learn.org and contact individual schools for the most current information on tuition, financial aid, and enrollment options.