Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Oklahoma 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.

With that in mind, we invite you to explore the closest thing to free master’s degrees online. This involves selecting low-cost programs, securing scholarships and grants, and choosing flexible online formats that fit around work. If you wish to learn more about tuition-free online master’s degree programs, use this article to help you eliminate as much tuition as possible for graduate school in Oklahoma.

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

If you work hard to gather financial aid for your graduate degree, you could earn a very low-cost degree, but accredited colleges don't offer 100% free master's degrees. Even the various free online colleges, like University of the People (UoPeople), are only tuition-free since they still charge other fees. Your goal should be to find a nearly free master's degree online by canceling out as many expenses as you can.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Consider the following tips and strategies for making your online master’s degree more affordable. Graduate students in every discipline should start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Get federal funding: The FAFSA is your gateway to federal aid for graduate school. Most federal aid for graduate students comes as loans that must be repaid, though future and current teachers may qualify for the federal TEACH Grant at participating schools in exchange for a teaching service commitment. As of July 1, 2026, new graduate borrowers can no longer take out Grad PLUS loans and are limited to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. There are many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in Oklahoma.
• Find military discounts for college: Veterans, service members, and their dependents may qualify for GI Bill benefits, in-state tuition rates, or military tuition discounts at many institutions. These benefits typically apply to online courses as well as on-campus classes.
• Apply for private scholarships: Many companies, foundations, and professional associations fund scholarships for graduate students. Combining several awards can significantly reduce your tuition bill.
• Ask employer about tuition reimbursement: Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement as an employee benefit. Typically, you pay your tuition bill, submit proof that you completed the course, and receive reimbursement up to an annual limit set by your employer.
• Go to school locally: Public universities often charge Oklahoma residents lower rates than out-of-state students. However, some online programs charge the same rate regardless of where you live, so compare online tuition rates carefully.
• Review your school's financial aid page: It never hurts to research what your intended college offers online graduate students. You may qualify for distance learning grants, adult education scholarships, and other institutional awards.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Here’s a list with descriptions of the cheapest online graduate schools in Oklahoma. They offer accredited graduate programs that are 100% online, flexible, and convenient for working professionals.

1. Rogers State University

Rogers State University offers some of the lowest graduate tuition rates in Oklahoma. In-state graduate students pay $269 per credit hour, including fees. Its fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program costs even less, with a package price of $9,998 for the 36-credit program, or roughly $278 per credit hour. The MBA offers concentrations in accounting, business analytics, healthcare management, management, and sport management.

• Average in-state tuition: $269 per credit hour (MBA package price: $9,998)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $552 per credit hour (MBA package price: $9,998)
• Financial aid: Graduate students can complete the FAFSA for federal loans, apply for tuition waivers, and use employer tuition reimbursement. More than 80% of RSU students who apply for aid receive it.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SE) is a solid option for teachers, given that its online Master of Education (MEd) programs charge a flat rate of $339 per credit hour regardless of residency. Most 30-credit MEd tracks total $10,170 and can be completed in as few as 12 months. SE also offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA for $391 to $403 per credit hour, depending on the concentration.

• Average in-state tuition: $339 per credit hour (MEd)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $339 per credit hour (MEd)
• Financial aid: Online students pay tuition course by course rather than in one lump sum. Graduate students can also complete the FAFSA to access federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Oklahoma Christian University

Oklahoma Christian University (OC) charges $425 per credit hour for its online education programs. These include the 30-credit Master of Education (MEd) in Technology & Computer Science Instruction, which focuses on teaching K-8 computer science, and the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, with emphases such as teaching English learners and blended learning. OC’s online MBA charges a higher rate of $625 per credit hour, or $22,500 for the 36-credit program.

• Average in-state tuition: $425 to $625 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $425 to $625 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students enrolled in at least six credit hours can qualify for federal loans. OC also offers monthly payment plans and lets students defer payment by submitting an employer reimbursement form before classes begin.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma (OU) charges a flat rate of $448.50 per credit hour for its online graduate programs, whether you live in Oklahoma or not. Some programs have their own rates, topping out at $985 per credit hour for the online MBA. OU offers various financial management services, such as the MidFirst Bank MoneyCoach Program, payment plans, a tuition calculator, and veteran student services.

• Average in-state tuition: $448.50 to $985 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $448.50 to $985 per credit hour
• Financial aid: OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education offers several scholarship options, and the university provides information on outside scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) gives you plenty of options for degree programs that look great in today’s job market. The Master of Science (MS) in business analytics and data science is one such option, but you can also attend OSU for competitively priced degrees in education, health sciences, social sciences, and more. Veterans also qualify for in-state tuition rates.

• Average in-state tuition: $512 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $555 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Veterans qualify for in-state tuition rates, and several academic departments offer their own scholarships for achievement.
• Accreditation: HLC

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

If you’re open to studying outside Oklahoma, a few accredited online schools cut costs even further by eliminating traditional tuition. These schools still charge fees, but your total cost can be much lower than at a typical public university.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, fully online school that doesn’t charge traditional tuition for instruction or course materials. Instead, students pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. UoPeople offers three master’s degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): $490 per course, about $5,940 total
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT): $490 per course, about $5,940 total
• Master of Education (MEd) in Advanced Teaching: $440 per course, about $5,780 total

Because you pay as you go, course by course, many students can complete their degree without taking out loans. UoPeople is accredited by the 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.

For online master’s degrees, the price per credit hour tells only part of the story. A program’s total cost depends on how many credits it requires, whether fees are built into the rate, and whether online students pay the same rate regardless of residency. We prioritized schools that publish clear, current online tuition rates and give graduate students realistic ways to lower their costs. We considered the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from a recognized agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). We also note programmatic accreditation, such as CAEP for education programs or AACSB for business programs, where it applies.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compared per-credit tuition and total program costs using each school’s most recent published rates, with priority given to dedicated online rates when schools offer them. We also looked at graduate-specific aid, including tuition waivers, payment plans, and employer reimbursement options.
• Online availability: Each featured program can be completed fully online. We also considered format features that matter to working professionals, such as accelerated terms, multiple start dates, and asynchronous courses.
• Student outcomes: We reviewed graduation rates and post-graduation earnings data from the College Scorecard and NCES to make sure each school offers good value, not just a low price.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paying for graduate school can raise a lot of questions, especially as federal loan rules change. Here are answers to some common questions about earning an affordable online master’s degree in Oklahoma.

Are There Any Completely Free Online Master’s Degrees in Oklahoma?

No. Oklahoma colleges don’t offer fully free online master’s degrees. Even tuition-free schools like University of the People charge application and assessment fees. However, by choosing a low-cost program and combining scholarships, tuition waivers, and employer assistance, you can bring your out-of-pocket costs down significantly.

What Is the Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Oklahoma?

Rogers State University’s online MBA is one of the most affordable options in the state, with a package price of $9,998 for the full 36-credit program. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is another strong choice, especially for teachers. Most of its 30-credit online MEd programs total $10,170.

Can I Still Use Federal Loans to Pay for an Online Master’s Degree?

Yes, but the rules have changed. As of July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is no longer available to new borrowers. Master’s students who are new borrowers can take out up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a $100,000 lifetime limit. Students who borrowed a Grad PLUS loan before July 1, 2026, may be able to continue under the old rules for a limited time. Because federal loans may not cover the full cost of some programs, choosing a lower-cost school matters more than ever.

Do Oklahoma Residents Pay Less for Online Master’s Programs?

It depends on the school. Some universities charge everyone the same online rate regardless of residency, including Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Christian University. Others, like Rogers State University and Oklahoma State University, charge lower rates to Oklahoma residents. Check each school’s online tuition page before assuming in-state status will save you money.

Explore Affordable Online Master's Degrees

It has never been easier to find accredited and affordable graduate-level education in Oklahoma or anywhere across America. We welcome you to use all the Learn.org resources to locate the best master's degree programs for online learners.