Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Pennsylvania 2027

Although fully tuition-free online master’s degrees are rare, students seeking an affordable degree path can significantly reduce costs through various financial aid options. Federal aid, scholarships and assistantships from higher education institutions, employer tuition benefits, and other funding sources can cover a portion of tuition costs for eligible students. However, it’s important to note that additional expenses beyond tuition, such as technology and instructional fees, usually apply.

If you’re considering an online master’s degree in Pennsylvania, know that you have numerous affordable and flexible options. Keep reading to learn more about online master’s degree programs and how you can earn your degree at little cost.

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

While there are no free online colleges in Pennsylvania, there are avenues to reduce costs. Scholarships, grants, and assistantships lower what you pay, and federal loans can help cover the remaining balance. One of the best-known tuition-free options is the University of the People, an online school that doesn’t charge tuition for its master’s programs. Keep in mind that this school charges other fees, so only tuition is free.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although there aren’t any free master’s degree online programs, there are affordable options. Pursuing a master’s degree online can be a cost-effective way to advance your education. To further reduce expenses, consider the following strategies:

• Take advantage of military educational benefits: If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, programs like the GI Bill or Military Tuition Assistance can offset tuition costs. Some benefits may even transfer to family members of service members.
• Choose a school with lower tuition costs: Universities often offer lower tuition costs per credit for in-state students, even when learners are attending online courses. Some Pennsylvania public universities also charge out-of-state online students a reduced rate that’s close to in-state tuition.
• Apply for financial aid: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward federal student loans and many school-based aid programs. Note that students who begin a new graduate program on or after July 1, 2026, can no longer take out Grad PLUS loans. Federal borrowing is now limited to Direct Unsubsidized Loans of up to $20,500 per year. Cheap online schools that accept FAFSA can help you keep the amount you need to borrow low.
• Use employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, often with the stipulation that you’ll continue to work for them for a specified time. Check with your employer to see if these benefits are available to you.
• Transfer credits: Many master’s programs accept transfer credits, which means you can graduate sooner while spending less money.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Enrolling in an online program can be an affordable way to earn a master’s degree on a schedule that fits your life. On-campus learning isn’t for everyone, which is why we’ve created the list of low-cost online master’s programs below.

1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Emphasizing career-focused education for working professionals, Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers several fully online and hybrid graduate programs. Online master’s options include degrees in criminology, food and nutrition, and mathematics education. The school offers over $5 million in graduate assistantships and scholarships, and every master’s program offers assistantships or scholarships.

• Average in-state tuition: $557 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $774 per credit$641 per credit (online programs)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, state and federal loans, grants
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. West Chester University

Founded in 1871, West Chester University offers graduate students several fully online master’s degree options. Online programs include a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education (MEd) in special education, and a Master of Science in community nutrition. Out-of-state students in online programs pay a reduced tuition rate, and prospective students can browse the school’s catalog of scholarship opportunities to find additional financial aid options.

• Average in-state tuition: $557 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $568 per credit (online programs)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Pennsylvania Western University

With a focus on preparing students with the necessary skills to succeed in their future careers, Pennsylvania Western University offers numerous fully online graduate degree programs through PennWest Global Online. The school offers degrees in fields including nursing, special education, and social work. PennWest is committed to making school affordable: out-of-state online students pay nearly the same tuition rate as Pennsylvania residents, and the school offers scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantships to bring down the cost of a degree.

• Average in-state tuition: $557 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $568 per credit (online programs)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, state and federal loans, grants
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. East Stroudsburg University

East Stroudsburg University offers several fully online master’s degrees through its approved distance education programs. Students can pursue degrees in fields such as reading, instructional technology, health education, public health, and professional and digital media writing. Out-of-state students in these online programs pay a reduced tuition rate, and school district employees may save even more through ESU’s P.E.T. Program.

• Average in-state tuition: $557 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $568 per credit (online programs)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, state and federal loans, grants
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Slippery Rock University

Founded in 1889, Slippery Rock University has built a strong reputation for online graduate education, and the majority of its graduate students study fully online. Online master’s options include degrees in data analytics, environmental education, reading, and special education. Out-of-state online students pay a reduced tuition rate, and the school offers more than 100 graduate assistantships each year, along with scholarships for graduate students.

• Average in-state tuition: $557 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $613 per credit (online programs)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans
• Accreditation: MSCHE

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

If none of the Pennsylvania programs above fit your budget, you may want to look beyond the state. A small number of accredited online schools don’t charge traditional tuition at all. Instead, these schools cover their costs through donations and modest per-course fees, which can bring the total price of a master’s degree well below that of most public universities.

University of the People

University of the People is a nonprofit online university that offers tuition-free master’s degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (MEd). Instead of paying tuition, students pay an assessment fee for each course they complete: $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT, and $440 per course for the MEd. Students also pay a one-time application fee. Because UoPeople’s coursework is fully online and asynchronous, it’s a flexible option for working adults anywhere in the U.S., including Pennsylvania. The university 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.

Because no Pennsylvania school offers a truly free master’s degree, we focus on accredited institutions with the lowest per-credit tuition for online graduate students and strong funding opportunities. We pay special attention to schools that offer reduced tuition rates for out-of-state online learners. Here’s what we consider:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from a recognized agency, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid and how employers and other schools view your degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare current per-credit graduate tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, using online rates where schools offer them. We also consider institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and other funding that can lower the final cost.
• Online availability: We prioritize schools that offer multiple master’s degrees fully online, so students can complete their programs without relocating or commuting to campus.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates and other outcome data to make sure each school offers a strong return on your investment, not just a low price.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Pennsylvania

Still weighing your options? These answers to common questions can help you plan for the cost of an online master’s degree in Pennsylvania.

How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost in Pennsylvania?

Costs vary widely by school and program, but Pennsylvania’s public universities offer some of the lowest rates in the state. At the state-system schools on our list, in-state graduate tuition is $557 per credit for 2026–27. That puts tuition for a typical 30- to 36-credit master’s degree at roughly $16,700 to $20,100, before fees and financial aid. Keep in mind that the state system has said it may roll back its 2026–27 tuition increase if the state budget provides enough funding.

Can Out-of-State Students Get Lower Tuition at Pennsylvania’s Online Programs?

Yes, at many schools. Several Pennsylvania public universities charge out-of-state students enrolled in fully online programs a reduced rate that’s close to in-state tuition. For example, PennWest and East Stroudsburg University charge out-of-state online students $568 per credit, compared with $836 per credit for out-of-state students at ESU’s standard rate. The reduced rate usually applies only to approved online programs, so check with your school before you enroll.

What Fees Should I Expect Beyond Tuition?

Most universities charge mandatory fees on top of tuition, even for online students. These often include technology fees and instructional or academic enhancement fees billed per credit. At some schools, these fees add more than $100 per credit. You’ll also need to budget for books and course materials, which aren’t usually included on your tuition bill.

Can I Still Use Federal Student Loans for a Master’s Degree?

Yes, but the rules have changed. Students who begin a new graduate program on or after July 1, 2026, can no longer take out Grad PLUS loans. For most master’s students, federal borrowing is now limited to Direct Unsubsidized Loans of up to $20,500 per year, with a $100,000 lifetime limit. Choosing a low-cost program and applying for scholarships and assistantships can help you stay within these limits.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

If you're a working adult or single parent looking to earn a master's degree, online learning offers flexible options to further your education. Whether you're looking for full or part-time programs, Pennsylvania schools offer plenty of options.

There are no truly free master's degree online programs in Pennsylvania, but there are affordable degrees. To find the cheapest online graduate schools, continue exploring Learn.org and find a program that's right for you.