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

Although fully tuition-free online master's degrees aren't 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's important to note that additional expenses beyond tuition may 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 with 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. Financial aid options such as loans, scholarships, and grants reduce the costs and make earning a degree more affordable. Currently, the only institution that offers tuition-free online master's degree programs is the University of the People. Keep in mind that there are other fees for this school, and only tuition is free.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Despite there not being 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. This may even apply to family members of active-duty military personnel.
• Choose an in-state school with lower tuition costs: Universities often offer lower tuition costs per credit for in-state students, even when learners are attending online courses.
• Apply for loans, scholarships, or grants: You can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for various student loans, scholarships, and grants. Cheap online schools that accept FAFSA ensure you get a quality education without worrying about the cost.
• 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 for 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

Enrollment in an online program is an affordable way to earn a master's degree at your own pace. On-campus learning isn't for everyone, and that's 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 numerous fully online and hybrid graduate programs. Master's options include degrees in English literature, human resources, and criminology. The school offers over $5 million in graduate tuition scholarships and assistantships, making this school especially affordable.

Average in-state tuition: $516 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $774 per credit

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 seven fully online master's degree options. Graduate-level programs include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Education (MEd) in special education, and Master of Science in community nutrition. Prospective students can browse the school's catalog of scholarship opportunities to find financial aid options.

Average in-state tuition: $516 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $774 per credit

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 online and hybrid graduate degree programs. The school offers degrees in fields including nursing, special education, and social work. PennWest is committed to making school affordable, offering various scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to bring down the cost of a degree.

Average in-state tuition: $516 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $774 per credit

Financial aid: Scholarships, state and federal loans, grants

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. East Stroudsburg University

Offering 20 online or hybrid master's degree programs, East Stroudsburg University has no shortage of options for online learners. Students can pursue degrees in fields such as education, communication, and health education. Graduate students may be eligible for over $10,000 in aid per semester, meaning they can earn a degree at a greatly reduced cost.

Average in-state tuition: $559 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $817 per credit

Financial aid: Scholarships, state and federal loans, grants

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. University of Scranton

Offering personalized support and mentorship, the University of Scranton has over 20 fully online master's programs that prepare students to compete in the job market. Degree options include cybersecurity, business analytics, finance, healthcare management, and health informatics. The school offers numerous scholarships to reduce costs, including merit-based financial aid.

Average in-state tuition: $861 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $861 per credit

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans

Accreditation: MSCHE

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.