Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in South Carolina 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.

If you're seeking tuition-free online master's degrees, you can find great alternatives in South Carolina. Keep reading to discover where to earn a low-cost or almost free master's degree online.

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

There are no tuition-free online master’s degree programs at schools in South Carolina. While many institutions offer scholarships and other aid to reduce enrollees’ financial obligations, all charge tuition and fees.

Students looking for free online colleges will find only one option available to South Carolina residents: the University of the People (UoPeople), a tuition-free online institution. While the school doesn’t charge tuition, students must pay application and assessment fees. UoPeople also offers scholarships that can help some students cover these costs.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

At many schools in South Carolina, students can find online master's degrees with affordable tuition. However, degrees have different tuition rates based on factors like enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), the program of choice (e.g., information technology vs. nonprofit management), and whether the degree is offered online only or has on-campus components. If you want to reduce the cost of your master's degree, consider the tips for increasing affordability below:

• Look for schools with low tuition for all students: Many institutions in South Carolina and other states allow in-state and out-of-state students to enjoy the same low tuition rates.
• Apply to schools accepting federal student aid: Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) qualifies students for federal financial assistance. When searching for programs, consider cheap online schools that accept FAFSA.
• Pursue scholarships: If you want to cover school costs without worrying about repayment, scholarships are great choices. Some awards cover a large portion of or all tuition and fees.
• Take advantage of military benefits: Students associated with the military (service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents) can use the GI Bill, scholarships, grants, military tuition assistance (TA), or other funding to lower school costs.
• Ask about tuition discounts: Institutions sometimes offer discounts for students who work for the college or university or are affiliated with partner organizations or local businesses.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Have you been looking for a free master's degree online and now seek a low-cost alternative? Explore the schools below to find affordable programs in South Carolina.

1. University of South Carolina Aiken

USC Aiken offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) for professionals ready to earn a graduate-level business degree. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and offers specializations in areas like cybersecurity management, business analytics, and healthcare administration. Students interested in health and fitness can also pursue the online Master of Exercise and Sports Science at the same rate. Both programs are delivered 100% online, and all students pay the same tuition regardless of residency.

• Average in-state tuition: $450 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $450 per credit
• Financial aid: At USC Aiken, students can reduce costs with scholarships, loans, student employment, and other aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Anderson University

At Anderson University, students can find some of the cheapest online master’s degrees in the state. Tuition is the same for residents and out-of-state learners, and the university offers financial assistance to boost savings. Anderson’s lowest rates apply to its education and Christian studies programs, including the Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Ministry (MMin). Business students can choose from Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) programs at $610 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $465 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $465 per credit
• Financial aid: Military benefits, loan programs, and scholarships increase degree affordability.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Coker University

Coker University recently lowered tuition for its online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Sports Administration by 28%. Starting in Spring 2027, both 30-credit programs will cost $15,000 in total tuition at $500 per credit. Coker also offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for learners with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Nurses with a diploma or associate degree can enroll in the RN to MSN Bridge program, which charges $425 per credit for bridge coursework.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $500 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $500 per credit
• Financial aid: Institutional and merit-based scholarships, military funding, and other financial aid can drop costs for enrollees.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University offers accelerated programs with seven-week online courses and an asynchronous format to help working professionals quickly complete master’s degrees in their chosen fields. Programs are affordable, offering low tuition and various types of financial aid.

At CSU, enrollees can choose from over a dozen graduate degrees. Options include an MBA, MS in computer science, MS in nursing, and MA in organizational leadership. The MS in computer science, MS in criminal justice, and MS in public safety carry the university’s lowest graduate rate, while most other programs cost $625 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $525 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $525 per credit
• Financial aid: Graduate students can make learning more affordable with tuition assistance and reimbursement, VA funding, loans, and other financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Clemson University

Clemson University offers numerous online master's degrees for students ready to start or advance their careers in engineering, education, data science and analytics, and more. Online graduate degrees are priced in tiers ranging from one to five, with Tier 5 being the most affordable. Some of the lowest-cost programs at the university include the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in secondary education, MEd in teaching and learning, and MS in biological sciences.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $528 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $528 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, student employment opportunities, loans, and scholarships make Clemson’s online degrees more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Lander University

Lander University’s online master’s degree programs are designed to enhance professional skills in preparation for leadership roles. Students at this institution can choose from an MBA program, an MSN in clinical nursing leadership, an MAT in special education, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in visual art. Lower tuition and financial aid increase savings for graduate students in Lander’s distance education programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $545 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $545 per credit
• Financial aid: Lander provides school-funded assistantships, institutional scholarships, federal assistance, and more. Discounted graduate rates are also available for active duty and National Guard members ($250 per credit), veterans and spouses ($380 per credit), and public agency and nonprofit employees in online programs ($360 per credit).
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Columbia International University

For students who want to enhance their education, business, counseling, or ministry careers, Columbia International University offers advanced degrees to help. Learners can choose programs such as the MBA with a healthcare administration concentration, the MEd in educational administration, the MA in clinical counseling, and the Master of Divinity (MDiv) in ministry studies. CIU also offers a competency-based MA or MDiv in ministry studies billed as a $500 monthly subscription. Depending on how quickly students finish, the MA can cost as little as $8,000 and the MDiv as little as $14,000.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $550 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $550 per credit
• Financial aid: At CIU, students can significantly reduce costs with master’s scholarships, graduate assistantships, military benefits, federal aid, and more.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina Upstate offers reputable, low-cost master’s degrees. Program options include a Master of Education (MEd) in applied learning and instruction, a Master of Science (MS) in business analytics, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). USC Upstate charges a single per-credit rate for all of its online graduate programs, so residents and nonresidents pay the same price. All learners can also qualify for aid to increase savings.

• Average in-state tuition: $572.25 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $572.25 per credit
• Financial aid: Learners can make their degrees more affordable with scholarships, student employment, loans, and more.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of South Carolina Upstate

Online graduate degrees at the University of South Carolina help students gain the skills to excel in education, healthcare, IT, management, and many other careers. Specific program options include an MSN in healthcare leadership, an MEd in teaching, and a Master of Sport and Entertainment Management. These programs are part of USC’s specially priced online offerings, which charge out-of-state students the same rate as South Carolina residents.

• Average in-state tuition: $572.25 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $572.25 per credit
• Financial aid: The institution offers student loans, scholarships, student employment, and other financial aid to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Newberry College

Newberry College helps students advance their careers in various disciplines through affordable, 100% online master’s programs. Courses run in accelerated 7.5-week terms, so students can finish faster and reduce overall costs. The college charges no application fee and offers scholarships and grants to help learners save. Programs include the MA in criminal justice, MS in organizational development and leadership, and MEd in teaching, learning, and curriculum.

• Average in-state tuition: $575 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $575 per credit
• Financial aid: Attendees can lower costs with help from scholarships, the South Carolina Tuition Grant, military aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

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

South Carolina doesn’t have any tuition-free online master’s programs, but residents can enroll in tuition-free online schools based in other states. These institutions don’t charge tuition, but students still pay fees to complete their degrees.

University of the People

The University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, tuition-free online university that is open to students worldwide, including South Carolina residents. Graduate students can choose from a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (MEd). Instead of tuition, UoPeople charges an assessment fee for each course. The fee is $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the MEd. Students also pay a one-time application fee. Because fees are charged course by course, students pay as they go rather than covering a full semester’s tuition up front. UoPeople also offers scholarships that can reduce or cover assessment fees for eligible students.

• Assessment fees: $490 per course (MBA and MSIT); $440 per course (MEd)
• Financial aid: Scholarships from UoPeople and its partners can help offset assessment fees.
• Accreditation: 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.

No school offers a completely free master’s degree, so we focus on the programs that come closest. We look for low per-credit tuition and strong financial aid. We give extra weight to schools that charge out-of-state online students the same rate as South Carolina residents. We rank schools by their lowest published per-credit rate for online master’s programs, using each school’s current tuition schedule. Each school must also meet the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school holds regional institutional accreditation, which affects credit transfer, eligibility for federal financial aid, and how employers view the degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare current per-credit graduate tuition and prioritize schools that participate in federal aid programs. We also favor schools that offer scholarships, assistantships, military discounts, or other ways to lower costs.
• Online availability: Each school offers at least one master’s degree that can be completed fully or primarily online, so working professionals can earn their degree without relocating.
• Student outcomes: We consider graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and median debt where data are available, so affordable programs also lead to good results.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Master’s Degrees in South Carolina

Below are answers to common questions about finding an affordable online master’s degree in South Carolina, including recent tuition changes and discounts that can lower your costs.

What Is the Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in South Carolina?

Among the schools on our list, the University of South Carolina Aiken has the lowest per-credit rate. Its online MBA and Master of Exercise and Sports Science cost $450 per credit for all students. Anderson University is close behind, at $465 per credit for its education and Christian studies programs. Columbia International University also offers a competency-based MA in ministry studies, billed as a $500 monthly subscription. Students who finish quickly can pay as little as $8,000 for the full degree.

Can Out-of-State Students Pay In-State Tuition for Online Master’s Programs in South Carolina?

Yes, at many schools. Every school on our list charges out-of-state online students the same per-credit rate as South Carolina residents for the programs featured here. At some public universities, however, the flat rate only applies to designated online programs. For example, the University of South Carolina charges nonresidents $572.25 per credit in its specially priced online programs but $1,240 per credit in its standard graduate programs. Confirm your program’s rate before enrolling.

Are Online Master’s Degrees in South Carolina Getting More Affordable?

Some are. In October 2026, Coker University announced a 28% tuition cut for its online MBA and Master of Science in Sports Administration. Starting in Spring 2027, both programs will cost $500 per credit, or $15,000 in total tuition for the 30-credit degree. That’s a savings of $5,760 compared to the previous rate. Tuition at most other schools rose slightly for the 2026–27 academic year, so check current rates before you apply.

Do South Carolina Colleges Offer Tuition Discounts for Military Members?

Many do. Lander University, for example, charges active duty and National Guard graduate students $250 per credit and veterans and their spouses $380 per credit. That’s well below its standard $545 rate. Students with military connections can also use the GI Bill, military tuition assistance, and Yellow Ribbon benefits at participating schools. Contact each school’s veteran services office to learn which benefits apply to your program.

Are Tuition-Free Online Colleges Like University of the People Accredited?

Yes. University of the People is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same agency that accredits many major universities in the western U.S. Before enrolling at any tuition-free school, confirm its accreditation with the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also check whether employers or licensing boards in your field will recognize the degree.

Discover Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Enjoy a new and exciting experience in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to find out how each can assist you in achieving your goals.