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

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: the University of the People (UoPeople). While the school doesn't charge tuition, students must pay application and assessment fees. For some students, the school provides first-come, first-served scholarships to reduce 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 (ex. 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 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 Upstate

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). Certified South Carolina teachers, regardless of residency, receive a special tuition discount, and all learners can qualify for aid to increase savings.

• Average in-state tuition: As low as $362.25 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: As low as $413 per credit
• Financial aid: Learners can make their degrees more affordable with scholarships, student employment, loans, and more.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Coker University

Coker University is home to an online MSN for learners with a bachelor's degree in nursing. The school also offers the online RN to MSN Bridge program for nurses with a diploma or associate degree who are preparing to enter the MSN program. At Coker, 95% of students receive some financial aid. Many have received upwards of $17,000 in scholarships (not including federal, state, or need-based aid).

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $425 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $425 per credit
• Financial aid: Institutional and merit-based scholarships, military funding, and other financial aid can drop costs for enrollees.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Anderson University

At Anderson University, students can find some of the cheapest online master's degrees in the state. Degrees cost the same for residents and out-of-state learners and provide financial assistance to boost savings. Over a dozen online graduate programs are available at Anderson, including Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, a Master of Ministry (MMin), and a Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL).

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $430 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $430 per credit
• Financial aid: Military benefits, loan programs, and scholarships increase degree affordability.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of South Carolina Aiken

Professionals ready to earn a graduate-level degree in business can find over half a dozen online MBA programs with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Specializations are available in cybersecurity management, business analytics, healthcare administration, and beyond. These USC Aiken programs are delivered 100% online and provide affordable tuition with financial aid to help students save.

• Average in-state tuition: $465 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $465 per credit
• Financial aid: At USC Aiken, students can reduce costs with scholarships, loans, student employment, and other 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 $515 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $515 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, student employment opportunities, loans, and scholarships make degrees at Clemson programs more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of South Carolina

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. In addition to affordable tuition, the university offers 88% of its students financial aid to boost savings.

• Average in-state tuition: Starting at $515 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

7. 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 online graduate degrees. Options include an MBA, MS in computer science, MS in nursing, and MA in organizational leadership.

• 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

8. 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.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Columbia International University

For students who want to enhance their education, business, counseling, or ministry career, Columbia International University offers advanced degrees to help. Learners can choose programs such as the MBA in healthcare, MEd in educational leadership, MA in clinical counseling, and Master of Divinity (MDiv) in ministry studies. Low-cost tuition and generous financial aid make learning more affordable.

• 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

10. Newberry College

Newberry College helps students advance their careers in various disciplines via affordable 100% online master's programs with flexible schedules and 12-month completion timeframes. The school also provides thousands in 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, student employment, military aid, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

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.