Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Texas 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.

Several universities in Texas offer online graduate degrees with affordable tuition rates and large financial aid packages that bring out-of-pocket costs as low as possible, even if there aren't free master's degrees online. Learn more about these programs and strategies you can use to pay the least for your master's degree.

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

Students looking for a free master's degree online will need to consider financial assistance programs, as accredited colleges don't offer degrees free of charge. However, there are ways to reduce costs, and possibly have everything covered.

Students can use financial aid programs, like grants and scholarships, to reduce their costs without having to repay funds, but these amounts can only go so far. Schools like the University of the People (UoPeople), which is one of a small number of tuition-free online colleges, still have costs (e.g., examination fees). Even if you enroll in tuition-free online master's degree programs, you might still need to apply for some form of financial aid.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Although there is no free master's degree online program, there are several strategies you can take to find the most affordable online master's degrees programs. One of the best things about these strategies is that you can mix and match them to best suit your goals and maximize your savings.

• Submitting Your FAFSA each school year: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted every year. Graduate students aren’t eligible for Pell Grants, but the FAFSA unlocks federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Work-Study, and TEACH Grants for eligible education students. Schools and the state of Texas also use FAFSA results to award need-based aid. As of July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers, and federal graduate loans are capped at $20,500 per year, so grants and scholarships matter more than ever. Finding cheap online schools that accept FAFSA is one of the best ways to save money in college.
• Enrolling Full-time: Some schools cap or flat-rate tuition once you reach a certain number of credit hours. Full-time graduate enrollment is generally nine hours per semester. Even where tuition is strictly per credit, enrolling full-time limits the financial burden to fewer total semesters and fewer rounds of per-semester fees.
• Pursue Private Scholarships: Search the internet for private scholarships from industry organizations or charitable groups. There are many scholarships available, including graduate-only scholarships.
• Look for Texas state or institutional financial aid: Federal aid and third-party scholarships are very common, but you can limit your search to state or institutional programs. These will have smaller applicant pools and can lead to higher payouts. Some states also have last-dollar and full-tuition scholarships for students from low-income families.
• Look into Your Employer's Tuition Reimbursement Policies: More companies are including tuition reimbursement in benefits packages, especially for degrees related to their services, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Enlist in the Military: Active-duty service members and veterans can receive tuition assistance, GI Bill® benefits, and other educational support. Texas veterans may also qualify for the Hazlewood Act exemption, which can cover tuition at Texas public universities, including for graduate study.
• Enroll at a Public, In-state University: Public, in-state universities often have the lowest average tuition rates, and this includes their online offerings.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs in Texas

Learners in Texas can find low-cost online learning programs with a combination of low tuition fees and financial aid programs. These accredited universities offer low-cost graduate programs in popular fields such as business administration, information technology, and more.

1. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University (TAMU) offers a range of fully online master’s programs through its colleges in College Station, including education, engineering, business, and public health. Online students earn the same degree as on-campus students.

• Average in-state tuition: $287 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $813 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can qualify for institutional scholarships and grants and federal aid. TAMU also offers emergency financial aid for students who have sudden and unexpected situations and need support.Students can qualify for federal aid and institutional scholarships and grants. TAMU also offers emergency financial aid for students facing sudden, unexpected situations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

2. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers more than 60 online programs, with graduate degrees in areas such as criminal justice, education, and the humanities and social sciences. SHSU accepts transfer credits to help students complete their degrees more affordably, and some programs include practicums or field experiences.

• Average in-state tuition: $320 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $725 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SHSU automatically applies a $500 scholarship for new students in eligible online graduate programs, and it offers more than 100 financial aid and assistance programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Texas A&M University - Central Texas

Texas A&M University–Central Texas (A&M–Central Texas) offers several fully online master’s degrees, including master of science, arts, and education degrees in subjects such as criminal justice, accounting, and business administration. Many of these programs come with concentration options so working professionals can choose a degree that aligns with their career goals.

• Average in-state tuition: $320 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $748 per credit hour
• Financial aid: A&M–Central Texas offers tuition exemptions, grants, and more than 30 institutional scholarships, with opportunities each fall, spring, and summer.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Lamar University

Lamar University (LU) offers dozens of online master’s degrees and graduate certificates, many in accelerated formats. Popular options include business administration, nursing, and multiple Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $360–$478 per credit hour, depending on the program
• Average out-of-state tuition: $360–$478 per credit hour, depending on the program
• Financial aid: Lamar awards more than 2,000 scholarships each year and accepts FAFSA results for federal aid. However, students in accelerated online programs aren’t eligible for Lamar University scholarships, so federal aid and outside scholarships are the main options there.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) offers about 40 online master’s degree options, most in an asynchronous format. Online learners can pursue degrees in public administration, human resource development, and criminal justice, along with an accelerated online MBA offered in 10 concentrations.

• Average in-state tuition: $363 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $869 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UT Tyler graduate students can apply for federal aid through the FAFSA and for institutional scholarships and graduate assistantships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is located in Laredo on the U.S.–Mexico border and is known for its global focus. Alongside its on-campus programs, TAMIU offers about 10 fully online master’s degrees with more than 30 specialization options. Students can pursue an MBA, criminal justice, public administration, education, nursing, and more, and many programs can be completed in as few as 12 months.

• Online tuition: $367 per credit hour
• Financial aid: TAMIU accepts FAFSA results for federal aid. Students can use Fund$Finder to find all possible forms of financial aid available to them.TAMIU accepts FAFSA results for federal aid. Admitted students can use TAMIU Fund$Finder to match with institutional and outside scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has campuses across the Rio Grande Valley, and learners can also enroll in a range of fully online master’s programs. Students can find degrees in business administration, educational leadership, special education, and accountancy. Many are delivered as accelerated online programs that can be completed in as little as one year.

• Average in-state tuition: $403 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $831 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UTRGV offers graduate-specific aid, including the Grad Select scholarship for students pursuing their first master’s degree, plus financial aid guidance for accelerated programs. The school also accepts FAFSA results for federal aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University (TTU) offers more than 80 fully online degrees and certificates, including graduate programs such as an MBA, engineering, and higher education administration. Students can save by transferring credits, earning credit for prior learning, and qualifying for financial aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $415–$500 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $415–$500 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at TTU can submit their FAFSA for federal aid, and there are also institutional programs, such as grants and scholarships for graduate students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

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

If you’re open to schools outside Texas, a few accredited institutions offer graduate programs without traditional tuition. These schools still charge fees, but the total cost can come in well below what you’d pay at most public universities, even with in-state rates.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, tuition-free online university that offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (M.Ed.). Instead of 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 M.Ed. Coursework is fully online and asynchronous, which makes it a good fit for working professionals. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Students may also qualify for UoPeople scholarships to help cover assessment fees.

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 accredited school offers a completely free master’s degree, so we focus on programs that come closest. These are schools with low per-credit tuition and strong financial aid that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for graduate students. Because this list is focused on Texas, we prioritize public universities in the state and note when out-of-state online students can pay in-state rates. We evaluate each school based on the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid, credit transfer, and how employers view your degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare per-credit graduate tuition for online students, as published by each school, and look for separate online rates when a school offers them. We also consider graduate-specific scholarships, assistantships, and aid that online students are eligible to receive.
• Online availability: We prioritize schools with multiple master’s degrees that can be completed fully online, along with flexible features like asynchronous courses, accelerated terms, and several start dates per year.
• Student outcomes: We consider graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and student loan repayment data from the College Scorecard and NCES to make sure affordable programs also deliver value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition-Free Online Master’s Degrees in Texas

Paying for a master’s degree looks different than paying for a bachelor’s, especially with recent changes to federal student aid. Here are answers to common questions from Texas students looking for the most affordable path to a graduate degree.

Can I Get a Pell Grant for a Master’s Degree?

No. Federal Pell Grants are only available to undergraduate students who haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Graduate students should still submit the FAFSA, though. It’s required for federal student loans and Federal Work-Study, and for TEACH Grants for eligible education students. Many schools also use it to award institutional grants and scholarships.

How Did Federal Student Loans for Graduate School Change in 2026?

Starting July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers. Graduate students can still borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans, but these are capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 over a lifetime for graduate study. Students who had already borrowed federal loans for their current program before July 1, 2026, may continue under the previous rules for a limited time. Because federal borrowing is now more limited, low tuition, scholarships, and employer assistance matter even more when choosing a program.

Do Out-of-State Students Pay More for Online Master’s Programs in Texas?

It depends on the school. Some Texas universities, such as Texas Tech University, charge in-state rates to online students who live outside Texas. Others charge non-resident tuition, which can be more than double the in-state rate. Some programs run through online partnerships have a single price for all students. Check each program’s tuition page, or ask an admissions advisor, before applying.

Are There Tuition Benefits for Texas Veterans Pursuing a Master’s Degree?

Yes. In addition to federal benefits like the GI Bill®, eligible Texas veterans may qualify for the Hazlewood Act. This state program exempts tuition and most fees at Texas public colleges and universities, and it can be applied to graduate degrees. Eligible spouses and dependent children may also qualify in some cases. Contact your school’s veterans services office to confirm eligibility.

Can I Use Institutional Scholarships for an Accelerated Online Master’s Program?

Not always. Some Texas universities exclude students in accelerated online programs from institutional scholarships, often because those programs already have reduced pricing. Lamar University and UT Tyler’s Patriot Promise both have this kind of restriction. Before enrolling, ask your school which scholarships online graduate students can actually receive, so you can compare true out-of-pocket costs.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Learn more about the affordable online master's degrees available in Texas and other states with our articles and school profiles. Once you've identified the program that fits your financial needs and academic goals, use our resources to contact your chosen school.