Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Vermont 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 want to advance further in your career than your bachelor’s degree has taken you, a master’s degree is a reliable way to do it. If cost is a potential barrier, you can begin by looking at online programs, which can help you save on expenses like housing and commuting. You may wonder how much money you can save, or whether it is even possible to earn a free master’s degree online.

Unfortunately, tuition-free online master’s degree programs are extremely rare in the U.S., but Vermont residents can still earn a master’s degree online at a very low cost with some investigative effort. This article will introduce you to a tuition-free online university and provide information to help you find a low-cost online master’s degree in Vermont

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

The best-known accredited tuition-free online college is the University of the People (UoPeople), which offers three master’s programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education (MEd) in advanced teaching, and a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). Even without tuition, UoPeople graduate students still pay an application fee and per-course assessment fees, so it is not possible to obtain a truly free online master’s degree in Vermont or elsewhere. You can, however, make your tuition and other expenses significantly more affordable by tapping into financial aid.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

The following are strategies you can pursue to earn the cheapest online master's degree possible. Combine methods whenever you can to maximize savings.

• Select an in-state, public college: Tuition rates are usually cheaper at these schools, although other factors, including your field of study, access to financial aid, and the environment provided for online learners, can influence your final decision.
• Apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other grants: These opportunities, which typically do not have to be repaid, can come from the state, your institution, or community-based entities. Eligibility may be determined by financial need, merit, special interests, or an exchange of research for aid.
• Keep working while you earn your degree: If you must leave your current full-time job, try obtaining a suitable part-time position for online students through a federal work-study or student employment program. You may also apply for an assistantship, which pays a stipend you can use toward expenses.
• Ask your employer to help pay for your graduate degree: If you plan to continue under your current employment, inquire about tuition assistance. Many employers will sponsor your education if you agree to remain at the company for a certain period after graduation.
• Utilize benefits provided through the military or service-based organizations: Many institutions will offer waivers or special rates to service members, veterans, and members of the Peace Corps or similar organizations.

Before applying for any assistance, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help determine what aid you may be eligible for, including federal student loans.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Below are several institutions in Vermont that offer online master’s programs. These accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA offer multiple financial aid options to help students achieve an affordable master’s degree.

1. Champlain College

Located in Burlington, the private institution Champlain College (CC) offers about 20 master’s degrees through its online division, Champlain College Online. Options include MS degrees in business analytics, information technology, and healthcare administration, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) that can be paired with graduate certificates in areas such as finance, marketing, and project management.

• Average in-state tuition: $608 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $608 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CC offers a reduced rate of $500 per credit hour for alumni, service members, veterans, and family members of service members and veterans. Employees of organizations in CC’s truED partner network may also qualify for preferred tuition. You may also explore federal loans, private scholarships, and education tax credits and deductions.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Saint Michael's College

A private nonprofit school in Colchester, Saint Michael’s College (SMC) offers a fully online MEd with a concentration in curriculum and instructional design. It is one of several concentrations within SMC’s MEd program and the only one offered fully online. Coursework blends live and self-paced learning, and five electives let students tailor the degree to their interests.

• Average in-state tuition: $700 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $700 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SMC is a Yellow Ribbon institution, so eligible students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill may have their graduate tuition covered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (limited to 25 students on a first-come, first-served basis). Civilian students are advised to seek aid from foundations, special grants, and employer education funds. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are also available; see the college’s financial aid office for help investigating graduate-level funding sources.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Vermont

A public land-grant research university in Burlington, the University of Vermont (UVM) offers online master’s degrees in public health, medical science, dietetics, natural resources, and leadership for sustainability.

• Average in-state tuition: $706 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,944 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may find support through teaching or research assistantships, UVM-based and external scholarships and grants, and federal loans. Graduate students may also be eligible for funding to present their academic work at conferences.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. Vermont State University

Vermont State University (VTSU) is a public university formed in 2023 through the merger of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Its online graduate options include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Master of Arts (MA) in leadership studies, and a Master of Education (MEd) in learning, design, and technology.

• Average in-state tuition: $708 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $708 to $911 per credit hour
• Financial aid: VTSU offers institutional scholarships, and Vermont residents may qualify for additional state-based aid. Some programs may offer assistantships or grants, and student employment and aid for military members and veterans are also available.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Norwich University

As a private senior military college in Northfield, Norwich University (NU) provides educational experiences designed for military members and civilian students. The university offers nearly 20 online master’s degrees. Examples include an MS in criminal justice, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and MA degrees in diplomacy and museum administration.

• Average in-state tuition: $725 to $850 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $725 to $850 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Military service members, veterans, military spouses, first responders, and employees of certain federal agencies may qualify for a discounted graduate rate of $550 per credit hour. You may also seek assistance through military benefits, employer sponsorship, or NU scholarships for alumni or academic achievement. Professional and trade associations often grant scholarships or fellowships, as do organizations that support critical research in your field of study.
• Accreditation: NECHE

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

Tuition-free online master’s programs are rare, and none are based in Vermont. However, online learning lets Vermont residents enroll in programs from anywhere in the country. The university below is the best-known accredited option that charges no tuition, although students still pay fees to complete their degrees.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, accredited online university that charges no tuition for instruction, textbooks, or course materials. Instead, students pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. UoPeople offers three master’s programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education (MEd) in advanced teaching, and a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). All courses are delivered fully online, so students can study around work and family commitments.

• Assessment fees: $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT; $440 per course for the MEd
• Financial aid: Scholarships are available to help students who cannot afford the 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.

Because no accredited school offers a completely free master’s degree, we focus on online programs with low per-credit tuition or strong funding opportunities that significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. We compare each school’s published graduate tuition rates, including any separate rates for online students, and check that its programs can be completed primarily online. Here are the main factors we consider:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid, credit transfer, and how employers view your degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We prioritize schools with low per-credit graduate tuition. We also favor schools with funding that lowers costs further, such as scholarships, assistantships, flat rates for out-of-state online students, and discounts for military members, veterans, and alumni.
• Online availability: We include only schools that offer master’s degrees fully or primarily online. Programs with extensive on-campus or international residency requirements are excluded.
• Student outcomes: We consider indicators such as graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-graduation earnings data reported to the College Scorecard and NCES.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Master’s Degrees in Vermont

Earning a master’s degree online can be an affordable way to advance your career, but costs and financial aid rules vary by school. The answers below address common questions from Vermont students weighing their options.

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

Costs depend on the school, the program, and the total number of credits required. Among the schools on our list, per-credit tuition ranges from $608 at Champlain College to $850 for select programs at Norwich University. A 30-credit program at Champlain would cost about $18,240 in tuition, while the same number of credits at the University of Vermont would cost about $21,180 for Vermont residents. Be sure to budget for fees, books, and technology costs as well.

Do Online Students Pay Out-of-State Tuition in Vermont?

It depends on the school. Champlain College, Saint Michael’s College, and Norwich University charge the same per-credit rate regardless of where students live. Vermont State University charges out-of-state students the in-state rate for some graduate programs, such as its MBA and MSN, but a higher rate of $911 per credit for others. The University of Vermont charges out-of-state graduate students $1,944 per credit, nearly three times the in-state rate.

What Changes to Federal Graduate Loans Should I Know About?

The federal Grad PLUS loan program is ending for new borrowers as of July 1, 2026. Students who already have a Grad PLUS loan may be able to continue borrowing under legacy provisions. New graduate students can still apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which have annual and lifetime borrowing limits. Because federal loans may not cover the full cost of a master’s degree, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and low-cost programs are more important than ever.

Are There Tuition Discounts for Military Members and Veterans?

Yes. Several Vermont schools offer reduced rates or special benefits for military-affiliated students:

• Norwich University: Charges a discounted rate of $550 per credit for eligible graduate students, including service members, veterans, military spouses, and first responders.
• Champlain College: Charges $500 per credit for service members, veterans, and their family members.
• Saint Michael’s College: Participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can cover graduate tuition for a limited number of eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients.

Is University of the People a Legitimate School?

Yes. University of the People is a nonprofit online university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of the regional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Although it charges no tuition, students should plan for the application fee and per-course assessment fees required to complete a degree.

Find Affordable Online Master's Degrees

We invite you to explore the programs offered by accredited institutions on Learn.org and discover the best and most affordable online colleges to suit your needs. Contact schools for more information regarding how you can advance your educational goals today.