Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Washington 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.

Students who have already earned their bachelor's degree may want to advance their education to gain additional skills relevant to their industry and stand out in the competitive job market. Earning a master's degree can help them do just that. If you've recently searched for schools that offer a free master's degree online or for tuition-free online master's degrees, this guide highlights what options are available to you.

We'll explore the cheapest online master's degrees offered by accredited universities in Washington state. Additionally, you'll learn about financial aid options, including scholarships. Keep reading to discover affordable online master's degree programs.

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

Most schools do not offer tuition-free online master’s degree programs, so there is no way to earn an entirely free master’s degree online. Even with financial aid such as scholarships, grants, or loans, you will still have to pay for your education in some capacity, whether you attend a public, private, or nonprofit university.

There is also no such thing as 100% tuition-free online colleges. The only truly tuition-free online college that exists is the University of the People (UoPeople). While students do not pay tuition to attend UoPeople, they do pay a small assessment fee for each course they complete.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Even though tuition-free online degree programs do not exist, there are financial aid options that can help make earning a graduate degree more affordable. Below, we'll highlight some of the most common options that are available to those seeking an advanced degree.

• Federal student aid: Most universities use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine a student’s eligibility for tuition assistance, including federal loans, grants, and some scholarships. Many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA provide more information about the application process, including key deadlines, on their websites.
• Military benefits: Veterans may be able to cover some or all of their tuition through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program may help cover costs the GI Bill doesn’t. Active-duty service members may also qualify for military tuition assistance. Veterans typically need to present proof of service, such as their DD-214 form, to their university’s financial aid office or veterans’ resource center.
• Scholarships and assistantships: Many universities offer scholarships for graduate students. Some schools also offer assistantship programs tied to specific fields, such as information technology or business, which give students hands-on experience and financial support in exchange for part-time work. Depending on the assistantship, students typically work 10 or 20 hours per week.
• State and school-based aid: Some states offer grants for students in specific fields, such as teaching. In addition, need-based state grants may be available to students based on their family’s income. Individual schools may also offer payment plans to help students finance their education.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement, and some schools partner with employers to offer discounted tuition. Students can check with their employer and school to see if they qualify.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

While graduate school can be expensive, affordable options do exist. Below, we highlight five low-cost online master's degree programs offered by accredited universities in Washington state.

1. Washington State University Global Campus

Washington State University (WSU) Global Campus offers online graduate-level programs in areas such as agriculture, business, healthcare administration and leadership, and more. Students who enroll in these 100% online programs can earn a high-quality education on a flexible schedule.

Most graduate programs cost $710.90 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The online master of business administration (MBA) program is one of the more expensive options, at $920 per credit hour.

To reduce the overall cost of their education, students who are interested in programs offered by WSU Global Campus should complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships and graduate assistantship programs.

• Average in-state tuition: $710.90 to $920 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $710.90 to $920 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Financial aid: WSU Global Campus accepts FAFSA and loans, offers institutional aid and assistantship opportunities, and provides tuition benefits for veterans.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University (EWU) offers accelerated online graduate programs in business, education, and healthcare. Learners who enroll in this program may earn degrees such as a Master of Education (MEd) in early childhood education or a Master of Science (MS) in organizational leadership. The university also offers multiple MBA program options.

While tuition costs vary by area of concentration, they typically range from $345 to $440 per credit hour. Students who wish to enroll can complete the FAFSA or apply for scholarships. Veterans can visit the Veterans Resource Center to learn more about Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment benefits or similar tuition assistance.

• Average in-state tuition: $345 to $440 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $345 to $440 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)
• Financial aid: EWU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid and assistantship opportunities, and provides tuition benefits for veterans.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) offers online graduate programs in education, including master’s degrees in teaching and in teaching mathematics and science, as well as a master’s program in data analytics. Depending on the program they select, learners can earn their degree in 12 to 30 months.

Tuition ranges from $670 to $831 per credit, depending on the program. The university’s financial aid options include FAFSA, federal loans, and Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program benefits.

• Average in-state tuition: $670 to $831 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $670 to $831 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Financial aid: SPU accepts FAFSA, loans, federal and state grants, and institutional or external scholarships..
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle offers both fully online and hybrid advanced degree programs to graduate students. Areas of study include:

• business administration
• project management
• special education
• teaching
• computer science
• cybersecurity
• data science
• artificial intelligence

Tuition ranges from $635 to $775 per credit and varies by area of concentration. International students on F-1 visas pay a higher rate of $925 per credit.

To reduce the cost of earning their degree, students can complete the FAFSA or apply for private loans. City University of Seattle also offers institutional scholarships and discounted graduate tuition for active-duty military members.

• Average in-state tuition: $635 to $775 per credit (varies by area of concentration)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $635 to $775 per credit (varies by area of concentration)
• Financial aid: The university accepts FAFSA and private loans, and it offers institutional aid and veterans tuition benefits.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Central Washington University

Central Washington University (CWU) offers several fully online master’s degrees. Most are in education, including the Master of Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction, higher education, and school administration. Students can also pursue online master’s degrees in professional and creative writing, sport coaching, and professional accountancy.

CWU charges online graduate students a two-credit minimum each quarter. For Washington residents, that minimum is $784.80, and each additional credit costs $392.40. Graduate business programs cost $490.60 per credit for residents. Out-of-state students pay $919.30 per credit. Tuition levels off for full-time students taking 10 to 18 credits per quarter, so students who take a heavier course load can lower their cost per credit.

To reduce the cost of their degree, students can complete the FAFSA and apply for institutional scholarships. Veterans can use their VA education benefits.

• Average in-state tuition: $392.40 to $490.60 per credit (varies by program; two-credit minimum per quarter)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $919.30 per credit
• Financial aid: CWU accepts FAFSA and loans, offers institutional scholarships, and accepts VA education benefits for veterans.
• Accreditation: NWCCU

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

No Washington school offers a tuition-free online master’s degree, but students willing to look beyond the state have at least one option that comes close. The school below doesn’t charge tuition, though students still pay per-course fees to complete their degree.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit online university that doesn’t charge tuition. Instead, graduate students pay an assessment fee for each course they complete. Students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) programs pay $490 per course, and students in the Master of Education (MEd) program pay $440 per course. Because fees are charged per course, students pay as they progress, which can make costs easier to manage than a traditional semester tuition bill.

UoPeople also offers scholarships that can help cover assessment fees for eligible students. Courses are delivered entirely online and are designed for working adults, so students can complete their coursework around their professional and personal commitments.

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 school offers a fully free online master’s degree, we focus on Washington institutions that keep graduate tuition low or offer strong funding opportunities for online students. We compare each school’s published per-credit rates for its online programs and note when a school charges online students a separate rate from on-campus students. We evaluate each school using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid and how employers and other schools view a degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We prioritize schools with low per-credit graduate tuition, and we look at whether rates differ for in-state and out-of-state students. We also consider the financial aid available to graduate students, including scholarships, assistantships, and veterans benefits.
• Online availability: We include schools that offer master’s degrees students can complete fully online, with limited or no in-person requirements. We also consider the range of online programs each school offers.
• Student outcomes: We review institution-level data such as graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help ensure that affordable programs also lead to strong results for students.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Online Master’s Degrees in Washington

Paying for graduate school raises a lot of questions, especially as federal loan rules change. Below, we answer some common questions about earning an affordable online master’s degree in Washington.

Do Online Students Pay In-State Tuition at Washington Universities?

It depends on the school. Some Washington universities charge online graduate students the same rate regardless of where they live. WSU Global Campus and Eastern Washington University, for example, list the same per-credit rate for in-state and out-of-state students. Others, such as Central Washington University, charge non-residents significantly more. Before applying, check whether a school charges online students a separate rate and whether that rate depends on residency.

Can I Still Take Out Grad PLUS Loans for an Online Master’s Degree?

No, not if you’re a new borrower. Under federal legislation passed in 2025, Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers as of July 1, 2026. Graduate students can still take out federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which are now capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 total for most graduate programs. Students who need more funding may need to rely on scholarships, assistantships, employer assistance, or private loans.

Is the Washington College Grant Available to Graduate Students?

No. The Washington College Grant is only for undergraduate students. Graduate students in Washington may still qualify for other aid, such as institutional scholarships, assistantships, and the federal TEACH Grant for those pursuing careers in teaching.

Can I Use the GI Bill for an Online Master’s Degree?

Yes. Eligible veterans can use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to pay for an online master’s degree at an approved school. Students enrolled exclusively online typically receive a smaller monthly housing allowance than students who take in-person classes. Some private schools also participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help cover costs the GI Bill doesn’t.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Find an affordable master's degree from an accredited institution by exploring additional content on Learn.org and reaching out to individual schools of interest for FAQs about financial aid options such as student loans and more.