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

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, Pell Grants, or private 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 UofPeople, 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 to receive tuition assistance, including scholarships and grants. Many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA provide more information about the application process, including key deadlines, on their websites.
• Military benefits: Students who are veterans may be able to receive reduced tuition rates by applying for ROTC scholarships. Students who are interested in taking advantage of these benefits typically need to present proof of military 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, to help students gain hands-on experience and financial assistance through part-time or full-time work. Depending on part-time or full-time status, students may work either 10 or 20 hours per week.
• State and school-based aid: Some states offer students grants that apply to specific areas such as teaching. In addition, needs-based state grants exist and can be utilized by students based on their family's income. Individual schools may also offer payment plans to help students finance their education.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some schools or employers may offer employer tuition assistance options. Students can check with their school or employer to see if they will provide reimbursement for their education or help pay for their degree.

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 this 100% online program can earn a high-quality education at their own pace.

Tuition costs range from $671.80 to $1,361 per credit hour, and vary according to area of study. For example, the online executive master of business administration (MBA) program is one of the more expensive programs, with tuition costs beginning at $1,361 per credit hour.

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

Average in-state tuition: $671.80 to $1,361 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $671.80 to $1,361 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

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 $325 to $400 per credit hour. Students who wish to enroll in this program can complete a FAFSA application or apply for scholarships. Students who are veterans can access the Veterans Resource Center to learn more about post-9/11 GI Bill veteran enrollment benefits or similar tuition assistance.

Average in-state tuition: $325 to $400 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $325 to $400 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 degree programs in business and education with concentrations in data analytics or teaching math and science. Depending on the program they select, learners can earn their degree between 12 and 30 months.

Tuition costs are $670 per credit for core certification coursework and $735 per credit for master's component courses. In addition, tuition costs for the business program are $815 per credit. The university offers financial aid options including FAFSA, federal direct graduate PLUS loans, and Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program benefits.

Average in-state tuition: $670 to $815 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $670 to $815 per credit hour (varies by area of concentration)

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 $625 to $760 per credit and varies by area of concentration. International students who are on F-1 visas pay slightly higher tuition beginning at $910 per credit.

To reduce the cost of earning their degree, students can apply for FAFSA or private loans. State-based financial aid programs like the Washington College Grant are also available for students who need help paying for their degree.

Average in-state tuition: $625 to $760 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $625 to $760 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Financial aid: The university accepts FAFSA, grants such as the Pell Grant, private loans, state-based financial aid programs, and offers institutional aid and veterans tuition benefits.

Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Whitworth University

Whitworth University offers on-campus and online courses to students who want to earn their graduate degree. Classes are delivered in accelerated formats, allowing students, including busy working professionals, to learn on a flexible schedule.

The program offers degrees in areas such as business leadership and education and equips students with knowledge about subjects such as business analytics, entrepreneurship, cultural and linguistic diversity, and social-emotional learning.

Tuition costs range from $675 to $1,025 per credit and vary by area of concentration. Financial aid options include FAFSA, private loans, and full-tuition scholarships to students who are veterans. Students who are members of the military and are seeking tuition assistance should submit their DD-214 form to the financial aid office.

Average in-state tuition: $675 to $1,025 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Average out-of-state tuition: $675 to $1,025 per credit (varies by area of concentration)

Financial aid: Whitworth University accepts FAFSA and loans, offers institutional aid, and provides tuition benefits for veterans.

Accreditation: NWCCU

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.