Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Wisconsin 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 want to further their knowledge or skills in a particular area or make a career change may benefit from earning a master's degree. If you're a working professional looking for a low-cost master's degree, continue reading.

Learn how to reduce the cost of your degree, or explore our guide to tuition-free online master’s degrees. We’ll share everything you need to know about financial aid, including loans, grants, and tuition payment plans.

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

While it is not possible to earn a completely free master’s degree online, financial aid, private loans, and graduate assistantships can help reduce the overall cost of tuition. Even though very few accredited colleges offer tuition-free online master’s degree programs, students should still submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for aid.

Students can search for tuition-free online colleges, but the only truly tuition-free option they will find is the University of the People (UofPeople). Students who attend UofPeople do not pay tuition but do pay an assessment fee for each course they complete.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Graduate degrees can be expensive. Students looking to save money on their education can research accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA, work-study or tuition reimbursement programs, or military benefits. Below, we highlight five ways students can make earning their online graduate degree more affordable.

• Work-Study Programs: Graduate students can participate in work-study programs to finance their degrees while working part-time. Students can find more information on their university's website or Handshake portal.
• Payment Plans: Many universities offer payment plans that let students spread tuition costs over several installments instead of paying in one lump sum. Schools typically accept payment by check, e-check, credit card, or money order.
• Military Benefits: Veterans may qualify for federal education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Eligible Wisconsin veterans and their dependents may also use the Wisconsin GI Bill, which waives standard tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin System schools. Students typically have to present proof of military service, such as their DD-214 forms.
• University Partnerships: Some universities partner with organizations such as nonprofits to offer discounted tuition to students. Students can contact the university or the applicable organizations for more information about the partnership and discounts.
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Students who are also working professionals can check with their employers to see if they offer tuition reimbursement benefits. Employers offering this type of benefit pay for part or all of their employee's tuition.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

Multiple universities in Wisconsin offer accredited online master's degree programs. We highlight 10 of the state's cheapest online master's degrees below.

1. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater offers online graduate degree programs in:

• business administration
• applied kinesiology
• data analytics
• cybersecurity
• computer science
• finance
• marketing

Online classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing learners to complete coursework on their own schedules.

Most online programs charge the same per-credit rate regardless of residency, though some, such as the applied kinesiology program, charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Students who want to reduce the overall cost of their education can submit the FAFSA or apply for graduate research grants and assistantships. The university also offers Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) grants to eligible students from underrepresented groups.

• Average in-state tuition: $632 to $875 per credit (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $632 to $875 per credit (varies by program; some programs charge higher nonresident rates)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, offers AOP grants, graduate research grants, and assistantships, and waives admission fees for veterans
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

The University of Wisconsin at La Crosse offers online graduate programs for learners who want to earn an advanced degree. Options include a Master of Science (MS) in data science or information technology (IT) management and a Master of Public Health (MPH).

Online tuition ranges from $604 to $875 per credit, depending on the program, and is the same for residents and nonresidents. Multiple financial aid options, including loans and graduate assistantships, are available to help students lower the cost. In addition, graduate students are eligible for part-time employment as student workers.

• Average in-state tuition: $604 to $875 per credit (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $604 to $875 per credit (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, offers graduate assistantships, and provides veteran tuition benefits
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point offers online graduate degree programs in healthcare administration, social work, applied biotechnology, and more. These programs are suitable for working adults who are seeking more flexibility than an in-person, on-campus education provides.

Tuition costs range from $465 to $850 per credit and vary by area of concentration. To reduce the cost of earning a degree, the university accepts FAFSA and student loans and offers payment plan options via cash, check, e-check, money orders, or credit cards. International students may also qualify for the university's nonresident tuition fee waiver.

• Average in-state tuition: $517.86 to $850 per credit (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $875 to $1,085.97 per credit (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers opportunities for student employment and payment plans
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh offers online graduate degree programs in areas such as health science, public administration, and business administration. Tuition generally begins at $600.41 per credit for residents and $1,188.49 per credit for nonresidents. Business degrees cost more, at $876.71 per credit for residents and $1,464.79 per credit for nonresidents.

Students can reduce the overall cost of their education by submitting the FAFSA or applying for loans. The university also offers work-study programs to help students receive additional aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $600.41 to $876.71 per credit (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,188.49 to $1,464.79 per credit (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, loans, and grants, and offers work-study programs
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

The University of Wisconsin at Platteville offers hybrid and online master’s degree programs in areas including criminal justice, engineering, sport administration, and project management. While tuition varies by area of study, online programs typically cost between $788 and $850 per credit.

Multiple financial aid options can help students pay for their tuition, such as Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) grants for eligible students who demonstrate financial need.

• Average in-state tuition: $788 to $850 per credit (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $788 to $850 per credit (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers AOP grants
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Wisconsin - Stout

The University of Wisconsin at Stout offers online graduate degrees in:

• education
• operations and supply management
• rehabilitation counseling

These programs offer a career-focused education that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in their fields. Since the programs are 100% online, students can complete coursework on their own schedules.

Graduate assistantships are among the financial aid options available to students in these programs. Students can search for a relevant assistantship via the university’s Handshake portal.

• Average in-state tuition: $489.62 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,039.38 per credit
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, grants, federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and private loans, and offers graduate assistantships
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire offers online graduate degree programs in areas such as business administration, public health, and communication sciences and disorders. Applicants typically submit transcripts from the institution where they earned their bachelor’s degree, along with materials such as a resume, professional references, and an essay. Exact requirements vary by program.

Tuition ranges from $631.22 to $875 per credit hour for Wisconsin residents and from $700 to $1,308.89 per credit hour for nonresidents, depending on the program. FAFSA, loans, and work-study opportunities can help make tuition more affordable.

• Average in-state tuition: $631.22 to $875 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $700 to $1,308.89 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, grants, and loans, including private loans, and offers work-study opportunities
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Wisconsin - Parkside

The University of Wisconsin at Parkside offers online graduate degree programs in areas such as business and sport management. Students who enroll in the online MBA program can choose concentrations in areas including finance, accounting, data analytics, human resources, or marketing.

Tuition ranges from $597 to $875 per credit hour, depending on the program. To make earning a degree more affordable, students can submit the FAFSA or apply for private loans. Graduate students can also apply for Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) grants.

• Average in-state tuition: $597 to $875 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $597 to $875 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and private loans, and offers AOP grants, work-study programs, and international student scholarships
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin, a private Lutheran university based in Mequon, offers online graduate programs in areas such as business administration, leadership, business analytics, education, social work, and computer science. Many business courses run in accelerated eight-week sessions designed for working professionals.

Tuition ranges from $655 per credit for education programs to $825 per credit for programs such as computer science and nursing, and the MBA and MS in leadership cost $730 per credit. Students can lower their costs through federal aid, military and veteran grants and scholarships, paid graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement.

• Average in-state tuition: $655 to $825 per credit (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $655 to $825 per credit (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and federal loans, and offers military and veteran grants and scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Marian University

Marian University offers online graduate degree programs with accelerated seven-week courses. Students can earn degrees such as a Master of Arts (MA) in education or an MS in organizational leadership.

Tuition ranges from $428 to $805 per credit hour, and financial aid options, including loans, are available to help students lower the cost. In addition, the university partners with organizations like nonprofits to provide tuition discounts.

• Average in-state tuition: $428 to $805 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $428 to $805 per credit hour (varies by program)
• Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers opportunities for student employment, tuition partnership discounts, and international student awards
• Accreditation: HLC

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

Truly tuition-free online master’s programs are rare, and none are based in Wisconsin. However, Wisconsin residents can enroll in programs offered by schools in other states. The best-known option is described below. Students who attend still pay some fees, but their total costs are typically far lower than at traditional universities.

University of the People

The University of the People (UofPeople) is a nonprofit, tuition-free online university that offers graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (M.Ed.). Courses are delivered entirely online, so working professionals can study from anywhere.

UofPeople doesn’t charge tuition. Instead, students pay an assessment fee for each course they complete. The fee is $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT programs and $440 per course for the M.Ed. program. Because students pay as they go, they can spread costs out over the length of the program. UofPeople also offers scholarships that can help cover assessment fees.

UofPeople is accredited by the 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 Wisconsin school offers a fully free online master’s degree, we focus on programs that come closest. These are programs with low per-credit tuition, strong financial aid opportunities, or both. We prioritize the per-credit rates each school lists for its online programs, since these often differ from on-campus rates. We weigh the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list holds regional accreditation. This affects students’ eligibility for federal financial aid and how employers and other schools view the degree.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare current per-credit tuition for each school’s online master’s programs, including whether out-of-state students pay the same rate. We also consider aid options such as grants, graduate assistantships, work-study, veteran benefits, and employer partnerships.
• Online availability: We include schools that offer master’s programs that can be completed fully or mostly online, giving working professionals the flexibility to earn a degree without relocating.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and student loan repayment data to make sure each school offers good value beyond a low price tag.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Online Master’s Degrees in Wisconsin

Paying for a graduate degree raises plenty of questions, especially as federal aid rules change. Below, we answer some common questions from Wisconsin students looking for an affordable online master’s degree.

What Is the Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Wisconsin?

Among the schools on our list, Marian University has the lowest starting rate, at $428 per credit hour for some programs. For Wisconsin residents, the University of Wisconsin - Stout is also among the most affordable options, at $489.62 per credit for its online graduate programs. Total cost depends on the program’s credit requirements, fees, and any transfer credits a student brings in.

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

Not if you are a new borrower. The federal Grad PLUS loan program ended for new borrowers on July 1, 2026. Students who borrow for a new graduate program after that date can use Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which are now capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 total for graduate study. Students who need more funding may turn to scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, or private loans.

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

It depends on the school and program. Many Wisconsin online programs, such as most of those at UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse, charge the same per-credit rate regardless of residency. Others, including UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stout, and UW-Eau Claire, charge nonresidents significantly more. Always check the school’s online tuition rates for your specific program.

Can Veterans Earn a Master’s Degree for Free in Wisconsin?

Some veterans can come close. The Wisconsin GI Bill waives standard tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin System schools for eligible veterans and their dependents, for up to eight full-time semesters or 128 credits, including graduate study. Some online programs with special per-credit rates may not be fully covered, so veterans should check with their school’s veterans certifying official. Federal benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill can also help cover graduate tuition.

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

Yes. Students enrolled in accredited online master’s programs can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid, as long as they meet eligibility requirements such as minimum enrollment levels. Many schools also use FAFSA information to award institutional aid, so it’s worth submitting even if you don’t plan to borrow.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Find an affordable online master's degree program by exploring additional content on Learn.org or by reaching out to individual schools of interest.