Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in New Hampshire 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.

New Hampshire is the fifth smallest state in the nation, but there are still multiple options for affordable master's degrees available to online learners. While there are no tuition-free online master's degrees available from in-state schools, there are several programs with low-cost graduate degrees.

Learn more about the high-quality New Hampshire universities with online master's degrees, as well as some of the strategies and tactics you can use to reduce these costs even further.

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

While there are no free online colleges in New Hampshire offering free master's degrees, students still have opportunities to achieve a low-cost degree. You can earn your degree at a reduced cost by qualifying for financial aid that can cover a significant portion of your tuition and other higher education expenses.

The University of the People (UoPeople) is the best-known tuition-free college that offers online master's degree programs. However, it's important to note that while UoPeople does not charge tuition, students still pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course. Those fees add up to roughly $5,000 to $6,000 for a full master's degree, depending on the program, and scholarships are available for students who can't afford them.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Though there are no free master's degrees online, students in New Hampshire can take advantage of a number of financial aid opportunities to lower costs. In addition to identifying low-cost programs, there are several steps you can take to further reduce your total tuition and other costs.

• Look into in-state, public schools: Most students will find the lowest tuition rates for graduate programs at in-state, public universities. One exception to this is that many online-only degree programs don't charge out-of-state rates.
• Apply for federal scholarships and grants: Students should submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to qualify for federal aid programs. For most graduate students, federal aid comes in the form of Direct Unsubsidized Loans, since Pell Grants are generally reserved for undergraduates. There are many cheap online schools that accept FAFSA, both in New Hampshire and across the country.
• Apply for state and institutional scholarships: Some schools also offer proprietary scholarships for graduate-level studies, with some having specific awards based on the field of study. There are also state programs that can help close the gap between other aid and the full cost of tuition.
• Use employer-provided tuition assistance: Employer-provided tuition reimbursement programs are growing in popularity. Look into your employer's policies to see if you could qualify for any additional tuition support.
• Enlist in the military: Military benefits, like the GI Bill and tuition assistance, can help make higher education more affordable. These programs usually involve minimum enlistment commitments and shouldn't be taken lightly.
• Pursue full-time enrollment: Many schools have differing tuition rates for full-time and part-time enrollment. In addition to lower tuition rates, full-time and self-paced programs can lessen your total tuition load.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

New Hampshire students looking for low-cost graduate programs should start with the most affordable online master's degrees in the state. These schools offer affordable tuition rates and financial aid to reduce costs even further.

1. New England College

New England College (NEC) has more than 15 fully online master's degree programs in fields of study that can prepare learners for both current and future job markets. Graduate learners can enroll in programs focused on topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, and IT and cybersecurity to prepare for some of the most rapidly expanding industries. There are also more traditional degree pathways, such as MBA programs and education.

• Average in-state tuition: $510-$605 per credit, depending on program
• Average out-of-state tuition: $510-$605 per credit, depending on program
• Financial aid: NEC graduate students can access federal aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans, by submitting the FAFSA. NEC also offers graduate assistantships to qualified students, which are awarded as scholarships credited toward tuition.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University (PSU) offers several graduate-level degrees in online formats, including an MBA in general management, an MA in organizational leadership, and multiple MEd programs. These online programs have both full- and part-time enrollment opportunities and can be completed in one to 2.5 years, depending on pace.

• Average in-state tuition: $614 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $850 per credit
• Financial aid: PSU has limited merit-based graduate scholarships available each year, awarded based on academic and professional performance. Students can also submit their FAFSA to qualify for federal aid. PSU also offers graduate assistantships on a limited basis to highly qualified students who have been fully accepted into a graduate program.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) offers online master's degree programs through its College of Professional Studies, with the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state learners. These advanced degrees include a Master of Science (MS) in healthcare management, an MS in cybersecurity policy and risk management, and an MS in project management. Most programs are designed for working professionals.

• Average in-state tuition: $640 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $640 per credit
• Financial aid: Online students can apply for federal aid by submitting the FAFSA. UNH also offers scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships for graduate students, though some of these awards are tied to on-campus programs.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a leader in on-campus and online courses for graduate students in the Granite State and beyond. SNHU offers dozens of master's degrees online, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with more than a dozen concentrations and Master of Science (MS) degrees in healthcare administration, cybersecurity, and information technology. The graduate degrees at SNHU are designed for working professionals, and some, like the MBA, can be completed in as little as 12 months.

• Average in-state tuition: $659 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $659 per credit
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts FAFSA-based awards, including federal loans. Students can also apply for institution-based scholarships, which are awarded based on need, merit, and degree program. Active-duty service members qualify for a reduced online graduate tuition rate.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Rivier University

Rivier University offers a range of online master's degree programs in fields such as computer science, nursing, and counseling. Due to the hands-on nature of some of these programs, some include internships, clinicals, or on-campus components, particularly in healthcare-related fields.

• Average in-state tuition: $733 per credit (computer science and nursing programs cost slightly more)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $733 per credit (computer science and nursing programs cost slightly more)
• Financial aid: Students at Rivier University can submit their FAFSA to qualify for federal aid, or they can pursue merit-based institutional aid. Institutional aid includes endowment funds based on your degree program or educational department. There are also work-study programs available.
• Accreditation: NECHE

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

No accredited school in New Hampshire offers a tuition-free online master's degree, but students aren't limited to in-state options. A small number of accredited universities across the country use alternative funding models that eliminate tuition, leaving students responsible only for application and per-course fees. These programs can bring the total cost of a master's degree well below what most traditional programs charge.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, tuition-free online university that offers three master's degree programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (MEd) in Advanced Teaching. Courses are fully online and asynchronous, so working professionals can study around their existing schedules.

While UoPeople doesn't charge tuition, students pay a one-time $60 application fee plus an assessment fee for each course. The assessment fee is $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the MEd, which brings the estimated total to about $5,940 for the MBA or MSIT and $5,780 for the MEd. UoPeople also offers scholarships to help cover assessment fees for students who can't afford them.

• Application fee: $60 (one-time)
• Assessment fees: $490 per course (MBA and MSIT); $440 per course (MEd)
• Estimated total cost: $5,780-$5,940, depending on program
• 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.

Since no school offers a completely free master's degree, our rankings focus on the schools that give New Hampshire students the lowest possible cost for a quality online graduate education. We prioritize low per-credit tuition, but we also consider how much a school's financial aid can reduce that cost and whether its programs are realistic options for working adults studying online. Each school on this list is evaluated using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school must hold institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Accreditation ensures your degree will be respected by employers and that you're eligible for federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare each school's published per-credit graduate tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. We also look at the institutional scholarships, assistantships, and discounts available to graduate students that can lower costs even further.
• Online availability: Schools must offer multiple master's degree programs that can be completed fully or primarily online. We give extra consideration to programs with flexible scheduling, multiple start dates, and part-time options.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, retention rates, and post-graduation earnings data where available. Low tuition is only a good value if students are likely to finish their degrees and see a return on their investment.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paying for a master's degree raises a lot of questions, especially with recent changes to federal student aid. Below are answers to some of the most common questions New Hampshire students ask about earning an affordable online master's degree.

Can I Use Federal Financial Aid for an Online Master's Degree?

Yes. Online master's programs at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid just like on-campus programs, as long as you're enrolled at least half-time. Graduate students generally aren't eligible for Pell Grants, so most federal aid for master's students comes in the form of Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Submit the FAFSA each year to see what you qualify for.

How Have Federal Graduate Student Loans Changed in 2026?

Starting July 1, 2026, the federal Grad PLUS loan program was eliminated for new borrowers under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Most new graduate students can now borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a $100,000 lifetime limit for graduate study. Students who borrowed for their current program before July 1, 2026, may be able to continue under the old rules for a limited time. These changes make low-tuition programs, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance more important than ever for covering the full cost of a master's degree.

Do New Hampshire Schools Charge Out-of-State Tuition for Online Programs?

It depends on the school. Many online programs, including those at Southern New Hampshire University, New England College, and the University of New Hampshire's College of Professional Studies, charge the same rate regardless of where you live. However, Plymouth State University charges a higher per-credit rate for non-residents. Always check a program's tuition page before applying.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in New Hampshire?

Among the schools on this list, online graduate tuition ranges from about $510 to $850 per credit for 2026-2027. Most master's programs require 30 to 45 credits, so total tuition typically falls between roughly $15,000 and $33,000 before financial aid. Fees, books, and other expenses can add to that total.

Is University of the People Legitimate?

Yes. University of the People is a nonprofit online university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized institutional accreditor. Its tuition-free model is supported by donations and partnerships, and students pay only an application fee and per-course assessment fees.

Discover Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Online education allows New Hampshire students to find affordable master's degrees in their home state and nationwide. Explore the resources here on Learn.org to learn about all of your options for affordable online master's degrees. Contact schools today for more information and even start your education.