Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Tennessee 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.

Even though there are no tuition-free online master's degrees, Tennessee residents have access to a variety of low-cost graduate school programs from accredited universities. These institutions offer competitive tuition rates and plentiful financial aid options. Continue reading to find the best online master's degree program for you.

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

While there are currently no free online colleges offering entirely free master's degrees online, you can still achieve a very low-cost degree by taking advantage of financial aid like institutional scholarships, grants, and federal aid. You can also explore options like University of the People (UoPeople), where it is possible to find a tuition-free online master's degree program. Keep in mind that while there is no charge for tuition, you'll still be responsible for additional fees and expenses.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

Pursuing a graduate degree online can be cost-effective with the right strategies. Here are several ways to lower the cost of your degree:

• Apply for federal student aid through FAFSA: Seek out accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Fill out the FAFSA form to see whether you qualify for federal loans and work-study. Graduate students are generally not eligible for the Pell Grant, but some may qualify for programs like the TEACH Grant.
• Seek private and regional scholarships: Tennessee residents may be eligible for awards like the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest and the Warrick Dunn Charities Hearts for Community Service Scholarship. Check each program’s rules to confirm that graduate students can apply. In addition to these opportunities, consider exploring scholarships and grants in your local community.
• Use employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for employees pursuing advanced degrees.
• Explore military education benefits: Active-duty service members, veterans, and certain family members of veterans may access education benefits through programs like the GI Bill.
• Compare in-state and online tuition rates: Public universities typically charge Tennessee residents less than out-of-state students. However, some schools offer special online rates for out-of-state learners, so compare each school’s options carefully.
• Research your institution’s scholarship opportunities: Universities often have scholarships specifically for graduate students in certain fields or demographics. Even if scholarships don’t cover your full tuition, they can still help ease part of the financial burden.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

If you are searching for a free master's degree online, several Tennessee universities offer accredited, affordable online master's degree programs with various financial aid options. Check out the most affordable online master's degrees below.

1. Johnson University

Johnson University offers flexible and affordable online master’s programs designed to support working professionals and non-traditional students. You can earn a Master of Arts (MA) in organizational leadership, an MBA, or a Master of Strategic Ministry online. There are more graduate programs for learners with the flexibility to attend in person. Tuition varies by degree program.

• Average in-state tuition: $475 to $580 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $475 to $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Johnson University encourages students to complete the FAFSA to access federal student aid. The school also offers need- and merit-based scholarships and a work-study program.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

2. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University (APSU) provides flexible master’s programs with online courses and a tuition structure that benefits students taking more than 10 credit hours per semester. Out-of-state students also benefit from capped out-of-state charges and a reduced e-rate for fully online learners. APSU may be a good fit if you’re interested in a Master of Science (MS) in computer science and quantitative methods, which offers online concentrations in data management and analysis, predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and mathematical finance.

• Average in-state tuition: $533 per credit hour (1-10 credit hours); $105 per credit hour for hours 11 and above
• Average out-of-state tuition: $800 per credit hour for fully online students (1-10 credit hours)
• Financial aid: Scholarships and assistantships are available. Additionally, students can fill out the FAFSA form to qualify for financial aid. If you want to spend some time on campus, APSU offers paid graduate teaching assistant positions.
• Accreditation:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers a wide range of graduate programs, many of which are available fully online. Online graduate options span fields like business administration, administration and supervision, curriculum and instruction, and library science. MTSU is known for its focus on student support and competitive tuition rates, including a reduced eRate for out-of-state students taking only online courses.

• Average in-state tuition: $623 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $778 per credit hour (online eRate)
• Financial aid: Assistantships and scholarships are available. Additionally, federal and state aid programs can help make tuition more manageable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University (TSU) offers affordable online master’s programs and has a long-standing educator preparation program, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in education. Graduate students can earn a Master of Education (MEd) in instructional leadership online. Funding opportunities include institutional scholarships, foundation awards, and federal aid.

• Average in-state tuition: $680 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $906 to $1,322 per credit hour for online students, depending on the program
• Financial aid: TSU accepts FAFSA. Grants and scholarships are also available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has something for everyone, with a broad range of graduate programs to choose from. Online program offerings span business, education, engineering, computer science, and other specialized fields. Tuition varies by program.

• Average in-state tuition: $744 per credit hour for most programs; $996 per credit hour for many engineering and computer science programs; $1,200 per credit hour for the MBA
• Average out-of-state tuition: $744 per credit hour for most programs; $996 per credit hour for many engineering and computer science programs; $1,200 per credit hour for the MBA
• Financial aid: Grants, departmental scholarships, disability scholarships, and federal student aid are available.
• Accreditation:  SACSCOC

6.  University of Memphis

The University of Memphis (UofM) offers online master’s programs in many specialty areas. UofM has a robust online MBA program with multiple concentrations that prepares students to enter a competitive job market. The university also offers dozens of scholarships and grants to eligible students.

• Average in-state tuition: $840 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,086 per credit hour
• Financial aid: UofM accepts FAFSA for federal financial aid and offers scholarships, graduate assistantships, and grants to eligible students.UofM accepts FAFSA for federal financial aid and offers scholarships, graduate assistantships, and grants to eligible students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

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

If you’re open to studying with a school outside Tennessee, a small number of online colleges have removed tuition entirely. Instead, they charge per-course fees that are typically much lower than standard tuition. These programs can be a strong fit for self-motivated students who want an accredited degree at a fraction of the usual cost.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, fully online university that doesn’t charge tuition. Students instead pay a one-time application fee and a per-course assessment fee for each course they complete. UoPeople offers three online master’s degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
• Master of Education (MEd)

Assessment fees are $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT programs and $440 per course for the MEd. Because there are no tuition charges, total costs are often far lower than at traditional universities. Students who need extra help can also apply for UoPeople scholarships, which come from a range of donors and partners. UoPeople 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.

Since no school offers a completely free master’s degree, we focus on programs that keep graduate tuition low or help students lower their costs through scholarships, assistantships, and special online rates. Each school on our list was evaluated using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school is regionally accredited, which ensures your degree is recognized by employers and other universities. It also keeps you eligible for federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare current per-credit graduate tuition from each school’s official website, including any separate rates for online or out-of-state students. We also consider graduate-specific aid, such as scholarships, assistantships, and tuition discounts.
• Online availability: We prioritize schools that offer master’s programs fully or primarily online, so working professionals and students across Tennessee can enroll without relocating.
• Student outcomes: We consider metrics like graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to make sure each school offers strong value for its cost.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still weighing your options? These answers to common questions can help you plan an affordable path to a master’s degree in Tennessee.

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

Costs vary widely by school and program. Among the schools on our list, graduate tuition ranges from about $475 to $840 per credit hour for Tennessee residents, with some specialized programs costing more. For a typical 30- to 36-credit master’s degree, in-state tuition at most of these schools comes to roughly $16,000 to $30,000. Fees, books, and other expenses are additional.

Can Out-of-State Students Get Lower Tuition for Online Programs?

Yes, at some schools. Austin Peay State University and Middle Tennessee State University both offer a reduced “eRate” for out-of-state students enrolled exclusively in online courses. These rates are lower than standard out-of-state tuition. Eligibility rules vary, so confirm with the school before you enroll.

Can Graduate Students Use the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship?

No. The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and other lottery-funded state programs are designed for undergraduate students. Graduate students in Tennessee typically rely on federal student loans, institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, employer tuition assistance, and private scholarships instead.

Do Graduate Assistantships Cover Tuition?

Many do. Graduate assistantships often include a tuition waiver, a stipend, or both, in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative work. However, assistantships frequently require some on-campus work, so they may be harder to access for fully online students. Check with your program department about available positions.

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), the same agency that accredits many well-known universities in the western U.S. While it doesn’t charge tuition, students should plan for application and per-course assessment fees.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

Affordable online education is within reach for Tennessee students willing to explore financial aid, scholarships, and low-cost program options. To compare programs and find additional resources, explore Learn.org for expert guidance on navigating your graduate degree journey.