Tuition-Free Master's Degrees Online in Virginia 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.

Earning a master's degree can considerably increase your earning potential in the job market. You may be curious about tuition-free online master's degree programs. If you're looking for a low-cost, flexible approach to an advanced degree and want to learn more about the possibility of earning a free master's degree online, read on.

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

The possibility of getting your master’s degree from a tuition-free online college is extremely appealing. However, there is no such thing as a completely free degree. One of the best-known ‘tuition-free’ options is University of the People (UoPeople); while UoPeople does not charge for classes, it does charge application and assessment fees.

Though you cannot earn an entirely free master’s degree online in Virginia, you can utilize several strategies to keep costs low. Below, we explore ways to reduce tuition costs and feature five Virginia schools with affordable graduate degree programs.

How To Make Your Online Master's Degree Affordable

The following are strategies to help keep your master's degree program costs down. It's smart to select a school that provides the degree program you want while also offering the best financing options that fit your individual lifestyle. For example, some universities have generous credit transfer policies, while others offer tuition discounts for specific working professionals.

• Scholarships: Applying for scholarships is one of the most popular ways to significantly reduce education expenses. This type of financial aid does not need to be repaid. Scholarships are offered by colleges and universities, state agencies, employers, and private organizations, and they may be based on merit, financial need, field of study, or other criteria.
• Federal student aid: For graduate students, federal aid comes mostly in the form of loans (money that must be repaid), though some students, such as future teachers, may qualify for grants like the TEACH Grant. To determine your eligibility, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• State student aid: Virginia’s main state aid program for graduate students is the Virginia Commonwealth Award, which public colleges and universities can award to full-time graduate students as grants or assistantships. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) helps Virginia residents attend private nonprofit schools, but graduate students qualify only in certain health-related programs, and students enrolled exclusively in online programs are not eligible.
• Work-study programs: A work-study program serves a dual purpose: In exchange for working, students gain hands-on experience and receive pay to cover education and living expenses. Some schools offer work-study positions, including remote roles, to online learners, but availability varies, so check with your school’s financial aid office.
• Military discounts: Military education discounts come from the US military in the form of tuition assistance, and directly from colleges and universities as reduced tuition rates and scholarships. ‘Military’ typically encompasses active-duty service members and veterans, and in some cases retirees and military spouses.

Low-Cost Online Master's Programs

The following schools are some of the cheapest online graduate schools in Virginia. Tuition rates listed are for the 2026-2027 academic year and do not include fees. Please note that tuition rates are estimates, as some graduate programs have varied pricing. Some schools charge a higher rate for part-time versus full-time students.

1. Radford University

Radford University is a public, nonprofit university with multiple affordable online master’s degree programs, including healthcare administration, health sciences, and literacy education. While Radford’s standard graduate rate is much higher for out-of-state students, several of its fully online master’s programs are billed at a single tuition rate, making them an appealing option for learners who live outside Virginia. Virginia educators may also qualify for a reduced rate of $320 per credit.

• Average in-state tuition: $485 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $485 per credit
• Financial aid: Financial aid is disbursed in the form of grants and loans through the FAFSA. Select graduate students receive fellowships as another means of financial support.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Liberty University

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University (LU) offers a broad range of high-quality online courses for those looking to pursue an advanced degree. Students can enroll in master's degree programs like computer science, information technology, and entrepreneurship. Liberty University extends generous military benefits to active duty members, veterans and retirees, and their spouses; working professionals at the Department of Defense are also eligible for reduced tuition.

• Average in-state tuition: $435 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $953 per credit ($435 per credit for select online programs)
• Financial aid: Financial aid is disbursed in the form of grants and loans through the FAFSA. Select graduate students receive fellowships as another means of financial support.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Virginia (UVA)

The University of Virginia offers online graduate programs through its School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), which charges the same tuition rate for students in and outside Virginia. Its newest offering is a 100% online Master of Change Management, a 30-credit program that can be completed in as little as one year. Students can also earn a Master of Public Safety, an online program designed for working public safety professionals. Change Management students who have completed an SCPS graduate certificate within the past five years can apply up to 12 credits toward the degree, which can significantly cut the total cost.

• Average in-state tuition: $649 per credit ($659 per credit for the Master of Public Safety)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $649 per credit ($659 per credit for the Master of Public Safety)
• Financial aid: Degree-seeking students can apply for need-based financial aid by submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile. SCPS also awards its own scholarships to students based on merit and financial challenges, and UVA offers monthly payment plans for fall and spring semesters.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Old Dominion University (ODU)

Old Dominion University (ODU) offers more than 30 online master’s degree options through ODUGlobal. Some of its more popular advanced degree programs include business administration, computer science, and data science and analytics. ODU is a military-friendly school that has repeatedly been named ‘Best for Vets’. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses receive benefits via scholarships and discounted tuition rates.

• Average in-state tuition: $672 per credit (includes $162 per credit in mandatory auxiliary tuition)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $662 per credit
• Financial aid: ODU accepts FAFSA and offers scholarships for online students, such as its Application Advantage Award, a one-time award for newly admitted graduate students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Hampton University

Hampton University is a private, nonprofit school with a selection of online master’s degrees through HamptonU Global, including business administration, cybersecurity, and theological studies. The vast majority of Hampton University students receive some type of financial assistance.

• Average in-state tuition: $695 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $695 per credit
• Financial aid: Eligible HamptonU Global students may receive federal, state, and university aid. Students should complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

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

If none of the Virginia schools above fit your budget, it’s worth looking beyond state lines. Because online programs can be completed from anywhere, Virginia residents can enroll at out-of-state schools that use alternative pricing models, including some that don’t charge tuition at all. These schools aren’t completely free, but their fee-based models can make an accredited master’s degree much more affordable.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a nonprofit, 100% online university that doesn’t charge tuition. Instead, students pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course they complete. Graduate students can choose from three online master’s programs: a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and a Master of Education (M.Ed.). Scholarships funded by donors and partner organizations can help cover assessment fees for eligible students.

• Assessment fees: $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT; $440 per course for the M.Ed.
• Financial aid: Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 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 completely free master’s degree, we prioritize Virginia schools that keep costs low through affordable per-credit tuition, flat rates for out-of-state online students, or strong funding opportunities such as scholarships, military discounts, and reduced rates for educators. We use each school’s most recently published per-credit tuition and confirm that its master’s programs can be completed online. We evaluate each school on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school on our list is regionally accredited, which helps ensure your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions and keeps you eligible for federal financial aid.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare graduate per-credit tuition for in-state and out-of-state students and look for schools that charge online learners the same rate regardless of residency. We also consider scholarships, discounts, and other aid that can lower your total cost.
• Online availability: We look for schools offering master’s degrees that can be completed fully online, with flexible formats suited to working professionals.
• Student outcomes: We review graduation rates, retention rates, and post-graduation earnings data to ensure that affordable programs also deliver long-term value.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

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

Paying for graduate school looks different in 2026 than it did just a year ago, thanks to changes in federal student loans. Below, we answer common questions about funding an affordable online master’s degree in Virginia.

Can I Still Use Federal Student Loans to Pay for an Online Master’s Degree?

Yes, but borrowing limits have tightened. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program was eliminated for new borrowers. Most new graduate students can now borrow only Direct Unsubsidized Loans, capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total for graduate study. Students enrolled part-time may receive a reduced amount, so scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and low per-credit tuition matter more than ever.

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

Not always. Several Virginia schools charge online graduate students the same rate regardless of where they live. UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies charges $649 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state graduate students. ODU charges online students living outside Virginia $662 per credit, which is slightly less than the resident rate. Radford University bills some fully online master’s programs, such as healthcare administration, at its $435 per-credit rate.

Can Online Graduate Students Qualify for Virginia State Grants?

It depends on the program and your enrollment status. The Virginia Commonwealth Award is available only to graduate students enrolled full-time at participating public Virginia colleges. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant is limited to graduate students in health-related professional programs, and students enrolled exclusively in online programs are not eligible. Part-time online learners should focus on federal aid, institutional scholarships, and employer benefits instead.

Are There Tuition Discounts for Virginia Teachers?

Yes. Radford University offers a Virginia Educator rate of $320 per credit for the 2026-2027 academic year. Liberty University charges $450 per credit for full-time students in its online M.Ed. and Master of Arts in Teaching programs, compared with its standard $600 master’s rate. Educators may also qualify for the federal TEACH Grant if they agree to teach in a high-need field.

Is University of the People Really Free?

UoPeople does not charge tuition, but it’s not completely free. Students pay a one-time application fee plus an assessment fee for each course, currently $490 per course for the MBA and MSIT and $440 per course for the M.Ed. Even with these fees, the total cost is typically far lower than tuition at traditional universities, and scholarships can help cover assessment fees for eligible students.

Find an Affordable Online Master's Degree

While a truly free master's degree online is not feasible, there are many affordable options. If you've already earned your bachelor's degree and are ready for the next step, connect with the featured schools on Learn.org to learn which is right for you.