Top Schools that Offer Free Master’s Degrees Online

Top Schools that Offer Free Master’s Degrees Online
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Today in online education students can find great options for free master’s degree courses.

  • You may be able to take free graduate courses or even full master’s degree programs online.

  • You can take free online grad school courses in popular subjects like business administration, computer science, education, and more.

Colleges with Free Online Master's Degrees

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  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. Columbia University
  4. University of Michigan
  5. University of Pennsylvania
  6. University of Washington
  7. Duke University
  8. University of Virginia
  9. Ohio State University
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. Columbia University
  4. University of Michigan
  5. University of Pennsylvania
  6. University of Washington
  7. Duke University
  8. University of Virginia
  9. Ohio State University
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  1. Ohio State University 53%
  2. University of Washington 48%
  3. University of Virginia 19%
  4. University of Michigan 18%
  5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17%
  6. University of California, Berkeley 11%
  7. University of Pennsylvania 7%
  8. Duke University 6%
  9. Columbia University 4%
  10. Harvard University 3%
  1. University of Washington 21 to 1
  2. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  3. Ohio State University 17 to 1
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17 to 1
  5. University of Virginia 15 to 1
  6. University of Michigan 12 to 1
  7. University of Pennsylvania 8 to 1
  8. Harvard University 7 to 1
  9. Columbia University 6 to 1
  10. Duke University 6 to 1
  1. Columbia University $66,139
  2. University of Pennsylvania $63,452
  3. Duke University $62,688
  4. Harvard University $57,261
  5. University of Virginia $18,059
  6. University of Michigan $17,454
  7. University of California, Berkeley $11,564
  8. Ohio State University $11,525
  9. University of Washington $11,189
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  1. Duke University $60,220
  2. Harvard University $52,456
  3. Columbia University $52,016
  4. University of Pennsylvania $39,838
  5. University of Michigan $25,894
  6. University of Virginia $18,382
  7. University of Washington $17,004
  8. Ohio State University $12,092
  9. University of California, Berkeley $11,700
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  2. Ohio State University
  3. University of Virginia
  4. Duke University
  5. University of Washington
  6. University of Pennsylvania
  7. University of Michigan
  8. Columbia University
  9. University of California, Berkeley
  10. Harvard University
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  2. Ohio State University
  3. University of Virginia
  4. Duke University
  5. University of Washington
  6. University of Pennsylvania
  7. University of Michigan
  8. Columbia University
  9. University of California, Berkeley
  10. Harvard University
  1. Harvard University 3%
  2. Columbia University 4%
  3. Duke University 6%
  4. University of Pennsylvania 7%
  5. University of California, Berkeley 11%
  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17%
  7. University of Michigan 18%
  8. University of Virginia 19%
  9. University of Washington 48%
  10. Ohio State University 53%
  1. Columbia University 6 to 1
  2. Duke University 6 to 1
  3. Harvard University 7 to 1
  4. University of Pennsylvania 8 to 1
  5. University of Michigan 12 to 1
  6. University of Virginia 15 to 1
  7. Ohio State University 17 to 1
  8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17 to 1
  9. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  10. University of Washington 21 to 1
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  2. University of Washington $11,189
  3. Ohio State University $11,525
  4. University of California, Berkeley $11,564
  5. University of Michigan $17,454
  6. University of Virginia $18,059
  7. Harvard University $57,261
  8. Duke University $62,688
  9. University of Pennsylvania $63,452
  10. Columbia University $66,139
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  2. University of California, Berkeley $11,700
  3. Ohio State University $12,092
  4. University of Washington $17,004
  5. University of Virginia $18,382
  6. University of Michigan $25,894
  7. University of Pennsylvania $39,838
  8. Columbia University $52,016
  9. Harvard University $52,456
  10. Duke University $60,220

Did you know that it’s possible to take graduate level courses completely for free and even earn a free master’s degree online? We show you how.

If you’re just beginning your graduate school search, you know how expensive the top master’s degree programs can be. Graduate programs are often costly and challenging.

The good news is that countless excellent free online programs are designed to provide a graduate level education without the cost. Not only that, but the best of these tuition free programs are directly affiliated with prestigious universities like Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.

Looking for other ways to offset your student loan debt? Start with a look at these affordable master’s degree programs.

Otherwise, read on to learn how to take free online master’s degree courses in nearly any subject.

Featured Programs

10 Graduate Schools Where You Can Take Free Online Courses

The following graduate programs offer access to free online courses. Some of these programs may even make it possible to earn an entirely free master’s degree online. Graduate programs included here come in various models, such as those that provide access to online courses without credits, those that make courses available through trusted partner programs, and those that provide generous financial assistance in order to offer free tuition.

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $53,760
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvard University known for?

    Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Harvard University?

    Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. Founded in 1636, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based private research university consistently places at or near the top of both national and world rankings.

    A member of the vaunted Ivy League, Harvard’s more than $50 billion endowment makes it the wealthiest academic institution in the world. Harvard uses much of this endowment to create opportunities for eligible students with financial need.

    Harvard University’s prestigious school of education makes many of its graduate level business courses available for free online through the EdX course consortium.

    • Harvard University is great for students who: Are at the top of their class. Harvard ranks annually as the most selective university in the nation.
    • Harvard University might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t enjoy a competitive environment. Harvard students often compete aggressively for grades and opportunities.
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,476
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of California, Berkeley?

    University of California, Berkeley is the flagship campus in the University of California system. With fourteen colleges, undergraduate and graduate students can choose from more than 350 unique degree programs.

    UC Berkeley is also renowned for its state of the art research facilities. This means that Berkeley continues to draw highly influential professors in areas like science, math, and engineering.

    University of California, Berkeley offers various free online courses through its Berkeley Resource Center for Online Education (BRCOE). Students can take graduate courses on the edX platform and, in some cases, even earn professional certifications for a basic fee.

    • The University of California, Berkeley is great for students who: Enjoy the experience of a sprawling campus with a large student body and a full spectrum of course offerings.
    • The University of California, Berkeley might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer an intimate environment or small class sizes.
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $54,627
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $115,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Columbia University?

    Columbia University sits in the heart of bustling Manhattan. Founded in 1754 under the name King’s College, Columbia is the oldest university in New York and the fifth oldest in the nation. Today, Columbia serves more than 33,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    The private research university is a member of the vaunted Ivy League, and is widely recognized as a hotbed for scientific innovation and cutting edge research. With an endowment of over $13 billion, Columbia has the largest endowment of any academic institution in the world!

    Columbia University uses the edX platform to provide free access to the ColumbiaX library of courses, including numerous graduate level classes.

    • Columbia University is great for students who: Enjoy a college experience in the heart of a vibrant city.
    • Columbia University might not be the best fit for students who: Have a limited budget. Tuition for Columbia typically ranks among the highest in the nation.
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $26,226
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Michigan?

    University of Michigan was founded in 1817, which is actually about 20 years before the territory of Michigan became a state. Roughly half of the students at the University of Michigan are from the state of Michigan, which means they enjoy discounted in state tuition rates.

    The University of Michigan draws students from all over the world. International students make up about 15% of the school’s population.

    University of Michigan provides an array of tuition free online four-week courses in popular subjects like business, computer programming, and social work.

    • The University of Michigan is great for students who: Enjoy a vaunted athletics program and a large student body—roughly 32,000 undergrads and 16,000 grad students.
    • The University of Michigan might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a small campus. The Ann Arbor campus is divided into four distinct campus sections, all connected by bus service.
    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $44,162
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Pennsylvania?

    The University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious Ivy League institution, stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Established in 1740 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it holds the distinction of being one of the nine colonial colleges founded before the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This historic university is not only deeply rooted in tradition but also a pioneer in modern education, consistently ranking among the top universities globally.

    As a private research university, the University of Pennsylvania is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to cross traditional boundaries and integrate knowledge across diverse fields. Its significant endowment, exceeding $20 billion, ensures the university’s commitment to research, teaching, and public service.

    University of Pennsylvania makes a number of its most challenging graduate level curriculum available for free online through a partnership with the Coursera consortium.

    • University of Pennsylvania is great for students who: Are at the top of their graduating class. University of Pennsylvania is among the most selective schools in the nation.
    • University of Pennsylvania might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t wish to attend college in a big city like Philadelphia.
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    7. Students in a computer lab
  7. #6

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $18,057
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Washington?

    The University of Washington was founded in 1861, just ten years after the birth of its hometown of Seattle, Washington. This makes the public research university one of the oldest schools on the American West Coast.

    With campuses in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, the University of Washington covers a sprawling 20 million square feet of space in the state of Washington.

    The University of Washington offers a select number of specialized graduate level classes for free in areas like data science, history, and business communication.

    • The University of Washington is great for students who: Love reading. With 26 libraries, art centers, museums, labs, and lecture halls, UW boasts one of the largest library systems in the world.
    • The University of Washington might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer sunny skies. The Pacific Northwest is famous for its cloudy climate.
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #13 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $61,522
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $114,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Duke University?

    Duke University was founded in 1838 in what is now Trinity, North Carolina. Moving to their present location 1892, today Duke covers 8,600 acres of land across Durham, North Carolina.

    The private university consistently ranks among the top schools in the world, and serves nearly 17,000 students across three campuses. With nearly 10,000 graduate students, Duke dedicates almost $1 billion to research efforts every year.

    Duke University makes several graduate level courses available online entirely for free through course consortium sites Coursera and Class Central.

    • Duke University is great for students who: Love college sports. Duke’s men’s basketball is among the most successful programs in NCAA history.
    • Duke University might not be the best fit for students who: Don’t have excellent grades. Duke is one of the most selective schools in the country.
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  9. #8

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,742
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $79,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Virginia?

    University of Virginia is a public university with an extremely prestigious history. In fact, the original governing board for this “Public Ivy” included Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. At the time of its founding, Monroe was the President of the United States.

    Among the many prominent graduates of UVA are the founders of Reddit and CNET.

    The University of Virginia offers free enrollment online for a wide range of graduate level curriculum through a partnership with Coursera.

    • University of Virginia is great for students who: Enjoy the prestige of an Ivy League school with the affordability of a public university. In-state students enjoy tuition discounts while joining a tradition that has produced 55 Rhodes Scholars.
    • University of Virginia might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a more personalized experience. UVA students will often take introductory courses in large lecture halls with scores of other students.
    Compare school
  11. #9

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #15 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,997
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ohio State University known for?

    Ohio State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Ohio State University?

    Ohio State University is a public research university based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1870, it was actually stewarded into existence by then-Ohio governor and later President of the U.S., Rutherford B. Hayes.

    Fun fact: Ohio State University is the only institution in North America where you can earn an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree in welding engineering.

    Students who are interested in sampling free master’s programs through OSU can do so through the school’s very own open courseware site.

    • Ohio State University is great for students who: Enjoy a good time. Ohio State often ranks high on the list of best party schools and best spectator sports tradition.
    • Ohio State University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a smaller school experience. With more than 50,000 undergrads and 15,000 grad students, Ohio State is the third largest school in the nation.
    Compare school
    12. Three women using their laptops while sitting on the couch
  12. #10

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #17 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $12,527
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $68,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill?

    University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is considered a “Public Ivy,” a school with state funding that offers the prestige and educational experience akin to those at a private Ivy League school.

    UNC Chapel Hill is the flagship campus for the broader University of North Carolina system and began enrolling students in 1795. This makes UNC the only U.S. public school to teach and graduate students in the 18th Century!

    UNC offers an array of free online courses through its partnership with Coursera.

    • The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is great for students who: Desire a well-rounded education. All students are required to complete a liberal arts education on the way to their chosen major. Popular majors include biology, business administration, and psychology.
    • The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a more conservative environment. Many students at UNC note that the campus culture tends to lean to the liberal side of the political spectrum.
    Compare school
Woman writing while looking at her laptop
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Is it possible to get a free master’s degree online?

It is absolutely possible to get a free master’s degree online, but the process is a bit complicated. There are certainly numerous options for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in completing free online courses.

Students can find free online courses through:

  • Prestigious grad schools like the ones in our ranking
  • Online education platforms like Coursera and EdX
  • Popular streaming media outlets like YouTube
    • .

It’s also possible for online graduate students to complete entire degree programs, through schools that offer a tuition-free education.

This may include online colleges and universities that don’t have traditional accreditation, schools that cover college tuition costs for all merit-based students, and those with specialized programs aimed at helping at risk students or awarding credits in exchange for military service.

Bottom Line: Students have numerous opportunities to take advantage of free graduate level classes and even free master’s degree programs.

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What to Look Out For When Taking Free Online Master’s Courses

While there are many different options for free online master’s courses, there are a few important factors to bear in mind first. While many graduate universities, education companies, and online services offer access to free master’s degree courses, very few of these options will actually result in an accredited master’s degree.

For instance:

  • While many accredited universities offer free access to online courses in countless subjects, these courses rarely result in credits toward an actual graduate degree.
  • Alternatively, there are numerous online degree programs available for free that will award a master’s degree. However, these programs often lack accreditation from a Department of Education approved regional accrediting agency. This means the resulting degree may carry limited value.
    • regional accrediting agencies

    If you’re considering transferring to another college or university to continue your education, the school may not recognize your credits or your degree. Likewise, employers consider accreditation an essential indicator of quality and credibility. Earning an online master’s degree without accreditation may limit your educational and professional opportunities.

  • In some cases, earning free credits and even full graduate degrees from accredited graduate programs may be possible through generous financial assistance programs. However, these opportunities are often available only through highly selective institutions. Admission into these programs can be extremely competitive.

Bottom Line: There are limitations in free courses. Because of this, free master’s degree courses are often most valuable to those seeking practical knowledge, meaningful skills, or enrichment, all without tuition fees.

Male student studying on a laptop
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6 Free Online Learning Options for Graduate Students

Now that you know what to look out for, check out these popular pathways to free online courses at the master’s degree level.

Merit-Based Tuition Free Colleges and Grad Schools

Some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world are actually tuition free. For instance, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, PA provides entirely tuition free college and graduate school degrees through its generous financial assistance program.

Covering 100% of student expenses regardless of financial need, Curtis Institute offers the unique promise that all its students graduate debt free. Prospective students should be aware that the Curtis Institute is extremely selective and that only those who demonstrate both musical and academic excellence will be eligible for its financial aid program.

But for those who qualify, this is an example of an institution that provides free bachelor’s degree and free master’s degree programs for both on-campus and online students.

Tuition-free Master’s Degrees through Work Study Programs

There are also a number of colleges that offer a tuition-free education in exchange for a work study commitment from the student. Work study programs are in exchange for a tuition-free education are offered at:

To find out more, check out our Focus on Work Study.

Several military academies in the United States offer free tuition in exchange for a commitment from students that upon graduation, they will serve in the military—typically for eight years. Examples include:

100% Free Online Master’s Degree Alternatives

You can also consider an array of entirely free graduate programs offered by innovative online schools like the University of the People.

This privately owned, non-profit online institution provides completely free tuition for a wide range of degree programs. This includes both free college tuition for bachelor’s degree programs and free online master’s degrees. International students can also go here and utilize the online master’s programs available.

The tuition is free, but students do pay for administrative fees and exam costs. University of the People may also offer scholarships to qualifying students in order to offset even those costs.

The University of the People is not currently accredited by a Department of Education-approved accrediting agency. However, it is a candidate for consideration by the regional WASC Senior College and University Commission.

At present, however, courses, credits, and degree programs provided by the University of the People do not carry traditional accreditation. This means that you can receive valuable education and even certification in certain areas, but would likely be required to attain additional credentials in order to advance in your education and career.

Currently, University of the People students can receive a free online master’s degree in the following master’s programs:

  • Business administration
  • Information technology
  • Education

Accredited Graduate Schools that Offer Free Online Courses

Some of the most prestigious schools in the world make it possible for any student to take completely free courses in nearly any subject.

For instance, the highly regarded Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a program called MIT OpenCourseWare. Private gifts, donations, and corporate sponsorship allow the elite university to provide tuition free courses online to students at every level of education.

In fact, with more than 2400 courses offered, it is possible to complete a free master’s degree online in subjects ranging from computer science, data science, engineering, and much more. While you won’t necessarily hold a master’s degree from MIT, you can receive this elite graduate education free of charge. There’s no way to put a price on that kind of free education.

Man reading a blue folder while a text book is on his lap

Consortia Offering Free Online Graduate Courses

One of the easiest ways to access free online courses is through the wide range of course consortium sites on the web. For instance, websites like Coursera, Class Central, and edX offer thousands of tuition free online courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. The great thing about these collectives is that they are generally created using graduate courses provided by real, elite colleges and universities.

Many Ivy League Schools and top-ranked technical colleges share trusted partner programs with these consortia. That means that a top Ivy League School like Harvard University makes many of its most popular courses and course materials available through these free online education channels.

While you may not have access to the same credits and credentials as graduate students enrolled in these institutions, your free classes will provide access to top-flight content, curricula, and professors. If practical knowledge or gaining a skill are your top priorities, check out some of the tuition free master’s programs offered through these consortia.

If you do ultimately go on to earn an online master’s degree at an accredited college, these free graduate courses could serve as valuable educational and professional building blocks.

Other Free Programs For Graduate Students

Graduate students seeking to widen or deepen their knowledge in specific areas will find enormous online libraries filled with lectures, lessons, and free course materials at sites like Learn@Forbes and Open Learn.

Are you looking to continue your education with an affordable master’s degree? Check out our Guide to Cheap Degree Rankings.

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What to Consider Before Applying to Free Master’s Programs Online

Before moving forward with a master’s program online, it’s crucial that you do your homework first. Evaluating key areas takes time, but means you can maximize benefits from accessing free graduate level coursework from leading universities and leverage it for professional advancement or towards other academic goals.

Program Prestige and Accreditation

Make sure the university or program offering free online master’s courses has regional and program-specific accreditations. Unaccredited programs are not as respected or valuable for career advancement. Reputable schools like Ivy League universities generally have high standards and rigor even for their free online content.

Degree Requirements

Understand if completing free online course modules results in master’s certificates you can list on resumes or if full graduate degrees are offered online tuition-free. Factor in the time investments—short standalone courses, sequences of certificates, or 1-2 year degrees. Ensure you can meet testing and assignment obligations on top of your other commitments.

Residency Requirements

While many online master’s programs are completely virtual, some still have 1-2 week in-person academic residencies to fulfill. These on-campus components lead to networking opportunities but do mean extra travel and expenses. See if free tuition includes room/board costs during an in-person residency.

Transferability of Credits

Well-ranked colleges allow transferring free online graduate credits into full degree programs if you later choose to pursue a full master’s degree. Understand enrollment, transfer credit processes, and any expiration policies on credits earned from free preliminary courses.

Career Advancement

Beyond just basic knowledge, ensure the specific free online master’s classes and subject matter are directly relevant for growing your expertise in your career field. Research if the academic provider, degree type, program prestige, and content would make your resume more competitive.

Other Ways to Graduate Debt Free

As noted throughout, while you may be able to complete online courses or even earn a free master’s degree online, there are various limitations. Free graduate programs are often unaccredited. So if you are seeking credits and an accredited degree at a serious discount, you may need to consider other options.

Consider looking at some of the most affordable accredited graduate programs for master’s degrees. While these schools aren’t free, most charge less than $10,000 per year for tuition.

You can also consider saving money by completing an accelerated master’s degree program. Spending less time in pursuit of your master’s degree means you’ll spend less on education-related expenses. Not only that, but you’ll have a chance to complete your degree rapidly and return your full focus to your career.

This is why some of the fastest master’s degree programs are also among the most affordable graduate degrees as well.

Student Submitted Questions About Free Online Master’s Degrees

Are online master’s degrees legit?

Yes, online master’s degrees are completely legitimate credentials when granted by accredited universities. Online programs have the same high academic standards and rigor as on-campus programs, often using the same faculty and curriculum. Employers generally view graduates of reputable online master’s programs as equally qualified candidates compared to those from brick-and-mortar institutions.

Are there negatives to earning an online master’s degree from a free program?

While saving money on tuition, tuition-free master’s programs may lack prestige and name recognition compared to more well-known schools, which could negatively impact employability. Another concern is whether the program lacks regional accreditation, which is the sign of a top-notch education.

In online education, it is also especially important to evaluate the level of academic support and career resources for online students not physically present on campus.

Conclusion

While online education has made great advances in accessibility and quality, most graduate degrees still come with a hefty price tag that gives many prospective students pause. However, some of the most reputable universities globally are now expanding free online course offerings, from specialized certificates to components of fully accredited master’s programs.

Students who proactively seek out these tuition-free graduate level learning opportunities from respected public and private academic powerhouses can reap tremendous benefits.

Though these programs require self-motivation and diligence, driven learners who take advantage of free online courses can save substantially while still competing at the highest educational levels.

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