20 schools offering free masters online in 2023 (2023)

Öaverage cost of a two-year master’s degreeis $66,340 but may vary depending on the public ($54,500) or private ($81,100) status of the post-secondary institution. Also, keep in mind that master's students are less likely to receive scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers compared to their undergraduate and graduate peers.

But onegrowing number of peopleThey're still doing master's degrees, despite the tuition, fees, and other expenses that make up the total cost of attending! By 2020, more than 830,000 students are expected to graduate with their master's degrees, a significant increase from the 58,200 graduates in 1950.

SELECTED SCHOOLS

Why is that? Earning a master’s degree comes with a multitude of benefits, from increased earning potential to an improved quality of life! Fortunately, thanks to scholarships, tuition waivers, and government grants, among other forms of financial support, some schools offer free tuition or near-free master's degrees.

Overview:
Earning a master’s degree for free — or at least as close as you can get with mandatory tuition and fees — means you don’t have hefty student loans. But also remember that free tuition doesn't automatically mean unconditional (there really isn't such a thing as "completely free tuition"), nor does it mean spending a single penny during your time on your master's degree. Program! Prerequisites for enrollment are usually a proven need, academic achievements and even working conditions.

Master's degrees are the new entry-level degrees

in a search, most employers have increased their educational requirements for entry-level positions because their experience with graduate workers is more productive, competent, and passionate about lifelong learning.

These employers report that employees with a master's degree contribute to company growth through innovative ideas, increased sales and increased customer loyalty. In fact, several high-paying occupations require at least a master's degree for entry-level positions such as education administrators, family therapists, and registered nurses.

20 Best Schools With Free Online Masters Degrees for bachelor and master students

People's University

UofPeople was the first fully online university to offer free tuition to all of its students without the typical conditions of proven need and academic merit. However, students pay a registration fee of $60 and $240 per course as an evaluation fee upon completion of the course. Scholarships can also cover these minimum fees for students with proven needs and it has to be said that the conditions are also favourable.

PhD students do not have to pay tuition, annual tuition, and technology fees. Arranging free courses is possible because UoPeople has generous donors and partners, many of whom are large companies and organizations. Your donations and other arrangements will pay for tuition and other waived fees.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has a completion time of 15 months with a total projected payment of $2,940. The Master of Education (MEd) in Advanced Teaching can be earned in 17 months, with each student paying their full $3,180 tuition.

Curtis Institute of Music

All students receive performance-related full scholarships, regardless of their financial need, so separate funding is not necessary. Graduate students received $58,535 in free tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year, which covered their educational expenses. These merit grants are renewable each year after the student enrolls in graduate programs.

Curtis also provides financial assistance to students with demonstrated needs to help meet their living expenses. Needs-based financial aid has a separate application form and is intended to replace the loan program. Beneficiary students are then at lower risk of incurring student loan debt, as the majority of students (92%) receive this financial assistance on an as-needed basis.

With only 175 students, Curtis is able to maintain its generous scholarship policy, but it also means admissions to its postgraduate programs are highly selective. Students thrive on hands-on instruction and individual attention from faculty and staff. The two-year, ten-semester Master of Music online program attracts highly talented musicians with diverse training, intensive training and studio classes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Earning a master's degree from MIT can be expensive — the current full regular tuition is $27,755 per semester — but it's still possible to achieve your dream! MIT offers students from families with annual incomes of less than $90,000 the opportunity to earn their degrees virtually free through scholarships, grants, and work-study agreements.

Students in Master of Science and Engineering programs can apply for Teaching Fellowships, Research Fellowships, and Fellowships, meaning their degrees are free! Tuition and other applicable fees apply to these financial aid forms. Please note that Sloan School MBA students pay full tuition. But it is possible to get the money back by acting as a business consultant and even signing up for premiums designed to pay monthly fees.

Funded master's programs include nuclear science and engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace. Each department has their financial aid policy, so check first.

University at Stanford

Stanford's graduate tuition is among the most expensive -- more than $60,000 for a 45-unit master's degree that must be earned within five years of your initial enrollment. But Stanford also allows deserving students to earn an advanced degree without paying full tuition! Scholarships, fellowships, and fellowships are among the “free funds” provided by the university to ensure deserving students graduate without jeopardizing student loans.

Students are recommended to first contact their respective departments to find out about the financial support options available. Sufficient funds can be raised to meet most, if not all, of your education expenses. If this is not the case, students can inquire about possible educational loans at the study grant office.

Stanford master's programs offered online include Aerospace, Applied Physics, Biomedical Informatics, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.

University of Columbia

Columbia offers online master's degree programs in a variety of fields from African American Studies, Anthropology and Art History and Archeology to Biotechnology and Climate and Society. Full-time students pay $14,088 per semester in tuition, meaning students of modest means can find it challenging to sustain their studies.

Fortunately, it's still possible to fund your education without straining student loans with outside grants, research grants, and dual degree opportunities, resulting in free tuition. Federal and personal loans can also be used to bridge the gap. Some programs have limited scholarships and merit-based awards, but they are still useful for earning significant tuition reductions.

Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

The Ph.D./MBA dual degree program is a joint partnership between Weill Cornell and the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. Students must first complete the Ph.D. Graduation requirements by April 30, then transfer to Johnson School of Management in May. The accelerated MBA program has a processing time of 12 months and graduates of the dual degree take on managerial roles in companies with a medical connection.

Best of all, it's free to win! Every two years (turn of the year), two graduate students receive a full scholarship, resulting in free tuition for these students. Thanks to Charles R. Lee and the Lee Family Foundation, the scholarship covers the Accelerated MBA tuition of the beneficiary students. Applicants will be required to write a 500-word essay, which should highlight the reasons for applying for the dual degree and goals after completion.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

It should be emphasized that UNC does not have a zero degree program, but graduate students will benefit from significant tuition reductions through the wide range of financial aid available. Also, Chapel Hill is considered one of the most livable college towns when it comes to the cost of living!

In addition to the scholarships and grants, graduate students can also apply for scholarships and fellowships. Financial support has conditions such as B. Faculty recommendations, academic performance and demonstrated financial need. There are two types of grants that are offered and administered separately – first, service grants require recipients to do decent work, and second, non-service grants with no work requirements. Eligible students may also receive both types.

UNC's impressive fellowship programs include the Royster Society of Fellows, the Weiss Urban Livability Fellowship Program, and the Master's Merit Fellowship/Assistantship. Check out the North Carolina Excellence Fellowship and the Native American Incentive Fellowship. Visit the Graduate Funding Information Center for more information.

Areas of study in the master's programs include studio art, urban and regional planning, education, clinical rehabilitation, and mental health counseling and toxicology.

University of Arizona

Arizona residents enjoy a significantly lower tuition ($11,720) than nonresidents ($23,544) in ASU's master's programs. Plus, these tuition fees are affordable while still providing excellent quality of continuing education! However, ASU continues to provide tuition reduction opportunities for its graduate students, even to the point where they can earn their degrees at virtually no cost.

Students must be nominated (i.e. students cannot apply directly) for the scholarships, fellowships and grants awarded by graduate programs. These funding opportunities include the need-based and merit-based allowances that the Graduate College administers and funds.

Students can apply for external grants such as the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) and the Gastwirth Graduate Student Loan Fellowship Program. Other options include ASU Distinguished Graduate Fellowships, AAUW American Fellowships ($20,000 per year), and Ford Foundation Fellowships (tuition waiver and $24,000 annual stipend for three years).

ASU offers online master's degree programs in Architecture and Civil Engineering, Arts, Engineering and Technology, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Texas A&M University

TAMU is recognized by Money Magazine as one of the best in Texas and by Washington Monthly as the best value. With affordable costs, excellent academics and strong career potential for its graduates, TAMU's inclusion in the list is indeed justified! TAMU also strives to provide graduate students with financial support opportunities that remove the financial barrier to further education.

These financial support options include scholarships, grants, and student trainee contracts that make earning a master's degree virtually free. The Federal TEACH Grant, Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), and Texas Aggie Graduate Grant (TAGG) are among the most popular due to their generous award funds. TAMU only has a single grant application, so student applications are automatically screened for all financial aid opportunities.

Scholarship packages may include funds for tuition, fees, and insurance, and range from $1,000 to $30,000 with other perks. In addition to additional services, graduate and teaching internships are also possible with biweekly or monthly payment.

TAMU's master's programs cover areas of agricultural development, biological and agricultural engineering, and recreation and youth development, to name a few.

Rice University

Rice Online Learning is a global leader in post-secondary online education, emphasizing academic excellence, hands-on learning and innovative approaches. The current range of master's programs offered online includes computer science, data science, business administration and engineering management and leadership. These programs share the same curriculum, degree requirements, and faculty members as their on-campus equivalents.

The Master of Science in Computer Science program features a merit-based scholarship with awards of up to $10,000 per recipient. Students also benefit from the flexible self-paced course with weekly live sessions and lectures.

Eligible graduate students may also apply for grants of up to $40,000 per year, which can be used towards living expenses and other non-educational costs of attendance. The scholarship holders also receive a full scholarship, which means that your further education is almost free of charge!

Postgraduate students who have completed the tenth semester receive a tuition fee reduction. Active military personnel and veterans can apply for military benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides for tuition and an allowance for books and supplies.

University of Iowa

The Graduate College offers grants and scholarships aimed at significant tuition reductions. Aid is available to both domestic and international students and consists of tuition waivers, healthcare benefits and salary supplements. Scholarships further reduce the cost of attendance, with the American College Testing (ACT) Scholarship being the most popular – its $23,000-a-year stipend and full tuition waiver are aimed at full-time students from underserved populations.

Iowa allows its online students to enroll in four semester hours of face-to-face classes. Masters programs offered online are in Business Administration (MBA), Educational Leadership, Library and Information Science, and Nursing.

Boston University

BU's competitive tuition fee is made even more affordable by its comprehensive financial aid policy. Every BU student receives financial aid, albeit in varying amounts. Many master's programs offer partial scholarships, and tuition waivers are a benefit enjoyed by BU staff.

Students are required to fill out the FAFSA and other forms recommended by the IRS. This could open the door to federal, state, and institutional grants. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences offers merit-based scholarships for first-year masters students and on-campus employment opportunities. The Graduate Office maintains a database of BU grants and external funding sources.

Of these scholarships, Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most in-demand scholarship because it covers full-time tuition and offers a $23,340 annual stipend and primary health insurance. Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship, William V. Shannon Memorial Scholarship and African Studies Scholarship are other scholarships.

BU Masters programs available online are in Applied Business Analysis, Applied Data Analysis, Curriculum and Teaching and more.

University in Buffalo

The Graduate School of Education offers generous financial aid opportunities to eligible students, including scholarships that cover tuition, travel allowances, and scholarships. Doctoral students must first complete the FAFSA in order for their financial aid applications to be considered. This is because the FAFSA collects personally identifiable information, including family income, which is used to determine eligibility for federal assistance and is also used for requests for institutional assistance.

Scholarship and assistance programs are also available and welcome high-performing students who wish to fund their studies with little or no debt. Examples include the Arthur A. Schomburg Graduate Fellowship Program, the Master of Education Teacher Incentive Fellowship Program, and the Taher and Myra Razik International Fellowship. There are also scholarship opportunities for veterans, active service members, and students in the computer science program.

UB's online master's programs include Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods, Information Science and Library Science, Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Library Science.

University of Minnesota

Funding packages for graduate students come primarily from research and teaching grants, fellowships and grants, and loans. Graduate internships can cover most tuition and mandatory fees, but assistants must work a minimum of 98 hours per semester.

Graduates who want generous study support should check out the Diversity of Views and Experiences program. Recipients are supported for up to 14 credit hours per semester in addition to the $25,000 (maximum) stipend. Health and dental insurance as well as travel assistance are also part of the package. Only 15 scholarships will be offered.

Online students receive the same quality of instruction as their on-campus peers, and their degrees do not indicate the online platform. Master’s programs can be offered entirely online, partially online, or mostly online. Credit counts range from 31 to 52 credits, and programs include public health administration, applied child and youth development, business administration, and more.

Loyola University of Chicago

LUC's commitment to upholding equity and social values ​​is reflected in the competitive financial aid packages offered to its graduate students. With financial aid largely removing the financial burden, graduate students enjoy a better educational experience, especially with LUC's extensive student support services.

Graduate assistants are in demand for their competitive advantages, including tuition reimbursements, scholarships, and travel awards. The total value of a full graduate internship is about $50,000 per year! Research assistants are also thriving thanks to professional development opportunities initiated by LUC. Scholarships also provide tuition, scholarships, and health insurance coverage without the service component.

Information technology, pastoral science, bioethics and health policy, and public service leadership are among the areas of study in your online master's programs.

University of Miami

UOnline ensures that none of its students pay full price, with 50% off being common due to the wide range of financial aid programs. Each graduate student is also eligible for merit-based scholarships, with enrollment being the primary requirement for eligibility. The FAFSA is also mandatory for all undergraduate students as it is the foundation of federal and state government and institutional aid.

Students choose from several master's programs with tuition reductions ranging from 27% to 50%, including Applied Learning Sciences, Educational Sports Administration and Live Entertainment Management. University staff and alumni can also apply for affinity scholarships, which further reduce tuition.

UOnline also welcomes active military and veterans to its military-specific financial aid options. The Yellow Ribbon Program awards scholarships to veterans, supplemented by Veterans Affairs, in addition to the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty and

Montgomery GI Bill selected educational assistance programs for survivors and those on the reservation.

Students may also apply for two-year grants with financial assistance ranging from $23,000 to $40,000. UOnline makes it easy for students to pay for their tuition through simple installment plans.

University of Georgia

Most of the online programs offered at UGA have the same tuition structure for both local and international students, not to mention that UGA's education is among the most affordable in the state. Students may have limited institutional graduate scholarships that may be supplemented with outside scholarships and grants.

UGA accepts corporate tuition support such as: B. Study support and reimbursement. Active-duty military personnel and veterans and their eligible spouses and dependents are eligible for military school assistance. Check with your employer. Federal funding is also a big part of why a UGA master's degree can be obtained at virtually no cost!

UGA's online master's programs are Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, Agricultural Economics and Supply Chain Management; disaster preparedness/emergency management; and early childhood education and many others.

University of North Dakota

The UND Scholarship Hub is the hub for scholarship opportunities offered and accepted by the university. Completing the general form with your full and accurate personal information will result in an automatic grant allocation. AND has a “pool and match” system in which students are matched with scholarship programs based on the intent of the latter and applicable laws.

Students must also apply for federal assistance through the FAFSA, which is used to determine eligibility for state educational assistance programs. Scholarship programs may also use the FAFSA, but are likely to require different documents and have conditions such as satisfactory academic progress.

AND also provides limited financial support through the Angel Fund, an emergency fund for students in crises and emergencies. The Open Door Scholarship Program provides one-time financial assistance to students who are struggling due to unforeseen circumstances. AND also offers its employees and their families a tuition waiver.

Accounting, applied statistics, and sports training are among the areas of study covered in UND's online master's programs.

University of Southern New Hampshire

SNHU works with students to achieve academic success, particularly in earning their degrees. Online Masters Degrees are in Accounting, Applied Economics, Criminal Justice, Curriculum and Instruction, and more. Although SNHU is a not-for-profit private university, its low-cost attendance results from decades of tuition freezes.

Students can save on their tuition by applying for federal grants through the FAFSA and by applying for outside scholarships. SNHU also accepts credit transfer, a way to save on monthly fees by applying your prior knowledge. Up to 12 credits can be carried over, saving over $7,000 in tuition. Up to 30% tuition discounts are also available for military members and their spouses.

University of Texas at Austin

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid maximizes students' options for funding their graduate education at the University of Texas. Of course, UT Austin has one of the cheapest tuition rates among Texas public universities, not to mention the most competitive tuition among the top public universities across the country. When affordable tuition and financial aid combine, you can get your master's degree almost for free!

The FAFSA is the first resource because federal aid is generally the easiest to obtain. Students fill in the gaps through scholarships and grants such as the Texas Public Education Grant and the UT Grant. Individual prices vary, but can go as high as $10,000 for a full year. Exceptions and exemptions for fellows and research assistants are also common.

UT Austin's online master's programs include Creative Writing, Nursing Administration, Spanish Translation and Interpreting, and Kinesiology, among others.

The best reasons for a master's degree

The free study part is not the only benefit of getting a master’s degree from these prestigious universities either!

Increase your income potential

In better and worse economic times, a highly skilled workforce is typicalenjoy a higher salaryand lower unemployment rates than the less educated. Master's degree holders earn an average of $1,545 per week, which is higher than the average weekly earnings of $1,305 for bachelor's degree holders. The former also has a lower unemployment rate at 4.1% than the latter at 5.5%, not to mention that a master's degree is the bare minimum for many well-paying jobs.

Once you earn a master's degree in a field you've worked in for a number of years, you're more likely to be hired in supervisory or managerial roles. The higher your ranking, the better your compensation package can be.

Increase your chances of advancement

Employers recognize the value of master's degrees in their organizations' bottom line, whether it's the bottom line or in public advocacy. The degree of recognition differs depending on whether a master's degree is a requirement or a preference for management tasks. In any case, with a bachelor's degree and similar professional experience, you will stand out from the crowd! It may even be justified to highlight your master's degree from a reputable university on your CV.

career change

career changeis defined as a change from a specific occupation to another, usually unrelated occupation, such as B. from a computer scientist to a doctor. The reasons vary widely, from a desire for a new challenge to a passion, but changing careers often requires new education and training. A master's degree can come in handy, especially if your bachelor's degree lacks training in the new career you are pursuing.

Gain expert knowledge

Earning a master's degree means you are passionate about the lifelong learning that employers expect from their employees. You will also acquire specialist knowledge, a great advantage when applying for specialist jobs. Even if you already have specialist knowledge in your field, you will find that a master's degree will take you further. You can also use it as an advisor, and it usually pays better too.

Spark your passion for lifelong learning

Earning a master's degree is no walk in the park, whether it's free or not, on campus or online, as students are expected to have college-level knowledge and skills. There will be many articles to read, evaluate and write and a thesis that will require excellent communication skills. But you will also nurture your passion for lifelong learning, and the challenges that come your way will be worth it. Even if you think you've read all the books in your major, there's always something new to learn.

Stay up to date in your field of study

Every industry and its fields of study are constantly in motion, which means that new ideas, innovations and inventions are constantly being introduced. This also applies to medicine, IT and technology, accounting and law, as well as to areas with a high level of obsolescence. Pursuing a master's degree means staying current in your field of study while expanding your subject knowledge and research skills.

Expand your personal and professional contacts

Even if you never meet your fellow students from your online master's program, you can still make them part of your network! Not only will your LinkedIn and social media accounts grow, but you can ask for references that can improve your chances of advancement. Your professors are also great sources for letters of recommendation, references, and other useful career information with your established connections.

Use it as an educational stepping stone

While doctoral programs do not require a master's degree, it is usually a prerequisite or preferred credential. Due to the intensive research required, a master’s degree is also an excellent preparation for a doctoral degree. Your master's level research skills will facilitate your PhD work.

you be smarter

In addition to acquiring specialist knowledge, you will be amazed at the depth and breadth of new knowledge you can acquire in a master’s degree! You will also develop your core cognitive skills such as critical and analytical thinking skills that are transferrable to any industry. Your ability for self-study will also be developed beyond what you learned in college - there is no such thing as spoon feeding in grad school!

Dive into research opportunities

Participating in the research of professors at a professional level is a shame to leave it to students in master's programs. Your curiosity about a certain area can be satisfied, but also deepened so that you can continue researching in the future.

Of course, your personal growth will also be promoted! All of the professional knowledge and skills gained through earning a master's degree will translate into your personal growth, from making new friends to further discoveries about yourself.

The best time for a master's degree

Should you enroll in a master's program immediately after graduation or wait until you have gained relevant work experience?

When should you go right after college

If you enroll in a master's college the year after graduation, you're more likely to have a smoother transition with summer vacations in between. You enjoy your moment with your effective yet strong study habits, which means you won't find the transition from college life to grad school difficult.

If you take a break, your learning behavior may not be as effective and the transition from professional life to work and study life can be very challenging in the first semester. Significant changes in your life can also make it difficult for you to balance work, study, and personal commitments such as marriage and raising children. Your decision to pursue a master's degree without these additional assignments could be the best thing ever!

There's also the problem of paying off your federal student loan as a reasonable student because you're continuing your education. But keep in mind that you may also be racking up more student debt for your studies and still need to pay off your bachelor's loans after earning your master's degree.

Note that if you wish to claim federal aid as a graduate student, you will still file the FAFSA, but this time as an independent student. You are only eligible for Direct PLUS and Direct Unsubsidized Loans and the Government Paid Study and Work Program. You can also apply to government, institutional, and private scholarship programs, and maybe even take advantage of your employer's enrollment grant program.

But dropping out of college also has its downsides. You may not yet have maturity, life and work experience, and time management skills! You may not be willing to meet the admissions requirements for programs that require a minimum number of years of relevant work experience (e.g. Executive MBA programs).

When is it better to wait

If you wait a few years to study for a master’s degree, you will also benefit from numerous advantages. You have a break from the late nights, long exams, and cold pizzas that have shaped your college life. You can build your career first, maybe settle down in a certain place or travel a lot and find your place in the sun.

In the meantime, you'll expand your work experience and develop your skills to contribute to your academic success. Your work and life experiences will enhance, if not alter, your views and perspectives as a college student, which will contribute to an enriching postgraduate experience. You'll also have more time to complete creative projects, volunteer in community work, and build a portfolio, which will add personal value and look great on your resume without the added weight of a graduate degree.

Your interests and ambitions may also evolve as you work, and your plans for a particular master's program may change as well. You may want to discover your true calling before making plans for a master's degree, or risk making a significant investment in a graduate degree in a field that doesn't interest you. Also, there will be graduate schools, whether you wait a year or ten years!

And then there is the question of finances! You can pay off your student loans first, stabilize your finances, and save for grad school if you wait. Even if you don't pay off 100% of your student loans, a significant reduction could mean fewer student loans. You are in a better position to fund your graduate education through scholarships, support, and tuition from your employer.

Bottom Line: Do your Masters when you are mature and ready for it! You must have effective time management skills, be emotionally mature for adult responsibilities, and be as financially stable as possible. You must also commit to completing the program, and that can be a challenge in itself.

Planning tips for academic success

Regardless of your decision as to when to dive into college life, you will benefit from keeping these tips in mind.

Determine your goals

You should have clear goals, including your reasons and motivations for pursuing a master's degree. What do you want to achieve with a postgraduate degree? What are your expectations of the graduate school, including its didactic and research-related components? What are your wishes for a master's career?

The clearer your goals are, the better your chances of getting a master's degree in your desired field! You don't have to write everything down, but a list can be a good source of motivation. Your goals don't have to mirror everyone else's either, they should be yours! For example, you might pursue an MBA because you want to make your private medical practice more effective, cost-effective, and patient-friendly.

Put your dollars in line

While earning a master's degree offers numerous personal and professional benefits, the cost is staggering! If you are patient and persistent - and if you are lucky - you can fund your education with grants, fellowships and grants. But there are living expenses and other unexpected expenses that need to be planned for.

If you have a family, you should also consider the impact of your education on your family's financial health. Even with full coverage of tuition and other educational expenses, the additional costs can be challenging. You also need to consider technology costs such as computer and internet facilities, among other possible costs.

So, before looking into masters programs, it's a good idea to take a look at your current finances and future cash flow. You should also discuss your plans with family members and perhaps ask for emotional and financial support. Are you asking yourself, “Can we pay for my master’s degree? With so many benefits and a tight job market, can't we afford not to pursue it?”

Understand the difference between Bachelor and Master

If you navigated your undergraduate studies based on your talent, you will likely find a different environment in your postgraduate studies! One difficulty most graduate students will encounter isImposter Syndrome. It's the strong feeling of being a cheater and doubting your abilities. Your confidence gets tested more times than you care to count, so being your strongest cheerleader is important to having a support network.

Also, during your graduate studies, you should expect more initiative and less direction from your professors and other staff. While there are exceptional student support services in grad school, spoon feeding is not a thing here.

Develop the qualities to become an effective graduate student

Because of the greater flexibility in graduate school, you must possess maturity and the attributes that come with it to be successful. In addition to effective time management, you should also possess the following qualities:

• Motivation starts from within and it's important to keep your motivation level up, even if it fluctuates from time to time. Motivation also includes having clear goals, even if something goes wrong, even if only temporarily.
• Optimism is the ability to focus on the positive side, maintain realistic expectations, and set SMART goals. Positive thinking must be accompanied by meaningful decisions that lead to productive action.
• Perseverance goes hand-in-hand with patience, as it is crucial to achieving goals despite adversity. Going through another draft, book, or survey will be your ticket to success.
• A strong work ethic is critical to your success because it means sticking to your schedule, even when it seems almost impossible.

But also take care of your body and mind! These are your best resources to earn your master's degree and succeed in your career.

plan ahead

You should plan your studies early. If you are enrolling straight out of college, you should plan your freshman year in advance. You have ample time to decide on your specialty, meet the admission requirements, and become a competitive candidate. Your decision to study for a bachelor's or doctoral degree also means that you should start your professional life in the first year!

frequently asked questions

What Are The Legitimate Ways To Get A Free Online Masters Degree?

Look for scholarships, fellowships, and grants that offer graduate students free tuition! While there are a more limited number of these programs for masters students than for undergraduate and graduate students, there are still quite a few. You will also find target group specific free money such as: B. military and veterans, prospective teachers and underrepresented groups. Also, ask about industry and employer benefits and apprenticeship work programs.

Is a Free Online Masters Acceptable Among Employers and Industries?

In general, employers are more likely to check whether an accredited institution has issued a master's degree. Of course, the field of study, specialization and courses that contribute to the results of the organization are also considered a priority. Ultimately, what you bring is more important than where you got it from.

You can even point out that you got your master's degree for free through merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. This is an indication of your tenacity, passion, and patience, as well as your leadership skills, which will be valuable to the company if hired.

Do Universities With Free Online Masters Degrees Have High Academic Standards?

Not all schools, but if you choose any of the 20 featured universities, you are 100% guaranteed that they are among the best in the country! But even if you don't, you can still do your research on the accreditations, academic records, and degree results of any university you're considering.

Are there negative aspects of a free online masters program?

None that we know of have a paid master's degree on campus! You must choose a specialization that fits your professional aspirations and goals. You should also choose an accredited university with a master’s program that is known for its academic excellence, among other things. This way you can maximize your advanced studies and enjoy the benefits of it.

Is it necessary to combine a master's degree with a bachelor's degree?

No, it is not necessary! Ask a study advisor about study requirements and professional experience if these do not match your master's and bachelor's degrees. You may have a bachelor's degree in computer science and decide to pursue a master's in accounting.

Main Conclusions

• Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a master’s degree online for free — or almost free — are eligible for grants, fellowships, and fellowships.
• Plan your graduate studies based on the financial investment and the physical and mental demands needed to succeed.
• A free online master's degree is valuable evidence, but make sure you make the right choice in a program.