4 tuition-free universities in the US for master's degrees (2023)

The US is arguably one of the most expensive study abroad destinations in the world, but did you know that there are tuition-free universities in the US? This can greatly curb the stress that comes with funding your education abroad so that you can focus on your studies as well as other aspects of being abroad, such as exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, Yellowstone National Park and Niagara Falls.

Tuition fees for a master’s degree vary from as little as US$8,000 to US$120,000 a year. That’s not including your living expenses, utilities, rent, and other expenses you will spend as an international student. If the idea of a free (or nearly free) master’s or micro master’s entices you, consider these tuition-free universities in the US that offer great postgraduate programmes:

4 tuition-free universities in the US for master's degrees (1)

With an average monthly living cost of US$3,189, it’s not surprising to see international students looking for more affordable options to pursue their master’s. Source: Philippe Lopez/AFP

(Video) 4 tuition-free universities in the US for master’s degrees

4 tuition-free universities in the US for your master’s

1. University of the People

Founded in 2009 and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission in February 2014, the University of the People (UoPeople) is the first non-profit, online tuition-free university in the US.

(Video) 4 tuition free universities | USA 🇺🇸 2023 #shorts

It offers three master’s degree programmes in Business Administration, Information Technology and Education.

You only need to pay a one-off application fee of US$60and aUS$300 course assessment fee. It will cost approximately US$3,660 to study for a Master of Business Administration or Master in Information Technology, and US$3,960 for a Master of Education.

2. Curtis Institute of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music’s Master of Music programme will provide students with comprehensive musical training covering composition, orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, organ and opera. They learn with distinguished artist-teachers in private lessons and studio lessons.

(Video) Guaranteed Free Tuition Universities in the US for International Students| No tuition in USA Schools

All students receivefull-tuition scholarships, regardless of their financial situation. For the 2022-23 academic term, the annual value of this scholarship is US$60,291 for graduate students.

4 tuition-free universities in the US for master's degrees (2)

(Video) THESE 4 UNIVERSITIES ARE OFFERING FREE TUITION & ALL INCLUSIVE SCHOLARSHIP|STUDY IN EUROPE FOR FREE

Princeton University is one of the US’s premier university and is often listed among the world’s top 100 universities by multiple ranking tables. Source: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

3. Princeton University

While the Graduate School does not provide central funding for master’s candidates, it offers full or partial funding opportunities for specific master’s degree programmes.

The School of Public and International Affairs will cover 100% of tuition and required fees for students pursuing their Master in Public Affairs Master in Public Policy.Assistantship(where graduate students are involved in classroom teaching, laboratory supervision and grading in undergraduate courses) is another way to fund your master’s at Princeton University.

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4. Columbia University

Columbia University is a suitable choice for you. Located in New York City, New York, Columbia University is a prestigious research-intensive institute that offers tuition-free online programmes for international students.

Through its partnership withedX, Columbia University has many online courses and micro masters, from Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Animation, Corporate Finance and Robotics.The best part is that these programmes are available for free. You can also choose to receive a verified certificate for a small fee.

FAQs

Are there any free tuition free universities in USA? ›

The US Service Academies are among the tuition free universities in USA. There are five United State Academies. They are U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Can I study Masters for free in USA? ›

Ans. The Fulbright Program are full scholarships in the USA for international students who want to pursue a Master's or PhD degree. The scholarships can also be awarded for non-degree postgraduate studies. The grant covers tuition fee, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.

How can I get a full scholarship for Masters in USA? ›

Types of Scholarships for MS in USA
  1. Apply for Scholarships before the deadline- ...
  2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria- ...
  3. Ask your target schools about scholarships- ...
  4. Class 10th or 12th grades Do Not matter- ...
  5. GMAT/ GRE scores are Important- ...
  6. Showcase Leadership and Volunteering skills- ...
  7. Prove your proficiency in the English Language-
7 days ago

What is the cheapest Masters degree in the US? ›

Cheap universities in America offering Master's degrees
  • Hamline University, Minnesota – Masters start at 795 USD/year.
  • Murray State University, Kentucky – Masters start at 800 USD/year.
  • Concordia University Wisconsin, Wisconsin – Masters start at 834 USD/year.
Nov 17, 2022

What states have free university? ›

Community college free tuition
  • California. Program: California College Promise Grant. ...
  • Delaware. Program: Delaware Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship Program. ...
  • Hawaii. Program: Hawaii Promise Scholarship. ...
  • Maryland. Program: Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. ...
  • Michigan. ...
  • Missouri. ...
  • Montana. ...
  • Nevada.
Mar 8, 2022

What US state has free college? ›

Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Promise covers up to the full cost of tuition at public two-year colleges after other aid has been applied. Students must have a household-adjusted gross income of less than $60,000 to qualify and be able to demonstrate good citizenship and strong academics while in high school.

Can you get a full ride for Masters? ›

College students could receive full ride to graduate school depending on which two year program they study. A full ride scholarship for grad school usually pays tuition, mandatory fees and a monthly sum. However, they are usually highly competitive. They may not be easy to receive.

Where can I study a Masters for free? ›

Free for EU nationals
  • Denmark. Universities in Denmark do not charge any tuition fees for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. ...
  • Finland. Masters study in Finland is free for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. ...
  • Sweden. ...
  • Poland. ...
  • Austria. ...
  • Lithuania.
Dec 23, 2022

Are there free Masters? ›

There are a few ways one can get a tuition-free master's: Some universities provide a full grant for a master's program. Some universities run tuition-free master's courses. Some universities offer a tuition rebate to students who work for the university.

What GPA do you need to get a full scholarship for Masters? ›

A 4.0 Grade Point Average is not only a high GPA, it's an impressive GPA that's sure to catch the eyes of many scholarship providers. Since the minimum GPA for a full-ride scholarship is usually set at 3.5, a 4.0 is sure to always be above and beyond what's required.

What is a good GPA for Masters scholarship? ›

Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.

Is it hard to get scholarship for Masters? ›

While it is true that most graduate programs offer a few admissions-based scholarships that are directly related to each university program, these opportunities are incredibly rare. Yet, many students are surprised to realize this upon admission.

What's the easiest masters degree to get accepted? ›

Some of these easiest master programs to get into also don't require any GRE or standardized test scores, making admission even more probably!
  • Communication. Median Salary: $68K/year with an MA in Communication. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Sports Management. ...
  • Organizational Leadership. ...
  • Healthcare Administration.
Jan 15, 2023

What is the easiest Masters to get? ›

Considerably the most common and easiest degree program is Master of Arts. Many universities enroll thousands of students in this program every year. Students of this degree program usually study subjects like Fine Arts, Linguistics, English Literature, Geography, History, Philosophy, and other art-related subjects.

Which Masters is best in USA? ›

USA is a top study destination for international students with over 3,200 universities.
...
Some of the top MS in USA courses are:
  • MS in Artificial Intelligence.
  • MS in Computer Science & Engineering.
  • MS in Cyber Security.
  • MS in Data Science.

Is there a free university? ›

Study in the Nordic countries for free

Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost: In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality.

What are the benefits of free college? ›

  • Pro 1. Tuition-free college will help decrease crippling student debt. If tuition is free, students will take on significantly fewer student loans. ...
  • Pro 2. The US economy and society has benefited from tuition-free college in the past. ...
  • Pro 3. Everyone deserves the opportunity to get a college education.
Aug 24, 2022

What country allows free college? ›

Norway. Norway offers free college tuition at all of its public universities for both Norwegians and international students. The Norwegian government funds these universities to help degree-seekers graduate with less debt.

Which state has the cheapest college? ›

If you're looking to get a college education without the student loan debt, consider colleges from these options:
  • Wyoming*
  • Florida.
  • Montana.
  • Utah.
  • North Carolina.
  • Idaho.
  • New Mexico*
  • South Dakota*
Aug 26, 2022

Does Texas have free college? ›

Additionally, many universities in Texas have their own free tuition and fee programs. Again, your household has to make under a certain amount to qualify. A few schools require that your household income is less than $30,000 a year. A few others say you can qualify if your household makes under $85,000 a year.

When did college stop being free in the US? ›

Legislative and social changes in the 1960s started to really shift the business model of colleges, ending the era of tuition-free state universities. As a result, the student debt crisis began. After WWII, the GI Bill affected the demand for college as more Americans wanted to go due to their military benefits.

How to afford masters degree? ›

Ways to pay for graduate school
  1. Start with money you don't have to pay back. Supplement your savings by applying for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantship positions.
  2. Explore federal student loans. ...
  3. Consider a responsible, private graduate school loan.

How do people pay for Masters programs? ›

Fellowships, scholarships and grants are the best ways to pay for grad school because you typically don't repay them. However, you do need to earn this financial aid — for graduate school, free money is usually based on academic merit, not financial need.

Do you have to pay tuition fees for a Masters? ›

The cost of a Masters is made up of the same things as the cost of a Bachelors: the tuition fees the university charges for your course and the living costs you need to cover whilst you study it.

Do employers look down on online Masters degrees? ›

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 92 percent of employers view online degrees from brick-and-mortar schools as favorable, while only 42 percent would consider a candidate with an online degree from a university that operates solely online, despite any accreditation.

Can I get master's degree online free? ›

Absolutely. Free college tuition programs at completely free online colleges make this possible. You can get a masters degree with no student debt. There are all kinds of tuition free college programs out there.

How much does it cost to pass the Masters? ›

For example, if you're on track to receive a Pass, you may need to achieve the minimum grade for a Pass (50%) in your dissertation. Similarly, you may need to gain at least a 60% score in your dissertation for a Merit, and at least a 70% score for a Distinction.

Are Masters worth it anymore? ›

Nearly two-thirds (61%) of graduates with a master's degree will earn more than the median bachelor's degree holder, according to the CEW. It's even higher for doctoral (73%) and professional (83%) degree holders. Having a higher degree could also strengthen your ability to stay employed during economic downturns.

What is considered low GPA for Masters? ›

Most top-ranked graduate programs typically prefer a GPA of 3.5 or better. Exceptions to this rule occur, of course, but many students give up their quest to attend graduate school due to a low (3.0 or less) GPA.

How can I get into a Masters with a 2.5 GPA? ›

How to Get into Grad School with a 2.5 GPA
  1. GRE or GMAT Scores. ...
  2. Statement of Purpose. ...
  3. Consultation with a Faculty Member. ...
  4. Additional Coursework. ...
  5. Professional Work Experience. ...
  6. Recommendation Letters. ...
  7. Admissions Essay. ...
  8. Admissions Interview.
Nov 6, 2022

Can I get a Masters with a 2.4 GPA? ›

For more competitive programs, a 3.0 or even higher may be the minimum GPA accepted, but in other cases, schools are more flexible and will admit students with a minimum 2.5, or they may have no GPA cutoff at all.

Does GPA matter in Masters? ›

The short answer is that, yes, your graduate school GPA matters. But, of course, there's a lot more nuance to it than that. Grades do lose some importance as you continue on your academic path. Colleges pick apart high school grades; graduate schools examine undergraduate transcripts.

What GPA is required for Harvard? ›

You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.

What is the average GPA in America? ›

Recent studies show that the average GPA for students in high school in the United States is 3.0. It's slightly higher for college students at 3.1.

Will fafsa pay for masters? ›

The FAFSA covers financial aid for graduate school as well as for undergraduate school. Filing the FAFSA as a graduate student is similar to completing it as an undergraduate. You'll need tax returns, bank account information, and details on any investments.

What is the age limit for Masters scholarship? ›

In general, there is no age limit for applying for a scholarship. However, to be eligible for one of the DAAD scholarships, you should have obtained your last university degree no longer than 6 years ago.

Does fafsa cover master's? ›

Graduate and professional students are considered independent students for FAFSA® purposes, so when you fill out your FAFSA form to apply for grad school aid, you won't need to provide parent information. After you submit the FAFSA form, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within three days to three weeks.

What are the 2 most common master's degrees called? ›

The two most common titles of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA/M.A./A.M) and Master of Science (MSc/M.Sc./M.S./S.M.) degrees, which normally consist of a mixture of research and taught material.

What is the quickest Masters? ›

The fastest degree offered is the master of business administration; this accelerated MBA takes just 12 months to complete. The traditional MBA can still be completed in just under two years, with enrolled students taking only one course at a time.

What grade is most common masters? ›

A typical masters degree will be graded using four terms:
  • Distinction: A final grade of 70% or above.
  • Merit: A final grade of 60-69%
  • Pass: A final grade of 50-59%
  • Borderline pass/Fail: A final grade of 40-49%

What Masters degree is most employable? ›

Masters in Medical Sciences usually provide advanced training to current medical practitioners. So, it makes sense that around 90.1% of students are employed or in further study after finishing their course.

What is the highest GPA in the Masters? ›

What is the highest GPA in the Masters?
  • summa cum laude: 3.8 or higher.
  • magna cum laude: 3.6 - 3.8.
  • cum laude: 3.4 - 3.6.

Which Masters Degree pay the most? ›

Best-paying master's degrees
  • Nurse anesthesia. Median pay: $165,000 per year. ...
  • Telecommunications engineering. Median pay: $141,000 per year. ...
  • Finance and economics. Median pay: $134,000 per year. ...
  • Electrical engineering. ...
  • Computer engineering. ...
  • Biomedical engineering. ...
  • Mathematics and statistics. ...
  • Technology management.

What is a good GPA for Masters in USA? ›

Most colleges like to see at least a 2.5 or a 3.0 from master's program applicants. Some programs set their minimums at 3.3 or higher. The minimum GPA for a doctoral program may start at 3.3.

What is the minimum GPA for Masters in USA? ›

Although the scores vary across universities, the minimum GPA required for MS in USA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Which master's degree is most in demand in US? ›

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate degrees and may lead graduates to some of the highest paying careers. With an MBA program, you can hone your leadership and management skills to make an impact in the fast-paced, competitive business world.

Is Masters fully funded in USA? ›

More than 1500 fully funded masters scholarships 2023-2024 are available at USA's top universities for international students. These scholarships provide an average monthly stipend of $1000 along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance.

How much does a masters degree cost USA? ›

Public universities

There's still plenty of variation in public university fees, but, as a rule, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $60,000 per year for their Masters programmes.

Do masters students get paid in USA? ›

Earning a graduate degree is like earning an undergraduate degree — there isn't a way to get paid just for being a student. However, graduate students do have the option to pursue assistantships, which vary by program and field of study.

Which master degree is most valuable in USA? ›

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate degrees and may lead graduates to some of the highest paying careers. With an MBA program, you can hone your leadership and management skills to make an impact in the fast-paced, competitive business world.

Is it worth doing a masters in the US? ›

Having a master's degree may be very good for your job prospects. In fact, there are some jobs that outright require them. If you're looking for work as a statistician, political scientist, biomedical engineer, or speech-language pathologist, a master's degree is often expected.

Can fafsa be used for master's degree? ›

Graduate and professional students are considered independent students for FAFSA® purposes, so when you fill out your FAFSA form to apply for grad school aid, you won't need to provide parent information. After you submit the FAFSA form, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within three days to three weeks.

How much GPA is required for masters in USA? ›

Master's Degree Prerequisites

All master's degrees require the completion of a bachelor's degree and usually require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Many schools also require taking entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT.

What is the GPA for Masters in USA? ›

Most colleges like to see at least a 2.5 or a 3.0 from master's program applicants. Some programs set their minimums at 3.3 or higher. The minimum GPA for a doctoral program may start at 3.3. In addition to your overall score, the classes you took might be factored in as well.

How long is a masters degree? ›

Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.

How can I afford a masters degree? ›

Ways to pay for graduate school
  1. Start with money you don't have to pay back. Supplement your savings by applying for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantship positions.
  2. Explore federal student loans. ...
  3. Consider a responsible, private graduate school loan.

Who pays for a masters degree? ›

There is a government-funded postgraduate loan available for master's students which goes up to £11,836 for courses starting after 1 August 2022. To be eligible for a postgraduate loan from Student Finance England (SFE), you must be a UK resident and not already have a master's qualification.

What is the average salary after Masters in US? ›

The average salary of the MS graduates in USA is around 94,000 USD (~70.4 lakh INR) per annum. STEM courses in USA have more opportunities as compared to other subjects.

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