20 Schools Offering Free Online Master's Degrees in 2023 - GradSchoolCenter (2023)

Isaverage 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 counterparts.

But onegrowing number of peopleKeep pursuing master's degrees despite the tuition, fees, and other expenses that make up the total cost of attending! In 2020, more than 830,000 students should earn their master's degree, a significant increase from 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 a better quality of life! Fortunately, some schools offer master's degrees that are tuition-free or nearly free thanks to scholarships, tuition waivers, and government grants, among other forms of financial assistance.

General description:
Getting a master's degree for free -- or at least as close as possible to the required tuition and fees -- means you won't be stuck with student loans up to your neck. But also remember that tuition doesn't automatically mean no strings attached (there really is no such thing as a "free tuition") and it means not spending a penny during your time on your master's degree! Proven need, academic performance, and even work are usually required for tuition.

Masters are the new entry-level degrees

in a pollMost employers have increased their educational requirements for entry-level positions because of their experience with postgraduate employees who are more productive, competent, and passionate about lifelong learning.

These employers report that employees with a master's degree contribute to business growth through innovative ideas, increased revenue and better customer loyalty. In fact, several high-paying professions require at least a master's degree for entry-level positions, such as B. Education administrators, family therapists and nurses.

Top 20 Schools With Free Masters Programs For Online Tutoring 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. The scholarships can also cover these minimum fees for students with proven needs and it has to be said that the conditions are also favorable.

PhD students do not have to pay tuition, annual application fees, or technology fees. Tuition Free is possible because UoPeople has generous donors and partners, many of whom are large corporations and organizations. Your donations and other provisions cover 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 its full $3,180 tuition.

Curtis Institute of Music

All students receive merit-based full scholarships regardless of their financial need, therefore no separate application for study aid is required. Graduate students received $58,535 in free tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year, which covered their education costs. These merit-based scholarships are renewable each year from the student's enrollment in graduate programs.

Curtis also offers financial assistance to students with demonstrated need to help meet their living expenses. The Needs-Based Financial Aid has a separate application form and is intended to replace the loan program. Beneficiary students have a lower risk of incurring student loan debt, as the majority of students (92%) receive such financial aid as needed.

With only 175 students, Curtis is able to maintain its generous scholarship policy, but it also means admissions to its graduate programs are highly selective. Students benefit from hands-on instruction and personal attention from teaching and administrative staff. The two-year, ten-semester online Master of Music program attracts highly talented musicians with varied education, intensive training and studio tuition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Earning a master's degree from MIT can be expensive—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 at virtually no cost through scholarships, grants, and work-study agreements.

Students in science and engineering master’s programs can apply for teaching grants, research grants, and fellowships, which means their degree is free. Tuition and other applicable fees will be billed to these grant forms. Please note that MBA students at the Sloan School pay full tuition. But it's possible to get your money back through management consulting jobs, even by signing debentures intended to pay tuition fees.

Funded Masters programs include Nuclear Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace. Each department has their financial aid policy, so check first.

University at Stanford

Stanford's 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 depleting student loans.

Students are recommended to first inquire about the funding opportunities offered by their respective departments. Sufficient funds can be raised to cover almost all, 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's online master's programs 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, meaning students of modest means can find it difficult to continue their studies.

Fortunately, it's still possible to fund your education without overwhelming student loans with outside scholarships, research grants, and work-study opportunities that result in free tuition. Federal and personal loans may also be considered to fill the gap. Some programs have limited scholarships and merit-based awards, but are still useful for earning significant tuition reductions.

Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences Cornell Medizin

The dual Ph.D./MBA 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 and subsequent transfer to Johnson School of Management by May. The accelerated MBA program has a processing time of 12 months, with graduates of the dual degree taking on managerial roles in medical-related companies.

Best of all, it's possible to win it for free! Every two years (alternating), 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 tuition of the beneficiary students in the accelerated MBA is covered by the scholarship. Applicants are required to write a 500-word essay explaining the reasons for enrolling in the dual degree and goals after graduation.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

It should be emphasized that UNC does not have a zero tuition program, but graduate students enjoy significant tuition reductions with the wide range of financial aid available. In addition, Chapel Hill is considered one of the most livable college towns when it comes to the cost of living.

Doctoral students can also apply for an assistant and fellowship fellowship in addition to fellowships and fellowships. Financial support has conditions such as B. Faculty recommendations, academic performance and demonstrated financial need. There are two types of scholarships which are offered and administered separately: one is the service scholarships which require reasonable work performance by the recipient and the other is the non-service scholarship with no work requirements. Qualified students can also receive both types.

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

Areas of study in her masters programs are studio art, urban and regional planning, education, clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling, and toxicology.

University of Arizona

Arizona residents enjoy significantly lower tuition ($11,720) than nonresidents ($23,544) in ASU's master's programs. In addition, these tuition fees are affordable and offer an exceptional quality of continuing education! But ASU still offers its graduate students ways to reduce tuition, even to the point where they can earn their degrees virtually for free.

Students must be nominated (i.e., students cannot apply directly) for scholarships, fellowships, and grants awarded by graduate programs. These financial assistance options include need-based and merit-based allowances administered and funded by the Graduate College.

Students can apply for external grants such as the Achievement Rewards for University Scientists (ARCS) and the Gastwirth Graduate Student Loan Scholarship Program. Other options include the ASU Distinguished Graduate Scholarships, the AAUW American Scholarships ($20,000 per year), and the Ford Foundation Scholarships (no tuition 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 as one of the best in Texas by Money Magazine and Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly. In fact, TAMU's inclusion in the list is justified with its affordable cost, excellent academics and strong career opportunities for its graduates! TAMU also strives to provide graduate students with financial support opportunities that remove the financial barrier of continuing education.

These financial support options include scholarships, grants, and work-study agreements 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 because they award generous amounts. TAMU has only one scholarship application, so student applications are automatically reviewed for all financial aid opportunities.

Scholarship packages can include funds for tuition, fees, and insurance and range from $1,000 to $30,000 or more with other benefits. Graduate and teaching assistant positions are also available, with salaries paid bi-weekly or monthly, plus benefits.

TAMU's Master's programs cover areas in 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 experiential learning and innovative approaches. The current range of Masters programs offered online include computer science, data science, business administration and engineering management and leadership. These programs share the same curriculum, degree requirements, and faculty as their on-campus counterparts.

The Master of Science in Computer Science program is known for its merit-based scholarship, with awards of up to $10,000 per recipient. Students also benefit from flexible, self-paced courses with weekly live sessions and lectures.

Qualifying graduate students may also apply for grants of up to $40,000 per year that can be used toward living expenses and other non-educational costs of attendance. Recipients also receive a full tuition stipend, meaning their graduate education is almost free!

Postgraduate students who have completed the tenth semester receive a tuition fee reduction. Active military personnel and veterans can claim military benefits under the post-9/11 GI Act, which provides tuition and allowances for books and supplies.

University of Iowa

The graduate school offers assistantships and scholarships aimed at significant tuition reductions. Assistance positions are available to both domestic and international students and consist of tuition waivers, healthcare benefits, and salary benefits. The scholarships further reduce the cost of attendance, with the American College Testing (ACT) scholarship being the most popular: the $23,000-a-year scholarship and full tuition waiver are intended for full-time students from underrepresented populations.

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

Boston University

BU's competitive tuition rate 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 must fill out the FAFSA and other forms that the tax office may recommend. This can open the doors to federal, state, and institutional grants. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers merit-based scholarships for first-year masters students and on-campus employment opportunities. The graduate office maintains a database with scholarships and external sources of funding from the BU.

Of these scholarships, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship is the most sought-after because it covers full-time tuition and offers a $23,340 annual stipend and basic 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 many more.

Buffalo University

The Graduate School of Education offers generous financial aid opportunities to qualifying students, including scholarships that cover tuition, travel grants, 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 personal data, including household income, which is used to determine eligibility for state aid and is also used for institutional aid applications.

Scholarship and assistantship programs are also available and welcome high-performing students who wish to fund their graduate education with little or no debt. Examples include the Arthur A. Schomburg Graduate Fellowship Program, the Master's-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program, and the Taher and Myra Razik International Fellowship. There are also grant opportunities for veterans, active military personnel, and students in the data 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 assistantships, fellowships and grants, and loans. Graduate assistant positions can cover most tuition and mandatory fees, but assistants must work a minimum of 98 hours per semester.

Graduates desiring generous study support should consider the Diversity of Views and Experiences program. Recipients receive tuition 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 counterparts, and their degrees do not indicate the online platform. Master’s programs can be offered entirely online, partially online, or mostly online. The number of credits varies from 31 to 52 credits, and programs include public health administration, applied child and youth development, business administration, and many more.

Loyola University of Chicago

LUC's commitment to upholding social justice and values ​​is reflected in its competitive financial aid packages for its PhD students. With the financial burden largely removed by financial aid, graduate students enjoy a better educational experience, especially with LUC's extensive undergraduate support services.

Graduate assistant positions are coveted for their competitive advantages, including tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and travel awards. The total value of a full Graduate Assistantship is approximately $50,000 per year! Research assistants also develop further thanks to the professional development opportunities initiated by LUC. The scholarships also provide tuition, scholarships, and health insurance coverage without the service component.

Information technology, pastoral care, 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 discounts of 50% being common due to the wide range of financial aid programs on offer. All graduate students also qualify for merit-based scholarships, with enrollment being the primary requirement for eligibility. The FAFSA is also essential for all students as it is the Foundation for Federal, State and Institutional Aid.

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

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

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve educational assistance programs for survivors and dependents.

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

Georgian University

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

UGA welcomes corporate tuition support such as B. Student support and tuition reimbursement. Active military personnel and veterans, as well as their spouses and qualified dependents, may receive military training 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!

The UGA's online master's programs are business administration with a focus on marketing, agribusiness and supply chain management; disaster preparedness/emergency management; and early childhood education, among many others.

University of North Dakota

The UND Scholarship Center is the center for the scholarship opportunities offered and accepted by the university. Completing the general application with your full and accurate personal information will result in an automatic grant allocation. AND has a “match-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 from the FAFSA, which is used to determine eligibility for government educational assistance programs. Grant programs may also use the FAFSA, but they will likely require different documents and impose conditions, such as: B. 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 unique financial aid to students who are in need due to extreme unforeseen circumstances. AND also offers tuition waivers to its employees and their family members.

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

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU works with students to achieve academic success, primarily in earning their degrees. Online Masters Degrees are in Accounting, Applied Economics, Criminal Justice, Curriculum and Instruction, and many more. Although SNHU is a private, not-for-profit university, its low enrollment cost is a result of decades of study freeze.

Students can save on their tuition by applying for federal grants through the FAFSA and by applying for outside scholarships. SNHU also accepts transfer credits, a way to save money on tuition by applying your prior knowledge. Up to 12 credits can be transferred, 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' ability to fund 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 options combine, you can earn your master's degree almost for free!

FAFSA is the first resource as government aid is usually the easiest to obtain. Students fill in the gaps through scholarships and grants such as the Texas Public Education Scholarship and the UT Scholarship. 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 isn’t the only good thing about a master’s degree from these prestigious universities either!

Increase your earning potential

In the best of economic times and in the worst of times, workers with higher levels of education tend to do soenjoy a higher salaryand lower unemployment rates than those with less education. Master's degree holders earn $1,545 in average weekly wages, more than the $1,305 average weekly wage 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've earned a master's degree in a field you've worked in for a number of years, you're more likely to be hired for supervisory or managerial positions. The higher your rank, the better your reward package can be.

Increase your career opportunities

Employers recognize the value of master's degrees in their organizations' bottom line, whether in the form of profits or public solicitation. Depending on whether a master's degree is a requirement or a preference for managerial positions, the level of recognition differs. Either way, you'll stand out from a crowd of people with similar bachelor's degrees and work experience. You may even rightfully highlight your master's degree from a reputable university on your CV.

change careers

career changeIt is defined as a change from a specific occupation to another, usually unrelated, e.g. B. from a computer science student to a doctor. The reasons vary widely, from a desire for a new challenge to a passion, but changing careers usually requires new education and training. A master's degree can be helpful, especially if your bachelor's degree doesn't include training for the new career you're planning to pursue.

Get specialist 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 major advantage when applying for specialist jobs. Even if you already have specialized knowledge in your field, you will find that a master's degree will develop it further. You can also use it as an advisor and it usually pays better too.

Feed 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 is a lot of work to read, grade and write and a thesis that requires excellent communication skills. But it will also fuel your passion for lifelong learning, and the challenges ahead will be worth it. Even if you think you've read every book 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 is all too true in medicine, computer science and technology, accounting and law, among other fields with high obsolescence. Earning 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 in your online master's program, you can still network with them! Not only will your LinkedIn and social media accounts grow, but you can request recommendations that can improve your career prospects. Your professors are also excellent sources for letters of recommendation, job references, and other helpful 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 excellent preparation for a doctoral degree. Your master's level research skills will facilitate your PhD work.

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 key cognitive skills such as critical and analytical thinking that are transferrable to any industry. Your self-study ability will also develop beyond what you learned in college - there is no such thing as spoon feeding in grad school!

Dive into the research opportunities

Participating in faculty-led research at a professional level is too good for graduate students to pass up. Your curiosity about a certain area can be satisfied, but also deepened so that you can participate in more research in the future.

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

The best time for a master's degree

Should you enroll directly at the university for a master's degree or wait until you have gained relevant work experience?

When should you go right after college

If you enroll in a master's university the year after graduation, you're more likely to have a smoother transition with a summer break in between. You'll build on your momentum with effective study habits that are still going strong, meaning you won't have a hard time making the transition from college-level life to graduate school.

If you take a break, your study habits may not be as effective and the transition from professional life to dual studies can be very challenging in the first semester. Your life may also undergo significant changes that make it difficult to keep up with work, school, and personal commitments such as school. B. Marrying and raising children, to reconcile with each other. Your decision to pursue a master's degree without these additional assignments may be for the best!

It's also about paying off your federal student loan as a deferred student while you continue your education. However, keep in mind that you can also take on more student debt to complete your studies and still have to pay off your bachelor's loans after you graduate with a master's degree.

Keep in mind that if you want to claim state aid as a graduate student, you still need to file the FAFSA, but this time as an independent student. You are only eligible for Direct PLUS and direct unsubsidized loans and the Federal Paid Work-Study program. You can also apply to government, institutional, and private scholarship programs, perhaps even your employer's scholarship program.

But going straight out of college also has its downsides. You may not yet have the maturity, life and work experience, and time management skills! You may not be able 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 get your master’s degree, you will also benefit from several advantages. You'll get a break from the sleepless nights, hours of exams, and cold pizzas that have shaped your college life. You can make a career first, maybe settle down in a certain place or travel a lot and find your place in the sun.

As you do so, you will build your work experience and develop your skills to contribute to your success in graduate school. Your work and life experiences will enhance, if not change, your views and perspectives as a college student and contribute to an enriching graduate experience. You'll also have more time to complete creative projects, volunteer in the community, and build a portfolio that turns into personal asset and looks good on your resume, without the added burden of grad school.

Your interests and ambitions can also develop in your work and thus your plans for a specific master’s degree can change. You may want to discover your true calling before planning a master's degree, or risk making a significant investment in a college degree in a field that doesn't interest you. Graduate schools will be there too, 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're not paying 100% of your student loans, a significant dip can result in fewer graduate loans. The best way to finance your studies is through scholarships, internships and student grants from your employer.

Bottom line: Earn your master's degree when you're mature and ready! They must have effective time management, have the emotional maturity for the responsibilities of adulthood, and be as financially stable as possible. You also have to commit to completing the program and it can be a challenge in itself.

Planning Tips for Success in Graduate School

Regardless of your decision as to when to immerse yourself in the life of a graduate student, you will benefit from keeping these tips in mind.

Determine your goals

You must 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 do you wish for in your career with a master's degree?

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 those of others, they have to be yours! For example, you may be your goal to earn an MBA because you want to make your private medical practice more profitable, profitable, and patient-friendly.

Put your dollars online

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, bursaries 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 advanced studies on your family's financial health. Even with full coverage of tuition and other educational expenses, the additional costs can be challenging. You should also consider technology costs such as computer and internet setup, among other potential costs.

Therefore, before looking for master’s programs, you should take a look at your current finances and future cash flows. 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 look for it?

Understand the difference between bachelor's and master's degrees

If you've been navigating your undergraduate studies because you're doing great, you'll likely find a different environment in your graduate 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 own strongest cheerleader is important to having a support network.

Also, you should expect more initiative and less guidance from your professors and other staff during your PhD studies. While the graduate school has exceptional student support services, spoon feeding is not a problem here.

Develop the qualities to become an effective graduate student

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

• Motivation starts from within and it's important to keep your motivation up, even if it fluctuates from time to time. Having clear goals is also part of staying motivated even when things go wrong, even if only temporarily.
• Optimism is the ability to focus on the positive side while maintaining realistic expectations and setting 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 achieve goals despite adversity. Pushing through another draft, another book, or another investigation 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 the best prerequisites for your Master's degree and your professional success.

plan ahead

You need to plan ahead if you are pursuing postgraduate study. If you are enrolling straight out of college, you should plan while you are still in your junior year of college. You have plenty of time to decide on your specialty, meet the admissions requirements, and become a competitive applicant. Your decision to study for a bachelor’s or doctoral degree also means that you should start your professional life in your third year of study!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Look for scholarships, fellowships, and grants that offer free tuition for graduate students! 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 e.g. B. Military and veterans, prospective teachers and underrepresented groups. Also, ask about industry and employer benefits and work-for-education programs.

Is a Free Online Masters Degree 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 bottom line of the organization are also considered a priority. Ultimately, what you bring is more important than where you got it from.

You can even highlight that you earned your master's degree for free through scholarships, assistantships, and merit-based scholarships. This is an indication of your tenacity, passion, patience and leadership qualities 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 can 100% guarantee that they are among the best in the country! But even if you don't, you can research the accreditation, academic history, and graduation results of any college you're considering.

Are there disadvantages of a tuition-free online master's program?

We don't know of anyone who doesn't need to earn a master's degree, which is paid for on campus! You should choose a specialization that fits your career goals and aspirations. 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 align the master's degree with the bachelor's degree?

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

the central theses

• Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an online master’s degree for free or almost free are possible with scholarships, grants, and bursaries.
• Make sure you plan your postgraduate studies based on the financial cost and the physical and mental demands it will require to succeed.
• A free online master's degree is valuable evidence, but make sure you make the right choice in a program.