How to Get a Free Online Degree in 2024?

Can you really get a free online degree? The short answer is YES. A college degree has become very important for career advancement and personal growth in today’s competitive job market. The rising costs of higher education are a major obstacle for many students.

But, there are several ways to get a bachelor’s degree online for free or at a reduced cost. This guide will explore various strategies and opportunities to help you achieve your educational goals without breaking the bank.

If you are intersted in Online MBA Program, Check out our guide on 12 Affordable Online MBA Programs.

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8 Ways to Get a Free Online Degree

Here are 8 ways to get an online degree for free or at a very affordablel cost.

1. Find Tuition-Free Online Universities

One of the simplest ways to get a free online degree is by enrolling in a tuition-free university. While These institutions aren’t completely free, but they cost much less than regular colleges.

University of the People (UoPeople):

UoPeople is a great example of a tuition-free, accredited online university. It was created to make higher education available to everyone. UoPeople offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, and health science.

Key points about UoPeople:

No tuition fees, but you pay for exams (about $100-200 per course).
A bachelor’s degree can cost as low as $4,000 in total.
It’s accredited and recognized worldwide.
Offers flexible, self-paced online learning.

While not completely free, it’s much cheaper than traditional universities, making it a good option for affordable education.

2. Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are great ways to pay for your online education. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back, which makes them very valuable if you want a free online degree.

Types of Scholarships to Look For:

Merit-based Scholarships: Given for achievements in academics, sports, or the arts.
Need-based Scholarships: Given based on financial need.
Demographic-specific Scholarships: Given to specific groups, like minorities or women in STEM fields.
Field-specific Scholarships: Given for studying certain subjects.

Tips to Get Scholarships:

Start looking early, even when you’re still in high school.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Look into local organizations, businesses, and foundations that offer scholarships.
Check with your school’s financial aid office for scholarships they offer.
Use scholarship search websites and databases to find more options.

Remember, even small scholarships can add up and help cover a big part of your education costs.

3. Find Employer-Sponsorship Programs

Many companies like google and hulu help pay for their employees’ education. This can be a great way to earn a degree while working.

Here are some important things to know:

Employers can give up to $5,250 a year for education without it being taxed.
Some companies might pay for your whole degree.
You might need to keep a certain GPA or agree to work for the company for a certain time after you graduate.

Companies That Offer Tuition Assistance:

Starbucks: Pays 100% of tuition for online bachelor’s degrees through Arizona State University.
Amazon: Covers up to 95% of tuition and fees for certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields.
Walmart: Pays for 100% of college tuition and books for associates through their Live Better U program.

Check your current job’s benefits or consider working for a company that supports education.

4. Look for Local School and Community Colleges

Many community colleges offer free tuition or partner with four-year colleges to help you get a bachelor’s degree for free or less money.

Benefits of Community College Programs:

Save money on the first two years of college
Transfer to a four-year college later
Flexible schedules for students who work

Examples of Free Community College Programs:

Tennessee Promise: Free tuition for two years at community or technical colleges for Tennessee high school graduates.
California Promise Program: Free tuition for two years at California community colleges for first-time, full-time students.

Look for similar programs in your state or area to find affordable education options.

5. Use Free Educational Resources

Free educational resources, known as Open Educational Resources (OER), can help lower the cost of your education.

How to Use OER:

Free Textbooks and Materials: Find free textbooks and other course materials on websites like OpenStax and OER Commons.
Online Courses: Enroll in free online courses, called MOOCs, from websites like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn.
Earn College Credits: Combine OER with programs that let you earn college credits by taking exams. This can save you a lot of money.

While OER might not give you a full degree on their own, they can greatly reduce your education costs when used wisely.

6. Consider to Join Military Service and Veterans’ Benefits

Joining the military can help you get a good education, including free online degrees.

Here are some key programs to know about:

Post-9/11 GI Bill: This covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees for public schools, or up to $26,042.81 per year for private or foreign schools.
Yellow Ribbon Program: This gives extra money to cover tuition and fees that the GI Bill doesn’t cover.
Tuition Assistance (TA) Program: This offers up to $4,500 per year for active-duty service members.

These programs can make getting a degree affordable and can also include living stipends and other benefits.

7. Look into Studying Abroad

Some countries provide free or low-cost college education for international students. Moving to another country for school can be a great way to get a special learning experience.

Countries to think about:

Germany: Many public universities don’t charge tuition for international students.
Norway: Public universities are free for all students, no matter where they come from.
Finland: Though they now have tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA, there are many scholarships to help with these costs.

Check the specific requirements, language skills needed, and living expenses to see if studying abroad is a good fit for you.

8. Use Credit-by-Examination Programs

Credit-by-examination programs let you earn college credits by taking standardized tests that show what you know. This can help you get your degree faster and spend less money.

Popular options include:

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
Advanced Placement (AP) exams

By using these programs, you can earn many of your degree credits at a much lower cost than regular classes.

Conclusion

Getting a completely free online degree can be tough, but there are many ways to make higher education much cheaper. You can combine different methods.

The key to success is to research thoroughly, plan carefully, and be open to trying new things. With determination and creativity, you can reach your education goals without a lot of debt.

Start your journey towards an affordable online degree today and unlock better career opportunities and personal growth.