Interview weekends typical/likely for MS?

[Shnoztastic]

I've applied to a number of MS & PhD programs and my top choice is a research MS (w/ option to do PhD upon completion) at a school across the country.  (The program requires a thesis and they do not take PhD applicants without an MS) I see that a lot of schools do Skype interviews. Visiting for an interview would be ideal as the school is so far away and somewhat remote a flight is pretty pricey, but if I am accepted I will foot the bill.

Is it typical for MS programs to do phone or Skype interviews rather than flying applicants out for interview weekends?

I can't find anything on the departmental websites and I'd think it would be rude to ask my POI or the graduate program director considering I haven't been accepted yet.

Thanks!

Edited February 2, 2018 by Shnoztastic