20 Best Tuition-Free Colleges and Universities 2021
Students without the necessary means to afford a college education should fret no longer! This list includes outstanding free colleges and free universities (or as close to free as possible) that also offer superb degree programs and majors. The list of schools below is not ranked in any particular order as they are specific to the needs of the students. There are schools on this list that cater to musicians, Christian students, engineers, members of the military, and more!
Those students who meet certain standards and criteria are eligible for these tuition-free colleges, yet still, have the same opportunities and resources available to individuals who pay full price. These programs are made possible thanks to donations and endowments, as well as the inclinations of the school founders. Many of these free colleges in the USA are also open for foreign students so don’t hesitate about asking them about admission requirements and scholarship opportunities.
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People Also Ask:
How can I go to college with no money?
Please don’t let the cost of a college degree deter you from achieving your goal. Besides scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, there are some colleges that actually offer free tuition; however, some stipulations may apply. When considering a “free” program, check out the details as some will require you to “return the favor,” such as through military service or student labor programs.
Are free-tuition colleges properly accredited?
Yes, free tuition colleges offer the same accreditation as the traditional programs in which you pay full price; although, with any program, you must verify accreditation before enrolling to ensure a quality education, as well as the option for credit transfers if needed.
Is there a free online university?
Although tuition-free colleges may exempt you from paying tuition costs, you will most likely be responsible for costs incurred for textbooks, miscellaneous fees, meals, and of course, your room and board. Another way to save on costs is to attend a tuition-free online university; hence saving dollars on travel, meals, and accommodations.
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QUICK REFERENCE PAGE jumps
Recommended Schools
METHODOLOGY:
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has constructed a comprehensive list of colleges or universities that offer tuition-free (or at least, almost free) degree programs to help those who wish to obtain a college education without accumulating a mountain of student debt. These programs are recommended by prestigious and respected sources, as well as, positive student reviews. Many are also free online colleges so interested individuals who cannot attend on-campus classes will still have the opportunity to earn a useful degree.
Each highlighted school has its own unique offerings, so be certain to check out each school’s website for their specific terms regarding free tuition, for they all do not offer the same attributes. To give you an idea of what may be available in free tuition-based schools, this list was primarily composed and based on the following components:
- Free tuition or low-cost tuition expense to the student,
- Offers full-tuition scholarships, grants or tuition work programs,
- Funded internships or study abroad programs,
- Provides a quality degree program with positive college experience,
- Free online application and admission process,
- Some schools offering degree-specific subject and career matter,
- Job placement opportunities,
- Ease of credit transfer,
- Offers free housing, medical and dental care,
- Military academies offering programs designed to promote leadership and character through academics and physical activities and training.
(Please note that the above points do not apply to every school listed below.)
Tuition-Free, Accredited Colleges and Universities
BARCLAY COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Haviland, Kansas
Barclay College was established in 1917 as the Kansas Central Bible Training School, and from 1925-1990 was known as the Friends Bible College. Now Barclay College, this free Christian college was established by Quakers, yet it is a welcoming home to students of all evangelical faiths. The mission is largely focused on preparing students for Christian service and leadership. Some undergraduate degrees include Bachelor’s in Worship Arts, Pastoral Ministry, and Youth Ministry. There are also prominent Master’s programs in which students can take advantage. The free tuition is made possible through the Full-Tuition Scholarship, with which all resident students receive a $15,000 scholarship when they are accepted into Barclay. This scholarship is available thanks to supporters of the school who believe in giving Christian students access to a fantastic education without being overwhelmed with debt.
The tuition free online university is well-known for its online business management program, which is geared toward individuals who want to finish their bachelor’s degree anywhere in the country. Students attend in four six-week courses every semester, which means the program can be completed in as little as two years.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FREE TUITION, “FULL-TUITION SCHOLARSHIP” OPPORTUNITY AT BARCLAY COLLEGE
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BEREA COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Berea, Kentucky
This free Christian college supplies students with programs that are shaped by fairness, peace, love, and equality, and students are only required to pay an average price of $1,000 for meals, housing, and fees. Otherwise, the entirety of an individual’s education is completely free!
In fact, Berea College takes pride in its status as the only one of top colleges in the United States with a no-tuition promise! You can get a free online bachelor degree in your field of choice, too, thanks to Berea’s comprehensive degree programs. Its academic departments include African and African American studies, agriculture and natural studies, biology, business, sociology and religion, to name a few.
Over a four-year degree, students receive an education that is worth approximately $100,000. Located in the Southern United States, Berea College was founded by reformers and abolitionists with the mission to purvey the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ. Students are actively engaged on campus through the Student Labor Program, through which they serve the community and learn invaluable lessons, and which also helps keep their programs tuition-free. Berea College has been recognized many times over for their dedication to students with limited resources, by resources such as Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and USA Today, as well as many others.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BEREA COLLEGE’S TUITION PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP
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ALICE LLOYD COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Pippa Passes, Kentucky
Alice Lloyd College is a well-respected institution of higher education that offers free tuition to students within their service area, which includes 108 counties that span over 5 states—Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This free college is highly dedicated to the success of its students and provides an excellent range of four-year degree programs in a small, private, liberal arts setting. Degrees include those in business, medicine, education, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and mathematics, each of which challenges students to think outside the box. A huge number of graduates go on to enter excellent master’s programs and are even more likely to do so thanks to the free college tuition! Alice Lloyd maintains an outstanding 96% job placement rate for its graduates, which is a testament to the superb levels of education provided by the faculty and administration.
Take note that Alice Lloyd College currently doesn’t offer free online college degree programs. But its wonderful campus makes for a great student life!
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALICE LLOYD COLLEGE’S FREE TUITION GUARANTEE
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COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Point Lookout, Missouri
Through a combination of the college Work Program, institutional scholarships, and federal and state grants, College of the Ozarks students can complete their entire education entirely tuition-free. The work program requires students to perform 15 hours of work per week and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks to cover the tuition and other costs. Students can also work during the summer to cover their room and board. There are no student loans throughout a student’s college experience, but they are required to give back to the community through hard work. Through this incredible free college, students gain invaluable experiences, ethics, and an education that is incredibly well-rounded. Otherwise known as Hard Work U., there are over 100 jobs and positions of which students can take advantage to offset the cost of tuition. This free Christian College is also focused on nurturing students’ faith by offering ministry retreats, mission trips, Bible studies, and other such opportunities. C of O has been educating students since 1906 and is founded on Christian principles. Students at this free college can look forward to a fulfilling experience and outstanding education.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has moved to online classes and, as such, can be considered a free online university for the time being. You can then pursue a tuition free online accounting degree where you will learn foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pass the CPA exam, among other degree outcomes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS’ GRADUATE DEBT FREE OPTION!
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WEBB INSTITUTE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Glen Cove, New York
The Webb Institute is an exceptional, top-ranked East Coast school that offers one double-major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, with which all admitted students receive a four-year free college tuition scholarship. The free tuition is valued at over $50,000 per year, which saves students over $200,000 in student debt upon graduation. Webb offers students a small student-to-faculty ratio at 9:1, where they work closely with their professors in classrooms, laboratories, and out in the field. Students participate in a mandatory Winter Work Term, wherein they labor alongside ship fitters and welders receiving a salary for their work, while also getting invaluable, real-world experience. During the regular school year at this free college, students learn on a stunningly beautiful, 26-acre campus with a private beach. Webb maintains an outstanding 100% job placement rate, which makes the free bachelor degree all the more attractive due to the high return on investment. Oftentimes alumni will go on to enter eminent graduate programs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WEBB INSTITUTE’S FREE COLLEGE TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
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DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Deep Springs, California
Deep Springs College is an incredibly unique school for men that offers a two-year, free college tuition scholarship valued at over $50,000. A small school, Deep Springs accepts about 315 applicants each year, of which about 14 are accepted after the second round of applications, essays, and interviews. 24 to 30 students are in attendance each year where they live and work on an alfalfa farm and cattle ranch in eastern California. The farming atmosphere is not the only thing that makes this free college of the liberal arts so unique—the student body is the deciding group for many aspects of maintaining the college such as admissions and hiring faculty. Students start their day with classes and lectures and then are sent off to work on the farm where they labor for no less than 20 hours each week. Students have gone on to work in journalism, agriculture, medicine, politics, and much, much more after their fulfilling and free college experience at Deep Springs College.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE’S FREE TUITION WORK PROGRAM
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WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Swannanoa, North Carolina
This small, Southern liberal-arts college of about 680 students offers North Carolina residents a free college tuition plan for those who qualify for state or federal need-based financial aid. Warren Wilson College’s distinctive need-based grants and scholarships, cover the remaining cost for these students, giving them a free college experience of an impeccable register. One such grant includes the WWC work-grant, wherein students participate in campus and community labor by working with one of many different work crews in maintenance, publishing, garden work, cattle raising, and much more incredibly gratifying areas. In fact, much of the food available at the dining hall is grown and raised right on Warren Wilson’s gorgeous 1,135-acre campus! Education at this free college offers students 44 majors and concentrations that can be combined to suit individual goals and pursuits.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE’S FREE COLLEGE TUITION GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
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CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Cutis Institute of Music is a highly competitive school that offers free tuition to undergraduate and graduate students, alike. The student body is quite small at about 175 students and accepts only 4% of applicants each year. In this way, Curtis students receive an incredibly in-depth and personalized music education that is focused on “learning by doing.” There are over 200 offerings through orchestral groups, opera, chamber music, and more, all of which are led by world-renowned musicians and instructors. The free college tuition covers an annual amount of $42,320 for undergraduate students and $52,548 for graduate students, however, all are required to pay for administrative fees and textbooks. The Curtis Institute of Music has been maintaining the free tuition for all students since 1928 through scholarships and merit-based aid.
The tuition free online degree programs include a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Opera. There’s also a performance diploma program and a Professional Studies Certificate in Opera. Keep in mind that the competitive nature of these programs starts from the admissions process and continues for their entire duration. Indeed, the free tuition must be earned by students through excellent grades and performances!
LEARN MORE ABOUT CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC’S ALL SCHOLARSHIP POLICY FREE TUITION PROGRAM
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MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: New York City, New York
A school within the City University of New York system, Macaulay Honors College offers free college tuition for four-year undergraduate students (except for administrative fees). Macaulay is CUNY’s Honors College and provides an incredibly unique free college experience for New York state residents. The free tuition is available thanks to scholarships from institutional, federal, state, and TAP sources. Macaulay is a competitive and selective institution of higher education that is considered one of the top 5 honors colleges in the country. Students can attend this free college at one of CUNY’s 8 campuses throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, yet all students attend some courses and lectures at the home campus in Manhattan’s upper west side. Not only do students receive free tuition, but they also receive an Apple laptop that includes all of the most up-to-date and necessary applications for their needs at Macaulay.
As one of the low tuition online colleges in the State of New York, it also offers significant partial scholarships for out-of-state students. With such an onerous financial burden removed from their shoulders, most of the Macaulay alumni pursue graduate and post-graduate education in prestigious universities with little to no student debt to hinder them.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE’S OFFERING OF GRADUATING DEBT-FREE
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UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Pasadena, California
Is University of the People legit? Yes, of course, it is! In fact, University of the People is the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online American university. This school is distinctive among others on this catalog as it offers students 100% online degrees! Aside from the $60 application fee and the $100 assessment fees per course, students have a completely free college experience throughout their time at this online school. Students do not pay for books or course materials of any kind and attend tuition-free university courses online. How does it make its free online degree programs, even numerous free masters degree programs, possible? UoPeople is partnered with many impressive companies and organizations that make the free tuition possible, such as Intel, Hewlett Packard, and Microsoft, as well as many others. The university also has partnerships with top-ranked institutions of education, such as NYU, UC Berkeley, University of Edinburgh, and the International Baccalaureate. The school has received glowing recognition from outstanding sources including BusinessWeek and The Economist. Students at this tuition-free university can enroll in associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees programs in the areas of Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, and Health Science.
Recommended Schools
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HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Lawrence, Kansas
Haskell Indian Nations University was founded to give American Indians and Alaska Natives a strong and substantial free college experience. Students at this free university save about $20,000 per year, and only pay the annual institutional fees which total $715 for on-campus students and $240 off-campus students. Haskell maintains strong traditions and Indigenous Peoples’ practices, and students have the distinctive opportunity to engage with over 100 tribes each semester. In 2015, there were over 70 students representing Cherokee tribes at HINU who, cumulatively, saved about $350,000 thanks to this free college. Students can major in associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in the five colleges available at the university, which includes: the College of Humanities, the College of Natural and Social Sciences, and Professional Schools. This free university is unique among all institutions of higher education in the United States and provides excellent opportunities for American Indians and Tribesman.
Like many of the schools here, Haskell isn’t one of the tuition free online colleges in the sense that it previously offered online courses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it has hosted all of its classes online since the Fall 2020 semester.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION FREE HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY: WHERE STUDENTS ONLY PAY THE FEES
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BLACKBURN COLLEGE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Carlinville, Illinois
Blackburn College offers a free tuition promise to local students in the state of Illinois whose families earn an average of $60,000 per year or less, which is known as the Affordable Access Award and was enacted by the Blackburn College President, Dr. John Comerford. Blackburn is a well-established school that has been educating students since 1837. This free college offers over 30 degrees and programs and some of the most popular include business administration, management, accounting, and criminal justice. Blackburn is known as a Work College, where students are required to work at least 160 hours in a semester, wherein they can earn $5,500 each year! In this way, Blackburn College is incredibly well-supported by its students who, for example, have built 9 of the 20 buildings on campus through the work program. There is an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the current enrollment is about 570 students, making the campus an intimate, close-knit learning environment with a huge amount of access to professors and facilities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BLACKBURN COLLEGE’S SCHOLARSHIP AND WORK GRANTS TO GET FREE TUITION!
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CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Moberly, Missouri
This free Christian college offers a full-tuition scholarship to 100 new or transferring students each year that covers up to 17 credit hours per semester. However, the scholarship is not limited to these students, as Central Christian College of the Bible also retains the right to award the free tuition to other students. Each person who receives the scholarship continues to receive free college tuition until they finish their first undergraduate degree. Retaining the award requires that students attend an on-campus degree, keep at least a 2.0 GPA, complete 90% of the Christian Service hours every semester, and attend 80% of the Chapel Services. There is a strong tradition of Christian beliefs at this free college, which operates under values such as prayerful ministry, a heritage of biblical authority, and discipleship. The student enrollment is quite small each year, at around 200, and students only have the most excellent things to say about their alma mater.
Recognized as among the topnotch tuition free online bible colleges, its available online degrees include an Associate of Biblical Studies, Bachelor of Religious Studies and Bachelor of Science in Biblical Ministry. It also has Bible certificates – the 16-credit Certificate of Bible and Ministry and the 32-credit Certificate of Biblical Knowledge. Depending on the program, students spend as much as eight weeks on intensive courses with 15-20 hours of class work per week.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE’S FREE TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS
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WILLIAMSON COLLEGE OF THE TRADES
Tuition Free
LOCATION: Media, Pennsylvania
Williamson College of the Trades is a young men’s college that offers free tuition to all students. There are certain requirements by which each student must abide, which includes being under the age of 20 prior to admission, completing the designated work hours each semester, engaging in school activities outside of class such as athletics, attending chapel services, and adhering to the dress code and grooming regulations. This free college of the trades is tied to the Judeo-Christian faith and maintains a strong focus on moral conduct and excellence. There are about 265 men enrolled at Williamson who major in Associate in Specialized Technology Degrees and Craftsmen Diplomas. Some examples of programs in the school include horticulture, masonry, carpentry, and machine tool technology. The campus includes numerous shops, labs, and plants, as well as educational centers in which students learn and perfect their trade of choice.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WILLIAMSON COLLEGE OF THE TRADES FREE TUITION COLLEGE TRADE OPPORTUNITIES!
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CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: San Francisco, California
The City College of San Francisco offers an exciting opportunity for residents of the city to attend the school under a completely free tuition program through a partnership with the city itself. This two-year college is well-accredited and has a vibrant campus life. The free tuition gives students access to an enormous amount of opportunities through the resources, clubs, and academics provided by City College. Not only can students attended on-campus programs, but there are also fantastic options through free college courses online! Some of the most popular programs at this free college include the Liberal Arts and Humanities degrees, those in the Social Sciences, and the Biological and Physical Science. Students graduate with transferrable credits to carry over into an undergraduate degree of their choice, as well as the skills and understanding necessary to begin a career in their area of choice, if possible. Students have excellent things to say about this school, especially about the active campus and mindful professors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO’S TUITION FREE COLLEGE DEGREE AND ONLINE COURSES
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ST. LOUIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Tuition Free
LOCATION: Florissant, Missouri
While a student’s entire four-year undergraduate degree is not entirely paid for by St. Louis Christian College, through the NexGen+ program, high school graduates receive 2 years of free tuition. Through this scholarship program, individuals can complete an associate’s degree without paying a dime, and have a solid foundation to continue their degree at St. Louis, or elsewhere. After the first two years, there are numerous other grants and scholarship programs that can make the already low tuition costs even more affordable. This free Christian college is quite small with an enrollment of around 100 students each year. There is also a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, making the classes small, intimate, and capable of giving each and every student a voice. The most popular program at SLCC is the Biblical Studies program. This school maintains a strong faith in the Bible and follows the traditions of Evangelism and Christian Unity.
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UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: El Paso County, Colorado
Cadets in the United States Air Force Academy receive free tuition and free room and board in an education that is valued at over $400,000. Students at this institution engage in military, athletic, academic, and character development programs while completing an education and training in the air force. There are over 20 majors and minors available to students and some of the more popular are, for example, Business Administration, Economics, and Systems Engineering. Acceptance is competitive at the US Air Force Academy as only 15% of applicants are accepted. The student body is a little larger than most of the schools on this list with over 4,000 students in attendance. Upon completing education at this free college, members go on to complete 5 years of active duty and 3 years reserve. Cadets are pushed to their limits and learn to exercise all of the skill, knowledge, and strength at their command.
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UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: New London, Connecticut
At the United States Coast Guard Academy, the free tuition, which is valued at over $280,000, is made entirely possible by the government. Students at this prestigious military school are actually paid a salary, as well, which means that some students graduate with more money than when they entered college! This free college gives students an incredibly solid education, after which they are required to serve in the Coast Guard for 5 years, yet 85% of alumni stay on for more than that. Graduates also automatically achieve positions of leadership. There are excellent programs in engineering and computer sciences at the US Coast Guard Academy, as well as those in government and management. The school has around 1,000 enrolled cadets with an average of 16 students per class, making the campus close-knit and highly supportive. This free college boasts a 100% job placement rate, which is very rare and, of course, the best in the entire country.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION-FREE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY
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UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: West Point, New York
The United States Military Academy, which is most commonly known as West Point, accepts 10% of applicants every year, all of whom receive free tuition, room, and board. The goal of the USMA is to create strong leaders within the military, and, in doing so, provides their students with rigorous training and education programs from day one. Students are encouraged to create a unified and supportive environment for one another in the more than 40 academic majors available. Some of the most popular degree programs at West Point include Business Administration and Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. This free college provides a well-disciplined, academically challenging, and highly supportive learning environment, all of which takes place on a gorgeous campus with Norman-style academic buildings and residence halls and is situated north of New York City on the western bank of the Hudson River.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY’S FULLY FUNDED FREE TUITION
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UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
Tuition-Free
LOCATION: Annapolis Maryland
As the undergraduate college of our country’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers and leaders of sailors and Marines. Naval Academy students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy. They attend the Academy for four years, graduating with a bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.
The Navy pays 100% of the tuition, room, and board, medical and dental care costs of Naval Academy midshipmen. This means ALL students who attend the Naval Academy do so on a full scholarship in return for 5 years of active duty service upon graduation. Additionally, you also enjoy regular active-duty benefits including access to military commissaries and exchanges, commercial transportation and lodging discounts, and the ability to fly space-available in military aircraft around the world.
Students who are lucky enough to earn enrollment at one of these free colleges or universities are some of the most fortunate individuals in higher education. Many students exit their degrees with a staggering amount of debt to be paid off over the next few decades, yet graduates from these schools can enter the workforce and start saving money right from the start. Many of these free colleges and universities represent some of the finest and most well-respected higher education institutions in America. With free college tuition, these students have the ability and opportunity to pour their attention into other ventures without being over-burdened by college debt! There are a considerable amount of different learning environments included on this list so that students can feel at home with whichever free college they choose.
Are these schools all 100% free?
In today’s economy, who doesn’t want something for FREE?… especially a quality college experience. As important as earning a degree is to most, often students decide that the mountain of debt they will graduate with is just not worth it; therefore, they must settle for less or, most importantly, are not able to pursue their dreams at all.
Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a free, or at least, a low-cost tuition program that will allow you to earn a degree without the pitfalls of racking up student loan debt. The question becomes, how serious are you about this awesome opportunity?
First off, you must only browse the degree offerings at free accredited online colleges! Accreditation is such a vital part of determining the legitimacy and quality of colleges and universities for many reasons. These include being a barometer for the institution’s quality of education, its capacity to transfer to and accept credits from other schools, and its ability to produce graduates with the right knowledge and skills for employment.
If your college education is of utmost importance to you, then consider this: Many schools are 100% tuition-free, and some, such as the United States Military institutions, even give their students a salary throughout the school year, which makes them among the best online colleges that pay you to attend!
Colleges, universities, or military academies who offer free-tuition often expect the student to pay for certain aspects of their college experience, such as their room and board, meals, or perhaps pay for their own books. In addition, some schools will require you to work on campuses, such as a librarian or maintenance worker. Some will require a commitment to serve your country in the military when you have completed your education. There are some schools on this list that do require students to pay some administrative fees, but these amounts are insignificant considering what they would be paying at other schools.
Perhaps one of the most common ways to get into a tuition-free college is contingent upon you or your family’s income. In some instances, if combined income is under $60,000 – $75,000 per year, you may qualify for free tuition. Also, please keep in mind that colleges who are providing free tuition programs only have room for the best students; therefore, positions may be limited and acceptance rates are generally low… all the more reason to work hard in high school and maintain excellent grades throughout, as well as, exceptional ACT/SAT scores!
Are there other aspects of free-tuition degree programs to consider? Yes, there is. Many tuition-free degree programs focus on a particular career choice. For example, they may be limited to the field of engineering, music, or ministry. You may also find schools that will require your assistance in dairy or alfalfa farming, as well as, cattle ranching to cover your tuition costs.
Quality college education for free is attainable… if you are willing to work hard to help offset the costs that a free tuition opportunity will provide. Just be sure to read the fine print before signing on to know how you will fulfill your portion of the commitment.
Will I receive the same quality education from a tuition-free college as I would through other schools in which I would attend by incurring student loan debt?
The word “free” implies various connotations for everyone. If someone offers us a “free” car… it’s probably a clunker, what else would you expect? If someone offers us a “free” vacation… we’re all in, when do we leave? So, what should you expect if someone offers you the opportunity to earn a free college degree? Some may be skeptical. After all, how good can a free education really be? If you do your homework, you can find reputable schools that offer authentic, enjoyable, and superior learning experiences at little or no cash out of your pocket!
While most students today face a mound of student debt (even after utilizing scholarships and grants) after graduation, it is important to consider free tuition degree programs if you qualify. If you are concerned about the quality of education you will receive, don’t be. Why do you ask? Because colleges and universities that offer tuition-free programs want the BEST students. In return, they will provide you with the BEST education possible to ensure your future success! Without a doubt, all students who attend tuition-free college will obtain the same top-notch quality educational degree program that all other students (who have paid full tuition prices) will receive. Even Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, offer free tuition to families whose income is less than $65,000 per year.
Students entering college should not be worried about incurring outlandish student debt upon graduation. Instead, rest assured, a quality educational degree can be obtained through a quality university for free. Just because you earn your degree for free, does not mean that the value of your degree will be diminished or go unrecognized. On the contrary, you will have put in the same hard work and dedication as your counterparts. When searching for a reputable college, please look for proper accreditation and inquire about their credit transfer policies, just in case it’s needed. If the distance learning format works better for you, there are also online degree programs available at little or no cost to you as well.
If I am not paying for my college tuition, then who is?
Although you may not be handing out cash or going into extreme debt for your degree, you can still be proud of your achievements. Furthermore, if your program requires other commitments, such as an on-campus work program or entrance into a branch of the military, then yes, you have contributed to your degree program expenses in other ways, which are also commendable. In a way, you’re attending one of the online schools that pay you to attend its degree programs through a work-study exchange.
Often, free college tuition is made possible thanks to the generous donations of alumni and other benefactors, as well as state, federal, and institutional grants and scholarships. Local communities also contribute to the tuition costs of college students, as well. If you are so inclined, doing volunteer work in your community will give you an additional feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction!