15 Best Tuition Free Colleges

What if you could go to college and earn a degree, land the job of your dreams, and embark on a successful career – all without paying a dime?
It might sound like a fantasy, especially when the average cost of attendance at a public college now tops $108,584 for a four-year degree.
However, there are several colleges that want to make it easier for students to earn their degrees, and, as such, offer programs free of charge.
What Qualifies as a Tuition-Free College?
A tuition-free college is an institution that charges no tuition fees. This means students can attend classes without paying for the actual cost of their education.
However, tuition-free doesn’t necessarily mean completely free. Students may still need to cover other expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and supplies.
There are several models for tuition-free colleges. Some cover full tuition through endowments or government funding, while others require students to work on campus to earn their keep.
Some states have introduced initiatives to make community colleges tuition-free for residents. For example, Tennessee’s Promise Program covers tuition for recent high school graduates.
Similarly, New York’s Excelsior Scholarship makes it possible for residents to attend SUNY and CUNY colleges without paying tuition. These programs usually come with specific eligibility requirements such as maintaining a certain GPA or committing to live and work in the state after graduation.
On the other hand, some colleges can offer tuition-free education thanks to large endowments. Schools like Berea College in Kentucky and College of the Ozarks in Missouri use their endowments to cover tuition costs for all students. In return, students are often required to work part-time on campus. This model not only provides a free education but also gives students valuable work experience.
Finally, work colleges are another type of tuition-free institution. At schools like Deep Springs College in California and Alice Lloyd College in Kentucky, students work on campus in exchange for their education.
These work roles can range from administrative tasks to maintenance and farm work. The idea is that students contribute to the college community while gaining practical skills.
Benefits of Attending a Tuition Free College
Attending a tuition-free college can offer numerous benefits beyond the obvious financial savings. If a college offers online degrees, these are usually covered as well. Here are some key advantages to consider.
Reduced Financial Stress
One of the most significant benefits is the reduction in financial stress. Without the burden of tuition fees, students can focus more on their studies and less on how they’re going to pay for their education.
This can lead to better academic performance and a more enjoyable college experience; you’ll notice, in fact, that many of the schools on our list have unusually high retention rates, likely because the financial stressors are removed.
Improved Access to Education
Tuition-free colleges can make higher education accessible to students who might not otherwise afford it. This is particularly important for low-income families and first-generation college students. By removing the financial barrier, these institutions help level the playing field.
Opportunities for Work Experience
Many tuition-free colleges require students to work on campus. While this might seem like a downside, it’s actually a great opportunity to gain work experience.
Whether you’re managing a college store or working in IT, these roles can provide valuable skills and references for your future career.
What to Look for in a Tuition Free College
Now that you know why you should choose a tuition-free college, the question remaining in your mind is likely – how? Here are a few things to look for.
Range and Quality of Programs Offered
When choosing a tuition-free college, it’s crucial to look at the variety of programs they offer. Make sure that the institution provides courses that align with your career goals. For example, if you’re interested in engineering, find out if the college has a strong engineering program.
Free tuition is great – but you also need to make sure that education will mesh with yoru goals. Similarly, you should also research the college’s accreditation and the success rate of its graduates. Accreditation is a mark of quality assurance, and a high success rate indicates that the college effectively prepares its students for careers or further studies.
Student Community
A supportive and vibrant student community can make your college experience enjoyable and more enriching. Check if the college offers clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that interest you. Participating in these can help you build friendships, develop new skills, and make the most of your college years.
Additional Costs
Even though tuition is free, there might be other expenses such as fees for books, supplies, and activities. Make sure to factor these into your budget. Some colleges provide financial aid or scholarships to help cover these additional costs, so inquire about these options.
Long-Term Benefits
Consider the long-term financial benefits of graduating debt-free. Without the burden of student loans, you may have more financial flexibility in your early career. This can allow you to take more risks, such as starting your own business or pursuing further education, without the pressure of debt repayment.
Support Services
Strong academic support services, such as tutoring and advising, can help you succeed in your studies. Look for colleges that offer these services to assist you in managing your coursework and achieving your academic goals. Many colleges also provide writing centers and study groups to help students excel.
Similarly, effective career services can be invaluable in helping you secure internships and jobs after graduation. Investigate whether the college has a dedicated career services office that offers resume workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. These services can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
15 Best Tuition Free Colleges
Without further ado, here are 15 of the top colleges to attend if you don’t want to worry about tuition costs:
1. Alice Lloyd College
Alice Lloyd is a small, private liberal arts college located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Enrolling fewer than 600 students per year on average, this school offers bachelor’s degrees along with pre-professional programs with a Christian worldview. It includes preparatory degrees in fields like medicine, law, and so much more.
Although tuition here is provided free of charge, there’s one caveat – students are expected to work at least 160 hours per semester in an on-campus job or in the community as part of the Student Work Program, and they must be from certain Appalachian Counties.
2. Antioch College
Antioch College, located in Yellow Springs, Ohio, is another school that requires students to participate in full-time work (or research), but again, waives tuition as a form of repayment.
The college’s extensive College Work program means that all Pell-eligible students receive full tuition scholarships. These don’t cover room and board, of course, and all students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Nevertheless, you can’t beat this kind of affordability.
Some popular programs here include:
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Political Economy
- Biomedical Sciences
It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
3. University of New Hampshire
Tuition isn’t free for every student at the University of New Hampshire, but for qualified state residents who are eligible for the Pell Grant, this discount can be a lifesaver.
This offering is part of the Granite Guarantee program and is available both to first-year students as well as graduates from the Community College system of New Hampshire.
Popular majors at this school (which is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education) include:
- Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Engineering
4. Berea College
Berea College is a private liberal arts college in Berea, Kentucky. Founded in 1855, the school is home to 1600 undergraduate students, many of whom hail from Appalachia.
Classes are small, with just an 11-to-1 student to faculty ratio, and tuition is covered in full if students agree to work at least 10 hours per week.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the school’s most popular majors include:
- Philosophy
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Art History
- BIology
- Business
- Child and Family Studies
5. Barclay College
Located in Haviland, Kansas, this private Christian college is small, enrolling just 292 students in undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs.
Every program has a Christian influence, but students from all evangelical faith traditions are invited to apply. Despite offering full-tuition scholarships, the admissions policy is surprisingly lenient – about 67% of all students who apply are admitted.
Barclay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
6. Macaulay Honors College at City University of New York
This public institution, founded in 2001 as part of the CUNY system, is home to just 2000 undergraduate students in its exclusive honors program.
Through this school, students are allowed to create their own individualized program, including courses selected from more than 210 majors.
You’ll receive a full-tuition scholarship along with opportunities to apply for additional funding, like the $7,500 Opportunity Fund grant for global research, to enhance your learning. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
7. Warren Wilson College
Located in North Carolina, Warren Wilson offers free tuition in the form of a scholarship to those who qualify for need-based aid. You’ll be required to work at least 8 to 16 hours per week as part of this agreement.
In addition, the school offers Milepost One, which is a full-tuition scholarship for just 25 students, each of whom must have a family income below $125,000 per year.
Some popular majors here include:
- Natural Sciences
- Environmental Education
- Conservation Biology
- Data Science
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
8. Curtis Institute of Music
If your aspirations are set on a career in music, then the Curtis Institute of Music might offer your ticket to success. This leading conservatory, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also offers liberal arts programs in addition to those in music.
With just 175 students, you’ll have a tough time getting into this school – it only accepts 4% of its applicants, who must audition in person. Interestingly, there’s no minimum or maximum age requirement, meaning students as young as elementary age all the way up into adulthood can apply and attend.
Popular degrees include:
- A Bachelor of Music degree
- A Master of Music in Opera
- A Professional Studies Certificate in Opera
This institution is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
9. Haskell Indian Nations University
This tribal university in Kansas is free for American Indian and Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes.
A public land-grant university in Lawrence, Kansas, the school was founded in 1884 as a residential boarding school and now offers four baccalaureate and four associate degrees. Majors include:
- Indigenous and American Indian Studies BA
- Business Administration BS
- Elementary Teacher Education BS
- Environmental Sciences BS
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
10. The Apprentice School
This small school offers only programs in shipbuilding and affiliated trades, so the choices of majors here are limited. However, students graduate with a certificate and associate of applied science degree in the trade, plus four or five years of work experience in their apprenticeships.
In addition to not having to pay tuition, you’ll also earn an hourly wage and benefits.
The Apprentice School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
11. Williamson College of the Trades
This exclusive faith-based, all-male school is a trade school that offers programs in fields such as:
- Carpentry
- Masonry
Landscaping - Construction Technology
- Power Plant Technology
…and more. All students who qualify for need-based financial aid receive the prestigious Williamson scholarship, which not only covers tuition, but also room and board. The school is located in the town of Media, Pennsylvania.The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
12. Webb Institute
Located in Glen Cove, New York, Webb is one of the smallest schools in the country – it enrolls just 92 undergraduate students in its premier engineering degree.
This program, in naval architecture and marine engineering, is the only school in the nation that’s dedicated exclusively to ship design engineering. It has a tiny student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 and is incredibly selective.
Although students are expected to foot the bill for their room and board, all students receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship and live on campus on an estate with its own beach. There are internships available that allow students to gain experience (and money to put toward room and board).
This school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
13. College of the Ozarks
At the College of the Ozarks, there’s a huge incentive to study full-time – you won’t pay a dime in tuition, but part-time students are expected to dish out $310 per credit hour.
Another requirement of this program is that you must work 15 hours a week regularly plus two 40-hour weeks during the academic year.
Located in Point Lookout, Missouri, this school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has more than 30 majors in different areas, including:
- Business Administration and Management
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood and Family Studies
- Accounting
The student-to-faculty ratio is just 16 to 1.
14. Deep Springs College
With a picturesque location and a hands-on learning environment, Deep Springs College is an attractive college to applicants even before free tuition is factored in.
Here, students are expected to pay for books, travel, health insurance, and incidental expenses – but these can be subsidized by the school if you demonstrate financial need. You’ll receive a two-year liberal arts education while working on the school’s alfalfa farm and cattle ranch.
Interestingly, there are no majors or concentrations at Deep Springs. Students are instead encouraged to explore a variety of subjects as they take two or three classes per semester.
Only 15 students are admitted each year at this school, which is accredited by the WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
15. Cooper Union
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is located in the heart of Manhattan. Here, students can choose to study in one of three schools: the School of Art, the Albert Nerken School of Engineering, and the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture.
With countless high-ranking undergraduate degrees in architecture, fine art, and engineering, the school is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best colleges in the North.
In addition to a free tuition scholarship that’s given to every registered graduate student, students here benefit from small class sizes. It has a 9 to 1 student to faculty ratio and a 96% freshman retention rate – something that’s practically unheard of but is likely due to Cooper Union’s affordability and high admissions standards.
This school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Takeaway
Remember, the goal is to find a college that aligns with your personal and career aspirations while offering a supportive and engaging environment. Take the time to research and visit campuses, talk to current students and alumni, and gather as much information as possible.
Ready to start your college search? Begin by exploring some of the top tuition-free colleges mentioned in this guide and take the first step towards a bright and debt-free future.