Tuition-free college is a reality at these 18 schools

The idea of free college isn’t new. There have been periods in American history when public higher education was free or available at very low cost, especially in the years after World War II. However, over time, tuition costs have risen dramatically, outpacing inflation and making college increasingly unaffordable for many Americans.

But the dream of free college has once again become a genuine option for some students. From “last dollar” tuition initiatives in states like New York and Washington, to a slew of specialized tuition-free colleges that cater to specific disciplines or work-study programs, the landscape of affordable higher education has never been this dynamic.

However, there is usually a catch or two. These fantastic opportunities often come with strings attached, like residency requirements. And don’t be fooled: there are usually still fees outside of tuition.

In this article, we’ll dive into how tuition-free colleges operate. We’ll spotlight 18 tuition-free institutions and also touch on programs offering free tuition to low-income students, as well as state-wide efforts to promote free public education.

States with free college programs

Several U.S. states have stepped up to offer programs that make 4-year college more affordable – or even free – for some of their residents.

Many of these programs are known as “last-dollar” scholarships. This means they cover the remaining balance of tuition after all other forms of financial aid have been applied. Keep in mind that the specifics of these programs, such as the exact income thresholds and requirements, can change over time.

Here’s a quick look at some of these initiatives.

13 tuition-free colleges, ranked

Across the country, several colleges are breaking financial barriers by offering tuition-free programs. These institutions provide quality education while aiming to leave students debt-free upon graduation. Below, we rank these colleges based on the median earnings of their graduates after 4 years. Explore to find the best fit for your academic and financial needs.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Starting in 2024, in-state undergraduates from families earning less than $80,000 annually will receive free tuition and required fees.

• Number of students: 19,921
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $61,222

2. Berea College, Kentucky

Established as the first integrated, co-educational college in the South, Berea College has not charged students tuition since 1892. Berea is a non-denominational Christian college that ranks 18th in our list of best liberal arts colleges. Part of the Work Colleges Consortium.

• Number of students: 1,412
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $37,073

3. Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas

This institution offers tuition-free education for Native Americans and Alaska Natives belonging to federally recognized tribes.

• Number of students: 727
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $35,012

4. Antioch College, Ohio

Any student eligible for a Pell Grant will receive enough institutional aid after Pell to cover their entire tuition and fees.

• Number of students: 127
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $32,439

5. Alice Lloyd College, Kentucky

Students from 108 counties located in Central Appalachia are guaranteed free tuition coverage at Alice Lloyd College. Part of the Work Colleges Consortium.

• Number of students: 569
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $33,135

6. Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York

Undergraduates at Cooper Union have 80% of their tuition costs covered. Currently, over 45% of students attend tuition-free, with goals to increase this to 100% by 2026.

• Number of students: 892
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $54,351

7. Barclay College, Kansas

Every student living on campus at Barclay College, a Christian institution, receives a Full Tuition Scholarship.

• Number of students: 166
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $27,692

8. Curtis Institute of Music, Pennsylvania

Since 1928, the Curtis Institute of Music has provided full-tuition scholarships based on merit to all its students, irrespective of their financial backgrounds.

• Number of students: 113
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $27,878

9. City College of San Francisco, California

Renowned for its comprehensive range of programs, including transfer courses to 4-year universities, vocational education, and adult education, CCSF has been instrumental in educating the San Francisco community for nearly a century. To qualify for free tuition, students must be a California resident for at least 1 year and 1 day and a San Francisco resident.

• Number of students: 14,593
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $49,075

10. University of the People, California

The University of the People is the world’s first tuition-free accredited, 100% online university.

• Number of students: 16,253
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: Data not available.

11. College of the Ozarks, Missouri

This Christian liberal arts college emphasizes character development and a patriotic education. Students work on campus jobs to cover their cost of education, ensuring they graduate without debt. Part of the Work Colleges Consortium.

• Number of students: 1,486
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $35,738

12. Williamson College of the Trades, Pennsylvania

Williamson is the country’s only trade college that provides all its students with full scholarships, which cover tuition, textbooks, and room and board.

• Number of students: 278
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: Data not available

13. Webb Institute, New York

Founded in 1889, the Webb Institute is a specialized private college focused solely on naval architecture and marine engineering. All admitted students at Webb Institute receive a full-tuition scholarship.

• Number of students: 102
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: Data not available

(Almost) free college through the Work Colleges Consortium

Currently, there are 9 schools in the Work Colleges Consortium, 3 of which are tuition-free and described above. The others have significantly reduced tuition or free tuition for students who meet certain criteria.

Blackburn College, Illinois

Blackburn College is notable for its unique student-managed work program, which gives students the opportunity to reduce their college costs while gaining valuable real-world experience. Specifically for those hailing from Macoupin County, the Macoupin Promise further offers a tuition-free education for those meeting the eligibility criteria.

• Number of students: 342
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $41,942

Kuyper College, Michigan

Kuyper College is a private, Christian liberal arts school that combines academic learning with a Reformed theological perspective. All resident students are provided on- or off-campus jobs to offset tuition costs.

• Number of students: 78
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $34,926

Paul Quinn College, Texas

Paul Quinn College is a private, faith-based, historically black college. One of its unique initiatives is the “Urban Work College Model”, which incorporates work experiences and reduced student loan reliance into the academic curriculum.

• Number of students: 938
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $33,683

Warren Wilson College, North Carolina

All undergraduate residential students at Warren Wilson participate in the work program, contributing to various campus jobs for a minimum of 8 hours a week. This work helps offset tuition costs. Additionally, qualifying North Carolina students with demonstrated financial need can benefit from tuition-free education.

• Number of students: 697
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $32,003

Bethany Global University, Minnesota

Bethany Global University is a Christian missionary training school that integrates biblical studies with practical mission training. They offer an on-campus work program where students gain real-world experience and reduce their tuition costs.

• Number of students: 222
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $30,786

Sterling College, Vermont

Sterling College offers a curriculum solely focused on environmental studies. Nestled in rural Vermont, the college’s work program not only reduces tuition costs, but also instills a sense of community, responsibility, and environmental stewardship among its students.

• Number of students: 86
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: $27,664

Ecclesia College, Arkansas

Ecclesia is a Christian college that emphasizes biblical principles and practical work experience. The college’s commitment to affordable education is evident in its lower-than-average student loan debt upon graduation, making it a choice for students looking to merge their faith with a more financially manageable college experience.

• Number of students: 151
• Median earnings 4 years after graduation: Data not available

Free tuition at service academies

The U.S. service academies offer a unique proposition to students: receive a top-notch education at no cost in return for a commitment to serve in the nation’s armed forces.

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

• Number of students: 4,085
• Commitment: Cadets commit to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force for 5 years

United States Coast Guard Academy, Connecticut

• Number of students: 1,037
• Commitment: Graduates are required to serve for 5 years

United States Merchant Marine Academy, New York

• Number of students: 931
• Commitment: Graduates commit to 5-8 years of service, depending on their chosen career path

United States Naval Academy, Maryland

• Number of students: 4,450
• Commitment: All students attend on a full scholarship and, upon graduation, serve 5 years of active-duty service

United States Military Academy, New York

• Number of students: 4,328
• Commitment: Graduates commit to 5 years of service

Tuition free college programs for low-income students

A growing number of colleges are offering guaranteed free or almost free tuition, separate from traditional financial aid. Here are a few examples, though it’s worth noting that many more such programs exist nationwide.

• University of New Hampshire’s “Granite Guarantee”: for New Hampshire students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant; covers tuition costs for those with significant financial need.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison’s “Bucky’s Tuition Promise”: Wisconsin freshmen from families earning $56,000 or less annually can benefit; covers 4 years of tuition and fees.
• University of North Carolina’s “Carolina Covenant”: assists eligible students by covering their full financial needs through grants, scholarships, and work-study, eliminating loans.
• Texas A&M’s “Aggie Assurance”: provides tuition support for low- and middle-income families, ensuring tuition coverage for those who qualify.

» Read: The best colleges for low-income students

Tuition isn’t the only college expense

The resurgence of tuition-free college options offers hope to many seeking affordable education. But remember, “tuition-free” doesn’t always mean “expense-free”. From room and board to books and supplies, other costs can accumulate.

Remember that filling out the FAFSA is an important first step in unlocking potential financial assistance, even at institutions where tuition isn’t a concern.

For those keen to explore cost-effective options in higher education, our list of the most affordable colleges offers valuable insights. With the right information and resources, getting a quality education without breaking the bank is possible.