18 Tuition-Free Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide Higher education can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. Many colleges and universities offer tuition-free programs, allowing students to pursue their academic goals without the financial burden. In this post, we’ll explore 18 tuition-free colleges, their programs, and what you need to know to apply.
1. University of the People (UoPeople)
UoPeople is an online university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, computer science, health science, and more. With no tuition fees, UoPeople is accessible to students worldwide.
The University of the People (UoPeople) is a tuition-free online university, but they do charge some fees ¹ ²: – Application Fee: A non-refundable $60 fee for graduate-level applications. – Transfer Credit Fee: A fee for evaluating transfer credits. – Assessment Fee: A fee for course assessments. Additionally, students are responsible for any credit card, bank or money transfer fees that might be incurred when paying for these fees.
2. MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
MIT offers free online courses and tuition-free programs for undergraduate and graduate students. While housing and living expenses are not covered, MIT’s need-based scholarships can help.
The school fees for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows ¹ ²: – Tuition: $61,990 – Student life fee: N/A – Housing: $12,380 – Food: $7,010 – Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment: $880 – Personal expenses: $2,304 – Total: $82,720 – Light load tuition: $960/unit (minimum of $5,760) – SB thesis only tuition: $960/unit (minimum of $1,920, maximum of $30,995) – Off-campus internship tuition: $10,850 (35% of maximum tuition charge)
3. Harvard University
Harvard University offers need-based scholarships that cover full tuition for eligible students. With a long history of academic excellence, Harvard is a top choice for many.
Here are the school fees for Harvard University for the 2024-2025 academic year
Full Tuition: $55,656 – Reduced Tuition: $14,470 – Continuation Fee: $3,682 – SEAS Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and Data Science Master’s Programs: $63,624 (one-year program) – SEAS Computational Science and Engineering master of engineering (ME): $63,624 (first year); $31,812 (second year) – Data Science master of science (SM): $63,624 (first year); $31,812 (second year: one term only) – Tuition for one course: $7,953 – Tuition for two courses: $15,906 – Tuition for three courses: $28,859 – Tuition for four courses: $31,812 – Visiting Fellows (tuition for one academic term (five months)): $7,235 – Visiting Fellows (tuition for one academic year (nine months)): $14,470 – HUSHP Student Health Fee (SHF)—Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Fee: $796/Term – HUSHP Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)—Prescription Drug Coverage and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Hospital/Specialty: $2,101/Term – On-Campus Without Dependents: $1,950 – On-Campus With Dependents: $3,631 – Off-Campus: $2,230 – Food: $543 – Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: $100 – Transportation: $221 – Miscellaneous: $544
4. Stanford University
Stanford University offers need-based aid that covers full tuition for eligible students. With a strong focus on innovation and research, Stanford is a great choice for students in various fields.
5. Yale University
Yale University offers need-based aid that covers full tuition for eligible students. With a rich history and academic excellence, Yale is a top choice for many.
6. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania offers need-based aid that covers full tuition for eligible students. With a strong focus on research and academic excellence, UPenn is a great choice.
7. Curtis Institute of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music offers full-tuition scholarships to all students. With a focus on music and the arts, Curtis is a top choice for talented musicians.
8. Berea College
Berea College offers full-tuition scholarships to all students. With a focus on liberal arts and sciences, Berea is a great choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.
9. College of the Ozarks
The College of the Ozarks offers full-tuition scholarships to all students. With a focus on hard work and character development, C of O is a unique choice.
10. Alice Lloyd College
Alice Lloyd College offers full-tuition scholarships to all students. With a focus on liberal arts and sciences, ALC is a great choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.
This small rural school in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, guarantees free tuition to students who live in the Central Appalachian service area. Residents of 108 counties in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia may qualify for Alice Lloyd College‘s Appalachian Leaders Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition for up to 10 semesters.
All students take jobs through the student work program and work at least 10 hours a week in areas such as maintenance, food preparation and office administrative work.
11. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers tuition-free programs for Scottish and EU students. With a rich history and academic excellence, Edinburgh is a top choice.
12. University of Oslo
The University of Oslo offers tuition-free programs for all students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, Oslo is a great choice.
13. University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki offers tuition-free programs for EU students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, Helsinki is a great choice.
14. Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin offers tuition-free programs for all students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, FUB is a great choice.
15. University of Paris-Saclay
The University of Paris-Saclay offers tuition-free programs for EU students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, Paris-Saclay is a great choice.
16. University of Vienna
The University of Vienna offers tuition-free programs for EU students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, Vienna is a great choice.
Fees: – Tuition fee: depends on citizenship – Student union fee: 22.70 euros per semester (for the academic year 2023/24) – Scholarships: the university does not offer wide-ranged funding options, but there are available discounts, allowances, and scholarships for students – International students can work in Austria depending on their citizenship and residence permit
17. Webb Institute (NY)
Webb Institute, a small engineering school on Long Island, gives full-tuition scholarships – valued at more than $200,000 over four years – to all incoming students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The school, which has a total enrollment of about 100 students, offers one course of study: a dual bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering. Students can apply for federal loans and grants to cover their room, board and other expenses.
18. Lund University
Lund University offers tuition-free programs for EU students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, Lund is a great choice.
19. University of Geneva
The University of Geneva offers tuition-free programs for Swiss and EU students. With a focus on research and academic excellence, Geneva is a great choice.
20. Antioch College (OH)
At Antioch College, up to one-third of a student’s undergraduate experience is spent engaged in full-time work or research. As part of Antioch’s College Work program, all Pell-eligible new and returning students receive full tuition, last-dollar scholarships. The aid does not cover room and board costs, in some cases, and to remain eligible students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
These colleges offer a range of programs, from undergraduate to graduate degrees, in various fields. While some may have specific eligibility criteria or requirements, they all offer tuition-free education to eligible students.
Research and explore these options to find the best fit for your academic goals. Note: Some colleges may have additional fees or requirements, so be sure to check their websites for more information. I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further assistance.