• Universities & Colleges
• APR 17, 2024

Top 30 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in 2024: Are They Really 100% Free?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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The pandemic hit the world hard, bringing with it a financial crisis. Alongside this is the rising average cost of college education that becomes even more difficult for students to bear. Thus, tuition free online colleges have become ever more relevant.

The economy is reopening fully, and the unemployment rate is expected to fall by 2022. (Bruseulas, 2021) Nevertheless, the average estimated budgets range from $18,830 to $55,800. (College Board, 2021) Sadly, the inability to afford higher education is among the top five reasons students do not go to college according to Imagine America Foundation.

However, 87% of employers agree that a college degree is either definitely worth it or probably worth it (Finley, 2021). This page gives you a list of tuition free online universities in the United States, as well as colleges and other online education platforms for students who want to get a higher education without breaking the bank.

Tuition-Free Online Colleges Table of Contents

1. What are tuition-free colleges?
2. Tuition-Free Online Colleges and Courses
3. Pros and Cons of Tuition-Free Colleges
4. Other Ways to Attend College for Free

What are tuition-free colleges?

A tuition-free online school means students may study without being charged tuition fees, which is the amount of money students pay for receiving an education from an academic institution.

However, tuition-free does not mean “zero-cost" for students. They may still incur costs from application and assessment fees, housing, and books. These revenue sources are vital for educational institutions to continue operations, which some may use as a reason why should college not be free. Nevertheless, some schools may require students to render work hours to cover these costs.

Some institutions charge no tuition based solely on their commitment to making education accessible for all regardless of merit or need. These institutions, nevertheless, may charge small fees for a course or exam.

Other institutions offer full scholarships or financial aid packages for students to attend college for free. Some require a work-study setup, where students will work on campus in exchange for free education.

While there will indeed be some costs in exchange for free education, and despite controversies surrounding tuition-free education, it is undeniable that tuition free online degree is the best option for students to earn a degree without worrying about how to pay for their education.

How can these education providers offer tuition-free courses?

Cuts in state funding and growing demands for college education are causing a rise in tuition fees for schools to operate properly. Therefore, the big question is how can they offer free online degree programs without risking losses?

Schools like the University of the People, which offers a tuition free bachelor’s degree online, and much larger institutions like Duke University, can offer a free degree online owing to donations from individuals, organizations, corporations, and the government. Other institutions cover their operation cost from other school fees or revenue streams.

Certain states in the U.S. have the Promise Program, which allows public and private universities in participating states to offer tuition-free programs. With this backing from the government, students no longer need to worry about breaking the bank in securing their college education, while universities can reduce the risks of losses.

Perna et al. (2020) published the study, “Is a College Promise Program an Effective Use of Resources? Understanding the Implications of Program Design and Resource Investments for Equity and Efficiency" in AERA Open. Here, they found that “Promise programs can invest resources to communicate information to potential participants, assist students in meeting initial and continuing eligibility requirements, and provide academic and social support to help students persist after initial enrollment. Allocating resources to marketing may help those who meet eligibility requirements (and other stakeholders like school counselors) learn about a program and use it."

Popular Degrees That Are Affordable

If tuition-free colleges and funding programs are not accessible to you, then your next best option might be to explore taking the most affordable degrees. Here are some of them:

1. General Psychology

A general psychology degree is an undergraduate program covering various aspects of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. It covers foundational topics such as abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and research methods. Affordability can be achieved through options like attending public universities or community colleges with lower tuition rates or online programs that reduce commuting and housing costs. The versatility of a general psychology degree allows graduates to explore diverse career paths within business, healthcare, education, and social services.

2. Marketing

A marketing degree focuses on the principles and strategies of product and service promotion. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of marketing strategies, consumer engagement, and ethical considerations, preparing them for diverse roles in the field. As it is more theoretical in nature, this degree can be completed online, which contributes to affordability by offering lower tuition costs compared to traditional on-campus programs. It is also available in global online degree marketplaces because of its popularity.

3. Elementary Education

An elementary education degree prepares individuals for teaching roles in elementary schools, covering educational theories, teaching methods, child development, and subject-specific content. It ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of elementary students and foster a positive and effective learning environment. Some states are launching financial aid programs to address teacher shortages, making it more financially feasible for individuals to pursue an elementary education degree and contribute to the education sector.

4. Nursing

Like the states’ response to the shortages in teachers, bachelor’s programs in nursing have also become more affordable because of financial aid and loan forgiveness programs designed to support aspiring nurses. It is an undergraduate program that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). The curriculum includes theoretical coursework covering anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. BSN graduates are trained in patient care, leadership, and community health, equipping them with critical thinking skills and a foundation in evidence-based practice.

5. MBA in Finance

An MBA in Finance is a specialized Master of Business Administration program focusing on advanced financial management and strategic decision-making. It covers advanced topics such as financial management, investment analysis, and international finance. The curriculum includes in-depth studies on financial modeling, behavioral finance, and ethical considerations, providing graduates with the expertise to navigate complex financial environments and excel in leadership roles. The affordability of this degree is often influenced by the relatively short program duration, typically ranging from one to two years.

Tuition-Free Online Colleges and Courses

There are several good online colleges and tuition-free accredited online universities where students can take college courses and earn a degree for little or no money. However, some will charge other fees, like application fees, and others will require students to work in exchange for their free education.

Tuition-Free Online Colleges and Universities

Here are the best free online colleges and universities. As mentioned previously, tuition-free does not mean zero cost, so students should read what free education entails.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university with campuses throughout the Phoenix metro area and has over 300 online degree options. Students can study full-time, part-time, or through accelerated online degree programs. Online degrees are available in various fields, and some are tuition-free.

ASU provides free tuition to a specific set of students through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a 100% tuition coverage offered to all benefits-eligible Starbucks employees. It can be applied to online programs. Students only need to pay for class fees and books.

City College of San Francisco

City College Of San Francisco is a public community college that offers tuition-free online programs for residents of California. The classes are mostly asynchronous but not self-paced.

Students residing in San Francisco are eligible for free tuition through Free City, a scholarship that allows students to graduate without paying tuition. There are no income restrictions, and non-resident exemptions may be granted. Students who move to California can use Free City after 366 days of residence. This scholarship covers 100% of tuition at City College of San Francisco and guarantees transfer to six UC schools.

City University & The State University of New York

The City University of New York and the State University of New York offer the Excelsior Scholarship. Students must be New York State residents to be eligible for this scholarship, which can be used at any CUNY or SUNY network.

SUNY offers 100% online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs, with most classes being asynchronous. CUNY is still expanding its online degree offerings, to include criminal justice, nursing, business, and others. Students who meet the full-time study requirements may be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship.

Cooper Union

Cooper Union is Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredited. It comprises three schools: School of Art, Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, and Albert Nerken School of Engineering. Each school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Its acceptance rate is 13%, the retention rate is 96%, and the student-faculty ratio is 9:1. All enrolled undergraduate and graduate students get free tuition.

CUNY Macaulay Honors College

CUNY Macaulay Honors College was founded in 2001 and is accredited by MSCHE. Students can participate in faculty-student research projects and community service and intern and network with New York’s dynamic companies. Every student must complete 10 hours of community service in their first three years, but many students complete more.

Macaulay Honors College students receive full undergraduate tuition scholarships (exclusive of fees). They also get a $7,500 Opportunities Fund grant for global research, study service, internships, a laptop, and a Cultural Passport to New York City arts and cultural events, among other things.

Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music, one of the world’s leading conservatories, prepares exceptional young musicians for careers as professional performers. The institute offers free online courses via Coursera. It is MSCHE accredited and has a 4% acceptance rate, and students are chosen based on merit. The institute has no age restrictions, and every student receives full tuition.

Deep Springs College

Deep Springs College was founded in 1917 and is accredited by the ACCJC of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The school offers a full scholarship worth over $50,000 that covers tuition, room, and board. While students are responsible for their own books, medical insurance, and other expenses, the institution covers the large tuition bill. Smaller bills can be covered by additional scholarship funds in cases of extreme financial hardship. Most students enroll full-time on-campus, so online courses are limited but are nevertheless available given the current changes in education setup post-pandemic.

Saylor Academy

Saylor Academy is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to provide free courses to learners worldwide. This site has over 100 self-paced courses in economics, mathematics, physics, political science, geography, and psychology. Learners who pass the certificate exam with a 70% or higher score will receive a free certificate.

For some Saylor Academy courses, students can take the Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam, which requires a $25 proctoring fee per attempt. With it, they can earn transfer credit by scoring at least 70%. This credit program is recognized by 39 colleges and universities and American Council on Education (ACE) and National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) networks.

University New York of Business and Technologies

University New York of Business and Technologies (UNYBT) offers online business programs tuition-free. It is currently seeking accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

No tuition is required for any of the university’s programs. The application is also free but there are exam processing fees, which vary by degree level. Exam fees are $42 for undergraduates and $75 for graduate students per course.

University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) is an online university that lets students earn degrees free of tuition. It offers associate, bachelor, and MBA degrees in computer and health science. It is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Admission requirements vary by program, and while UoPeople offers free tuition, each applicant must still pay $60 for application, $240 for assessment, and $17 for transfer credit. To take exams, students must pay $100 each. The Associate’s Degree requires 20 exams, and the Bachelor’s Degree requires 40. Those who cannot afford the exams can apply for a scholarship from UoPeople.

Williamson College of the Trades

Williamson College of the Trades was founded in 1888 and is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

All admitted students are on full scholarships covering tuition, room and board, and books. Students are required to pay entrance fees, charges for personal items, and annual breakage fees, but for the most part, students attend college for free. While Williamson College does provide online courses and programs, most of them lead to associate degrees in trade programs.

WorldQuant University

WorldQuant University was founded in 2005 and is sponsored by the WorldQuant Foundation. It is accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Its mission is to provide equal educational opportunities to gifted people worldwide. Currently, it only offers two programs: MScFE and Applied Data Science Module. Both programs are free, but applicants to the MScFE program must hold a Bachelor’s degree.

edX

Included in this list, though not a college, is edX, which offers free online college courses in partnership with big universities like Stanford University, University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, among many others.

This free online school also offers courses for career advancement and general education on top of three certificates: MicroMasters, Professional, and XSeries. The MicroMasters Certificate may provide credits toward a Master’s Degree. The Professional Certificate shows employers that students have mastered specific skills to advance their careers. The XSeries Certificate shows that students have studied certain topics thoroughly.

Colleges and Universities with 100% Need-Met Aid

In the 2020-2021 school year, American families used around $6,610 in grants and scholarships to pay for college. Parental income and savings added another $11,794 to the college. However, it is worth noting that some colleges and universities do not require parent contribution from those in the lowest income range.

Brown University

Brown University, founded in 1764, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It has a 9% acceptance rate and a 98% first-year retention rate. Its student-faculty ratio is 7:1.

Brown University meets 100% of a student’s full demonstrated need. No financial contribution is required of families with total parent earnings of less than $60,000 and assets of less than $100,000. However, students must contribute from their summer earnings, while the federal financial aid program requires academic year work-study or campus employment.

Columbia University

Columbia University was founded in 1754. It is MSCHE-accredited and accepts about 7% of applicants, and retains 97% of first-year students. The university offers unique financial aid program packages that include grants rather than loans, so students do not have to pay back after graduation. It offers financial aid packages and waives tuition and fees for families earning $60,000 or less. The university offers hefty tuition and fee reductions to families earning $100,000 or less.

Columbia University also offers free online courses in Robotics, Psychology, Python Analytics, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence through ColumbiaX. Courses are free for students who do not intend to get certificates; otherwise, there are fees for certificates.

Cornell University

Cornell University was founded in 1865 and is MSCHE-accredited. Its acceptance rate is 14%, while its retention rate is 97%. Its student-faculty ratio is 9:1.

There is no tuition for parents with combined incomes under $60,000 and assets under $100,000. Students contribute money from a summer job and savings. The university does not have a standard “income bracket" or ceiling for grant recipients; instead, each case is evaluated individually. Also, the university does not have a grant award minimum or maximum.

Duke University

Duke University was founded in 1838 and is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). Its acceptance rate is 11%, and the retention rate is 97% for first-year students. The student-teacher ratio is 7:1.

An education contribution is not expected of parents earning less than $60,000 and owning typical assets. However, first-year students have an expected contribution of $2,600, regardless of income.

Harvard University

Harvard University, founded in 1636, accepts 5% of applicants and retains 97% of first-year full-time students. It is accredited by NEASC and has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1.

Financial aid at Harvard is solely based on need as the university is committed to serving all students’ needs. Loans are not part of financial aid, and parents earning less than $60,000 are not expected to contribute to college costs. However, those with significant assets at all income levels are asked to contribute proportionally more. Home equity and retirement funds are not considered resources.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university founded in 1861. It has an 8% acceptance rate and a 98% freshman retention rate, and its student-faculty ratio is 3:1. It is accredited by NEASC.

The institute provides free tuition through scholarships and grants for students from families with under $90,000 income a year. Students receiving aid are expected to pay for a portion of their needs through loans, part-time jobs, or both. Around 90% of undergraduates work during the term on campus or under the Federal Work-Study Program.

MIT also offers free online courses. OpenCourseWare courses include audio/video lectures and online textbooks. Unlike most online colleges, MIT makes its entire curriculum available to the public, not just selected courses. Students can study any subject they want whenever they wish to start. However, taking these courses does not entitle students to a diploma or certificate.

Princeton University

Princeton University was founded in 1746. It has an acceptance rate of 7%, a retention rate of 98% of first-year students, and a student-faculty ratio of 5:1. It is MSCHE- accredited.

Princeton has the largest endowment per student of any U.S. university. It also offers a variety of financial aid packages based on need, and students whose parents are making under $65,000 per year are fully covered. It also offers financial aid to students earning up to $250,000 per year.

Stanford University

Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It has a 5% acceptance rate and a 98% first-year retention rate, with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. Taxes, fees, and boarding are waived for families earning $65,000 or less, and 70% of undergraduates from families earning $150,000 or less receive financial aid.

Students receiving financial aid packages are expected to contribute at least $5,000 from summer earnings and $2,800 from part-time employment during the academic year. They may also donate 5% per year of their savings and investments if they have any. They can reduce or eliminate the expected contribution by acquiring outside scholarships.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University was founded in 1876. It is the flagship of the Texas A&M University System and is SACSCOC-accredited. Its acceptance rate is 67% and retains 91% of full-time freshmen. The student-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Aggie Assurance helps students from low-income families get tuition scholarships and grants, which covers not only tuition but also required fees, housing, books, and other educational expenses.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university founded in 1789 and is SACSCOC-accredited. It has a 27% acceptance rate and a 96% freshman retention rate.

The Carolina Covenant at UNC guarantees low-income students a bachelor’s degree with no debt. To be eligible for the Carolina Covenant, students must be full-time undergraduates, dependent on a parent whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, meet citizenship requirements, and be eligible for federal financial aid.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873. It accepts 11% of applicants and keeps 97% of them. It is accredited by SACSCOC and has a student-faculty ratio of 8:1.

The university meets every family’s financial needs, and loans are not part of the financial aid. Families with income $0 to $40,000 are awarded $31,748 to $63,940.

Warren Wilson College

Warren Wilson College is a non-profit private liberal arts college founded in 1894. It is accredited by SACSCOC and has an admission rate of 80% to 90%.

The college offers a tuition-free program for North Carolina residents who qualify for federal or state need-based financial assistance. Tuition-free enrollment is available for full-time undergraduates admitted to Warren Wilson for the first time. The scholarships will cover the remainder of student tuition after federal or state financial aid is applied. If scholarships are not available to a student, need-based grants and a work grant will be used instead. The school guarantees that student loans will not be used to pay for tuition.

Webb Institute

Webb Institute was founded in 1889 and provided a single undergraduate degree option in naval architecture and marine engineering. It is the only school in the nation devoted to ship-design engineering. It is MSCHE accredited, and its student-faculty ratio is 9:1. Every Webb Institute student receives a four-year full-tuition scholarship, and students join internships to earn money.

Yale University

Yale University was founded in 1701 and is accredited by NEASC. Its acceptance rate is 6%, and the retention rate is 99%. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Families earning less than $65,000 are not required to contribute to their child’s education as Yale University meets all demonstrated needs. Assumed family contribution includes a contribution from the student’s assets and income from summer jobs.

“Work Colleges"

Work colleges in the U.S. require students to work, which they must integrate into their college education. Some colleges and universities offer free tuition to students who work for the institution throughout their college careers.

Alice Lloyd College

Alice Lloyd College, founded in 1923, accepts 599 students from 108 counties in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is accredited by SACSCOC, and its mission includes upholding Christian values.

Students from select Appalachian counties enjoy free tuition through a work-study setup. They need to render at least 160 hours per semester in an on-campus job or the local community. Typically, 22% of applicants are accepted, and its student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Its bachelor’s degree and pre-professional programs prepare students for careers in medicine, law, and more.

Berea College

Berea College, founded in 1855, offers four-year degrees in 28 fields and is SACSCOC accredited. It accepts 33% of applicants and retains 79.5% of first-year students, with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.

The college, which serves low-income students, does not charge tuition, but every student must work 10 hours per week in over 130 departments.

College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks, a Presbyterian-affiliated private Christian liberal arts college, offers over 30 majors via pre-professional programs and credentials. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and accepts 14% of applicants with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1.

Full-time students pay no tuition. They must, however, demonstrate financial need and must work 15 hours per week on-campus and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks. Meanwhile, summer work programs help cover room and board bills.

Pros and Cons of Tuition-Free Colleges

Of course, everything has its pros and cons, and the same is true with tuition-free colleges. Before deciding whether to enroll in colleges or universities with free tuition, students should weigh the upsides and downsides.

The Pros of Tuition-Free Colleges

1. Accessible education. Perhaps the number one pro of tuition-free colleges is that everyone, regardless of income, has an opportunity to earn a college degree. No longer will students worry about how to pay for their education. More importantly, they can focus on their studies.
2. Freedom from debt. Student loan debt is now second only to credit card debt. Nationwide, 43% of college students report having educational debt. Today’s college students graduate with 66% debt. (Hanson, 2021). With tuition-free college, students will no longer incur debts or will not incur so much.

The Cons of Tuition-Free Colleges

1. Reduced quality of education. Free college may reduce graduation rates by lowering educational quality and decreasing enrollment at private colleges, which tend to graduate more students. Similar concerns led England to abolish free college in 1998. According to NBER researchers, during the 1980s and 1990s in England, the gap in degree attainment between high- and low-income families “more than doubled," according to NBER researchers. (Murphy et al., 2018)
2. No change in completion rate. More college funding plans assume the U.S. higher education system is working well, but 40% of first-time, full-time college students drop out within six years (NCES, 2020), despite financial aids like the PELL Grant being available. Cost is not the only barrier to education as there is a lack of life-study balance and a lack of guidance. Free college, therefore, does not guarantee the completion of education.

Other Ways to Attend College for Free

Those who do not qualify for free online college should explore other options. Scholarships and grants from schools or other organizations can help reduce costs, and students can also save money by taking more credits for the same price. Besides, online schools and educational platforms today provide more affordable online colleges.

Flat-Rate Tuition

Flat-rate tuition means charging for a block of credits (such as a semester) rather than per credit. It allows 12-18 credits per semester, and students who can take 14-18 credits often save money at schools that charge a flat rate. However, those taking fewer than 12 credits pay more in this system.

Low-Cost Classes for Credits

Online degree programs can save students money by offering in-state or other discounts. Meanwhile, some traditional schools credit some online courses with certificates.

Coursera and Udemy offer low-cost classes and certifications. Meanwhile, Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning help people learn new skills. There are many organizations, like Sophia Learning, that help learners find low-cost options.

Outside Scholarship

Students who will not be eligible for tuition-free programs or traditional federal financial aid may apply for private or outside scholarships. These external funds can help with application fees, exam fees, and other small costs.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP exam is another way to save money and time on college education. This exam allows students to earn college credits for prior knowledge. For example, a high school graduate who took an AP English Lit course may qualify for credit. Adult students who have received on-the-job training may be eligible for credit as well. CLEP exams are now accepted as college credits by 2,900 colleges nationwide.

Is tuition-free college worth a shot?

College tuition continues to increase. At the same time, college enrollment statistics show declines in the number of students going to college. As such, it is easy to assume that free college would be worthwhile, especially since degree holders have an edge over those without degrees when landing jobs. However, there is no clear proof of any causative relationship between free college and college attendance, more so, completion.

Still, that does not mean that tuition-free college is not worth a shot. From an individual student’s perspective, especially from one bent on gaining a degree but could not afford a college education, a tuition-free college is definitely worth it.

References:

• Brusuelas, J. (2021, November 19). Looking ahead to 2022 and what to expect in the economy. The Real Economy Blog. https://realeconomy.rsmus.com/looking-ahead-to-2022-and-a-post-pandemic-economy/
• College Board. (2021). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021. In Research.collegeboard.org. College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2021.pdf
• Finley, A. (2021). How College Contributes to Workforce Success. In Aacu.org. Association of American Colleges and Universities. https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/reasons-to-go-to-college/
• Hanson, M. (2021, November 17). Student Loan Debt Statistics [2021]: Average + Total Debt. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/student-loan-debt-statistics
• Ipsos. (2021). How America Pays for College 2021. In Salliemae.com. Sallie Mae. https://www.salliemae.com/content/dam/slm/writtencontent/Research/HowAmericaPaysforCollege2021.pdf
• Murphy, R., Scott-Clayton, J., & Wyness, G. (2018). The end of free college in England: Implications for quality, enrolments, and equity. In Nber.org. National bureau of economic research. https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w23888/w23888.pdf
• NCES. (2020). The NCES Fast Facts Tool: Graduation Rates. Nces.Ed.Gov; National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=40
• Perna, L. W., Wright-Kim, J., & Leigh, E. W. (2020). Is a college promise program an effective use of resources? Understanding the implications of program design and resource investments for equity and efficiency. AERA Open, 6(4), 233285842096763. https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858420967633