Tuition-Free Online Colleges
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Key Takeaways
- We found 10 accredited colleges with online programs offering free tuition to eligible students.
- Free tuition programs commonly require you to meet an income threshold and hold residency in the same state as the college.
- Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be your first step to making college more affordable.
While online degrees are typically cheaper than on-campus ones, they’re still costly. But some states and colleges now offer tuition-free online programs for eligible students through scholarships, state-funded initiatives, and institutional aid programs. While most students still pay for books or fees, these programs can significantly reduce — or even eliminate — tuition and fees.
Learn how these free tuition programs work, where you can find them, and tips on how to save money while going to college online.
Online Colleges With Free Tuition
Here are some colleges with online programs that offer free tuition to eligible students. Check to see if you qualify.
| School | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Calbright College | All Calbright College programs are free for California residents. |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco residents qualify for free tuition online. Must be a first-time student or student returning after at least a one-year absence. |
| City University of New York and State University of New York | Full-time New York resident students can earn a free college degree with the Excelsior Scholarship if their household income is under $125,000. |
| Michigan community colleges | Students must be Michigan residents and apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship and enroll in any Pell-eligible skill certificate or associate degree program. |
| Saylor Academy | Saylor offers tuition-free college courses online. |
| Tennessee colleges | In-state students can use the Tennessee Promise Grant and Reconnect Grant to pay for tuition. |
| The University of Cincinnati | Pell-eligible, in-state, first-time, first-year students from families making up to $75,000 qualify for free tuition. |
| University of the People | All students attend tuition-free for online courses with minimal fees. Scholarship options are available on a first-come, first-serve basis each term for those who do not qualify for tuition-free courses. |
| Vermont State University | In-state, full-time, new or returning undergraduate students without a bachelor’s degree from families making up to $65,000 qualify for free tuition. |
| WorldQuant University | WorldQuant offers a free accredited master of science in financial engineering. |
Who Qualifies for Tuition-Free Online College?
Some state-funded scholarships may require you to enter into a major that leads to a “high-need” job within the state (nursing, construction, etc). Others may be limited to returning adult learners or a specific degree or certificate.
Other requirements typically include:
- Applying for the FAFSA or state financial aid if ineligible for federal financial aid
- Meeting a certain income requirement
- Being eligible for or receiving the Pell Grant
- Being an in-state student
- Applying for state-funded scholarships
How Does Free Tuition for Online College Work?
Colleges use federal, state, and endowment funds to cover up to the full cost of education for students with financial need. Colleges typically offer free tuition to students from families earning less than a specified income level.
Last-Dollar Programs
Last-dollar tuition programs cover the remaining costs after all other financial aid, like scholarships and grants, have been applied. These are typically covered by your college or its funding.
Often, you’ll only need to complete and submit the FAFSA. Your college will automatically determine whether you qualify for free tuition.
State-Funded Programs
Some states cover tuition through scholarships sometimes called “promise scholarships.” These give access to students from lower-income families and adults going back to college.
Tennessee colleges and universities require in-state students to apply for separate scholarships, such as the Tennessee Promise Grant and Reconnect Grant, to qualify for free tuition. They utilize these funds to provide you with free tuition.
Some of these state promise scholarships are also available to online students. Check with your state to see if online programs qualify.
What Free Tuition Programs Don’t Typically Cover
Free tuition programs typically only cover tuition. That means you’ll still have to pay for any college fees, textbooks, materials, or class-specific fees. Since you’ll be online, you likely won’t have to worry about college housing or transportation costs.
Are Free Online Colleges Respected?
Yes, if they’re accredited. Free online college programs, if they’re accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting body, meet requirements to qualify for financial aid and signal to employers that your education meets a national standard. Search whether a school is accredited on the Department of Education’s online database.
Check out some accredited online schools balancing affordability with great reputations and student outcomes:
Other Ways to Reduce Online College Costs
Whether you qualify for free tuition or not, there are always steps you can take to make online college more affordable. Here’s how to save money on college costs:
- Apply for Financial Aid: Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for federal, state, and institutional student aid. Use your state’s financial aid application if you do not qualify for federal aid.
- Attend an In-State College or Community College: Public in-state colleges often charge residents less tuition, even for online students. Community colleges offering online courses are even cheaper than four-year institutions and, in at least 34 states, free.
- Ask Your Employer for Tuition Reimbursement: If you’re a working adult learner pursuing a degree or college courses in a field related to your job, your employer could reimburse you for tuition.
- Apply for Scholarships: Scholarships are free money that you don’t need to pay back and are typically awarded based on merit instead of need. One example specific to online students is the Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition-Free Online Colleges
Tuition-free colleges typically cover tuition through scholarships or grants. That means students don’t pay tuition, but it doesn’t make college completely free. You still need to pay for textbooks, living expenses, and other fees. In some cases, depending on your level of need, colleges may cover up to your full educational costs.
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