Finding colleges that offer free tuition for low-income students? You may find the right one in this article. In recent decades, the average tuition fee of a four-year college program in the USA has increased significantly. For example, the tuition fee of the 2024-25 academic year shows a 2.24% increase compared to the 2023-2024 academic year on average. Thus, facing rising tuition costs, students from low-income families may consider choosing a college with free tuition. Some colleges in the US cover all tuition costs for students, such as MIT, Harvard, Berea College, and Cornell. In comparison, there are differences in the tuition-free policy among those universities. This means students must meet the criteria of a specific college to qualify for tuition-free education. Reading this article, you will know more details about colleges that offer free tuition for low-income families by college type and how to apply.
How the Free Tuition Work?
You may be wondering how colleges that offer free tuition for low-income students actually make it happen. The answer depends on which college you are interested in.
- For instance, some private colleges eliminate tuition for students from low- and middle-income families and also cover living expenses for low-income students.
- However, some public colleges offer free tuition only to in-state students. Some other colleges don’t charge tuition fees from low-income students but require work contributions.
- Besides, how colleges qualify low-income students also varies. Some universities set a household income barrier for applicants. For example, if a student from a family with an income lower than $100,000, MIT will cover tuition and other attendance costs for that student.
- At the same time, some colleges cover tuition for low-income students through financial aid. Understanding the specific eligibility and what “free tuition” covers is essential before you apply.
Categories of Colleges That Offer Free Tuition
In recent years, in addition to public and community colleges, more and more private colleges have introduced free-tuition programs for low-income students. Making high-quality higher education more affordable. Therefore, if you are a student with a low-income background, you now have more choices in college applications, whether you are looking for a public college, a private university, or a community college. There are plenty of choices that you will find one that fits your interests and background.
Public Colleges with Free Tuition for Low Income Students
If you are a North Carolina resident and applying to the undergraduate program, you may be eligible to apply for tuition-free. As required by the university, you will be eligible if your family’s total income and typical assets are below $80,000 per year. And you must submit your FAFSA and CCS Profile applications to be considered, which guarantees you will receive the benefit.
2.University of Washington (WA)
University of Washington offers the Husky Promise to cover students’ tuition and standard fees if eligible. To be eligible, you must be a Washington state resident applying for your first bachelor’s degree, submit FAFSA or other state financial aid application and meet the criteria for the Pell Grant program. Your annual household income and assets should be below $131,000 to be considered. According to the Husky Promise, your tuition will be supported by federal and state grants before other sources. If that is not enough, the university will cover the rest.
3. University of Texas at Austin (TX)
All University of Texas (UT) System schools offer tuition exemptions for students from families with annual incomes below $100,000. However, you must be a Texas resident and apply for your first full-time undergraduate program to meet requirements. Moreover, completing the FAFSA or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid is mandatory. In addition, UT provides tuition support to students with an annual gross family income of $125,000 or less.
4. University of Virginia (VA)
University of Virginia (UVA) commit to meet 100% of financial need through its AccessUVA program for Virginia residents. UVA waives tuition for students with family incomes of no more than $100,000 per year. If your family’s total annual income is up to $50,000, you get additional financial aid for housing and dining. Besides, Virginia households can receive $2,000 in tuition grants if their family earnings are $150,000 or less.
5. University of Michigan (MI)
The University of Michigan (U-M) is the only public university in Michigan that meets 100% of financial need. U-M introduced the Go Blue Guarantee, which promises that a Michigan student with family earnings up to $125,000 will receive tuition-free education. To meet the criteria, you must be an in-state, full-time undergraduate student, and you will be considered automatically if you applied for FAFSA.
6. Purdue University (IN)
Purdue University aims to keep tuition costs frozen and offers need-based aid, including the Boiler Gold Grant for Indiana first-year students. The Boiler Gold Grant provides students enough aid to cover their full tuition, fees and book costs. To be qualified for the Boiler Gold Grant, you must have a household adjusted gross income of no more than $80,000. If you submit the FAFSA, you will automatically meet the income barrier.
7. University of Tennessee (TN)
The University of Tennessee’s Tri-Star Scholarship Program provides three specific full scholarships for low-income students who may qualify for free tuition.
- UT Promise Scholarship: covers tuition and mandatory costs for students with adjusted gross income under $75,000.
- The Tennessee Pledge Scholarship covers tuition, mandatory fees, and average on-campus housing and food costs for graduating high school seniors with family annual earnings up to $40,000.
- Flagship Scholars Students who have graduated from 52 designated Flagship high schools across Tennessee will automatically enjoy free tuition for up to eight semesters.
8.University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
With their Aspire program, if you are an Illinois resident and your annual household income and total assets are under $75,000, you are eligible for 100% tuition-free enrollment for your degree. To prove yourself, you have to complete the FAFSA to verify that your family meet the income requirement.
Private Colleges with Free Tuition for Low Income Students
Nowadays, the private university is not just a byword for elite education. Many private universities commit to making university study more affordable to encourage talented students from low- and middle-income backgrounds to apply. These private universities offer need-based financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships and provide free-tuition or $0 parent-contribution opportunities for students, depending on their family’s economic situation. Here is a short list of private colleges offering free tuition based on family income.
1. Harvard University (MA)
According to your annual family income, Harvard offers tuition aid on different levels:
- For students with annual family earnings up to $100,000, the Financial aid will cover all your attendance costs, including tuition, housing, food and other living costs.
- For students with annual family earnings up to $200,000, the Financial aid will cover your tuition, and other cost depends on your personal circumstances.
2. Princeton University (NJ)
Princeton offers low- and middle-income students free tuition through grants, based on need, whether you are a domestic or international student.
- For undergraduates from families with annual incomes of no more than $150,000, the financial aid covers their tuition and living expenses, including housing, books and board.
- For undergraduates with annual family incomes up to
$250,000 if their tuition is exempted.
3. Stanford University (CA)
Almost half of Stanford undergraduates receive financial aid through scholarships. They offer full scholarships for low-income students, and the average award exceeds the tuition fee. Stanford offers need-based financial support to undergraduate students who face financial barriers.
- For students with family earnings below $100,000 a year, the scholarship covers your tuition, room, and board, so no parent contribution is needed.
- For students with family earnings below $150,000 a year, you can enjoy tuition-free education based on your need.
4. Duke University (NC)
Duke offers financial assistance to low-income students through grants. The aid is limited to admitted students residing in North or South Carolina.
- For students with total family income less than $65,000, you will enjoy free tuition and also free room, board and other expenses on campus.
- For students with total family income below $150,000, the aid will only cover their full tuition.
5. Columbia University (NY)
Columbia provides need-based financial aid for low-income students. And they are need-blind for domestic students, however, need-aware for international students. Students’ needs will be 100% met if you are eligible.
- If your family income (and typical assets) are under $66,000 a year, your tuition and other attendance costs will be covered.
- If your family income (and typical assets) are under $150,000 a year, you will enjoy free tuition at Columbia.
6. Brown University (RI)
Almost half of Brown’s first-year students received need-based financial support through scholarships or grants, and Brown practices need-blind admissions for all first-year students. However, an eligible student should meet income barriers.
- If you are a student from a family with an annual income below $60,000, you will be offered tuition-free, plus additional aid to cover all your on-campus costs.
- If the student is from a family with an annual income of up to $125,000, you will be offered tuition-free education through the Full Tuition Scholarship.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
MIT also practices need-blind admission for students from all financial backgrounds; about 60% of students here receive need-based aid. Beyond the MIT scholarships that cover tuition for low-income students, you can also reduce parent contribution through work on paid research projects. Income requirements to be eligible:
- If your household income is less than $100,000 a year, you will have no parent contribution on attendance, including tuition, housing, food and other expenses.
- If your household income is less than $200,000 a year, your tuition will be covered by scholarships and grants.
8. Vanderbilt University (TN)
Vanderbilt University introduced the Opportunity Vanderbilt awards to support low-income students. If your households earn $150,000 or less a year, you will be qualified for a full-tuition scholarship. Moreover, students at Vanderbilt who meet this income requirement usually receive more than just tuition; their other living expenses are also supported. However, Vanderbilt offers many opportunities to international students. is limited
Community Colleges with Free Tuition for Low Income Students
Each state has community colleges that offer free tuition to low-income families, making higher education more accessible to everyone who desires it. Thus, more students gain the opportunity to start their degrees without financial stress. Here are five examples of state-offered community colleges with free tuition programs.
1.Tennessee Community Colleges
Tennessee has a financial aid program called Tennessee Promise that helps low-income students afford a local community or technical college. Tennessee Promise is offering “last-dollar” scholarships to recent high school graduates. This means they will waive tuition for low-income students, and they will pay the rest of the tuition and fees after other financial aid is applied. You must be a Tennessee resident and have graduated from a Tennessee high school to meet the qualification. At the same time, the FAFSA must be completed before the deadline; however, if you have accepted support from this program. You have to complete at least 16 hours of community service per year.
2. California Community Colleges
In California, the California College Promise Grant program provides free tuition at many community colleges to low-income students through a need-based process. If you want to be enrolled in this program, you must be a California resident and submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to become eligible for this program. A good point about the California College Promise Grant is that it is not restricted to first-year students, which means you are free to apply even if you are not a freshman when you need financial aid for tuition.
Similarly, the California College Promise Program waives students’ first two years of tuition if they attend a full-time program in California community colleges. In comparison, this program offers free tuition at community colleges, but the California College Promise Grant supports low-income students in a more direct way.
Additionally, several community colleges in California offer tuition-free programs. For example, the City College of San Francisco provides full tuition through the Free City program for students without additional income requirements.
3. New York Community Colleges
If you are a New York State high school graduate with a family annual income up to $125,000, you will be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship. The program offers you the opportunity to attend SUNY or CUNY community colleges at no cost. Furthermore, to meet the requirements, you must complete the FAFSA and be enrolled in your first undergraduate degree. In addition, you have to live and work in New York after graduation; the length of time depends on how many years of aid you received. Otherwise, you will be required to pay back that scholarship.
New York also offers free community college for low-income adults through the NY State Opportunity Promise program, which is also known as SUNY Reconnect. If you meet all of their requirements, you will be qualified to attend a SUNY community college with free tuition and books. To become eligible, you must be a New York State resident and live in New York for at least a year, be between the ages of 25 and 55, and have no previous college degree. Besides, the income barrier requires that your adjusted gross income be $125,000 or less. However,
4. Maryland Community Colleges
Maryland introduced the Community College Promise Scholarship for low-income, full-time students attending a Maryland community college. This program will cover the remaining tuition after other state financial aid is applied. If you want to use this program, you have to meet the requirements on academic and income:
- For high school graduates, you must have a 2.3 Grade Point Average (GPA) at the end of the first semester in your senior year.
- For current community college students, you must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be enrolled.
- If you are single or live in a single-parent family, the family earnings should be $100,000 or less per year.
- If you are married or live in a two-parent family, the family’s earnings should be $150,000 or less per year.
5. Texas Community College
Texas community colleges support local low-income students in achieving a degree through state-supported programs and scholarships. But unlike previous states, Texas doesn’t have a universal program that offers free tuition to low-income students at most local community colleges. However, you may find that many Texas community colleges offer individual tuition-free programs for students. For example:
- Dallas College offers low-income students tuition-free for up to three years if they graduate from specific local high schools.
- Austin Community College runs a Free Tuition Pilot for students in Travis County high schools.
- Alamo Colleges offers the AlamoPROMISE Program to provide tuition-free study for recent high school graduates from low-income families
QuestBridge Partner Schools
Are you a high-potential high school student with a low-income background? QuestBridge may build a bridge for you and colleges with free tuition for low-income students. QuestBridge connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income families with 55 top colleges across the US. Through its National College Match program, QuestBridge offers four-year scholarships to qualified students that cover tuition, room, board, and other living expenses. Thus, if you have excellent academic performance, you can try out this program. The 55 QuestBridge Partner Schools are listed below.
| QuestBridge Partner School List | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst College | Barnard College | Bates College | Boston College | Boston University |
| Bowdoin College | Brown University | Californica Institute of Technology | Carleton College | Case Western Reserve University |
| Calremont McKenna College | Colby College | Colgate University | College of the Holy Cross | Colorado College |
| Cornerll University | Dartmouth College | Davidson College | Denison University | Duke University |
| Grinnell College | Hamilton College | Harvard College | Haverfor College | Johns Hopkins University |
| Columbia University | Emory University | Macalester College | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Middlebury College |
| Northwestern University | Oberlin College | Pomona College | Princeton University | Rice University |
| Scripps College | Skidmore College | Smith College | Stanford University | Swarthmore College |
| Tufs University | Univeristy of Chicago | University of Notre Dame | University of Pennsylvania | University of Richmod |
| University of Southern California | University of Virginia | Vanderbilt University | Vassar College | Washington and Lee University |
| Washington University in St. Louis | Wellesley College | Wesleyan University | Williams College | Yale University. |
Continued List of Colleges with Free Tuition for Low Income Students
Beyond the colleges listed above, there are still many colleges offers low-income students free tuition that you may interested in. Here is a continued list of those colleges with their latest requirements.
| Other Colleges with Free Tuition | Free Tuition Requirements |
|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | families earning up to $200,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | families earning up to $75,000 |
| Brandeis University | families earning up to $75,000 |
| All 9 University of Texas | families earning up to $100,000 |
| All public colleges in New Mexico | local residents only |
| University of Wisconsin | local students; families earning up to $55,000 |
| Dartmouth College | families earning up to $125,000 |
| Yale University | families earning up to $75,000 |
| University of Arkansas | Arkansas residents who are 60 or older; space-available basis |
| State University of New York | families earning up to $125,000 |
| Allegheny College | Pennsylvania and Ohio students; families earning up to $50,000 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas residents; families earning up to $70,000; 3.0 high school GPA |
| Berea College | work 10 or more hours per week on campus |
| Brandeis University | families earning up to $75,000 |
| Colgate University | families earning up to $80,000 |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo | Colorado residents only; families earning up to $70,000 |
| Concordia College | families earning under $90,000 |
| Florida State University Panama City | NW Florida residents only; families earning under $60,000 |
| Geneva College | Pennsylvania residents; families earning up to $70,000 |
| Haverford College | families earning under $60,000 |
| Hollins University | families earning under $65,000 |
| Lafayette College | families earning up to $200,000 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | North and South Carolina students; families earning up to $100,000 |
| Luther College | Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin students; families earning up to $80,000; 3.5 GPA |
| Minnesota State (26 state colleges and 7state universities) | Minnesota residents only; families earning up to $80,000 |
| Northwestern University | families earning up to $150,000 |
| Radford University | Virginia students; families earning up to $100,000 |
| Rice University | families earning up to $140,000 |
| Saint Xavier University | Illinois studetns; families earning up to $80,000; 3.0 GPA |
| The College of New Jersey | New Jersey residents; families earning under $65,000 |
| Tufts University | families earning under $60,000 |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | families earning under $80,000 |
| University of Central Arkansas | families earning up to $100,000 |
| University of Montana | families earning up to $50,000 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | families earning under $65,000 |
| University of North Carolina at Asheville | NC, GA, SC, TN, and VA students; families earning under $90,000 |
| University of Oklahoma | Oklahoma residents; families earning under $55,000 |
| University of Richmond | families earning under $60,000 |
| University of Vermont | families earning up to $75,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | families earning under $65,000 |
| Universities of Wisconsin | families earning under $62,000 |
| Vanderbilt University | families earning under $150,000 |
| Warren Wilson College | families earning under $150,000 |
| Washington and Lee University | families earning under $150,000 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | families earning up to $75,000 |
| Weber State University | families earning up to $50,000 |
| Wesleyan University | families earning under $120,000 |
| Westminster University | Utah high school graduates with a 3.3 GPA; families earning under $60,000 |
Apply for Colleges with Free Tuition for Low Income Students
From the last part, you already know that many colleges that offer free tuition for low-income students have their own specific criteria. However, qualifying for free tuition will be simple once you know what they want. Usually, demonstrating your financial need is crucial and should be proved. Follow the steps, ease your application process, and gain tips to boost your success.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible once it opens.
- Check the college’s specific requirements to be accurate. Most colleges require additional materials, such as the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, which many private universities also require. In addition, some colleges have limits on academic background.
- Check the state and county’s local free tuition programs. Many states have their own promise or opportunity programs for residents that can help cover your attendance costs, combined with other grants or scholarships.
- Maintain your GPA and academic progress. Most colleges have restrictions on your academic performance before they enrol you. Therefore, keep your GAP in good standing to guarantee your future.
- Follow up on your application progress. Remember to follow up on your application by checking your accounts regularly and contacting financial support officers to confirm your status.
Tips for success:
- Submit your applications early, especially if you are an international student. Not all colleges offer unlimited free-tuition positions.
- Check the most up-to-date information on official websites, or call officers directly if you have any questions.
- Compare all colleges you can apply to find the best fit, or apply to as many as you can to guarantee you have at least one position in the application season.
To sum up, checking the latest information and preparing your application early will make it easier to secure a position at your dream colleges that offer free tuition based on family income.
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Conclusion
In the US, many colleges with free tuition for low-income students expand students’ opportunities for higher education through grants, scholarships, or a combination of both. If you are from a low-income family, you may be eligible for tuition-free options across all college types, including public, private, and community colleges. Those colleges believe that students with all kinds of financial circumstances should have equal opportunities to achieve higher education. However, the free tuition programs are usually need-based. In this case, remember to apply early, submit the FAFSA or other required financial aid applications, and maintain your GPA to overcome all barriers.
FAQ
Are there any colleges that offer free tuition for low-income students?
Yes, many colleges offer free tuition based on family income and academic performance. By college type, you can find your choice among public, private, and community colleges, but you should check each college’s specific requirements for tuition-free status. For example:
- Public colleges: University of Washington, University of Texas, University of Virginia, University of Michigan.
- Private universities: Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Columbia.
- Community colleges in Tennessee, California, New York.
Are there any colleges with free tuition for low income out of state students?
Yes, there are many private colleges with free tuition for low-income students, such as Harvard, MIT, and Princeton. Usually, these colleges meet 100% of demonstrated financial needs. However, for specific criteria you should check each university’s financial aid website.
Do any states have college with free tuition?
Yes, some states offer free tuition programs in the form of grants and scholarships for low-income students, such as Tennessee, California, New York and Maryland. However, the free tuition programs that provided by each state usually only free for their local students, and available in local public and community colleges. More important, student should meet certain income requirements.
How do students pay for college with no money?
Students can check whether they qualify for free tuition programs in their state or at the colleges they want to attend. Most colleges that offer free tuition for low-income students also provide financial aid, and many states do as well. You can attend college without financial stress if you meet their requirements.
Do any Ivy League schools have free tuition?
Yes, all Ivy League schools offer free tuition to students with certain financial circumstances. Usually, they waive the attendance expenses for low-income students, and waive tuition only for middle-income students. However, the criteria may differ across Ivy League schools; you should check them carefully.
Does free tuition mean college is complete free?
Not exactly. Free tuition usually means only of student’s tuition will be covered. Students still need parental contributions for other attendance costs, including housing, food, fees, and other living expenses. However, some colleges also offer mandatory fees, and some colleges offer full-ride scholarships for low-income students. It will be quite different depending on which college you are going to.
Do we still need scholarship if a college offers free tuition?
Yes. You can apply for additional scholarships to cover your living expenses. For low- and middle-income students, their parents may still struggle to pay their other attendance costs. In this case, combining the free tuition program and other scholarships can relieve your financial stress.
Is university free for low-income families?
Many universities offers free tuition for low-income families, and some of them also covers housing, meals, books and other fees. However, those income-based free tuition programs have different requirements for the level of family income, depending on each university’s specific rules.
Which college has the lowest tuition?
No specific answer. There are some community colleges and public colleges offers free or very low tuition. However, it usually depends on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, and which state you live in.
How to get a 100% free scholarship?
To get a 100% free scholarship, you need to meet all the requirements of the specific scholarship you can apply for. Firstly, you need to maintain a high GPA and demonstrate strong performance in academics, activities, and leadership. Then, research scholarships that you can apply to, and apply to as many as you can. Or demonstrate your need to financial aid officers in colleges and seek help.
