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Introduction : Study in USA for Free
Did you know that you can study in the USA for free? The United States of America (USA) is a country where programs taught in English attract students from all over the world and open doors to global opportunities. While top universities like Harvard and Stanford provide full-ride scholarships, there are more than a dozen institutions in America with free college tuition. As many students dream to study in the USA for free, we will list down those colleges here, but know that studying here may require you to work on campus or serve the country after graduation.
Study in USA: The Big Picture
- A free university in America can save you from high tuition costs.
- Some colleges do not charge tuition.
- However, getting admission is not easy.
- You may still need to pay for food, books, and housing.
- Many colleges give free tuition only to U.S. citizens.
- But if you qualify, you can save a lot of money and still get a good education in the USA.
Is it Possible to Study Free in the USA?
The USA is known for quality education that attracts students worldwide. It is not impossible to study for free in the USA, but it is not easy either. Think about it – why would any university enroll students for free? With free tuition, you need to be exceptionally talented to secure admission. And even if you do get in, you’ll still be expected to take care of housing, food, and other living expenses on your own. Some free universities may ask you to pay a small administrative fee each semester. Also, international students may not always be eligible, as many of these schools prefer US citizens. This makes it tougher for international students to find a spot in tuition-free universities in the USA.
10 Universities to Study in USA for Free
Remember that even at schools with free tuition, international students may have to pay a tuition fee. Below, we list 10 free universities in the USA:
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Alice Lloyd College (Pippa Passes, KY)
Alice Lloyd College was founded in 1923. It is a private liberal-arts work college in eastern Kentucky. It guarantees no out-of-pocket tuition for full-time students through donor-funded scholarships. However, students are still expected to pay for room, board, and fees. All full-time students must work at least 10 hours per week in the student work program.
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The Apprentice School (Newport News, VA)
The Apprentice School opened in 1919. It is run by Newport News Shipbuilding (HII). Apprentices do not pay tuition; they are employees who earn wages and receive benefits while they train. Students split time between classroom learning and paid shipyard work. Campus housing is not provided.
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Barclay College (Haviland, KS)
Barclay College was founded in 1917 and is a small private Christian college in Haviland, Kansas. It awards a full-tuition scholarship to every full-time student. Students have to pay for room, board, tech, and other fees; some merit awards (like the President’s Scholar) can help those costs. Barclay is known for faith-based degrees, small classes, and strong campus community.
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Berea College (Berea, KY)
Berea College began as a school in 1855 and is a private liberal-arts work college in Berea, Kentucky. Berea’s Tuition Promise scholarship covers full tuition for every admitted student. Students are expected to work on campus (typically ~10 hours/week). Most students also receive aid that also reduces housing and food costs.
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College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO)
College of the Ozarks was founded in 1906 and is a private Christian college known as “Hard Work U”. Full-time students pay no tuition because of the school’s work-education program and institutional scholarships. Each full-time student works about 15 hours per week plus two 40-hour work weeks. Many students graduate debt-free after they complete the work program.
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Deep Springs College (Deep Springs Valley, CA)
Deep Springs was founded in 1917. It is a two-year liberal arts school on a ranch in California. Every student gets a full scholarship that pays for tuition, room, and food. The school is known for strong student self-governance.
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Warren Wilson College (Swannanoa/Asheville area, NC)
Warren Wilson is a private work college in North Carolina. It gives free tuition-covering plans like the NC Tuition Free Plan for some new undergraduates. Aid is need-based. Students must also work 10-16 hours a week on campus crews and develop a craft or practical skill.
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Williamson College of the Trades (Media, PA)
Williamson College of the Trades is an all-male trades college near Philadelphia. Every student receives the Williamson Scholarship, which is need-based and covers tuition, room, and board. Students still have to pay modest fees and buy books.
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Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering (Needham, MA)
Olin is a small engineering school near Boston. It is known for hands-on, project learning. All students get the Olin Tuition Scholarship.
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State of Washington public colleges & universities (Washington state programs)
Washington does not make college free for all. But the state has strong programs that can make it free for some. The Washington College Grant and the College Bound Scholarship cover tuition and fees at public schools for qualifying students and families.
Note that not every free university in America accepts students from abroad. These schools may also require students to do a part-time job on campus.
Can’t find your dream college in the list above?
Even if a school is not free, scholarships can help you study in the USA for free at top colleges. Many universities admit students for their vision and hard work. Then they give grants that can cover tuition and costs of living. Here are some schools that do this:
Harvard University
Harvard is need-blind for all, even for students from other countries. After you get in, Harvard gives full aid based on need. Low-income families pay little to nothing in tuition. In some cases, it also covers food and housing.
Yale University
Yale is also need-blind for all. Once a student is admitted, Yale meets 100% of need with grants, not loans. Many students pay little or nothing. International students get the same aid.
Stanford University
Stanford gives strong need-based aid. For many, it pays tuition, fees, and living costs.
Duke University
Duke gives both need-based aid and merit awards. Some cover tuition, fees, and housing. Top students may study almost free. International students can also apply for aid.
The Final Word
Getting into a free university in America sounds great, and while it is not simple, it is worth the effort. Free colleges exist, but getting in is very hard, and many do not allow international students. Even at these schools, you often still pay for housing, food, books, and other costs. But free tuition is not the only way. Top schools like Harvard and Yale give big scholarships and aid that can cover these costs. These grants can pay for tuition and even living costs. That said, you can study abroad for free if you find the right scholarships, if not tuition-free colleges. So, do not limit your search to free colleges only – look at other public and private universities with scholarships and aid too. With smart planning, you can make studying in the USA possible without heavy fees.
