Several universities in the United States offer tuition-free education or full-tuition scholarships to students, making higher education more accessible for both domestic and international students. These programs are often funded through endowments, government subsidies, or commitments to providing financial aid to those in need. Below is a list of some tuition-free universities in the United States for the 2024/25 academic year.
Scholarship Worth: Full tuition fee coverage
Level of Study: Undergraduate and Graduate (varies by institution)
Nationality: Domestic and International students
Application deadline: Varies by institution
Eligibility Criteria
- Must meet the specific admission requirements of the university.
- May require a demonstration of financial need or merit-based qualifications.
- Must fulfill any additional requirements set by the individual institution.
Application Procedure
- Apply directly to the university through their official application process.
- Submit all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (if applicable).
- Some universities may require a separate application for financial aid or scholarships.
List of Tuition-Free Universities:
- Alice Lloyd College (Kentucky)
- Provides tuition-free education to students from the Appalachian region.
- Berea College (Kentucky)
- Offers free tuition to all enrolled students, who are required to work on campus to cover additional costs.
- College of the Ozarks (Missouri)
- Known as “Hard Work U,” this college provides a tuition-free education in exchange for work-study.
- Curtis Institute of Music (Pennsylvania)
- Offers full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students, regardless of financial need.
- Deep Springs College (California)
- A small, selective two-year college that covers all costs of education for its students.
- Webb Institute (New York)
- Specializes in naval architecture and marine engineering, offering full-tuition scholarships to all students.
- United States Military Academies (Nationwide)
- Includes West Point, the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy, which provide a fully-funded education in exchange for military service post-graduation.
- Macaulay Honors College at CUNY (New York)
- Offers a full-tuition scholarship to all admitted students, including a free laptop and cultural passport.
- Barclay College (Kansas)
- A Christian institution that offers full-tuition scholarships to all on-campus students.
- St. Louis College of Pharmacy (Missouri)
- Provides full-tuition scholarships for high-achieving students pursuing degrees in pharmacy.
- U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado)
- Offers a full-tuition scholarship and other benefits in exchange for service after graduation.
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (New York)
- Provides a full-tuition education for students willing to commit to maritime or military service.
- U.S. Naval Academy (Maryland)
- Offers a fully funded education in return for a commitment to serve in the Navy or Marine Corps.
- Warren Wilson College (North Carolina)
- Combines work, learning, and service, offering tuition-free education for students with financial need.
- City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine (New York)
- Offers full-tuition scholarships to students in their combined BS/MD program.
Scholarship Application
Students must apply directly to these institutions through their respective application processes. For most of these schools, the tuition-free status is automatic upon acceptance, though some may require separate financial aid applications.
