Top 3 Tuition Free Online Colleges: Are They Legit?

A college degree is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. So, what if we told you that it’s possible to attend college without spending anything on tuition? It’s true! You can remove that financial barrier with tuition free online colleges.

In this piece, we’ll dive into the details of online colleges that offer free tuition, covering the admission criteria, eligibility requirements, and guidance on getting grants that can bring your academic costs down to zero, or close to it.

Article Navigation: What Are Tuition Free Online Colleges? | Pros & Cons | Top Tuition Free Online Colleges  | Tuition-Free Online Colleges: Are They Right for You | Tuition-Free Programs for Low Income Families | Tuition-Free Associate Degrees | Tuition-Free Bachelor’s Degrees | Is a Tuition-Free Education Worth It? | Get Started Today!

What Are Tuition Free Online Colleges?

In essence, tuition free online colleges make education more accessible. As you start your journey to find schools with zero tuition, you’ll find a wide variety of options. From community colleges to Ivy League schools, there are many schools that may not charge a cent in tuition for their online degrees.

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Let’s delve into the various free online colleges available. Please note that some universities may only offer hybrid programs instead of fully online options.

Community Colleges & Top-Tier Universities

Across the nation, many community colleges provide free tuition to their local residents. By “local,” we refer to those living within the specific city or state of the college. For instance, the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) extends free tuition year-round for established California residents living in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford University share a unique offering: they provide tuition-free education to eligible students. If you’re admitted to any of these esteemed institutions and demonstrate that your family’s income falls below a set limit, your tuition will be waived. For example, at Harvard College, students from families earning up to $85,000 annually are exempt from tuition fees.

Nationwide vs. Statewide Initiatives

As the movement for accessible higher education gains momentum, various programs have emerged to address the rising costs of tuition. These programs can be categorized into two main groups: nationwide and statewide efforts. Let’s explore the nuances of these programs, comparing and contrasting their reach, impact, and the options they present for students. Whether implemented on a grand national scale or tailored to the specific needs of individual states, they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tuition-free education.

College Promise strives to make higher education accessible to all populations. This non-profit pairs with over 400 degree programs nationwide. College Promise programs vary in coverage. For instance, there are first-dollar plans and last-dollar plans. First-dollar plans cover education expenses and other kinds of financial aid will pick up the remaining fees. Last-dollar plans cover any education expenses not paid for by financial aid like scholarships.

In addition, many states throughout the nation have programs to incentivize residents to go back to school. For example, the Tennessee Reconnect Act ensures all state residents have access to a tuition-free associate’s degree. For eligibility, students must maintain enrollment in a Tennessee community college or trade school plus keep a 2.0 GPA. Certain schools throughout the state, including Volunteer State Community College (VSCC), offer multiple online degrees.

In similar fashion, under the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, California residents with a yearly household income that is less than $80,000 are eligible for tuition-free undergraduate degrees. Even better, these students won’t have to worry about paying any fees. Another California initiative is the California College Promise Grant for community colleges.

Pros & Cons of Tuition Free Online Colleges

The most positive aspect of tuition-free universities is, of course, an inexpensive education. Less money out-of-pocket lets you focus on your education instead of stress over the financials. You can get a degree from an accredited school with little to no debt. Likewise, many online degrees have fewer fees since program operating costs are minimal.

Although these programs are tuition-free, there may be other costs. You can expect to pay fees and other accrued expenses. Also, it may be challenging to get accepted into universities that offer free tuition, especially top-tier universities. For example, Stanford’s acceptance rate is less than 4%. Degree options may be limited at tuition-free schools. Many statewide and institutional initiatives are exclusive to the state residents where the school is located. Finally, many programs only offer last-dollar plans, which means students would need to apply for financial aid beforehand.

Top Tuition Free Online Colleges

Here is a list of some of the best tuition free online universities available:

1. University of the People

   Accreditation: DEAC
   This fully online non-profit university offers certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The coursework is accessible entirely online. UoPeople provides a quality and accessible education to students from around the world. Enrolling gives you access to a diverse learning community and dedicated faculty. Program advisors will provide continued support to each student.

   UoPeople is DEAC-accredited and their programs are in collaboration with renowned entities like NYU, McGill, and the Harvard Business School Online. They offer associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees in computer science, business administration, and health science. Associate’s degrees are 57-60 credits in duration, and students can earn their degree in fourteen months. Bachelor’s degrees, meanwhile, have a 120-122 credit load. Master’s options include information technology, education, and business administration. Students can expect 36-39 credits of coursework, and full-time students may graduate in as little as seven months.

   There are rolling admissions at UoPeople with five start dates per year. All learning materials are free to access. Students will gain personalized instruction thanks to a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio. All pupils must complete UoPeople Foundations Courses before beginning their respective degrees. Courses implement a unique peer-to-peer grading format. In other words, students will be able to grade their colleagues’ work.

   This university is tuition-free, with zero enrollment or textbook fees. There is, however, a one-time $60 application fee, and assessment fees after each course. These fees are $120 for undergrad courses, and $300 for master’s courses. Certificate courses have a $200 assessment fee.

   Assessment fees add up to $2,460 for associates, $4,860 for bachelor’s degrees, $3,660 for MBAs, $3,960 for M.Ed.s, and $3,660 for MSITs. Students may apply for scholarships or other forms of financial aid to cover assessment fees. UoPeople offers numerous scholarships available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
   Master of Business Administration

    

2. Arizona State University

   Accreditation: HLC
   Next on our list is Arizona State University. Through ASU online, students have a robust 140 bachelor’s degree options to choose from. This breaks down to about 3000 courses being taught online. From anthropology to urban planning, there are plenty of choices for you to begin your academic journey. If you’re an Arizona resident, then you may be eligible for a tuition-free education.

   Recent high school graduates may qualify for the ASU College Attainment Grant Program. This awards up to four years of college education at ASU for students of low-income families. Similarly, the Arizona Promise Program ensures select candidates receive a free education. For either benefit, students must submit a FASFA and qualify for a Pell Grant. Qualified candidates are Arizona residents and first-time students. They need a 2.5 GPA for consideration. Both programs will cover all tuition and most fees. Summer fees and other special class fees aren’t included. Each award must be renewed each year.

   Most of their courses are asynchronous. This is ideal if you are working or have an inconsistent schedule. Courses are condensed – just 6 to 7.5 weeks long. This means that students can accelerate through their degree. As a student, you will connect to the Canvas learning portal to access course materials. You will receive personalized support and interactive course content. Also, faculty is available to assist students during virtual office hours.

   Enrollment coaches are available to assist with the application process. In addition, school clubs, career advisors, and virtual tutoring are available to students who enroll in a free bachelor’s degree online at ASU.

   Arizona residents who work for Starbucks are eligible for free education. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan is a partnership with the coffee company to offer tuition-free degrees to its employees.

    

3. University of Texas

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Texas students have a unique chance to fund their entire undergraduate education thanks to the Promise Plus program. Eligible students must reside in Texas, study full-time, and have a family income under $80,000. Students must first submit a FASFA to determine eligibility. Later, they can qualify for Promise Plus funding as a supplement to any grants or scholarships they receive.

   Promise Plus funding immediately benefits students at University of Texas (UT) institutions at the Arlington, Dallas, El Paso, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tyler campuses. Many of these universities provide online degrees.

   For example, the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) offers ten bachelor’s online degrees delivered through UTEP Connect’s Extended University. Example programs include criminal justice, business administration, and nursing. This university also offers its own version of the Promise Plus program called PayDirt Plus. It provides free education for first-year Texas resident students by supplementing existing financial aid contributions. Students with $70,000 or less in annual family income qualify for this financial support.

   The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) offers sixteen fully online bachelor’s degrees that are eligible for the Promise Plus program. Accounting, humanities, industrial tech, and marketing are just a handful of pathways available. UTPB also features its own plan for helping students graduate without debt. Their Falcon Free program covers all tuition and costs for certain students. Hispanic students whose families earn $100,000 or below, pursuing STEM, teaching, or healthcare, are eligible.

   The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers four completely online bachelor’s degrees and one hybrid degree. New freshmen who are Texas residents with $125,000 or less in annual family income are eligible for the university’s Tuition Advantage program. In sum, this will eliminate the remaining costs after being awarded financial aid.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Business Administration / Finance
   Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Tuition-Free Online Colleges: Are They Right for You?

In truth, tuition free online colleges come in all shapes and sizes. Prospective students can choose between community colleges, four-year universities, and even schools with an exclusively virtual campus. Depending on your goals, level of academic merit, and state, you can access an abundance of zero-tuition programs. Please note that zero tuition may not mean zero out-of-pocket cost. The actual costs incurred per student will depend heavily on the institution to which you are applying. There may be application, enrollment, course assessment, student services, or even technology fees. Furthermore, the amount of online education requirements varies with each program. So, when considering free online colleges, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a principal element to consider when researching free colleges online. Never choose a program without accreditation. It instills trust in peers and employers that your education met basic academic standards. Either a school or a specific program may be accredited. Example accrediting authorities include the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Eligibility & Admission Requirements

Application requirements vary with each institution. Some are highly selective while other schools have fewer steps for enrollment. To that point, University of the People accepts undergrad applicants who are 16 or older, show proof of high school completion, and complete the UoPeople Foundations Courses. In comparison, Duke University’s undergraduate application includes an essay, interview, transcripts, and three recommendation letters, with the option of submitting SAT or ACT test scores.

With University of the People, all applicants automatically receive free tuition upon acceptance. Other schools ask students to apply for assistance if they meet certain criteria. First, you may need to be a resident of either the city or state where the school is located. For example, statewide programs like the Oregon Promise Grant for community colleges only accept Oregon residents. In some cases, applicants must be from households that fall under a certain income bracket. Students accepted at Stanford University, for instance, don’t pay tuition or room and board if their family’s annual income is $100,000 or less. Candidates seeking free tuition or other forms of financial aid typically complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).

Students have many resources to offset the cost of any additional fees in their education. There is an abundance of statewide and national scholarships available. Students can also benefit from federal Pell Grants. Completing a FASFA can help you find a work-study program. Also, students may part-time work while completing their degree.

In-Person Commitments

Certain programs will be fully online. In other words, all coursework, lectures, projects, and exams will be delivered via the school’s online learning platform. Other programs may be hybrid, meaning that certain aspects of the degree are in-person. You may encounter programs with asynchronous coursework which gives students more flexibility to take classes based on their schedule. In these cases, lectures are often pre-recorded and learning materials are readily available for download. Other programs may have programmed lectures or labs. When researching free college degrees online, consider their campus location in case the degree is hybrid.

Despite varying levels of in-person requirements, tuition free online colleges strive to offer a quality education that matches the experience of on-campus schools. Expert faculty, relevant coursework, a multitude of student services, and a collaborative learning environment support this effort.

Tuition Free Programs for Low Income Families

Having explored the top three tuition-free colleges, it’s evident that opportunities for affordable education are expanding. As we transition, let’s delve deeper into tuition-free options specifically tailored for low-income students, as well as institutions offering both associate and bachelor’s degrees without the hefty price tag.

Dedicated students who’ve outperformed academically need not let finances stand in the way of an Ivy League education. To be sure, Stanford University is renowned for its commitment to affordability and accessibility in higher education. The institution ensures that the full financial needs of every admitted undergraduate student who qualifies for assistance are met.

A significant highlight of Stanford’s financial aid program is its provision to cover tuition costs for families with an annual income below $150,000. Furthermore, students whose family income falls below $100,000 qualify for free room and board, also. This means that nearly 80% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder deserving students from accessing a world-class education at Stanford.

This initiative underscores Stanford’s dedication to fostering a diverse student body and ensuring that financial barriers do not deter talented individuals from pursuing their academic dreams. Competition is fierce, however, as the school only enrolls about 2,000 freshmen each academic year, which means just under 4% of those who apply will earn admission to this prestigious university.

Tuition Free Associate Degrees

Perhaps your goal is to pursue a tuition free associate degree online in order to enter the workforce faster. Community colleges in over thirty states in the US offer tuition-free degrees. Eligibility requirements, the duration of benefits, and program type will differ in each state. In addition, certain programs are first-dollar and last-dollar. Take note that various fees may be excluded from coverage. Examples are enrollment or application fees.

Many community colleges across the nation offer fully online associate’s programs. For example, Ocean County College in New Jersey is one tuition-free college online. Asynchronous learning allows students to take tests, submit assignments, and interact with an international community from home. This school is also Military Friendly and their criminal justice program is nationally ranked. There are twenty-five associate’s degrees offered.

Students who enroll here can apply for the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG). This is valid for four years and students with annual family incomes of up to $65,000 are eligible to apply. This is a last-dollar program that will complement existing financial aid received through a FASFA. In other words, students can study here for free.

Tuition Free Bachelor’s Degrees

The University of Missouri offers 22 bachelor’s and 56 master’s degrees that are fully online. In fact, Mizzou’s bachelor’s programs online are top-ranked in the nation. The scope of learning opportunities is wide-reaching, while its distance learning format means students can build their skills from anywhere at their convenience.

Thanks to the Missouri Land Grant, Missouri residents can pursue an education for free. First-year undergraduate students who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant are invited to apply. In addition, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and reapply each year. This award is a last-dollar program. Therefore, the Missouri Land Grant will cover all tuition and fees not already paid for by other financial aid. Students can receive this grant for a maximum of ten semesters.

Using advanced education technology, the online learning experience at Mizzou helps students feel part of a community. Knowledgeable faculty, advisors, and staff are available to support student’s growth. Counseling services and disability access services are also available.

Students can pursue a major in business, early childhood education, health science, and much more. Mizzou has Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation. Therefore, a tuition free bachelor’s degree online from there will have excellent academic quality.

Are Tuition Free Online Colleges Worth It?

All in all, holding a degree will positively impact your career outcomes and your bank account. According the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the median weekly earnings for people with a bachelor’s degree was $1,432. Comparatively, the median weekly salary for people with only a high school diploma was $853. Also, the unemployment rate for undergraduate degree holders was nearly 50% lower compared to non-degree workers.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) supports this information. They report that in 2021 the median annual salary for people with a bachelor’s degree ($61,600) was 55% greater than those with only a high school education ($39,000).

Even though this data didn’t indicate the types of universities, the information is clear: More education equates to higher earnings and greater job potential. Therefore, education from tuition free online colleges is absolutely worth it, especially if you don’t have the financial resources.The biggest investment, in this case, will be your time and energy.

Do Employers Accept Online Tuition Free Degrees?

Free online colleges sound like a positive step toward career advancement. Even still, it makes sense to ask whether potential employers will accept your degree. In certain cases, school prestige may carry some weight. For instance, if you’ve received a tuition-free education from Harvard or Stanford, their name recognition alone will make your resume stand out. However, not everyone has the academic prowess to get into these highly competitive universities. Thankfully, school reputation isn’t the only thing that matters to employers.

Holding a degree from an accredited school, however, is essential when applying for jobs. It doesn’t matter if it’s from free online colleges or other lesser-known schools, as long as the coursework is relevant to the job. Since accreditation is such a powerful indicator of the school’s academic standards, it’s important to earn a degree that has this recognition.

In addition, employers look for related skills that prove you are capable of the job. Therefore, your experience can be a big driver for future employment.  Other experiences, whether it’s an internship or extracurricular activity, can help set you apart. The best free online colleges can provide many job-ready skills. That being the case, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities and resources that your school offers.

If you’re eyeing a licensed profession such as teaching, nursing, or therapy, ensure that the tuition-free online university fulfills both coursework and fieldwork prerequisites. Every program is unique.

Tuition Free Online Colleges Can Be a Good Option

Empower yourself with a tuition-free online college education. Earning a degree from a reputable institution enhances your appeal in the job market. This article from Get Educated serves as your guide. You’re now better informed about aid initiatives like College Promise and have a clearer understanding of the true expenses of further education. With a plethora of institutions and resources at your disposal, the choice is yours. With the availability of affordable or tuition-free online colleges, financial constraints no longer hold you back. Embark on your educational journey now; your future self will appreciate it.