College education in the United States is expensive. Therefore, studying at a tuition-free university will save you a lot of costs as an international student.
Every year, a good number of international students look for possibilities for this thought “I want to study in the USA but I have no money”.
This is possible if you get a fully funded college scholarship or attend a tuition-free university in the US.
The United States has universities that do not pay tuition.
This article on 10 Free Universities and Colleges in the US for International Students in 2022 gives you the necessary information that you will need.
Table of Contents.
- What is higher education like in the United States?
- Are there free universities in the USA?
- How can I study for free in the US?
- #1. Attend free colleges and universities
- #2. Get Fully Funded Scholarships From Universities
- List of 10 Tuition-Free Universities in the US for International Students
- #8. Washington State Universities
- Cheap Universities in the US for International Students
- Lehman College
- South Texas College
- Minot State University
- Alcorn State University
- California State University, Long Beach
- Are there free online universities in the US?
- Conclusion
What is higher education like in the United States?
Higher education in the United States is an optional final stage of formal learning after high school. It can also be called post-secondary education, third stage, third level, or tertiary education.
Colleges and universities in the US vary in terms of objectives: some may emphasize a vocational, business, engineering, or technical curriculum, and others may emphasize a liberal arts curriculum. Many combine some or all of the above, being a comprehensive university.
In the US, the term “university” refers to one of three types of educational institutions: independent higher education institutions that are not components of a university, including
- Community colleges,
- Liberal arts colleges, or
- A university within a university, primarily the undergraduate institution of a university.
Unlike junior colleges versus universities in other parts of the world, an independent college is truly independent and is not part of a university, nor is it affiliated with an affiliated university.
Are there free universities in the USA?
Yes, the United States has several free universities.
Most of these universities offer free education mainly for domestic students, but there are several options that international students can also benefit from.
This comes in lieu of numerous fully funded scholarship opportunities.
Are you in search of an undergraduate scholarship? Apply to these Latest Fully Funded Scholarships for Undergraduate Students.
How do you apply for a tuition-free university in the US?
If Americans meet certain criteria or standards, they can apply to universities that do not charge tuition. These colleges often have qualifying requirements, such as your academic performance, your family’s financial situation, and others. If your application is approved, you may be eligible for free tuition for the entire program or for just one academic year.
Also, the requirements and process may vary from university to university and may be limited to a certain number of students. So if you’re applying to a tuition-free college, make sure you start early.
How can I study for free in the US?
Most of the best universities in the world are located in the United States of America (USA). Therefore, international students find most of its programs very attractive.
Unfortunately, you might be one of the many who are looking for answers to this “I want to study in the US but I don’t have any money” thought.
Well, studying in the US for free is possible but not entirely easy because American universities are quite expensive.
This makes students look for other options such as “how to study in the USA for free”.
Interestingly, international and domestic students can apply for scholarships and seek admission to free universities.
You can follow any of these three ways to study in the USA for free:
#1. Attend free colleges and universities
The first step to studying in the US for free is finding and attending tuition-free universities and colleges.
Some of these universities and colleges are run entirely through grants and loans, and some require you to work while you study.
It’s okay if you’re surprised by this information. Yes, studying in the United States is expensive, but not for people who attend free universities.
These institutions are not scams and provide you with an excellent education. You can even search for them on Google and check their ranking.
The good news is that even international students are eligible to attend these institutions and study in the US for free.
You can see the 10 tuition-free universities in the United States that we have below.
#2. Get Fully Funded Scholarships From Universities
Another way to study at tuition-free universities in the US is to get fully funded scholarships.
Universities in the United States award generous scholarships even to international students.
These are some of the most generous universities: Click here
#3. Get fully funded scholarships from individuals or corporate organizations
As part of their RSC or personal benevolence, some organizations sponsor international students abroad to obtain a relevant education.
This is a way to study in the US for free. Simply ask the organizations that publish a call for scholarship applications each year.
If you are still wondering how to study in the US for free, apply and get a scholarship that allows you to focus on your study while paying the fees.
Also, you can consider cheap colleges in the USA for international students in 2022 if you fail to make the list.
List of 10 Tuition-Free Universities in the US for International Students
The United States is one of the top destinations for students seeking to benefit from a world-class and widely recognized international education. Unfortunately, most of these institutions are very expensive.
Than; In this article, we are going to list 10 tuition-free colleges in the US for international students to pursue their various degrees. You should be able to click on the link for each university for more details on admission requirements.
- Berea College
- Alice Lloyd College
- Webb Institute
- College of the Ozarks
- Curtis Institute of Music
- City University of New York (CUNY) United States Academies
- Washington State Universities
- Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
- The deep springs of the university
#1. Berea College
Berea College is a private liberal arts college in Berea, Kentucky. Founded in 1855, Berea College is distinguished from other post-secondary institutions by offering free education to students and by being the first college in the southern United States to be coeducational and racial.
Every student who attends Kentucky’s Berea College earns a tuition-free scholarship valued at more than $25,000. Berea also supports students with other costs, for example, food, room, and board, by offering a work-study program.
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#2 Alice Lloyd College
Next on our list of tuition-free colleges in the US is Alice Lloyd College.
Alice Lloyd College is a four-year liberal arts college located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, United States. It was co-founded by journalist Alice Spencer Geddes Lloyd and June Buchanan in 1923, first as Caney Junior College.
Students also get a free laptop to use when in class. Alicia Lloyd College offers the opportunity to obtain different specializations in a variety of subjects. Typically, the most popular majors are business, manufacturing, family studies, and human development.
US News and World Report rank Alice Lloyd College as one of the best colleges in the US to graduate with the least amount of debt compared to the US national average.
This Kentucky school offers guaranteed tuition to its students in the university’s 108-county Central Appalachian service area. Students work 10-20 hours per week to pay other personal bills. Alice Lloyd offers degrees in a wide range of fields, along with pre-professional programs.
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#3. Webb Institute
The Webb Institute is a private undergraduate engineering school located in Glen Cove, New York, on Long Island. Each Webb Institute graduate earns a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering candidates for admission or entrance receive full tuition for four years.
Additionally, the Princeton Review ranks the Webb Institute as one of the best value colleges in the United States. The school is also renowned for providing a top-level engineering education and full-tuition scholarships to anyone who attends. The students live in a mansion since they attend school and participate in paid internships for extra money.
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#4. College of the Ozarks
College of the Ozarks is a tuition-free Christian liberal arts college in Point Lookout, Missouri. The University of the Ozarks is a conservative Christian school that happily discourages student debt. In addition, the school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
The institution has been nicknamed “Hard Work U” because students work 15 hours per week to qualify for free tuition. In addition, the School of the Ozarks favors applicants who are considered financially needy.
They also offer more than 30 academic majors in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. Popular majors at this university include business, teaching, education, and criminal justice.
#5. Curtis Institute of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia is a conservatory that offers courses leading to a Diploma in Performance, a Bachelor of Music, a Master of Musical Opera, or a Certificate of Professional Studies in Opera. It offers full-tuition scholarships to all who gain admission.
The university is quite particular when it comes to applicants, only accepting 160 new students once a year. Those who enter can expect to receive an excellent education from one of the best music conservatories in the world.
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#6. City University of New York (CUNY)
The City University of New York is the public university system in New York City. It is the largest urban university system in the United States. Founded in 1961, CUNY includes 24 campuses: eleven community colleges, seven community colleges, one undergraduate honors college, and seven graduate institutions.
The City University of New York offers full-tuition scholarships to students who join its Teachers Academy. All students who enroll are eligible. Students also receive a full-time teaching position at a New York school upon graduation.
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#7. American Academies
The US Service Academies are among the free universities in the US There are five US academies. They are the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Students who attend any of these US academies earn full tuition. In addition, they receive a monthly stipend in lieu of service. Although each program is different, most require applicants to receive a congressional nomination from their state congressional delegation.
Applicants must also pass a physical fitness test and meet other requirements. READ MORE
#8. Washington State Universities
Washington State Universities make the list of Tuition-Free Universities in the US for International Students. Both the University of Washington and Washington State University offers need-based programs that pay full tuition fees.
Programs are available to state residents who meet State Need Grant or Pell Grant requirements. Special scholarships may also be awarded to out-of-state students who need help covering the cost of tuition.
#9. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
The Franklin W. Olin School of Engineering is a private engineering college in Needham, Massachusetts. At one point, the school offered a full tuition scholarship to anyone who attended. Since then, the institution has reduced the scholarship policy by 50%.
However, Franklin W. Olin College still offers one of the largest merit scholarship programs in the country to any or all admitted students.
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#10. University of Deep Springs
Deep Springs College is a small private liberal arts college located in an isolated location in Deep Springs Valley, forty miles from Bishop, California. It is an accredited two-year university that offers full scholarships per student, valued at around $50,000. This also makes them one of the tuition-free universities in the US for international students.
With fewer than 30 students at a time, the university is one of the smallest institutions of higher learning in the United States. Students work and study for these scholarships: they are employed on the school’s cattle ranch and alfalfa farm to finance tuition, room, and board along with other expenses.
Most Deep Springs College students will then transfer to a four-year institution where they will complete their bachelor’s degree. As of January 2014, Deep Springs College was clearly a men’s college, however, the school is seeking to transition to co-education.
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Cheap universities in the United States for international students
Studying in the US is quite expensive for international students, however, some institutions charge the lowest tuition.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, about 1.1 million were enrolled in American universities and colleges in the 2019-2020 academic year. This shows that the United States is one of the most sought-after destinations by students.
Here is the list of the 5 cheapest universities and institutions for international students in the US.
Lehman College
Lehman College is the City University of New York’s only four-year college in the Bronx, serving the borough and surrounding region as an intellectual, economic, and cultural center.
LC offers undergraduate and graduate study in the liberal arts and sciences and professional education within a dynamic research environment. With a diverse student body of more than 14,000 students and more than 81,000 alumni, Lehman offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs.
It is one of the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
South Texas College
Next on our list of cheap colleges in the US for international students is South Texas College.
This is a public community college in the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas. Founded in 1993, STC offers more than 127 degree and certificate options, including associate’s degrees in a variety of liberal arts, social sciences, business, mathematics, science, technology, advanced manufacturing, and health-related fields of study.
Additionally, South Texas College is the only community college in the state of Texas to offer 5 bachelor’s degrees. South Texas College has a faculty and staff of more than 2,200 to serve the university’s five campuses, two centers of higher education, and a virtual campus.
It is one of the cheapest colleges in the US for international students with an average tuition of $4,200.00
Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university in Minot, North Dakota. As a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community involvement, Minot exposes students to rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and vibrant campus life.
Average Annual Tuition – $4,881.72
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University is a comprehensive black university with a rich history and heritage. The university focuses on intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of diverse pedagogies, basic and applied research, cultural and professional programs, public service and outreach, and broad access to competitive academic and research programs.
As one of the cheapest colleges in the US for international students, Alcorn does not discriminate, welcoming qualified students from anywhere in the world.
Average Tuition Fee – $7,775
California State University, Long Beach
Last on our list of cheap colleges in the US for international students is California State University. CSULB offers an extraordinary environment in which international students discover their passions and pursue them with depth and determination.
Cal State Long Beach is one of the best value schools in the nation with low tuition rates, a high rate of social mobility, and earning potential after graduation.
It is one of the cheapest colleges in the US for international students with an average tuition fee of $3,588.00
Are there free online universities in the US?
There are several online universities in the US that offer free education to students. These online universities rely on funding from the school’s founders and generous donors who find value in donating to education.
Here is a list of accredited online universities that offer free tuition in the US.
University of the People
UoPersonas is the first authorized free online university. It awards degrees in Computer Science and Health Sciences. You can complete a 2-year associate degree, a 4-year bachelor’s degree, or an MBA, all online.
This tuition-free college is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Distance Education Accreditation Commission, and the Higher Education Accreditation Council. University of the People has demonstrated its commitment to providing a world-class education to those who could not otherwise afford it.
While UoPeople is a tuition-free university, each applicant is expected to pay a $60 application processing fee. It also charges a $100 exam processing fee for each exam taken. To complete the Associate Degree, there are 20 exams, which will cost $2000. The Bachelor’s program has 40 exams, costing $4000. However, UoPeople offers scholarships to those who cannot afford the exams.
Columbia University
Columbia University is a prestigious 4-year institution located in New York City, New York. The research-intensive university enables students of all backgrounds and ethnicities to learn in a highly distinguished environment. Columbia University offers different undergraduate and graduate programs for a multitude of academic careers.
Columbia University offers unique financial aid opportunities to students as its aid packages include grants and not loans. This implies that students do not have to repay the money after graduation.
In an attempt to help students, families earning $60,000 or less will be waived for tuition and fees. For families earning $100,000 or less, the university offers deep reductions in university tuition and fees.
Stanford University
Stanford University was established in 1885 in Stanford, CA, and has since grown into an elite 4-year university. The institution of excellence is recognized for its esteemed research. Currently, it has more than 7,700 sponsored research projects.
Over the years, Stanford University has demonstrated its commitment to helping families who may not be able to pay for their children’s tuition. Families earning $65,000 or less pay no tuition, fees or housing, and families earning $150,000 or less will not have to pay any tuition. 70% of college students receive financial aid in some form.
Conclusion
The article above contains tips on how you can get free education in the US even as an international student. It provides necessary information about 10 free universities and colleges in the US for both citizens and international students to help you.
I hope this list that I have provided above will help you to choose a college/university that you can study for free college education in America.
Frequently Asked Questions for Free Universities in the USA
Are there free universities in the US?
There are free universities in the US that offer free education to domestic and international students. These opportunities come in the form of fully funded scholarships.
Which Universities Offer Free Online Degrees to Students?
People’s University, Columbia University, and Stanford University offer free online degrees to students.
What should I do to study in the USA for free?
To study in the US for free, you must attend tuition-free universities or colleges or apply for fully-funded scholarship opportunities.
Can international students get full scholarships in the US?
If you can, most universities in the US have scholarship programs that are open to applications from international students, although you may need to take the SAT or ACT. According to the Fulbright Commission, more than 600 American universities offer scholarships worth $20,000 or more to international students.
Am interested for the scholarship am a refugee in 🇺🇬 Uganda
Hi Emmanuel. For which scholarship exactly are you interested in?