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Where to Find Free and Low-Cost College Tuition
1. Berea College
Every student who attends Kentucky's Berea College receives a full-tuition scholarship worth more than $25,000. Berea also helps students with other costs, such as food, room and board, by providing a work study program. Students also receive a free laptop to use while they are in school. Berea offers the opportunity to major in many different subjects. The most popular majors are business, manufacturing, family studies and human development.
2. Alice Lloyd College
U.S. News and World Report ranks Alice Lloyd College among the best U.S. colleges for graduating with the least amount of debt. This Kentucky school offers guaranteed tuition to any student in the college's 108-county Central Appalachian service area. Students work 10-20 hours each week to pay their way. Alice Lloyd offers degrees in a wide range of fields, as well as pre-professional programs.
3. Webb Institute
The Princeton Review ranks Webb Institute among the Best Value Colleges in America. The school is known for providing a top-notch engineering education along with full-tuition scholarships to anyone who attends. Students live in a mansion while they attend school and participate in paid internships for extra cash.
4. College of the Ozarks
Located in Missouri, the College of the Ozarks is a conservative Christian school that cheerfully discourages student debt. The school has been nicknamed 'Hardwork U' because students work 15 hours each week to graduate tuition-free. The College of the Ozarks favors applicants who are financially needy. Popular majors include business, teaching, education and criminal justice.
5. Curtis Institute of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music offers full-tuition scholarships to everyone who gains admission. The school is very particular when it comes to applicants, accepting only 160 new students each year. Those who do get in can expect to receive an excellent education from one of the best music conservatories in the world.
6. CUNY Teacher Academy
The City University of New York offers full-tuition scholarships to students who enroll in their Teacher Academy. Every student who enrolls is eligible. Students also receive a full-time teaching position in a New York school upon graduation.
7. U.S. Academies
- U.S. Military Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Students who attend any of these U.S. academies receive a full ride. They also receive a monthly stipend in return for service. Although each program is different, most require applicants to obtain a congressional nomination from their state congressional delegation. Applicants must also pass a physical fitness test and meet other requirements.
8. State of Washington Universities
Both the University of Washington and Washington State University offer need-based programs that pay full-tuition and fees. The programs are available to in-state residents who meet State Need Grant or Pell Grant requirements. Special scholarships are also available to out-of-state students who need help covering the cost of tuition.
9. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
At one point, the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering offered a full-tuition scholarship to anyone who attends. The school has since reduced the scholarship policy by 50 percent. Even so, Franklin W. Olin College still offers one of the largest merit scholarship programs in the country to all admitted students.
10. Deep Springs College
Located in Big Pine, California, this accredited two-year college offers full scholarships for each student, valued around $50,000. Students work for these scholarships: they're employed on the school's cattle ranch and alfalfa farm to pay for tuition, room and board and other expenses. The majority of the students from Deep Springs College transfer on to a four-year institution where they complete their bachelor's degree. As of January 2014, Deep Springs College was a men's college; however, the school is pursuing a transition to coeducation.
