That means a four-year degree at a public school will cost you $95,560, while a private university will set you back approximately $129,640. And that’s assuming you graduate in four years and not taking into account tuition increases or inflation. Considering these numbers, it’s no surprise that many incoming freshmen are considering other options. And while finding scholarships, federal aid, and student loans can be useful tools to pay for college, all have their limitations and drawbacks.
The Best Free Colleges
That’s where free college comes in. Below, we round up the best free colleges and explain how they’re funded, what they offer, and other need-to-know details, like enrollment, top majors, and student-to-professor ratios.
Berea College
Boasting a bucolic 140-acre campus in Kentucky and possessing a solid 11:1 faculty to student ratio, Berea College ranks consistently among the top rankings of free colleges. Enrollment is 1,665 and popular majors include business, management, marketing, education, English, and visual and performing arts. All students are required to work a minimum of 10 hours weekly in approved jobs on campus. Another bonus? Every admitted student receives a free laptop.
The College of the Ozarks
Also called Hard Work U, it is another perennially top-ranked free college. Located in Point Lookout, Missouri, it has a faculty-student ratio of 14:1 and all students are required to work a minimum of 15 hours on campus. This, combined with scholarships and grants, cover 100% of tuition. There are more than 40 majors to choose from, and enrollment is 1,512. However, it is a private Christian school and prohibits alcohol and tobacco, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Curtis Institute of Music
Musically inclined? Then you’re in luck. In Philadelphia, this is another top-ranked free college. Offering majors ranging from piano to vocal studies to conducting, Curtis Institute of Music also has an impressive 2:1 faculty to student ratio. Enrollment is also small, at 165. The drawback? The acceptance rate is only 4%, so competition is tough.
Some Other Noteworthy Schools to Consider
Other top free colleges include Alice Lloyd College, Cooper Union, CUNY Macaulay Honors College, the United States Air Force Academy, and Deep Springs College, located on a working cattle ranch.
How Free Colleges Are Funded
Some free colleges, like Deep Springs, rely on endowments and annual gifts to keep the lights on and the tuition free. Berea College has a similar setup, relying on its endowment to fund 75% of the school’s education and general operating budget, as well as donor gifts. College of the Ozarks also has an impressive $416 million endowment, and has been called “a model for higher ed” for its student work-study programs and the fact that 92% of students graduate debt-free. It’s faster to pay off your student debt if you have less, and as many people know, there are many benefits to paying off your student loans early if you have them. So where can you find free colleges? There are many resources to find top free colleges, such as roundups on U.S. News, BestColleges.org, and BestColleges.com. In many cases, the application process works similarly to that of a traditional college—except, of course, that admission to some free colleges is more competitive.
Why More Schools Are Making Tuition Free
Many states have enacted measures to make free college a reality, funded mostly by taxes. But in some cases, funding comes from the state’s lottery. Some schools have started to offer free tuition programs for low-income students, which essentially cover a student’s tuition and fees but not the full cost of attending. Either way, it’s an idea we can get on board with. After all, can you imagine what that extra $120,000 would do in your 401(k) investment?
