Several state programs offer free tuition for two-year and four-year programs. But free tuition doesn’t equal free college.
Students who attend tuition-free schools often still need to cover costs, such as fees, room and board and transportation. You can pay using a combination of savings, grants, scholarships and work-study. If needed, student loans can be used for these and other living expenses as well.
If you plan to take out loans, max out federal loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, before turning to private student loans, since the latter come with higher interest rates and don’t offer certain protections or loan forgiveness opportunities. Always shop around to compare offers before taking out a private student loan.
The programs listed below are often sponsored by the state. Many are "last-dollar" scholarship programs, which means the money covers remaining tuition only after federal and state grant money is applied.
Although this list contains many of the free tuition programs offered across the United States, programs are being added, amended and ended on a continuous basis. To verify whether or not a program is available to you, search for “promise” or “free tuition programs” in your area, or ask a financial aid officer at a local college.
Here’s a roundup of some of the states with free college programs:
Alaska
What it is: Free tuition for students who qualify for the maximum Pell Grant and who are enrolled in 12-18 credit hours.
Who qualifies: Pell-eligible undergraduate students at Alaska Pacific University.
Caveats:
- Must complete the FAFSA and the APU One Application (OneApp).
- Applied after all federal, state and APU scholarships are applied.
Arkansas
Program: Arkansas Promise Plus
What it is: Free tuition for students who qualify for the maximum Pell Grant and who are enrolled in 12-18 credit hours.
Who qualifies: Arkansas residents who have graduated from an Arkansas high school. Students must also be Pell eligible.
Caveats:
- Must have above a 19 ACT superscore or 990-1010 SAT and 3.00 HS GPA.
- Household income under $70,000 AGI (or adjusted gross income).
- Need to complete the FAFSA.
Program: ArFuture grant
What it is: Pays the full cost of two years of tuition and fees for community and technical college for students in Arkansas who enroll in a high-demand field of study.
Who qualifies: Arkansas high school graduates with established residency. There is no minimum GPA requirement and recipients can enroll part time or full time at any in-state community college. Students must submit a FAFSA and apply for a federal Pell Grant, but the grant can be used along with state aid.
Caveats:
- Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Students must enroll in high-demand field of study or STEM field.
- Required to meet monthly with a program mentor.
- Must complete eight hours of community service per semester.
- Following graduation, must work full time in Arkansas for a minimum of three years; otherwise, the grant will be converted to a loan for repayment to the state.
California
Program: Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
What it is: Covers tuition and fees for eligible University of California system students.
Who qualifies: California residents attending a University of California system school.
Caveats:
- Must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- Aid is dependent on demonstrated need.
What it is: Waives enrollment fees. (Does not cover books and supplies.)
Who qualifies: California residents attending a California community college.
Caveats:
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA to keep the grant.
- Must meet certain income qualifications, and demonstrate financial need.
- Must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Delaware
Program: Delaware Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship Program
What it is: A scholarship program that covers tuition for full-time students for two-year programs at University of Delaware for its Associate of Arts degree program or any program at Delaware Technical Community College.
Who qualifies: High school graduates in Delaware. Undocumented students may apply. Students must be accepted at one of two participating schools. Students must submit a FAFSA to be eligible. Students with the most financial need are given priority.
Caveats:
- The scholarship is only available the fall after a student graduates from high school.
- Must be enrolled full-time.
- Must apply no later than April 1 of senior year of high school.
- Must apply each year no later than April 1 for the following year.
- Cannot receive the scholarship more than six continuous semesters.
- Must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
Program: Inspire Scholarship
What it is: Four-year, full-tuition scholarship.
Who qualifies: High school graduates in Delaware enrolled at Delaware State University.
Caveats:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Complete the FAFSA.
Hawaii
Program: Hawaii Promise Scholarship
What it is: A last-dollar need-based scholarship to attend University of Hawaii Community Colleges.
Who qualifies: Hawaii state residents or those who qualify for residency-exempt status that pay in-state tuition. Students must complete a FAFSA to apply.
Caveats:
- Must remain enrolled in at least six credits per semester within the UH system.
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Hawaii state resident who qualifies for in-state tuition.
- Must be degree-seeking in a financial-aid-eligible program.
Illinois
Program: Illinois Commitment
What it is: Covers tuition and fees for up to four years for in-state students.
Who qualifies: Illinois residents under the age of 24 who graduated from an Illinois high school.
Caveats:
- Family's income is $75,000 or less, and family’s assets are $75,000 or less.
- Enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program for at least 12 hours during fall or spring semesters.
Program: UIC Aspire
What it is: Covers tuition and fees for UIC students.
Who qualifies: Illinois residents enrolled at UIC.
Caveats:
- Family's income is $75,000 or less, and family’s assets are $75,000 or less.
- Enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program for at least 12 hours.
Indiana
Program: 21st Century Scholarship
What it is: Provides Indiana students with up to four years of undergraduate tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana or partial tuition at a private college.
Who qualifies: Indiana students who complete all Scholar Success program requirements and are accepted for admission at an eligible Indiana college. Students must submit a FAFSA to be eligible.
Caveats:
- High school students must earn at least 2.5 GPA.
- High school students must complete a Scholar Success Program, fulfilling requirements at each grade level.
- Must graduate with a Core 40 diploma.
- Must complete at least 30 credit hours each year in college.
Iowa
Program: Iowa Tuition Grants
What it is: Tuition grant that can be received for up to four years of study.
Who qualifies: Iowa residents who are enrolled at one of Iowa's eligible private colleges and universities.
Caveats:
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Be an Iowa resident enrolled pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree.
Kansas
Program: Kansas Promise Scholarship
What it is: This scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other required materials after all other aid is applied. It can only go toward two-year degrees and certificate programs. Additionally, students who receive the scholarship must live and work in Kansas for at least two consecutive years after graduating.
Who qualifies: You need to be a Kansas resident to qualify, and either have graduated from a secondary school in the prior year, or be 21 years old or older and been a Kansas resident for the last three years. You can also qualify if you are a dependent of a military service member as long as you have graduated from a secondary school in the last year. You must also complete the FAFSA.
Caveats:
- Must live and work in Kansas for two consecutive years after graduating.
- Must study one of the programs eligible for the scholarship, including information technology and security, mental and physical healthcare, advanced manufacturing and building trades, and early childhood education and development.
Kentucky
Program: College Access Program (CAP) Grant
What it is: A need-based grant that helps financially needy Kentucky undergraduate students pay for college at eligible public and private colleges, universities, trade schools and technical colleges. Students apply by submitting the FAFSA.
Who qualifies: Kentucky residents with financial need who enroll at least half-time in an eligible program that is at least two years long and have no past-due obligations to KHEAA or federal Title IV programs.
Caveats:
- CAP grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to FAFSA completion date, so students should file the FAFSA as early as possible.
- Funding and award amounts are limited and eligibility is capped at four academic terms for two-year programs or eight terms for four-year programs.
Program: Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)
What it is: A need-based grant that helps Kentucky residents pay tuition at eligible private colleges in Kentucky. Students apply by completing the FAFSA each year.
Who qualifies: Kentucky residents with financial need who enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor's degree program at an eligible private Kentucky college and have no past-due obligations to KHEAA or federal Title IV programs.
Caveats:
- KTG awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis based on FAFSA completion date, and the college makes the final determination of financial need.
- Students are limited to four academic terms in a two-year program or eight terms in a four-year program.
Program: Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship
What it is: Helps Kentucky residents earn an industry-recognized certificate, diploma or an associate of applied science degree.
Who qualifies: Kentucky residents with a high school degree or GED who have not earned an associate degree or higher. Students must be enrolled at an eligible two-year postsecondary institution in an approved program of study.
Caveats:
- Must study programs that lead to jobs that funnel into a high-demand field like health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation/logistics, business services/IT and construction.
- The scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Maine
Program: Downeast Promise
What it is: Covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students attending the University of Maine at Machias, up to 30 credits per academic year for as many as eight semesters or 120 credits. The scholarship works with federal, state and institutional gift aid to cover any remaining tuition and mandatory fees.
Who qualifies: Maine residents who are first-time or transfer students pursuing their first bachelor's degree at the University of Maine at Machias and who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant with a qualifying Student Aid Index (SAI). Students must complete the FAFSA by the deadline and enroll full time (at least 12 credits per semester).
Caveats:
- Students must renew their FAFSA annually, remain Pell-eligible, maintain full-time enrollment, earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements to keep the scholarship.
- The award covers only tuition and mandatory fees and does not pay for housing, meals or other college expenses.
Maryland
What it is: A last-dollar community college grant program available to students who plan to enroll in courses leading to a vocational certificate, certificate or an associate degree; a registered apprenticeship program; or in courses that lead to a license or certification.
Who qualifies: Maryland high school graduates or GED recipients who qualify for in-state tuition and enroll in an eligible program at a Maryland community college. Applicants must meet GPA and income requirements, submit the FAFSA or MHEC One App by the annual deadline and provide any required documentation.
Caveats:
- Students must renew their application each year, maintain eligibility for in-state tuition, meet satisfactory academic progress requirements and continue to meet income limits.
- The scholarship is available only after other gift aid is applied, so award amounts vary based on a student's remaining tuition and mandatory fees, up to $5,000 annually.
Program: Terrapin Commitment
What it is: Covers 100% of standard in-state tuition and mandatory fees for eligible University of Maryland students with unmet financial need after other scholarships, grants and aid are applied. The program also provides additional funding to help offset other college costs, such as housing, for students with remaining unmet financial need.
Who qualifies: Maryland residents who are full-time, first-degree-seeking undergraduate students with unmet financial need and who either qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or have a total family income of $75,000 or less.
Caveats:
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, enroll full time (at least 12 credits per semester) and file the FAFSA annually by the March 1 deadline to remain eligible.
Michigan
Program: Michigan Reconnect
What it is: A scholarship that covers the cost of attending an in-district community college. It is intended for adults who haven’t received any sort of post-secondary education.
Who qualifies: Michigan residents who are at least 25 years old, have lived in the state for over a year, have a high school degree or its equivalent, and have not yet completed a bachelor’s or associate degree are eligible.
Caveats:
- Any degree or skill certificate received must be eligible to be covered by the Pell Grant.
- You must submit the FAFSA to qualify.
Program: Go Blue Guarantee
What it is: Covers 100% of undergraduate tuition and mandatory university fees for up to four years for eligible in-state students at the University of Michigan system.
Who qualifies: Michigan residents pursuing their first bachelor's degree who qualify for in-state tuition, apply for financial aid and have family incomes of $125,000 or less and assets below $125,000.
Caveats:
- Students must reapply for financial aid each year, continue to meet the income and asset requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the guarantee.
- The program covers only tuition and mandatory university fees for fall and winter semesters, not housing, meals, books or other living expenses.
Missouri
Program: A+ Scholarship Program
What it is: A renewable scholarship program that provides funds to graduates of eligible Missouri high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational school in the state.
Who qualifies: Missouri high school students who attend a designated A+ high school for three years prior to graduation and meet all GPA, attendance, volunteer, academic and citizenship requirements. Students must submit the FAFSA to be eligible.
Caveats:
- Must enroll and attend full time at a participating public community college or vocational/technical school.
- Must qualify for federal student aid.
- To renew, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, submit a FAFSA and be enrolled full time.
Montana
Program: Montana Promise Act
What it is: A last-dollar grant program that helps eligible Montana residents pay tuition at Montana community colleges, tribal colleges and two-year Montana University System campuses.
Who qualifies: Students in a community or tribal college in Montana or at a two-year school in the Montana university system. Students must submit a FAFSA and have accepted all federal and state aid grants available.
Caveats:
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the grant and can receive funding for up to two years while meeting program requirements.
- Awards are contingent on available state funding, are made by participating campuses, are not transferable between eligible institutions and are not guaranteed from semester to semester.
Nevada
Program: Nevada Promise Scholarship
What it is: A last-dollar scholarship that enables Nevada residents to attend any of the state’s community colleges.
Who qualifies: Nevada residents (or graduates of eligible Nevada-area high schools) who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent, have not previously earned an associate or bachelor's degree, and enroll full time at an eligible Nevada community college. Students must complete the Nevada Promise application, submit the FAFSA (or an approved alternative form), participate in required mentoring and training sessions, complete community service and meet all program deadlines.
Caveats:
- Must participate in mandatory informational trainings.
- Must provide proof of community service.
- Must complete at least one mentoring opportunity.
- Cannot hold a prior associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Cannot be in default on any federal student loan or owe a refund to any federal student aid program.
New Jersey
Program: Community College Opportunity Grant
What it is: This grant is a “last dollar” program covering any remaining tuition and fees at any in-district community college in New Jersey.
Who qualifies: In order to qualify for this grant, you must not have completed a college degree, have submitted the FAFSA, and have a household income of $65,000 or less.
Caveats:
- Must enroll in at least six credits per semester.
- Must make Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Only completely covers the tuition for attending an in-district community college.
New Mexico
Program: Opportunity Scholarship
What it is: This scholarship is a “first dollar” scholarship, meaning any federal aid you receive can be added to free tuition and fees to cover any living expenses, books, or other costs.
Who qualifies: New Mexico residents pursuing credit-bearing career training certificates, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees at New Mexico public colleges or universities.
Caveats:
- Includes part-time and full-time enrollment.
New York
Program: Excelsior Scholarship
What it is: The program covers tuition for students attending an undergraduate-degree-granting school in the State University of New York system or the City University of New York system.
Who qualifies: Students enrolled full time in two-year or four-year programs at SUNY and CUNY schools. This scholarship is available to families and individuals making up to $125,000.
Caveats:
- Must complete the FAFSA.
- Must take 30 credits annually.
- Students required to live and work in New York state for the same number of years after graduation as they received the scholarship while in school.
- If a student doesn’t remain in New York to live and work after graduation, the scholarship converts to a loan to be repaid to the state.
Oklahoma
Program: Oklahoma’s Promise
What it is: Oklahoma residents will receive tuition at an Oklahoma public two-year college or four-year university. It would also cover a portion of tuition at an Oklahoma accredited private college or university, or public technology centers that are eligible for financial aid.
Who qualifies: Students must be Oklahoma residents enrolled in the eighth through 12th grade in an Oklahoma high school, whose families earn $80,000 or less per year.
Caveats:
- Applications must be completed during the school year in the student’s eighth through 12th grade academic year.
- Must complete required courses in high school.
- Parents’ AGI must not exceed $80,000.
Oregon
Program: Oregon Promise
What it is: A state grant that covers most tuition costs at any Oregon community college.
Who qualifies: Recent Oregon high school graduates or GED recipients. Students must apply their senior year. Must be a resident of Oregon for at least 12 months prior to attendance.
Caveats:
- Must have had a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA or higher in high school.
- Can't have completed or attempted to complete more than 90 college credits.
Rhode Island
Program: Rhode Island Promise Scholarship
What it is: Recent Rhode Island high school graduates and GED recipients are eligible for two years of free tuition and payment of mandatory fees at the state’s Community College of Rhode Island.
Who qualifies: Rhode Island residents who graduated from high school or earned their GED.
Caveats:
- Must maintain full-time enrollment every fall and spring semester for two years to maintain the scholarship.
- Must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to renew the scholarship.
South Dakota
Program: Build Dakota
What it is: A scholarship program providing tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses in eligible technical institute programs for students who intend to work in a high-need field in South Dakota.
Who qualifies: U.S. citizens or nationals (and some eligible permanent residents) of any age or state of residence who are accepted into an eligible program at a participating South Dakota technical college and complete the FAFSA.
Caveats:
- Recipients must continue living and working in the state in their field of study for three years after graduation.
Tennessee
Program: Tennessee Promise
What it is: It is for students who attend an eligible community or technical two-year college. It will cover last dollars from tuition and fee costs not covered by the Pell Grant, the HOPE scholarship, Wilder-Naifeh grant or Tennessee Student Assistance Award funds. Tennessee Promise can be used at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology or eligible public and private universities with two-year programs.
Who qualifies: Tennessee residents who graduate from an eligible Tennessee high school or home-school program or who obtain an equivalency diploma before the age of 19.
Caveats:
• Attending mentoring meetings is mandatory to remain eligible for the program.
• Eight hours of community service per term enrolled are required.
• Must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Must be enrolled full time in the fall term following high school graduation.
• Attending mentoring meetings is mandatory to remain eligible for the program.
• Eight hours of community service per term enrolled are required.
• Must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Must be enrolled full time in the fall term following high school graduation.
Program: Tennessee Reconnect
What it is: It provides the same last-dollar benefits as Tennessee Promise, but for adults over age 24.
Who qualifies: Tennessee adults ages 24 and older.
Caveats:
- Students must complete the FAFSA and obtain status as an independent student.
- Cannot hold a prior associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Establish Tennessee residency at least one year before applying.
- Be admitted to an eligible institution and be enrolled at least part time.
- Participation in an advising program is required.
- Must maintain continuous enrollment and a 2.0 GPA.
Virginia
Program: G3
What it is: A last-dollar tuition assistance program that helps eligible Virginia residents earn certificates, credentials and associate degrees in high-demand career fields at Virginia's 23 community colleges.
Who qualifies: This program is for Virginia residents who qualify for in-state financial aid and have a family income of $120,000 or less.
Caveats:
- You must complete a program in one of the programs that qualify.
- You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- You must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester.
Washington
Program: College Bound Scholarship Washington
What it is: A promise program that, combined with the Washington College Grant, covers full public college tuition, some mandatory fees and a small book allowance for eligible Washington students.
Who qualifies: Students who are automatically enrolled in middle school because they qualify for free or reduced-price school meals or are in state foster care, as well as certain eligible private school and homeschool students. To receive funding, students must graduate from a Washington high school (or earn a Washington GED), submit the FAFSA or WASFA each year, meet income and residency requirements, attend a participating institution and satisfy any applicable GPA requirements.
Caveats:
- Students must enroll in college within one year of high school graduation, have no felony convictions and remain in good standing at their college to continue receiving the award.
- College Bound funding is not guaranteed every year—students must continue to meet annual income and other eligibility requirements, and the benefit can be used for up to six years after enrolling in college or until earning a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
West Virginia
Program: West Virginia Invests Grant Program
What it is: A last-dollar grant that covers the remaining cost of tuition, mandatory fees and eligible academic program fees for certificate and associate degree programs at participating West Virginia colleges after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied.
Who qualifies: West Virginia residents who have lived in the state for at least one year, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have not previously earned a bachelor's degree (with a limited exception for certain EMS programs), and enroll in an eligible certificate or associate degree program at least half time. Students must complete the FAFSA, submit the WV Invests application, meet institutional admission requirements and satisfy any additional academic requirements established by the program.
Caveats:
- Must be legal residents of West Virginia for at least one year prior to applying.
- Must first submit the FAFSA.
- Must pass a drug screening.
- Must take at least six credit hours per semester.
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Must remain in West Virginia for two years after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment.
Local and city free-tuition programs
You can also look for tuition-free scholarship programs offered through high schools, colleges and universities nationwide. Typically students will have to reside in a certain location, attend a certain school or have low income. Some examples of programs include:
- Bobcat Promise program at Texas State University offers free tuition and fees for qualifying Texas residents from low-income families.
- City College of San Francisco’s Free City program provides tuition-free access to all California residents living in the city.
- New Haven Promise is a college scholarship and career development program that helps eligible New Haven public and charter school students pay for college while providing academic support, college advising, internships, and career preparation from high school through college.
- Eligible undergraduate students from families earning $80,000 or less can attend the University of Southern California (USC) tuition-free. Students must submit the required financial aid applications and meet eligibility requirements to be considered for need-based assistance.
How to go to college for free
If you want to participate in a tuition-free program, like the ones listed above, you will need to fill out the FAFSA for each year you attend school. Through the FAFSA you can apply for federal and state scholarships and grants that will help you pay for college.
Talk with your high school counselor and college’s financial aid office to learn more about what programs are available to you. Many of the free-tuition programs are based on your state residency and family income, so you will want to start preparing those applicable documents early. You may need to submit an application for specific free-tuition programs, which your counselor or financial aid officer can help you with.
