Going to college can come with a hefty price tag. The average cost — which includes housing, books, supplies, and other living expenses — is $28,840 for public in-state students and $46,730 for public out-of-state students at four-year colleges, according to 2023 data from College Board.
But earning a degree doesn’t have to be expensive, if you know how to get into college for free (or at a significantly reduced cost). Using a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other unconventional strategies and resources, you may be able to attend college for free, or close to it.
1. Search for scholarships
Applying for scholarships is a great way to slash your education costs. There are thousands of scholarships available from numerous sources, including colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofit organizations.
Scholarships are considered “gift aid,” which means you don’t have to repay them. Unlike grants, which are typically based on need, many scholarships are merit-based. They’re awarded to students with outstanding talent or ability in specific areas, such as academics, athletics, or the arts.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility and application requirements. Check with your high school guidance counselor or financial aid office to see if you’re eligible for local scholarships or awards from the schools you’d like to attend.
Here are some tips for applying:
- Use a scholarship search engine: Scholarships.com is one, offering over 3.7 million college scholarships and grants.
- Start early: Many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early may improve your odds of receiving an award.
- Apply for as many as you can: This will increase your chances of success.
Learn More: How To Get a Scholarship for College
2. Research need-based aid
Depending on your family’s financial situation, you may qualify for need-based financial aid. This money generally doesn't need to be repaid, and you can use to cover college costs. Federal sources of need-based include:
- Grants, such as Pell Grants: The amount you receive is determined by your family’s ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), your enrollment status, and your school’s cost of attendance.
- Work-study programs: These are part-time jobs available on or off campus to help students cover education expenses.
You’ll need to register for the FAFSA to determine if you’re eligible for federal aid, though your school or private organizations may also use your FAFSA data to award grants. Like scholarships, funds are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll want to submit the FAFSA as soon as you can.
Note:
The FAFSA usually opens on October 1 for the following academic year; but for the 2024-25 school year, the FAFSA isn’t available until December 2023.
3. Apply for tuition-free colleges
Some colleges and universities offer free tuition, but there might be a catch. You may have to live in a particular state or region, or have significant financial need to qualify. Some programs require you to live or work on campus, choose a specific major, or fulfill post-graduation requirements, such as military service, in exchange for the funds.
Tuition-free programs typically follow a “last-dollar” model, meaning they’ll cover outstanding costs after accounting for any federal, state, and institutional aid you receive. It’s also important to note that most programs cover only tuition — you’ll still be on the hook for costs like books, housing, and transportation. Still, attending a tuition-free school can result in significant savings and provide an opportunity to graduate with little to no debt.
Some examples of schools with tuition-free programs are Alice Lloyd College, Barclay College, Berea College, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
4. Start at community college first
You may be able to lower your education costs by completing prerequisite courses at community college, then transferring the credits to a four-year school. One caveat: Make sure to confirm that your community college credits will transfer to your school of choice.
Financial aid is available for most community colleges, and many states offer some form of free tuition for in-state students, including California, Oregon, and Tennessee. You’ll need to complete the FAFSA, and you may have to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as community service and a minimum high school GPA.
If you don’t live in a state with free community college, this option can still save you money. The average cost to attend a public, in-state community college is about $3,990 vs. $11,260 at a public, in-state four-year school, according to the 2023 College Board report.
5. Consider military service
Enlisting in the military is another example of how to get into college for free. The Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), and Naval Academy offer free tuition for students who agree to serve after graduation. In some instances, they may also cover room and board, books, and fees.
Programs like the GI Bill provide education benefits for veterans and active-duty service members, and may include financial assistance for tuition, housing, books, and fees.
6. Talk to your employer
Your employer could help you get an education for free or at a discount. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, which means they’ll pick up all or part of the cost of your education.
Check with your employer — it may have specific requirements for which programs you can study or schools you can go to. To be eligible for tuition reimbursement, you may need to work for the company for a certain amount of time and be in good standing. Keep in mind, you could lose your benefits if you’re fired or leave your employer.
Employers with generous tuition reimbursement benefits include Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and Walmart.
7. Work for a college
Getting a job at your school isn’t just great work experience; it can also earn you free or discounted tuition. You might also be eligible for tuition perks if you have a family member who works there.
If you already know where you want to go, apply early for a job on campus and agree to work the minimum amount of hours to get a free or reduced-cost education. The downside is you may be limited by where you can go to school and the type of job you can do without a college degree.
Pepperdine University in California, Boston University, and Syracuse University are some schools that offer tuition benefits. Work colleges, such as Missouri’s College of the Ozarks, are another option worth considering. At these schools, students work on or off campus to reduce their education costs.
8. Borrow loans
If you’re still not sure about how to get into college for free, student loans are another option to consider to help pay for your education. Student loans can help fund costs such as tuition, room and board, fees, books, and other living expenses, such as groceries. But the amount you borrow will have to be repaid later, with interest costs included.
While loans can help cover financial shortfalls, it’s important to make sure you borrow only what you need to cover the essentials so you don’t end up owing a mountain of debt when you leave school. If you choose to borrow money for college, try to exhaust federal student loan options before considering private loans. Federal loans typically have more favorable interest rates and repayment terms than private student loans.
Learn More: How Much Can I Borrow in Student Loans?
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Figuring out how to get into college for free takes time, dedication, and ingenuity. The earlier you start applying for as many scholarships, grants, and financial assistance programs as you can, the better your odds of successfully achieving your goal of going to college for free (or almost free). If you still need additional funds, student loans can help you fill in the gaps.
