free online collegesAs college tuition prices increase, prospective students and their families stress over the ability to afford education after high school. However, free online colleges offering free online degrees help relieve the anxiety associated with the cost of higher education. Reputable, accredited, and highly ranked institutions now offer tuition-free education for certain demographics of students. Some institutions of higher ed even offer tuition-free options for all, regardless of race, gender, or financial need.

Explore Programs From Boston University

Through data collection and research, we located 25 colleges and universities that offered tuition-free education. We also located 75 two-year institutions offering free tuition for online courses, online certificates and diplomas, and online AA, AS, and AAS degrees.

Ranking Methodology for Top 25 Free Online Colleges or Universities

We looked at approximately 100 colleges and universities that offer online courses or programs, as well as financial aid packages designed to wipe out tuition costs. From this information, we created two lists. The first list includes 25 free online colleges–four-year institutions–that offer free tuition programs for qualifying students. We ranked the 25 colleges or universities by the number of programs offered online. Institutions with a higher number of online offerings were listed higher on the ranking than institutions with a lower number of online programs or courses. In the event of a tie, the institutions were ranked alphabetically. Our second list contains two-year institutions–community colleges–that offer qualifying students free, or close to free, tuition. The two-year colleges are listed alphabetically.

Top Free Online Colleges / Free Online Degrees at Four-Year Colleges and Universities

#25 – Alice Lloyd College

Pippa Passes, KY

Website

Alice Lloyd College - Top Free Online Colleges
Offering free online degrees and courses – Alice Lloyd College.

Alice Lloyd College, one of the free online colleges on our list, offers tuition-free online degrees and courses. Located in Kentucky, Alice Lloyd is a four-year, Christian, liberal arts college dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students living in and around the Appalachian region. Students have access to degrees in business management, liberal arts, sociology, and sports and fitness, all of which may be earned online. Alice Lloyd promises to provide tuition free education for students living in particular counties of Central Appalachia. While tuition is free to certain students, those living on campus may owe money for room and board. However, work-study hours and grants (both state and federal) are offered to offset costs.

#24 – Berea College

Berea, Kentucky

Website

Berea College - Top Free Online Colleges
The Tuition Promise Scholarship guarantees Berea College is a top free online college.

Berea College, a private liberal arts institution, offers courses and degrees in close to thirty fields of study. Berea is named one of the top free online colleges on our list because of the no-tuition promise the school made to every enrolled student. In fact, the Tuition Promise Scholarship guarantees no enrolled student pays tuition. Instead, Berea students pay an average of $1,000 toward housing, meals, and student fees. Also, the school offers financial assistance for textbooks, cutting costs even further. Berea’s commitment to debt-free education allows students to earn degrees without taking out loans and accumulating debt. Compared to national trends, students graduating from Berea have little to no debt. Berea is a top-ranked Christian institution that is also fully accredited.

#23 – College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, Missouri

Website

College of the Ozarks - Top Free Online Colleges
College of the Ozarks has a debt-free mission for full-time students, making it a top free online college.

The College of the Ozarks represents one of the top free online colleges on our list. The school offers a sizable endowment, which provides the opportunity for full-time students to graduate with no debt, thanks to scholarships, grants, and ample work-study programs. Also, thanks to the debt-free mission offered by the institution, students work on-campus at college-provided jobs, but no money is exchanged between employee (the student) and employer (the college). Instead, students receive compensation in the form of free tuition. Full-time students must commit to work 15 hours per week while in school and two forty-hour weeks during breaks each year. The College of the Ozarks is accredited, and ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

#22 – CUNY Macaulay Honors College

New York City, NY

Website

CUNY Macaulay Honors College - Top Free Online Colleges
Highly selective and one of the top free online colleges on our list – CUNY Macaulay Honors College.

Macaulay Honors College at CUNY is a highly selective institution that serves New York’s promising students. It is one of our free online college choices due to the generous financial aid awards and commitment to debt-free education. Macaulay students must meet CUNY’s New York state residency requirements to receive the in-state tuition scholarship. This scholarship, known as the Macaulay Scholar program, funds four years of full-time undergraduate study, excluding fees. The scholarship draws from a number of sources, including CUNY, TAP, Federal, City and State, and other scholarships and grants. Though the school offers minimal online programs, some students enrolled full-time can take online classes in addition to the courses delivered in a traditional format on campus.

#21 – Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Curtis Institute of Music - Top Free Online Colleges
Merit-based scholarships – Curtis Institute of Music.

Curtis Institute of Music is one of the top free online colleges on our list. Recognized as a leading conservatory, the school provides training and education to gifted musicians and prepares them for careers as performing artists at the highest professional level. Curtis is highly selective and only admits the best. All admitted students, regardless of need, receive merit-based, full-tuition scholarships. The school awards talent instead of need. Some courses are available so that students may educate themselves with free open and online courses; however, degrees are awarded only to those who learn on campus. Curtis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top art school and a leader in offering free online programs.

 

#20 – Deep Springs College

Deep Springs, California

Website

Deep Springs College - Top Free Online Colleges
Scholarships values over $50,000 earn Deep Springs College a top spot on our list of free online colleges.

Deep Springs College lands a spot on our list of free online colleges due to its commitment to ensuring that all selected applicants are not burdened by financial considerations. In fact, the school awards a full scholarship valued at over $50,000, which includes the cost of tuition, room, and board. While students are expected to pay for their own books, medical insurance, and incidental expenses, the large tuition bill is paid in full by the institution. However, in cases of extreme financial hardship, the smaller bills can be covered by additional scholarship monies. Minimal online courses are available, as most students enroll full-time on-campus, but due to the changing educational landscape, more online programs are becoming available.

#19 – Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa, North Carolina

Website

Warren Wilson College - Top Free Online Colleges
Full-time undergraduates can attend tuition free – Warren Wilson College.

Warren Wilson College recently announced a free tuition plan for North Carolina residents who are eligible for federal and/or state need-based financial aid. Full-time undergraduates admitted to Warren Wilson for the first time can attend tuition-free. According to the institution, the remainder of student tuition after federal or state financial aid is applied will be paid through Warren Wilson scholarships (merit or athletic). If scholarships are not applicable to the student, need-based grants and a unique work-grant will be applied. The school promises that student loans will not be applied toward the cost of tuition. Warren Wilson is a top-ranked liberal arts institution. In fact, the school ranks #143 in best national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report.

#18 – Webb Institute

Glen Cove, New York

Website

Webb Institute - Top Free Online Colleges
Full tuition scholarships and federal aid – Webb Institute – Top Free Online Colleges.

Webb Institute offers every US citizen and permanent resident a full tuition scholarship to help cover costs of attending school. Also, for need-based admits, Webb offers aid to help cover additional costs of attending the institution, such as breaks for emergencies and textbooks. Federal aid is given in grant form from the federal government, and scholarships are offered on the basis of need, merit, and other criteria. Due to the number of students receiving full tuition scholarships, Webb Institute generally admits a low number of students. In fact, the average number of students considered for one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in the country is eighty. Keeping the admittance rate low helps the school provide for its current student body and incoming freshmen.

#17 – Williamson College of the Trades

Media, Pennsylvania

Website

Williamson College of the Trades - Top Free Online Colleges
100% of students at Williamson College receive tuition assistance – top free online college.

All admitted students at Williamson College of the Trades attend on full scholarships that cover the costs of tuition, room, board, and books. Students are required to cover entrance fees and charges accrued for personal items or annual breakage fees, but for the most part students attend college free from all major costs. While Williamson College offers online courses and programs, most lead to associate degrees in trade programs. Trade programs include construction technology, horticulture and turf management, machine tool technology, paint and coatings technology, and power plant technology. Williamson College lands a spot on our list of free online colleges, as 100% of students attending the institution receive need-based scholarships to offset tuition and room/board. Students are not required to pay back any scholarship award, making Williamson a top free online college.

#16 – Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Website

Yale University - Top Free Online Colleges
Need-blind admission and a commitment to debt-free graduation – Yale University is one of the top free online colleges on our list.

Yale University, one of the world’s most prestigious and highly ranked universities, is committed to need-blind admissions and affordable education. Need-blind admission includes an admissions policy that blindly considers a student’s ability to pay at the time of admission. Students are not admitted on their ability to pay for school. Yale’s policy is to provide affordable education for everyone, regardless of citizenship, immigration status, or financial need. Also, Yale commits to meeting student financial need fully so that students graduate debt free. Yale consistently ranks among the top institutions in the nation by all major publications, such as U.S. News and World Report. Due to the institution’s commitment to helping its students afford attending, Yale earns a spot on our list of top free online colleges.

#15 – Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website

Harvard University - Top Free Online Colleges
Harvard’s financial aid programs pay 100% of tuition, fees, etc.

Recognized consistently as one of the top private Ivy League institutions in the world, Harvard University offers online options for particular degree programs and with free tuition. Harvard’s financial aid programs pay up to 100 percent of tuition, fees, room, and board for students from families earning less than $65,000 per year. This means that need-based scholarships and financial aid packages take care of everything for students with demonstrated need. Also, for families with annual incomes higher than $65,000 and up to $150,000, financial aid awards cover a large percentage of the costs. In fact, these families often see awards that require them to pay between zero and ten percent of their income. No longer does Harvard have to be the most expensive school to attend!

#14 – Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

Website

Princeton University - Top Free Online Colleges
Low income families attend Princeton University for free! Top free online college!

Princeton University Online is home to a large number of online courses (MOOCs), launched in 2012. Today, Princeton offers free online courses taught by Princeton faculty. While the courses do not issue credit, students can take advantage of the prestige and all that Ivy League classes offer. For regular admission, Princeton University offers a financial aid policy that is considered one of the most generous in the country. The robust financial aid packages issue grants and scholarships rather than loans. As a result, students often attend Princeton debt-free. In fact, Princeton is likely one of the most affordable institutions for lower- and middle-income students. For families earning up to $65,000 per year, Princeton covers 100% of the costs. This means that financially compromised students may earn a degree free from Princeton.

#13 – Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Website

Vanderbilt University - Top Free Online Colleges
Distance education programs and graduate degrees online – Vanderbilt University – A top free online college for qualifying students.

Vanderbilt University, known for its research and consistent rankings among the top 20 best universities in the country, offers distant education programs through the Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Here students may earn graduate degrees that are 100 percent online. The institution also partners with Coursera, which allows students to take free online courses. With its commitment to its students’ financial well-being, the university meets one hundred percent of demonstrated financial need regardless of financial status. The school also offers free tuition for families of students earning less than $60,000. Vanderbilt ranks #14 with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#12 – Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Website

Brown University - Top Free Online Colleges
The Brown Promise makes Brown University a top free online college on our list.

Brown University, a private Ivy League institution known for its research and academic reputation, earns a spot on our list of top free online colleges and universities. Brown offers free tuition through its commitment to The Brown Promise initiative, designed to eliminate loans from all undergraduate financial aid awards. The class of 2021 received 43 percent of need-based scholarship or grant aid, and Brown met 100 percent of each student’s demonstrated financial need. Brown currently offers online master’s programs and undergraduate courses; however, there is currently no online bachelor’s degree. Brown ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 14th best national university and as the #1 best undergraduate teaching school in the country.

#11 – Barclay College

Haviland, Kansas

Website

Barclay College - Top Free Online Colleges
Automatic full-tuition scholarships earn Barclay College a place on our list of top free online colleges.

Barclay College offers all resident students an automatic $16,000 full-tuition scholarship upon acceptance to the institution. The school upholds its Christian mission to provide excellent education without the weight of debt on the shoulders of its student body. As a result of these beliefs, Barclay College enrolls a small number of students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and few classes are delivered online. However, we included the school on our list of free online colleges because of its commitment to debt-free education and the online classes available to enrolled students. Barclay is able to uphold its commitment to debt-free education thanks to college supporters who fund the full-tuition scholarship given to many students. Barclay is recognized by U.S. News and World Report among top faith-related schools.

#10 – Columbia University

New York City, New York

Website

Columbia University - Top Free Online Colleges
No limit for financial aid – Columbia University offers online degrees and courses.

Unlike some free online colleges, Columbia University has no limit for financial aid eligibility for any of its students receiving financial aid awards. Financial aid packages at Columbia include grants, not loans, so the money does not need to be paid back after graduation. In addition to Columbia’s generous financial aid packages, students from families with a calculated annual income under $60,000 will not be charged any tuition or fees. Also, families earning less than $100,000 annually will see large reductions. While Columbia does not offer many online degrees, the School of Engineering and Applied Science does have some flexible online courses and programs. Columbia ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 3rd best national university in the country.

#9 – Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Website

Duke University - Top Free Online Colleges
Zero parental contribution for families earning less than $60,000 per year – Duke University.

First-year students at Duke University from families earning less than $60,000 per year will receive substantial financial aid packages that cover all tuition. In fact, income of less than $60,000 will lead to an expected parental contribution of zero dollars. Most of the financial aid awarded at Duke is need-based, but there are a limited number of merit-based scholarships awarded to incoming first-year students, which wipes out the cost of attending this prestigious school. Once the university determines the number for the expected family contribution, a financial aid award is built. Financial aid awards consist of grants, scholarships, work study, and very limited student loans with a $5,000 per year maximum. Duke offers several online programs and classes, though most of the online degrees are at the graduate level. Duke University ranks #12 in best national universities, according to U.S. News and World Report.

#8 – University of the People

Pasadena, California

Website

University of the People - Top Free Online Colleges
Attend tuition-free – University of the People – A top free online college.

The University of the People is a tuition-free institution dedicated to offering online degree programs without charging tuition. The tuition-free model and online bachelor’s degrees in business administration, computer science, or health science, as well as associate’s and master’s degrees earn the school a top spot on our list of free online colleges. To adhere to the tuition-free model, there is no charge for teaching and instruction. In fact, the school charges only a $60 application fee and an assessment fee per course completed. Assessment fees are $100 for undergraduate programs and $200 for graduate programs. For students who are unable to afford processing fees, the school offers scholarships. As a result of the school’s tuition-free model, the University of the People earns a spot on our list of free online colleges.

#7 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Top Free Online Colleges
Scholarships to cover full tuition for families earning less than $90,000 – MIT – A top free online college.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, educates students on campus as well as around the globe through new digital learning technologies. MIT lands a spot on our list of free online colleges due to its generous financial aid awards and high number of online degree programs. For enrolled students from families earning less than $90,000 per year, MIT ensures scholarship funding to cover all tuition costs. This policy was put in place in 2008 and continues to this day, allowing a high number of students to attend MIT tuition-free. According to MIT’s financial aid website, 72% of the class of 2018 graduates earned their degree debt-free. The elimination of student loans has helped a number of students graduate without accumulating debt. MIT ranks with U.S. News as the 4th best national university in the country.

#6 – Stanford University

Stanford, California

Website

Stanford University - Top Free Online Colleges
Stanford is a top ranked institution that offers free online degrees and courses.

Stanford University, a top-ranked research institution, is committed to helping low- and middle-class students afford a quality education. A typical undergraduate financial aid program for parents with incomes below $125,000 pay no tuition, and families with incomes less than $65,000 pay no tuition, fees, room, or board. According to Stanford’s financial aid website, approximately 70% of undergraduates receive some form of aid to attend this elite institution. Approximately 58% receive aid from Stanford, including athletic scholarships, and 47% received need-based aid. Stanford ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best national university in the country.

#5 – Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Website

Cornell University - Top Free Online Colleges
Cornell offers full-ride scholarships and online courses.

Cornell University is known for being the Ivy League institution with the highest acceptance rate, not free tuition. But Cornell’s financial aid policy lands it a spot on our list of free online colleges. Cornell is committed to offering full-ride scholarships to students from lower to middle income families. Students from families earning under $60,000 per year will enjoy free tuition and won’t require loans. In fact, the school is committed to a no-loan program for individuals with demonstrated need. Cornell also offers four online degrees and certificates, as well as eight MOOC options and 111 online courses. Consistently, Cornell ranks among the top national institutions by U.S. News and World Report. As of 2021, Cornell ranked #18.

#4 – Antioch College

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Website

Antioch College - Top Free Online Colleges
Antioch pledges a debt-free education and is one of the top free online colleges on our list.

Antioch College pledges “cost should not be a barrier to education.” In fact, Antioch does all it can to ensure students receive the maximum need-based and merit-based financial aid for which they are qualified. Each year Antioch offers over two million dollars in institutional scholarships and grants. In fact, the most recent awards peaked at over seven million dollars. New and continuing students may be eligible for a number of scholarships that cover the cost of tuition. These scholarships may include the Al and Donna Denman New Generation Scholarship, the Antioch College Alumni Scholarship, or the Antioch College Trustee Scholarship. Antioch received rankings from U.S. News and World Report a top regional university and best innovative school.

#3 – Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

Website

Texas A&M University - Top Free Online Colleges
Online degrees and free tuition for qualifying students – Texas A&M University.

With its large number of online programs and Aggie Assurance plan for free tuition, Texas A&M earns a spot in our top three free online colleges. The Aggie Assurance program aids students with a family income of $60,000 or less by providing scholarships and grants that cover tuition for all eligible students. You must be a Texas resident, entering as a freshman or undergraduate transfer student, and you and your family must have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less. To continue in the program from year to year, students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements as set forth by the institution. In addition to the Aggie Assurance program and online offerings, Texas A & M offers rankings with major publications and the peace of mind of full accreditation. The school consistently ranks with U.S. news and World Report.

#2 – University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Website

University of North Carolina - Top Free Online Colleges
Low income students are promised a debt-free education at University of North Carolina, making it a top free online college.

With numerous campuses in the University of North Carolina system, the Chapel Hill campus offers online and tuition-free options for undergraduate students. Low income students are provided a debt-free education at UNC through the Covenant Program. This program promises first-year and transfer students that they will graduate debt-free if they demonstrate financial need. Scholarships and grants are provided so that students do not have to take out loans and graduate with burdensome debt. Students receiving these scholarships agree to commit to work study programs and summer school programs. UNC offers a large number of online programs. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks UNC #30 in best national universities.

#1 – University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

Website

University of Missouri - Top Free Online Colleges
#1 top free online colleges – University of Missouri.

The University of Missouri, one of our top choices for free online colleges, offers several scholarships that are automatically issued. Students are required to apply using the MU Annual Scholarship application. The scholarship program covers tuition, room, and board, as well as some fees and textbooks. Several other scholarship programs exist for non-resident students. For example, the Mark Twain Nonresident Scholarship offers a full waiver for tuition, room and board valued at approximately $15,838. Applicants must meet certain criteria to meet eligibility. Criteria includes satisfactory ACT scores above 30 or SAT scores above 1360. The University of Missouri lands in the top spot on our list due to the large number of online programs and scholarship opportunities that lead to free tuition.

Top 75 Tuition Free Online Community Colleges

#1 – Albany Technical College

Albany, Georgia

Website

Albany Technical College offers 100 percent online classes that lead to an associate of applied science (AAS) degree. In addition to the sheer number of online programs offered at Albany Tech, financial aid awards wipe out most of the tuition costs for qualifying students. Students must be enrolled full-time, and be legal residents of the state of Georgia, to partake in the scholarship programs. In an effort to provide financial aid resources to qualifying students, Albany Tech issues grants, employment opportunities, and scholarships. Albany Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award AAS degrees.

#2 – Allen County Community College

Iola, Kansas

Website

Allen County Community College offers qualifying students free online degrees through financial aid programs and scholarships. The extensive online catalog of courses allows students to pursue AA transfer degrees towards a bachelor’s degree. Students who complete the FAFSA financial aid form online with an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero will qualify for enough federal aid to have their tuition covered in full. Additionally, Allen County Community College has a variety of institutional scholarships, including its Allen County grant, endowment scholarships, merit scholarships, and early start scholarship. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to confer associate of arts and associate of applied science degrees.

#3 – Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas

Website

Amarillo College provides students with free online degrees through a number of financial aid and scholarship programs. The institution has a strong online degree department that offers degrees entirely online with no campus residency requirements. Featured degrees include business administration, criminal justice, secondary education, mortuary science, and radiation therapy. These degrees can be used to transfer to a baccalaureate institution or enter the workforce. Students can qualify for free tuition and books through completing the financial aid application, as well as qualifying for one of more than 700 scholarship and support funds by completing the universal Amarillo College Foundation application.

#4 – Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta, Georgia

Website

Atlanta Technical College provides students with several pathways to a free online degree. Students can qualify through several federal and state financial aid need-based grants as well as scholarships and grants offered by the institution. In addition to traditional financial aid, need-based programs include the Georgia Hope Scholarship program, Phoenix Patriot Foundation Veterans scholarship, United Way of Greater Atlanta scholarship, and much more. Students can apply these financial aid and scholarship funds to a wide variety of online degrees that prepare them to continue their education at a four-year institution or enter the workforce. Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#5 – Barton Community College

Great Bend, Kansas

Website

Barton Community College operates BARTonline, a virtual campus for online learners. Since 1999, the online operation has allowed students to take classes, earn a certificate, or earn an associate’s degree–all within a flexible format designed for busy schedules. Thanks to federal assistance and ample scholarship programs, some students find their time at Barton costs them little to nothing. Financial aid options include GoArmyEd and MilitaryTA, Veterans Administration, and more. Eligible military spouses also have access to financial aid. Also, need-based grants slash tuition prices, and in some cases provide free tuition. Barton Community College has been in operation since 1969 and is fully accredited with The Higher Learning Commission.

#6 – Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania

Website

Bucks Community College provides students with several options to obtain a free online college degree through its generous financial aid offerings and scholarships. Students completing the free application for federal student aid may qualify for enough aid to cover their tuition and textbooks through a variety of state and federal grants that require no repayment. Additionally, students can apply and receive local and institutional funds from a variety of community partners as well as Bucks Community College. The majority of these financial options are need-based. Students may use these funds towards educational expenses as well as living expenses. Online programs include business administration, computer science, social work, criminal justice, and dozens more.

#7 – Bunker Hill Community College

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Bunker Hill Community College features a substantial range of online degrees designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution or to enter the workforce. Financial aid opportunities exist through several programs, including state and federal funding as well as national, regional, and local monies. Programs at Bunker Hill can cover the cost of tuition as well as books, transportation, and even living expenses. Scholarships include the Nancy Myers Memorial scholarship, Frank J. Bellairs Memorial scholarship, and the BHCC Charlestown Resident award. There are also programs for veterans, low-income minorities, and first-generation college students. Bunker Hills is a top choice for free online colleges thanks to its sizable financial aid awards.

#8 – Carl Albert State College

Poteau, Oklahoma

Website

Carl Albert State College is listed among our top picks for free online colleges. Several scholarship programs and a comprehensive financial aid system leads to cheap, and often free, tuition. First-time college students receive an abundance of aid, and military students also reap the benefits Carl Albert’s financial aid awards offer. Online academic programs include AA degrees in business administration, child development, history and political science, and pre-law, to name a few. AAS programs include child development, computer technology, and occupational health and safety. Nine certificate programs are also available.

#9 – Casper College

Casper, Wyoming

Website

Students at Casper College are able to earn a free online college degree through several financial aid and scholarship programs available at the institution. Several transfer and workforce degrees with no on-campus requirement are also available, adding to a convenient learning process. Degrees include fire science, health science, hospitality, psychology, to name a few. Students completing the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) with a zero expected family contribution (EFC) can expect generous financial aid packages that cover tuition, books, and even some living expenses. Casper also has several need-based and merit scholarship funds including Foundation and Institutional scholarships, the Hathaway scholarship for Wyoming residents, and several other programs available on its website.

#10 – Central Georgia Technical College

Warner Robins, Georgia

Website

Central Georgia Technical College offers students the opportunity to earn a variety of free degrees online through its diverse funding programs that includes both traditional financial aid and special scholarship opportunities. Students who complete the federal financial aid application are automatically enrolled into several scholarship programs that may award funds contingent on income and merit. The dual enrollment program provides high school students with the opportunity to complete both high school and college credit free of charge at Central Georgia. Students with a GED or high school diploma may qualify for federal and state grants, work-study, and loans. Central Georgia also participates in the HOPE scholarship, grant, and career grant programs that award millions of dollars in aid each year.

Featured Programs

 

#11 – Central Texas College

Killeen, Texas

Website

Central Texas College – a top free online college – offers financial aid packages and scholarships for first-generation college students and military-affiliated students. The school has one of the most comprehensive number of online degree programs, including AA and AS degrees in areas like accounting technician, business administration, business management, computer science, and homeland security. An even larger number of online certificates are also available. Students who complete the financial aid application gain access to funding and awards. Many scholarship programs are based on income and merit. The CTC Foundation has approximately 170 scholarships providing over 200 awards to students each year.

#12 – Central Wyoming College

Riverton, Wyoming

Website

A free online college degree is well within grasp for students attending Central Wyoming College. The institution offers several completely online degrees such as business, entrepreneurship, and social science. The majority of Central Wyoming College students qualify for extensive financial aid packages, and many of them have their complete tuition covered. In addition to federal and state aid, students also have access to more than $1.4 million in merit and need-based scholarship aid. Institutional monies come in a variety of forms from programmatic-based, activity-based, demographic, career-related, and much more. In total, Central Wyoming College offers hundreds of scholarship programs in addition to financial aid. Central Wyoming is a top choice for free online colleges.

#13 – Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Chandler, Arizona

Website

Chandler-Gilbert Community College offers a wide variety of online degrees and courses that help students reach their educational goals. Whether it is to complete an associate’s degree and transfer to a university or learn a trade or skill and enter the workforce, Chandler-Gilbert has the online options. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Chandler-Gilbert offers students several options to earn a free online degree through need and merit-based funding. While federal financial aid often covers the cost of tuition and books for many students, they also have access to funding through the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Foundation. The foundation offers access to several scholarships through the completion of just one application.

#14 – Coastline Community College

Fountain Valley, California

Website

Coastline Community College provides students with several free online college degrees available through internet learning platforms or telecourses. Thanks to its open-door admission policy, Coastline Community College serves a wide swath of students from various socio-economic backgrounds. In response to student need, the institution offers various funding to enable students to earn a free college degree online. In addition to federal financial aid, students can utilize funding from a variety of sources including the California College Promise Grant and Student Success Completion Grant. The Student Success Grant offers up to $1,298 annually on top of funding from the Cal Grant that also provides tuition relief.

#15 – Cochise County Community College

Douglas, Arizona

Website

Cochise County Community College offers several distance degree programs that require no campus visitation. Degrees can be used for specific workforce training or to satisfy lower division requirements needed to transfer to a four-year institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Degrees include business administration, economics, social science, computer information systems, and more. Generous financial aid and scholarship packages result in many students being able to earn their online college degree for free with little or no student debt. Depending on income levels, many students receive enough financial aid for their tuition and books to be covered. Additionally, the institution offers a wide variety of need-based and merit-based aid. For example, graduating high school seniors receive up to $750 based on their high school GPA. The Cochise Foundation also offers dozens of scholarships through the completion of just one application.

#16 – College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho

Website

The College of Southern Idaho is home to one of the largest selections of programs, many of which are available online. Also, as one of the top free online colleges in the country, CSI awards over $2,000,000 in scholarships annually. Awards are often merit-based, though some are contingent on need. CSI is considered the best bargain school in Idaho for a quality education at little to no cost. For students with financial burden, scholarships, awards, and grants are available to offset the price of tuition. In addition to federal funding, over 300 CSI Foundation scholarships, including the New Hope, are available. The College of Southern Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#17 – College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, Maryland

Website

The College of Southern Maryland is an accredited two-year institution that offers students an array of financial aid and scholarship packages that can result in obtaining a free online degree without the burdens of student debt. Students can earn an associate of arts online in business administration, technical management, business management, information services, and sport management. Money from federal financial aid, veteran’s benefits, and local scholarships can all be used to offset tuition, books, and living expenses. The College of Southern Maryland awards more than 420 scholarships annually to students based on need and merit. Popular scholarships include the Maryland Community College Promise and Academic Excellence scholarships.

#18 – Collin County Community College

McKinney, Texas

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Collin College offers degrees and courses online for students seeking to earn a free online degree that can be used to continue on to a university or four-year college degree or to enter the workforce in a specific career path. To pay for classes, students should apply for federal financial aid by completing the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), which will qualify them for federal and state aid. This type of aid includes grants, loans, and work-study. Students from low-income backgrounds often qualify for enough aid to fully cover tuition, books, and living expenses. In addition to federal and state aid, students can apply for a variety of foundation and transfer scholarships through the completion of a general application, which will match them up to the best opportunities.

#19 – Community College of Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The Community College of Allegheny County offers students a wide array of online associate transfer and workforce ready degrees. With nearly 20 offerings, students are sure to find an online degree that meets their career and educational aspirations. To help cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, and other expenses, Allegheny Community College offers a variety of financial resources for its diverse student body. Individuals who fill out the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) may qualify for enough aid to cover their entire educational costs including tuition, books, and even living costs. The institution’s foundation also offers student scholarships based on geographic location, career field, GPA, and background.

#20 – Crowley County Community College

Arkansas City, Kansas

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Crowley County Community College offers students several distance learning options. With nearly 40 online degrees ranging from liberal arts to medical coding, students with a variety of educational and career interests will find a degree that fits their needs. All of Cowley College’s degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many programs also have individual accreditations specific to their discipline and career-field. To help pay for classes, Crowley College supports its students through traditional financial aid such as federal grants, loans, and work study jobs. Crowley College also has a large menu of scholarships based on academics, major, activity, and through its foundation. The staff at the institution helps students understand and apply for funds that can assist them in reducing their financial burden.

#21 – Craven Community College

New Bern, North Carolina

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Located in New Bern, North Carolina, Craven Community College provides students with free online college degrees through a mixture of federal, state, and local funds. In addition, students can qualify for tuition and fee waivers through a variety of programs. Students with a federal financial aid expected family contribution of zero can expect enough funding to cover their full tuition and books for their qualifying academic year. Additionally, students can earn money for additional expenses, such as supplies and living expenses, through work-study positions on and off campus. The foundation makes it simple for students to apply for scholarships through the completion of one application that qualifies them for 80 different scholarships. Scholarship funds are distributed based on a variety of need and merit-based categories.

#22 – Cuyahoga Community College District

Cleveland, Ohio

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Cuyahoga Community College offers a wide array of online degrees including associate of arts, associate of applied business, associate of applied business and supply chain, and more. They also offer several majority online degrees ranging 95%-85% distance learning with minimal on-campus time required. With the lowest college tuition rates in Ohio, Cuyahoga already offers great value for its students to pursue their postsecondary goals. In addition to traditional financial aid grants, loans, and work-study, Cuyahoga provides different types of aid in the form of local scholarships and third-party sponsorships. Local scholarships come in need and merit-based form. The third-party sponsors can be individuals or organizations willing to pay the educational costs of those they sponsor.

#23 – East Arkansas Community College

Forrest City, Arkansas

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East Arkansas Community College provides several free online college degrees for those who qualify for financial aid. Students completing the free application for federal student aid may qualify for several grants, including the Perkins grant, Pell grant, and multiple state grants. Grants received through federal financial aid do not need to be paid back and can be used towards tuition, books, fees, and living expenses. In addition to financial aid funds, East Arkansas offers students scholarship opportunities through local and regional partners. Scholarships include the technical education scholarship, Hammonds scholarship, and nearly 20 more offerings. Scholarships are awarded on both need and merit.

#24 – East Mississippi Community College

Scooba, Mississippi

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East Mississippi Community College offers students a total of 450 online courses to choose from. The institution is a member of the Mississippi Virtual Community College that allows its 15-member institutions to leverage their resources for the benefit of distance learning students. To help students earn a free online college degree, East Mississippi offers a large contingent of tuition assistance and scholarship programs on top of federal financial aid. One of the most popular programs is the tuition assistance program that students living in one of six counties automatically qualify for. The program will cover any tuition gap after federal and state financial aid monies have been applied.

#25 – Eastern Wyoming College

Torrington, Wyoming

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Eastern Wyoming College offers students several pathways to earn a free degree online. The institution has a robust online course catalog that offers several degrees and certificates. Degrees include business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, elementary education, and interdisciplinary studies. Financial aid opportunities exist in the form of state and federal funding. Students from low-income backgrounds often qualify for enough aid to cover their full tuition, fees, and textbooks through grants that require no repayment. Eastern Wyoming provides easy access to institutional scholarships through its student portal. Students enter demographic information and are matched up to the best possible scholarship opportunities.

#26 – El Paso Community College

El Paso, Texas

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El Paso Community College provides students with an extensive menu of online courses they can take towards their free online college degree. The school is a member of the Virtual College of Texas, which is a collaborative effort between fifty community college districts that allow students to take distance courses at any of the member institutions and receive distance degree support from one school. Financial aid opportunities are funneled through one school, making it a simple process to qualify for aid. In addition to federal and state financial aid, students can complete one application and qualify for various El Paso Community College Scholarships based on need, merit, and demographic characteristics.

#27 – Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, California

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Foothill College offers approximately 40 fully online degrees that can be used for workforce preparation or credit towards a bachelor’s degree. With such an extensive online program, students are sure to find something that meets their educational and career needs. To help students earn their online college degree for free, Foothill provides students with millions of dollars in state and federal financial aid each year. Additionally, the institution offers the Foothill College Promise that provides free tuition, books, and fees for first-time college students over the course of two full years who take a minimum of 12 credits per term.

#28 – Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rock Spring, Georgia

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides students with over a dozen fully online associate degrees. In addition, the institution offers several short-term diplomas and certificates. The institution also offers several more programs that are at least 50% online. To help students earn a free online college degree, Georgia Northwestern provides several streams of financial aid funds ranging from Pell grants, state grants, federal work study, and low interest federal loans. Additionally, students have access to several institutional scholarships, many of which go unclaimed, to help pay the cost of tuition, books, and associated living expenses. Scholarships include the HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller, and several Foundation scholarships.

#29 – Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Clarkston, Georgia

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Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers 30 online programs for students seeking to earn a free college degree online. Featured degrees include business management, cyber forensics, human resources management, marketing management, and networking specialist. For students seeking funding for their degree, they can apply for traditional financial aid funding to qualify for federal and state loans, grants, and work-study positions. Qualifying household incomes can get their entire tuition, fees, and textbook expenses covered. For scholarship funding, Georgia Piedmont offers the AwardSpring program that qualifies students for nearly 24 internal scholarships by simply answering a short questionnaire. Scholarships vary in amount and length.

#30 – Hazard Community and Technical College

Hazard, Kentucky

Website

Hazard Community and Technical College provides students with several online degrees and certificates to help students achieve their workplace and educational goals. There are several online programs, including associate in arts, associate in science, business administration, computer information technology, criminal justice, and more. Hazard Community and Technical College prides itself in making scholarships readily available to its students. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of categories such as academic discipline, career field, location, race/ethnicity, income, and merit. Students receiving scholarships are required to re-apply every year. Scholarships are available for both part-time and full-time students. Applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree are not eligible.

#31 – Highland Community College

Highland, Kansas

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Highland Community College offers several free online college degrees for qualified applicants. Online degrees include associate in arts, associate in science, accounting, business administration, criminal justice, and personal fitness trainer. Highland awards federal financial aid to all qualified applicants who submit their free application for financial aid on or before the deadline. Financial aid ranges from grants and work-study to loans. Scholarships range from internal, local, regional, and national awards based on need and merit. Additionally, students may qualify based on their career field, academic discipline, or background. Internal scholarships include academic department awards, athletic awards, technical center awards, and foundation awards.

#32 – Hillsborough Community College

Tampa, Florida

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Hillsborough Community College is a top free online college, thanks to substantial financial aid awards and access to numerous scholarship opportunities. HCC Online offers online courses and programs that do not require on-campus visits. Programs include degree and courses offerings in accounting, business administration, criminology, fire science technology, liberal arts and sciences, and paralegal studies, to name a few. In addition to federal financial aid, the HCC Foundation offers scholarship programs for qualifying students. Scholarships are typically awarded for one academic year or term. Recipients must reapply each year. Other financial aid opportunities include Florida Bright Futures or Pell Grants, both of which offset tuition costs.

#33 – Holmes Community College

Goodman, Mississippi

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Holmes Community College offers degrees and classes through its eLearning classroom. Students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution or desiring to learn a skill or trade can find something through the Holmes Community College online catalog. To help afford tuition, one popular grant–the Calhoun County Tuition Assistance Grant–pays for full tuition for four consecutive semesters. The grant does not cover supplies, room, or board. Students must be a resident of Calhoun County, take the ACT exam, apply for the MTAG grant, and complete the FAFSA. Holmes Community College also offers several other scholarship and grant programs that can result in earning a free online degree.

#34 – Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, Kansas

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Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, Hutchinson Community College offers several online learning pathways that lead to an associate in arts, associate in accounting, associate in business, associate in early childhood education, and more. Students take courses asynchronously and work at their own pace and on their own schedule. Many Hutchinson Community College’s students earn their online degree completely free through a combination of financial aid funding, institutional grants, and scholarships. Hutchinson awards over 500 scholarships per year to full-time and part-time students. Applying for scholarships at Hutchinson is made easy through its DragonZone student portal. Students simply fill out some demographic information and mark what funds they are interested in applying for.

#35 – Lake Region State College

Devils Lake, North Dakota

Website

Lake Region State College offers free online college degrees for students of all kinds, whether they are pursuing a transfer degree to continue their education at a four-year institution or completing an associate of applied science to prepare them directly for the workforce after their studies at Lake Region. Featured online programs include associate in arts, associate in science, business administration, early childhood education, law enforcement, speech pathology, and more. Lake Region provides free classes to many of its students via federal financial aid Pell grants, which do not have to be paid back. The funds may be applied to tuition, books, and living expenses.

#36 – Lanier Community College

Gainesville, Georgia

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Using the BlackBoard learning management system, Lanier Community College provides students with access to free online education designed to prepare them for the workforce or to seamlessly transfer to a four-year-degree-granting institution. Students working full-time or living far from colleges are excellent candidates for online courses at Lanier. To help students earn a free degree online, the financial aid and scholarship departments invest several thousands of dollars to students each term. Many students qualify for the maximum Pell grant awarded each year, which often covers their full tuition and textbooks. In addition to Pell grant funding, the Lanier Foundation offers generous scholarships to students based on financial need, background, and merit.

#37 – Laramie County Community College

Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Laramie County Community College is accredited by the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission to confer free online degrees to students who qualify for the requisite aid and complete all courses and degree requirements in a satisfactory manner. The institution has several online degree programs, such as accounting, business, computer information systems, cybersecurity, elementary education, psychology, and much more. Many Laramie students qualify for full financial aid funding, which covers tuition, books, and fees. Additionally, students can apply for several scholarships such as City of Laramie tuition waiver, GEAR Up, LCCC need grant, LCCC department grant, LCCC soaring eagle grant, and dozens more.

#38 – Lehigh Carbon Community College

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

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Lehigh Carbon Community College provides students with several online degrees, including business administration, criminal justice, education, human resources, special education, and several certificates. Forty-five percent of Lehigh Carbon students take their courses online, and the institution has built an efficient infrastructure to help students succeed. Additionally, many students qualify for the maximum Pell grant award, which can be used to cover full tuition and textbooks. Students also have access to work study funds, allowing them to work on and off-campus jobs that also relate to their major. The Morgan Foundation also awards several thousands of dollars in funding for students based on their background, area of study, financial need, and merit.

#39 – Lenoir Community College

Kinston, North Carolina

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Located in Kinston, North Carolina, Lenoir Community College offers students several dozen online degrees that can be completed without attending campus. Featured degrees include associate in arts, associate in science, accounting, finance, aviation management, human resources, and more. Students studying virtually any discipline will find an online degree or certificate that meets their needs. To help students meet their demonstrated financial need, Lenoir offers several types of financial aid, grants, tuition waivers, and scholarships. Examples of funding include the NC Community College Childcare Grant, NC Education Lottery Scholarships, veteran’s benefits, and LCC Foundation Scholarships. Lenoir has staff on hand both in person and online to help students apply.

#40 – Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois

Website

Lincoln Land Community College offers online degrees, certificates, and courses for students looking to earn an education through eLearning. Some of the online associate degrees awarded at Lincoln Land CC include business, computer science, criminal justice, English, history, liberal arts, philosophy, and psychology, to name a few. Online certificates include specialized training in computer administration and fire service and prevention. To help students afford tuition, fees, and books, Lincoln Land’s Foundation offers scholarships based on merit and need. In addition to scholarships, the school offers lucrative financial aid awards that can help students eliminate any education costs associated with attending LLCC.

#41 – Lone Star College

The Woodlands, Texas

Website

Lone Star College offers 30+ online programs for students who never have to set foot on campus. While some degrees are fully online, others may incorporate hybrid classes. AA degrees online are available in business, criminal justice, international studies, and speech communication. AAS degrees in business, computer programming, and health information technology are also available. To help pay for college, Lone Star offers attractive financial aid awards and scholarships based on need and/or merit. In some cases, students may earn a free online degree thanks to their financial aid awards. To help qualify for assistance, students must complete the FAFSA on an annual basis.

#42 – Massasoit Community College

Brockton, Massachusetts

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Massasoit Community College offers a robust online catalogue of courses and degrees students can access to meet their educational and career needs. The institution’s commitment to online coursework is reflected in its offering of several transfer and workforce degrees and courses, all of which can be completed online. Featured programs include business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and marketing. As an accredited institution, Massasoit distributes several hundred thousand dollars of free financial aid funds each year. In addition to federal and state financial aid funding, Massasoit offers scholarships and grants from local coffers that assist students in earning a free online college degree.

#43 – McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, Illinois

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McHenry County College offers students both transfer and career or technical education online degrees for little to no money. The institution is committed to providing students who work full-time or who do not live within commuting distance from a postsecondary college the opportunity to achieve their educational and career-related goals. Featured online degrees include associate in general education, accounting, business management, computer information, and network security. To help students earn a free online college degree, the McHenry County College Foundation has partnered with several local and regional organizations to provide funds for students above and beyond what is offered through financial aid. Students simply fill out one scholarship application per year or semester and are matched to those that best fit their listed credentials and criteria.

#44 – Metropolitan Community College

Omaha, Nebraska

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Metropolitan Community College offers fully online degrees designed for working professionals, those not living near a community college, and individuals who prefer an online learning environment. Metropolitan has developed a supportive infrastructure of staff, faculty, and various systems that help students reach their educational goals. Featured online degrees include business management, computer technology, and criminal justice. Whether students seek workforce readiness or transfer to a four-year institution, Metropolitan has something for nearly everyone. To help students earn their free online college degree, Metropolitan has partnered with several local agencies to provide funding for students that extends beyond traditional aid. Examples include the fresh start grant, finisher grant, amnesty grant, and more.

#45 – Mid-Plains Community College

McCook, Nebraska

Website

Mid-Plains Community College offers several free online college degrees for qualifying students. In addition to a robust offering of courses, certificates, and online degrees, the institution offers funding that extends beyond traditional federal and state financial aid. Mid-Plains Students often find that traditional financial aid covers a significant portion of their tuition, fees, and books. Specifically, those who qualify for the full Pell grant can receive over $6,000 annually, which does not need to be paid back. In essence, Pell grants are free money! In addition, students from certain backgrounds, such as veterans, ethnic minorities, women, and those studying in certain fields, can qualify for need-based and merit-based aid.

#46 – Mississippi Delta Community College

Moorhead, Mississippi

Website

Mississippi Delta Community College offers several online degrees and classes through its own institution as well as through its membership in the Mississippi Virtual Community College Consortium of 15 institutions that have partnered to offer students classes at all of these colleges while receiving support from their home institution. Online degree options are appropriate for workforce, technical, and transfer students from a variety of fields and disciplines. Mississippi Delta offers free online college degrees to those who qualify for need-based and merit-based aid. Students can qualify for federal and state aid based on their income and ability to pay. Many students qualify for enough aid to have their full tuition, fees, and books paid for. Additionally, students may qualify for more aid to help them pay for their living expenses.

#47 – North Central Missouri College

Trenton, Missouri

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North Central Missouri College offers every single one of their general education courses online. Additionally, students can earn several free online college degrees, including accounting, business management, criminal justice, early childhood education, and nursing. Students who qualify for a federal Pell grant can get up to $6,195 per year to pay for tuition, fees, books, as well as any other expense they have, even non-education related. Additionally, students may also qualify for up to $4,000 per year via the federal equal opportunity grant. Both grants require no repayment, which means qualified students may attend the school for free.

#48 – North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, North Dakota

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North Dakota State College of Science offers a variety of online degrees, including business management, health information, information and communications technology, liberal arts, pharmacy technician, and technical studies–whether the student wants to transfer to a baccalaureate institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree or complete an applied associate’s degree and enter the workforce. The robust online course and degree offerings make North Dakota State College of Science an excellent option for working students, those who do not live near a college, or those who prefer online learning. To help students pay for classes, North Dakota State College of Science offers students excellent financial aid options as well as scholarships such as the NDSCS scholarship, STEM Success scholarship, M. Vertin scholarship, and more.

#49 – Northampton County Area Community College

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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Northampton County Area Community College offers several full and hybrid online degree options. Featured online degree options include accounting, business administration, child development, and criminal justice. In total, the institution offers 200+ online classes for students to choose from. To help students earn a free online college degree, the institution awards more scholarships than any other community college in Pennsylvania. Each year, Northampton awards more than $46 million in funding from 600 scholarships coming from nearly 200 different funding streams. This allows several students to earn their online degree completely free and graduate without student debt. The scholarship applications open in May each year.

#50 – Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska

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Northeast Community College provides students with several online degree programs that can be used to earn credit towards a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution or to enter the workforce as a prepared professional. Because the institution offers such a wide array of online courses, it is a plausible option for working students and those who prefer the convenience and flexibility online learning offers. Northeast Community College has streamlined the scholarship process, making it convenient for students to apply to nearly all scholarships with one simple application. Completing the single application gives students the opportunity to be awarded funding from dozens of scholarships such as the American Association of Women in Community Colleges, BankFirst Endowment, Connie Day Memorial, Eleanor Fuhrman, and Roger L. Shaffer Memorial.

#51 – North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

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At North Hennepin Community College, students may earn a degree online for little to no cost. In fact, thanks to NHCC’s financial aid awards and scholarships, students may earn a free online degree. Online degree offerings include AA, AS, or AAS degrees in accounting, business computer systems and management, computer science, finance management, marketing, and more. Online certificates may also be earned in areas like accounting, business, computer information systems, and computer science. Types of financial aid programs available at North Hennepin include both state and federal grants and work-study. While need-based, Pell grants may offset the cost of tuition and allow students to earn their degree at North Hennepin free of charge.

#52 – Northwest Mississippi Community College

Senatobia, Mississippi

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At Northwest Mississippi Community College, ninety-one percent of students attending receive some type of financial aid. Anyone receiving aid, whether in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study must complete a FAFSA. To help offset tuition and other costs associated with earning a degree at Northwest Mississippi, the school awards institutional grants and scholarships that do not need to be paid back. Academic, athletic, and need-based grants are available. Also, for qualifying students, federal grants (Pell and FSEOG) and state grants (MTAG and MESG) are offered. The federal work-study program provides on-campus jobs for students with financial need, but may not accommodate all online degree seeking students.

#53 – Norwalk Community College

Norwalk, Connecticut

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Norwalk Community College provides students with an array of online classes towards a transfer or workforce degree. Norwalk utilizes the BlackBoard learning management system to deliver its online courses. Additionally, students have advising and career support and guidance through the student services department. Norwalk Community College helps students seeking a free online degree to complete the free application for financial aid in order to qualify for aid. Students can qualify for up to $10,195 in grant money per year. In addition, the institution has several on-time and renewable scholarships such as the Royce merit scholarship, Bigelow Foundation scholarship, Dream Transfer scholarship, and much more.

#54 – Ogeechee Technical College

Statesboro, Georgia

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Ogeechee Technical College provides students with free online college degrees that can be utilized to transfer to a university or enter the workforce. Students can qualify for traditional financial aid by completing the free application for financial aid by the deadline. Students must complete this form each year. Traditional aid awards include grants, loans, and work-study. Many students at Ogeechee qualify for enough traditional financial aid to cover the cost of their entire education. In addition to federal and state aid, Ogeechee awards several thousand dollars in scholarship aid funds each term, including the HOPE scholarship and Zell Miller Grant.

#55 – Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, Missouri

Website

Ozarks Technical Community College is one of the top free online colleges on our list offering online programs from an accredited institution. Ozarks Tech offers online degrees, such as the AA, AAB, AAS, and AS. Available online degrees include accounting and business management, behavioral science, business, criminal justice, English, health information technology, social work, and teaching. Several online certificates may also be earned. To help students afford tuition and costs, the school offers scholarships, grants, and attractive financial aid awards. According to the school’s website, approximately 94 percent of attending freshmen receive financial aid.

#56 – Palo Alto College

San Antonio, Texas

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Distance learning at Palo Alto College is both convenient and affordable. Students seeking an online associate’s degree from an accredited community college find Palo Alto to provide options. The school offers AAS degrees in business management, computer support, information security and assurance, logistics and supply chain management, and network administrator. An AA degree and two associate’s in teaching degrees are also available online. To help students offset costs of attendance, financial aid awards are given. These awards, for qualifying students, include grants and scholarships that do not need to be paid back. In addition to grants and scholarships, other aid may be available to students based on need.

#57 – Pamlico Community College

Grantsboro, North Carolina

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Pamlico Community College offers online courses and degree pathways for students seeking to transfer credits to a four-year institution or enter the workforce. Pamlico Community College is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) that ensures quality distance education. The school is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. To help students pay for their education, Pamlico offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Students can complete a general scholarship application as well as additional applications in an attempt to qualify for funds. Most Pamlico scholarships are based on need, background, and merit.

#58 – Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina

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Pitt Community College is listed among our top free online colleges due to the financial aid opportunities available to qualifying students learning online. Pitt offers a large array of online degrees, certificates, and diplomas for individuals seeking transfer credit or entry into the workforce. Some of the online degree offerings include business administration, early childhood education, health information technology, healthcare management technology, and office administration. Online certificates include accounting and finance, healthcare management, and information technology, to name a few. Pitt CC offers substantial financial aid awards for qualifying students based on need, merit, and background. Awards offset tuition prices, and in some cases, wipe out tuition altogether.

#59 – Prince George’s Community College

Largo, Maryland

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Prince George’s Community College offers over 300 online and hybrid courses for students seeking a free college degree online. The extensive online course catalog makes Prince George an excellent choice for working professionals or individuals who do not live within a reasonable distance to a college or university. Since community college tuition is less expensive than costs at a four-year institution, students often qualify for enough financial aid to earn a completely free online degree. Also, as financial aid provides the same amount of money to community college students as their peers at four-year schools, they are able to get better value due to low-cost tuition. The school offers traditional aid along with several scholarship and grant programs, including Kathy and Jerry Wood, Honors Academy, Board of Trustees, and more.

#60 – San Juan College

Farmington, New Mexico

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At San Juan College, students may earn an online degree or take courses via distance education. Available online degree programs include the AA in business administration, liberal arts, marketing, and psychology. AAS degrees are also available and include business administration, health information technology, information technology, occupational safety, physical therapy assistance, and veterinary technology. Two online certificate programs in medical coding and billing and surgical first assistant are also offered. San Juan serves the financial needs of its students through grants and scholarships that help eliminate debt associated with education. By completing a FAFSA annually, students can qualify for financial assistance.

#61 – Sheridan College

Sheridan, Wyoming

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Sheridan College offers fully online degrees in business, computer science, English, history, social science, and more. The institution prides itself in offering diverse courses and degrees along with a vast support network of faculty, staff, and infrastructure to help online students meet their educational goals. To help students reduce their student loan burden and make college affordable, the institution provides millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarship funds every term. On top of the maximum federal grant aid of $10,195 per year, students can apply for several scholarship opportunities by completing one simple online scholarship application. Sheridan’s scholarships include the Kim and Mary K. Love scholarship, Tia and Mickey Doud scholarship, and many more.

#62 – Shoreline Community College

Shoreline, Washington

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Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 academic, professional, and technical training programs for students interested in furthering their education. A number of online offerings allow students to earn their degree or certificate by taking courses via distance learning. Associate’s degrees are available online in areas like accounting, business, criminal justice, health information, purchasing and supply chain management, and more. Money for attending school is available through grants, state aid, or federal work-study. Also, scholarships are awarded to qualifying students and do not need to be paid back. Annual and quarterly scholarships are offered.

#63 – Sinclair Community College

Dayton, Ohio

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Sinclair Community College provides a variety of online learning options at an affordable price. In fact, thanks to the sheer number of financial aid programs and scholarships, many attend Sinclair for little to no cost. FAFSA completion workshops are offered on campus and online to help students complete the necessary paperwork for financial aid qualification. Scholarship workshops are also offered. Sinclair is one of the community colleges on our list that offers a large number of associate degree programs online. These programs include AA, AS, or AAS degrees in business administration, communication studies, computer science, criminal justice, English, history, psychology, and sociology.

#64 – Southeast Technical Institute

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Southeast Technical Institute offers a large contingent of online degrees designed to meet the needs of working professionals and students who prefer the convenience and flexibility of an online degree from an accredited institution. Southeast Tech’s online programs include accounting, business administration, computer programming, healthcare leadership, marketing, and more. In addition to flexible coursework, classes are rigorous and provide the same level of educational content as in-person courses. Southeast Technical Institute is dedicated to providing as many students as possible with a free college degree online through federal and state financial aid and scholarship funds. Students who major in high-need workforce programs may be eligible for a full-ride program through the Build Dakota program.

#65 – Southwestern Oregon Community College

Coos Bay, Oregon

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Southwestern Oregon Community College offers two fully online degrees: in digital design, and in childhood education and family studies. In addition to degree programs, SOCC offers a variety of online courses that are transferrable to four-year institutions. To help pay for college, or in some cases offset the cost entirely, SOCC offers federal and state grants, scholarships, and employment programs (such as work-study). For qualifying students, the GI Bill may wipe out all tuition and allow students to earn their degree for free. SOCC is fully accredited and one of the most affordable institutions on our list.

#66 – Stanly Community College

Albemarie, North Carolina

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Stanly Community College offers financial aid assistance for prospective and current students to help offset the cost of their education. Through federal and state grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, students may earn their degree for little to nothing. In fact, Stanly is recognized among the free online colleges due to the sheer amount of aid it provides qualifying students. For those seeking an online degree, available programs include accounting and finance, agribusiness technology, business administration, criminal justice technology, early childhood education, and human services technology, to name a few. Stanly is fully accredited and one of the most affordable schools on our list.

#67 – State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri

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At State Fair Community College, students may earn online associate degrees in areas like business management, health information technology, medical assistant, and more. Online professional and skills certificates are also available. Students afford their education by completing the FAFSA and receiving substantial financial aid awards based on need, merit, and/or background. Ten President’s Academic Excellence Scholarships and 25 achievement scholarships are awarded annually. The SFCC Foundation also awards scholarships, such as the J. Higdon and Bernice Potter scholarship. Leadership and performance scholarships (in fine and performing arts, athletics, and cheerleading) are also available and awarded to qualifying students based on merit.

#68 – Tarrant County Community College

Fort Worth, Texas

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Tarrant County Community College offers online courses and programs designed for students seeking an educational option that suits their lifestyle and schedule. Fully online degree offerings include AAS degrees in areas like accounting, business administration, human resources, and office technology. Online certificates are available in accounting, business administration, HR, information technology – cybersecurity, and office technology. To offset the costs of a public education, Tarrant County awards financial aid to students based on background, merit, and need. Current scholarship opportunities include the Mary I. Gourley scholarship, Stars of Tomorrow program, and Tarrant County College Book scholarship. The TCC Foundation also awards various scholarships.

#69 – Truckee Meadows Community College

Reno, Nevada

Website

Truckee Meadows Community College is listed among the 100 free online colleges thanks to its number of online degree offerings and history of financial aid awards. Truckee Meadows offers online associate’s degrees in areas like anthropology, business, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, history, psychology, and more. The school is also one of the few community colleges to award an online bachelor’s degree in emergency management and homeland security. To help students afford their college education, Truckee Meadows offers grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Scholarships, based on need and merit, include the TMCC Nevada Promise scholarship and various TMCC Foundation and tribal scholarships.

#70 – Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Website

At Tulsa Community College, students may earn online degrees, such as the AA, AS, or AAS in a range of disciplines. Online degree programs include business administration, computer information systems, history, information technology, liberal arts, marketing, psychology, and more. Also, several online certificates are offered. Certificate programs include accounting, business, child development, and information technology. Types of aid available at TCC include grants, federal work study, and scholarships. Gift aid, in terms of scholarships, are awarded to students based on need and merit. Scholarships include the Ellucian Pathways, Future Teachers, and TCC Foundation. Oklahoma resident tuition waivers are also available for qualifying students.

#71 –Vista College

San Antonio, Texas

Website

Northwest Vista College offers students transfer and career opportunities through its online degree options. Degrees include associate of arts, associate of science, business, and criminal justice. These programs prepare students for a seamless transfer to a four-year institution or entry into workforce. Many students attending Northwest Vista College qualify for grant aid that does not need to be paid back. Students can be awarded $10,195 per year from federal financial aid alone. This total does not include work-study positions or low interest loans. Several scholarship opportunities are also offered. Scholarships are generally based on background, merit, and/or need.

#72 – Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina

Website

Wake Technical Community College ranks among the top 100 free online colleges thanks to the number of scholarships and financial aid packages awarded. Financial aid awards are based on the FAFSA application. Once completed, students receive awards based on need. For qualifying students, scholarships and grants provide monies that do not have to be paid back. WTCC-sponsored scholarship programs the Wake Tech Foundation scholarship, ABB scholarship, Ashworth scholarship, and Bertha Drew Harris Endowed scholarship. Online degree programs available at Wake Tech include AA, AS, and AAS degrees in discipline areas like accounting and finance, advertising and graphic design, business analytics, computer programming, criminal justice, and supply chain management, to name a few.

#73 – Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Website

Washtenaw Community College offers online programs for students interested in entering the workforce or transferring to a four-year college or university. Washtenaw’s online degrees include associate’s degrees in disciplines like business, broadcast media and digital arts, computer technology, general studies, human services, and more. To help afford your education, Washtenaw offers financial support to nearly all of its students. Funds are available through grants, scholarships, and other financial aid resources. Scholarships, based on need and merit, provide students with financial assistance for books, emergencies, tuition, and even child care. Due to Washtenaw’s financial aid packages and awards, the school has earned a spot among the top 100 free online colleges.

#74 – Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina

Website

Wayne Community College offers students a range of learning opportunities including online degree programs and programs that combine online and hybrid courses. Degree programs include disciplines like accounting and finance, agribusiness technology, business administration, criminal justice technology, early childhood education, and more. To help offset the financial burden of education, Wayne Community College offers financial aid packages comprised of grants and scholarships. Veteran scholarships along with local and state scholarships help students earn a free online degree. Year-round scholarships include Browngirl, PNC Education Loan Center Achiever Scholarship, and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood North Carolina Scholarship.

#75 – Western Wyoming Community College

Rock Springs, Wyoming

Website

Western Wyoming Community College offers online programs to accommodate the growing demand of online learners. Accredited online degrees in in-demand fields are available in disciplines like business administration, education, information management, and social media. WWCC offers 11 fully online programs and seven fully online certificates. Federal and state aid is available for qualifying students who have completed a FAFSA. Financial aid awards may include state or federal grants and scholarships based on merit and need. A few of the scholarships available at Western include the Out of State Academic scholarship, Superior Student scholarship, Transfer scholarship, and Western Enhancement scholarships. Thanks to the available scholarships and aid programs, WWCC is a top free online college.

BCO Staff
January 2021

 

Also of interest:

This concludes our list of tuition free online colleges / free online degrees of 2021.