How to Study in USA for Free?

Did you ever think of study in USA for free? If yes, then it’s possible to do so. There are some top-notch universities in the U.S. that don’t charge international students any fees. These universities offer tons of different courses. So, you can pick whatever you are interested in. Also, there are lots of scholarships and other opportunities available. 

If you are worried about the cost of studying in the USA, please don’t be. There are ways to study in the U.S. without spending a lot of money. The USA has some of the best universities in the world, with top-notch education and great job opportunities. But, studying there can be expensive. In this article, you can find out how to study in USA for free. So, let’s get started.

Can You Study in USA for Free?

If you wanna study in the USA for free, there are a couple of ways you can do it. You can apply for a full-ride scholarship. They will cover all your expenses, like tuition, books, and living costs. 

But if you can’t get a full scholarship, you can still try for a partial one. You can fill in the gaps with grants, work-study programs, or even part-time jobs.

How to Study in USA for Free?

Before you make any plans to study in USA, it is important to think about all the costs involved. This includes things like tuition fees, living expenses, and other stuff like exam fees and visa costs. You can easily cut down on these costs and even study in USA for free. Here are some tips to help you out with the same:

1. Prepare an Excellent Application

When you are applying to universities in the US, they usually want students who have great grades and do well on tests. So, make sure you check what your dream college needs from you and apply accordingly. It is also smart to start your applications early. This way, you can avoid mistakes and have a better chance of getting scholarships too.

2. Attend Tuition-Free Universities

In the USA, there are many public and private universities where you can study for free. If you want to study in the USA without paying tuition fees, you can get into one of these universities. 

You should make a list of these universities and the courses they offer. Then, apply to the ones that match what you want to study. This will help you save a lot of money on tuition fees.

3. Find Affordable Universities in USA

In the USA, there are lots of colleges and universities where you can go for further studies. Some of these schools are not too expensive but still give you a good education. If you find and select these kinds of schools, it can help you handle your money better. 

For example, you might consider schools like California State University, Alcorn State University, or Minot State University. Along with scholarships, you might even be able to study in the USA for free. 

Since you won’t be spending too much on school, you can save money. Moving far from home and figuring things out on your own can be tough, but it is worth it in the end. That’s how you learn and grow in life.

4. Apply for Scholarships in the USA

If you are thinking about living the American dream by studying in the USA, you must be worried about the cost. But like we said earlier, don’t stress too much about it. There are scholarships available for international students. These scholarships come from universities, the government, and private organizations. 

Some big-name schools like Harvard and MIT offer really good scholarships. Also, there are government scholarships too. But please remember, these scholarships can be competitive. So apply to as many as you can. You should meet the requirements before applying. By doing this you can increase your chances of getting free education in the USA.

5. Look for Part-Time Job Opportunities

If you are studying in the USA, working part-time can help you cover your expenses. There are lots of jobs available, both on and off campus. But, there are rules to follow. You can work up to 20 hours a week during your classes. But, during breaks, you can work up to 40 hours. To work on-campus, you need a valid F1 US Visa. You should keep these rules in mind when looking for a job to make sure you are following the law and not breaking any rules.

Top Free Universities to Study in the USA

Here are some of the top universities that offer free education to study in the USA. Let’s have a look at them: 

1. Berea College

Berea College was started in 1855. It has been tuition-free since 1892. If you are an international student and you are worried about money, Berea College might be a great option for you. 

They want to make sure everyone, no matter their income, can get a quality education. So, if you are thinking about studying in the USA, you should check out Berea College once. 

• Location: Berea, Kentucky
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Notable Alumni: John G. Fee – Founder of Berea College, James Still – Underground Railroad Conductor

2. Alice Lloyd College

Alice Lloyd College was started by Alice Spencer Geddes Lloyd and June Buchanan in 1923. They made it tuition-free so students could learn to be leaders. You will get a top-notch education in things like liberal arts. They teach you to be a leader with strong morals and values.

You will learn the importance of hard work through a program where students help out. The school has a Christian vibe. You will learn to communicate in different ways – talking, writing, and using symbols. They offer courses in natural science, math, education, social science, humanities, and business.

• Location: Pippa Passes, Kentucky
• Acceptance rate: 98%
• Notable Alumni: David Lander – Actor, best known for playing Squiggy on Laverne & Shirley

3. The Curtis Institute of Music

 The Curtis Institute of Music is a famous university where you can study music, from performance diplomas to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. They have a method of teaching called “learn by doing,” where you get a lot of attention from musicians who perform actively.

To get in, you need to show how good you are at music. Unfortunately, they don’t offer any free tuition opportunities. But don’t worry, you can always apply for scholarships to support your tuition cost.

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Acceptance rate: 10%
• Notable Alumni: Leonard Bernstein – Composer, conductor, pianist, writer, lecturer, Lenny Kravitz – Singer, songwriter, record producer, actor

4. College of the Ozarks

The College of Ozarks is known as Columbia College. It was started back in 1851. It is a Christian college where you don’t have to pay tuition fees. You can study in a classroom or online. 

You need to work about 15 hours a week to get the free tuition. It is known for having really good programs in teaching, business, education, and criminal justice. If you are looking for a top-notch education without spending too much money on the college, this college might be worth checking out.

• Location: Point Lookout, Missouri
• Acceptance rate: 21%
• Notable Alumni: John Ashcroft – Former U.S. Attorney General, Roy Blunt – U.S. Senator

5. Deep Spring College

Deep Spring College was started in 1917. At this school, they offer full scholarships to at least fifteen students. The college covers everything for these students – their accommodation, their classes, and their food.

In return, you have to commit to helping others. You can choose from different subjects like journalism, farming, politics, and more. It’s a pretty unique way of learning!

• Location: Deep Spring, California
• Acceptance rate: 8%
• Notable Alumni: Gregory Peck – Actor,  Huston Smith – Philosopher of religion

6. City University of New York

The City University of New York, or CUNY was started in 196. It has around 24 campuses. They include postgraduate institutions, community colleges, and senior colleges. 

If you join their Teacher Academy, you can get tuition-free scholarships. So, if you are thinking about studying there, you should check their Teacher Academy program. 

• Location: New York City, New York
• Acceptance rate: 64%
• Notable Alumni: Colin Powell – Former U.S. Secretary of State, Bernard Baruch – Financier and Stock Market Investor, Baruch College; Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Supreme Court Justice, Brooklyn College

7. Lewis-Clark State College  

Lewis-Clark State College was founded in 1893. If you are from outside the area, you get to pay the lowest tuition fees. They have over 130 different degrees and certificates for you to choose from. So whether you are into academics or more hands-on stuff, they have got you covered. They offer two and four-year degrees. 

• Location: Lewiston, Idaho
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• Notable Alumni: Joel Dahmen – Professional golfer

8. University of Washington

The University of Washington was formed in 1861. It is one of the biggest and best schools in the U.S. If you are an international student, you can have your tuition waived for free. But, you must meet certain requirements to qualify.

• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Acceptance rate: 48%
• Notable Alumni: Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon, Melinda Gates – Co-founder of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Jim Whittaker – First American to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen

9. Webb Institute

Webb Institute is a college that focuses on Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. They teach subjects like designing ships and building systems for them. Only students who are US citizens or permanent residents get a free ride on tuition fees.

• Location: Glen Cove, New York
• Acceptance rate: 21%
• Notable Alumni: Walter M. Dean –  Naval architect and marine engineer,  Theodore Roosevelt  III – Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Navy

10. US Service Academies

The US service academies have 5 campuses all across the USA:

• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York
• US Military Academy in West Point, New York
• US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado
• US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut
• U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland

When you are in these academies, you get free housing, tuition, and use of training facilities for four years. During this time, you also get a monthly stipend instead of pay for your service. But getting in is not so easy. You need to meet the following criteria: 

• High scores on tests like the SAT or ACT
• Leadership skills and being involved in your community
• Really good grades in high school
• Sports and other activities
• A letter of recommendation from a member of Congress 
• Passing a fitness test

• Locations: Colorado Springs, CO (Air Force), Annapolis, MD (Naval), West Point, NY (Military), New London, CT (Coast Guard)
• Acceptance rate: 12%
• Notable Alumni: Dwight D. Eisenhower – U.S. President, Jimmy Carter – U.S. President, John Glenn – Astronaut

If you are thinking about applying to any of these schools, we would advise you to check directly with them first. They might have different rules or requirements before you can become a student. So, please make sure to check their official website to get the most updated information.

Scholarships For Undergraduates to Study in USA for Free 

In the USA, lots of schools give scholarships to students from other countries. New York University is one such university. They offer different kinds of scholarships. For example, they have the Nneka Fritz (WAG ’08) Scholarship. This one covers all your tuition fees if you are from a group that does not have as many people represented.

1. University of Oregon Scholarships

The University of Oregon offers the International Cultural Service Program Tuition Scholarships. It helps pay for your tuition fees. This can save you a lot of money. You could get anywhere from $9,000 to $30,000 every year. They also give extra scholarships to help with other expenses you might have.

• Location: Eugene, Oregon
• Acceptance rate: 86%
• Scholarship Amount: Full or Partial Tuition Coverage
• Notable Alumni: Phil Knight – Co-founder of Nike,  Bill Bowerman – Co-founder of Nike,  Matthew McConaughey – Actor

2. Brandeis University Full-Ride Scholarship

Brandeis University in Massachusetts offers a full scholarship. It covers your tuition fees, and accommodation, and even gives you a round-trip air ticket every year. 

• Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
• Acceptance rate: 39%
• Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition, Living Stipend, Travelling Expenses
• Notable Alumni: Louis Brandeis – Supreme Court Justice, Rosalyn Yalow – Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine

3. Wesleyan University Scholarships

If you are from an Asian country, you can go to Wesleyan University for free. They offer Freeman Asian Scholars Program to their students. If you get in, they will cover all your tuition and fees for the entire four years of college. 

• Location: Middletown, Connecticut
• Acceptance rate: 14%
• Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition and Living Stipend
• Notable Alumni: Madeleine Albright – Former U.S. Secretary of State,  John Green – Author,  Wesley Snipes – Actor

Scholarships For Master’s to Study in USA for Free 

You can also study for your master’s degree for free in the United States. Let’s have a look at some of the scholarship programs:

1. New York University Dean’s Scholarship

New York University offers scholarships for graduate degrees. They offer the Dean’s Scholarship. It gives full-tuition scholarships to successful applicants from all fields of study. If you do well in your studies, you can even renew this scholarship.

• Location: New York City, New York
• Acceptance rate: 12%
• Scholarship Amount: Full or Partial Tuition Coverage
• Notable Alumni: Lady Gaga – Singer, songwriter, actress,  Ang Lee – Film director,  Spike Lee – Film director

2. Harvard University Master’s Scholarship

If you are thinking about getting your Master’s degree, Harvard University is a great choice. They have lots of scholarships available. You can pick the one that is right for you based on where you are from and what are your goals and expectations.

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Acceptance rate: 3%
• Scholarship Amount: Full or Partial Tuition Coverage
• Notable Alumni: Barack Obama – Former U.S. President,  Bill Gates – Co-founder of Microsoft,  Mark Zuckerberg – Founder of Facebook

Scholarships For Ph.D. to Study in USA for Free 

If you want to do a Ph.D., the USA is a top choice for most international students. They usually have funding available every year. So you can study for your Ph.D. for free.

1. Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship

If you get accepted to Stanford University for your Ph.D., they will take care of all your expenses. They will pay for your tuition and living costs. They will also give you some extra money for your studies.

• Location: Stanford, California
• Acceptance rate: 4%
• Scholarship Amount: Full-Ride Benefits
• Notable Alumni: Larry Page – Co-founder of Google,  Sergey Brin – Co-founder of Google,  Tiger Woods – Professional golfer

2. University of Miami Fellowships

If you are interested in getting a Ph.D., the University of Miami offers some great programs. They offer different kinds of help, like the Dean’s Fellowships. This gives you $35,000.

• Location: Coral Gables, Florida
• Acceptance rate: 19%
• Scholarship Amount: Prestigious Annual Stipend
• Notable Alumni:  Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Actor, former professional wrestler,  Alonzo Mourning – Former NBA player,  The Weeknd – Singer

3. Johns Hopkins University Scholarship

If you are thinking about getting your Ph.D., you can also consider Johns Hopkins University. They offer funding for international students. Through their scholarship program, they cover your tuition fees and give you a stipend for your research.

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Scholarship Amount: Tuition Coverage, Monthly Stipend
• Notable Alumni: Michael Bloomberg – Former Mayor of New York City, Marie Curie – Nobel Prize winner in Physics and Chemistry

4. MIT Ph.D. Scholarship

If you are dreaming of doing your Ph.D., you should check out the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). They offer fellowship grants to students from around the world. 

These grants cover everything from your tuition to your living expenses and research costs throughout your entire Ph.D. program. MIT’s Office of Graduate Education will give you all the details you need to know about these fellowships so you can focus on your studies.

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Acceptance rate: 4%
• Scholarship Amount: Full-Ride Benefits
• Notable Alumni: Buzz Aldrin – Astronaut, the second person to walk on the moon,  Salman Khan –  Indian actor, producer, and television personality (attended but did not graduate),  I.M. Pei – Architect

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Studying in the USA is a big dream for many smart students who want a great education. But getting it for free might seem far-fetched. That’s why we have created this article to help you with the best possible resources available. You can study in USA for free provided you have the right knowledge and resources to avail this benefit.