Community college can be free in some cases due to tuition-free programs or scholarships. Initiatives like the College Promise program and state-specific policies often cover tuition for eligible students, but other costs like fees, books, and living expenses may not be included.
Newsflash: College can be pretty dang expensive. But just because you have your heart set on earning your degree doesn’t mean that you need to pay a freakin’ arm and a leg for it. The truth is, there are tons of ways to potentially get around that big sticker price, from applying for college scholarships and grants to enrolling in a work-study program.
Another savvy way to lower the price tag on your education? Attending a free community college.
Hold up, did you just say community college is free? Seriously?
Yep, seriously. Some states and colleges offer programs that make it possible for students to get their associate’s degree at a community college for free. Well, almost for free. (There are some caveats, which we’ll discuss below.) The point is that a college education can be affordable. Here’s how.
What You Need to Know
When people talk about community college being free, they’re likely referring to the state or college offering a tuition-free program.
So, is community college free? Not exactly. If you’re eligible for a tuition-free program, you’ll still need to find a way to pay for indirect costs such 
as books, housing, and transportation. (Thankfully, you can cover some — if not all — of these costs by using a combination of grants, scholarships, and a work-study job.)
Related Reading: Grant vs. Scholarship – What’s the Difference?
Another important caveat we should mention is that many tuition-free programs aren’t accessible to everyone. Most states and colleges that offer financial assistance require students to meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements often involve the student having a strong financial need or holding a certain GPA.
Related Reading: What Is a Need-Based Scholarship?
Which States Offer Free College?
One way to attend community college for free is by taking advantage of your state’s so-called promise program.
What is a promise program? First, a quick history lesson. Back in 2015, then-President Barack Obama first proposed making community college free on a national level. Many states decided to adopt their own promise programs, which offered early commitment of financial aid to local students.
In recent years, more states have passed legislation that makes community college free for eligible students. Here is a list of states that offer such programs:
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Washington
Other states have legislation in the works, so if your state isn’t on this list, check anyway! They may now have a program in place.
My State Doesn’t Have a Promise Program — Now What?
Don’t write off your college dreams just yet. If your state doesn’t have a promise program, they almost certainly have other forms of funding that can help you pay for college.
For instance, government-funded grants such as Pell grants can make college more affordable for students who display financial need. Be sure to look into local and state grants that can potentially help you bring down the cost of college.
Another form of financial aid you shouldn’t overlook is college scholarships. Scholarships can be awarded for literally everything. The best part? They don’t need to be paid back! It’s free money with no strings attached. You can read our blog – How Do Scholarships Work? – to get the lowdown on earning scholarship dough.
Colleges That Offer Free Tuition
There are a handful of colleges throughout the United States that don’t charge anything (read: $0) for tuition. Of course, it’s always important to read the fine print. Schools that offer free tuition often have fairly strict eligibility requirements.
For instance, you may be required to work on campus for the duration of your study or perform services for the school after you graduate. Some schools also require that you live in a certain state or come from a low-income background.
Here are a few schools that are notable for offering free tuition:
- Berea College – Berea, KY
- Alice Lloyd College – Pippa Passes, KY
- College of the Ozarks – Point Lookout, MO
- The Apprentice School – Newport News, VA
- Barclay College – Haviland, KS
- Curtis Institute of Music – Philadelphia, PA
- Warren Wilson College – Asheville, NC
- Webb Institute – Glen Cove, NY
- Deep Springs College – Deep Springs, CA
- Williamson College of the Trades – Media, PA
Getting Your Degree for Free
Community colleges offer a slew of perks: smaller class sizes, greater flexibility, and an easier admissions process, just to name a few. But their biggest advantage by far is their affordability. And by taking advantage of multiple forms of financial aid, you can potentially end up paying $0 for tuition. Talk about a sweet deal!
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Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Who is eligible for free community college programs?
Many community college students are eligible for free tuition but eligibility depends on residency, family income and if you’re a recent high school graduate.
For example, the California College Promise Grant has specific requirements such as enrollment status and financial need. Some states offer free tuition to in-state students attending public community colleges.
How does federal aid affect community college tuition?
Federal aid helps reduce the cost of community college for students. Many students are eligible for federal Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid that cover tuition.
Knowing how to apply for federal aid can really help alleviate the financial burden of attending community college so you can get an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year college.
Are there community service requirements for free tuition programs?
Some states like Oregon and Tennessee have implemented scholarship programs such as the Tennessee Promise Scholarship Act that may have community service requirements as part of their eligibility criteria.
These requirements encourage students to get involved in their communities while pursuing a college degree, to promote both educational attainment and civic responsibility among high school graduates.
How do part-time students get free community college resources?
While many free tuition programs are for full-time students, part-time students can also look into the Community College Opportunity Grant or state specific financial aid programs for part-time students.
These grants provide additional funding based on individual circumstances to help part-time students manage their college costs while attending community college.
