Complete List of Colleges That Offer Free Tuition for Low Income Families

College is expensive, but did you know there are many colleges that offer free tuition for low income families? Some even cover books, housing, dining and even health insurance too if your family income is below a certain amount!

That’s right! Many top universities—including Harvard, MIT, and Duke—have committed to making college more affordable by offering free tuition to students who qualify. Some states, like New Mexico and Wisconsin, also provide free tuition for all in-state students under a certain income level.

If you’ve been putting off college because of the cost, this guide will show you which schools offer free tuition, how to apply, and how to maximize financial aid so you can graduate with little to no debt.

How Free Tuition Programs Work

Many colleges determine tuition assistance based on household income, meaning students from low-income and middle-income families can attend without paying tuition. These programs often come from a mix of:

• University endowments (funds set aside by the school)
• State and federal grants (such as the Pell Grant)
• Work-study programs
• Outside scholarships

These programs usually only cover tuition, so students may still need financial aid for housing, meals, and books—but don’t worry, we’ll also cover how to get help for those costs below.

Colleges That Offer Free Tuition Based on Income

Here’s a quick guide to schools offering free tuition, organized by income threshold.

Free Tuition for Families Earning Under $200,000

• Harvard University: Harvard offers tiered support for low income families. Families earning under $200,000 may qualify for free tuition and financial aid with other costs. If you earn $100,000 or less per year, then all billed expenses are covered including fees, food, housing, health insurance, winter gear, travel costs between campus and home, event fees, activities and more.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT covers full tuition for students from families earning less than $200,000. If you earn less than $100,000 per year, parents are not expected to contribute to their students education at all.
• University of Pennsylvania: Penn has increased their income limits so that families earning less than $200,000 per year can qualify for free tuition. If you make $75,000 or less, then all billable expenses including housing, dining, and fees will be covered as well.
• Princeton University: Princeton University offers free tuition for students whose families earn $160,000 or less per year. Additionally, students from families making $100,000 or less receive full financial aid coverage, including housing, meals, and fees, ensuring a nearly cost-free education.

Free Tuition for Families Earning Under $150,000

• Columbia University: Columbia offers full tuition coverage for students from families earning $150,000 or less per year. Families earning below $60,000 also receive assistance with housing and other costs.
• Duke University: Duke University provides free tuition to students from North and South Carolina whose families earn $150,000 or less per year. Additional aid may be available for students from families with lower incomes.
• Stanford University: Stanford University covers full tuition for families earning $150,000 or less per year. Families earning under $100,000 also receive additional aid to help with room, board, and other expenses.

Free Tuition for Families Earning Under $125,000

• Brown University: Brown University covers full tuition for students whose families earn $125,000 or less annually. Brown does not expect families who earn $60,000 or less per year to contribute anything toward their child’s education costs.
• Dartmouth College: Dartmouth provides free tuition to students from families earning $125,000 or less per year, with additional grants for those with greater financial need.
• State University of New York (SUNY) System: New York residents whose families earn $125,000 or less per year can attend SUNY schools tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship Program.

Free Tuition for Families Earning Under $100,000

• New York University (NYU): NYU Promise ensures full tuition coverage for students whose families earn under $100,000 per year. Students may also qualify for additional aid to cover housing and fees.
• University of Texas System: All nine University of Texas campuses provide free tuition for students from families earning $100,000 or less per year through programs like Texas Advance Commitment.

Free Tuition for Families Earning Under $75,000

• Brandeis University: Brandeis University provides full tuition coverage for students from families making $75,000 or less per year.
• Carnegie Mellon University: Carnegie Mellon waives full tuition for students from families earning $75,000 or less per year.
• Cornell University: Cornell University offers free tuition for students whose families earn $75,000 or less annually. Additional financial aid may be available to cover housing and other costs.
• Yale University: Yale provides free tuition for students from families making $75,000 or less per year. Families in this income range may also receive grants to cover room, board, and other expenses.

Free Tuition Programs for State Residents

• New Mexico Public Universities: All in-state New Mexico students can attend for free, regardless of income.
• University of Arkansas: Arkansas residents earning less than $70,000 per year qualify for free tuition at the University of Arkansas.
• University of Wisconsin: Wisconsin residents earning $55,000 or less qualify for free tuition.

How to Maximize Financial Aid

Even if you qualify for free tuition, you may still need financial aid for housing, books, and other expenses. The good news is, there are ways to combine financial aid programs to reduce or eliminate these costs!

1. Fill Out the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important step in getting grants, work-study, and scholarships. If your family makes under $60,000, you may qualify for the Pell Grant, which gives students up to $7,395 per year in free aid. Many free tuition programs require students to submit the FAFSA every year.
2. Use the GI Bill. If you or a parent served in the military, you may be eligible for the GI Bill, which covers tuition, housing, and books. Learn more about GI Bill benefits.
3. Apply for Scholarships. In addition to free tuition programs, many organizations offer scholarships for low-income students. Some of the best include the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award, the Gates Scholarship and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship. You can get the details on more low income scholarships here.
4. Consider Work-Study Programs. Many universities offer work-study jobs where students can earn extra money while attending school. These programs often allow students to work on-campus with flexible schedules to fit their classes.

Relief Recap

If you’ve been avoiding college because of the cost, these programs could change your future. Many top schools are now offering free tuition to families who qualify, and with financial aid, scholarships, and grants, you may be able to graduate without debt.

Start by filling out the FAFSA, researching your school’s financial aid program, and applying for additional grants and scholarships. College may be more within reach than you think!