A common worry for parents nowadays are how they can afford to send their kids to college. Twenty years ago, public universities used to be a safe bet. Stay in-state, live at home and go to school for virtually nothing. However, times have changed, and unfortunately, even state schools have succumb to skyrocketing inflation, thus raising their fees. So what is a parent to do?
Tuition-free colleges are a well-kept secret as well as a perfect solution. Most of the population has never heard of some of these places due to remote locations and due to the fact they are very difficult for the average student to be accepted. The class sizes are also very small, which dwindles the number of the alumni, and therefore, advertisement by word of mouth.
City Schools With Free Tuition
Cooper Union – Based in downtown New York City, the location is impossible to beat. The three subject areas are art, engineering and architecture. This school is considered most competitive, thus students must submit a portfolio of their work and complete six to seven at-home projects, which will be evaluated and weighed heavily in the decision-making process. Additionally, engineering students must take math and science tests. CU is for students who already know what career path they want to take and are already well on their way to achieving that goal. The admission rate is low, hovering just above 10 percent, but if a student gets in, s/he will save over $30,000 a year on tuition.
Curtis Institute of Music – Based in Philadelphia, the locale is in the heart of the city which has had a recent rebirth of artistic heritage. Known as one of the finest music institutions in the world, CIM is most competitive. Students who apply should be well-versed in music education and be on the career path to becoming a professional musician. Besides submitting an application, applicants must audition. The latter is weighed heavily by the admission selection committee. A very low percentage is accepted, hovering around seven percent. If the applicant is admitted, s/he will save nearly $35,000 annually in tuition.
Zero Tuition at U.S. Military Academy
U.S. Military, Air Force, Naval, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies – Based in various locations, these schools are most competitive. Not for the faint at heart, they require five years of service after graduation. To be considered for admission, prospective students must complete a grueling fitness test, medical evaluation and have stellar SAT or ACT scores. The most difficult part is obtaining a congressional nomination from the student's state congressional delegation. If the applicant is admitted, s/he will save just under $200,000 for four years (on average) and a stipend will be given each month (depending on the academy).
Fully-Funded Rural University
Alice Llyod College – Based Pippa Passes, Kentucky, the location is in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. ALC is a unique experience where students trade zero tuition costs for a work study program that benefits the surrounding Appalachian area. The subject area is liberal arts and the school is deeply rooted in Christian beliefs. ALC's mission is to make education available "to qualified mountain students regardless of their financial situation." The test scores do not seem to fit in the most competitive category as the previous schools. Applicants should score a minimum of 17 on the ACT or 430 verbal and 400 math on their SAT. A high percentage of applicants are accepted, at around 43 percent. If accepted, the student will save $7000 a year.
These are examples of just four institutions but others* do exist. Students and parents should do their homework and find schools that offer generous compensation packages such as these. Remember that most of the schools are highly competitive, so the student should be serious and very experienced in her/his academic undertaking. Also, keep in mind, the schools are tuition-free only and that a family must factor in room and board, course materials and any other costs.
*These articles, Best Schools for Financial Aid and Best State Schools for Financial Aid, discuss other universities that offer free tuition for low to middle income students. They also discuss which schools offer the best financial aid overall.
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