How to Study in USA for Free?

International students looking to study in USA for free can enrol themselves in fully-funded universities that do not charge fees for international students. Several tuition-free universities in the USA offer a wide range of fields and courses for students to choose from. There are various other scholarships and other opportunities that can be availed by international students to be able to study in USA for free or at a minimal cost.

The USA is home to several highly-ranked higher education institutions in the world. With a world-class education system, multicultural environment, and excellent employment opportunities, the country has a lot to offer. However, the cost of studying in the USA becomes a matter of concern for a majority of international students. Is it possible to pursue free education in the USA? If yes, then how to study in USA for free? You will get these answers by reading through this article!

Table of Contents

• Top Tuition-Free Universities in the USA for Indian Students
• Berea College
• Alice Lloyd College
• College of the Ozarks
• Curtis Institute of Music
• City University of New York
• U.S. Academies
• Deep Springs College
• How to Study for Free in the USA?
• Prepare an Excellent Application
• Attend Tuition-Free Universities 
• Apply for Scholarships
• Look for Part-Time Job Opportunities

Top Tuition-Free Universities in the USA for Indian Students

As you know that tuition-fee form a major portion of the total cost of studying in the USA. Hence, students must consider tuition-free universities to study in USA for free. The list of top tuition-free universities in the USA is given below:

• Berea College
• Alice Lloyd College
• College of the Ozarks
• Curtis Institute of Music
• City University of New York
• U.S. Academies
• Deep Springs College

Berea College

Situated in Berea, Kentucky, Berea College distinguishes itself from other postsecondary institutions by providing free education to students and being the first mixed-race university in the southern USA. With 33 majors to choose from, it offers only undergraduate courses for students. According to the rankings of U.S. News and World Report 2021, the college ranks #33 in National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Berea College offers full-tuition scholarships worth more than $25,000 to every student. It also assists students with expenses related to food, accommodation, etc., by offering a work-study program. A total of USD 55,389,392 was awarded for need-based scholarships and grants to students of the 2020 batch.

Read More: Berea College

Alice Lloyd College

Alice Lloyd College (ALC) is a 4-year liberal arts college situated in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. It is one of the best institutions for international students looking to pursue affordable and high-quality education. All students enrolled in full-time programs at ALC are a part of the student work program. Students from abroad receive financial aid through the money earned in the student work program.

To apply for ALC, students need a minimum ACT score of 17 or an SAT score of 810 and a high school GPA of 2.25. International students must also submit their TOEFL scores and a certificate of finance, which must be supported by a bank statement. For international students to be eligible for the Student Work Program, they must hold an F1 visa and obtain a US-issued Social Security number before enrollment.

College of the Ozarks

Founded in 1834, College of the Ozarks is a private Christian college located in Point Lookout, Missouri. With an international student population of 22%, Ozarks is home to international students from more than 20 countries around the world. The college offers over 60 majors and minors in a wide variety of subject areas.

To apply for Ozarks, students must have a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores. The English language proficiency requirement is waived for students of some countries, including India. To be eligible for financial aid, international students must submit the Institutional Financial Need Application. 

Curtis Institute of Music

Situated in Philadelphia, the Curtis Institute of Music is one of the most reputable conservatories in the world that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma courses in the field of music. The institute ranked #26 by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021. 

At the Curtis Institute of Music, all students receive full-tuition scholarships based on merit, regardless of their financial circumstances. Besides full-tuition scholarships that cover education expenses, Curtis also provides generous need-based financial aid in order to cover living expenses. 

City University of New York

Established in 1961, the City University of New York (CUNY) is one of the most prestigious public universities in the USA. The university offers a plethora of programs in multiple disciplines. At present, there are more than 11,000 students studying at CUNY's 25 campuses from over 100+ countries. 

CUNY is proud of its large international student population and has several resources to assist foreign students in adjusting to their new lives in the United States. It offers full-tuition scholarships to students who are a part of their teacher academy.

U.S. Academies

Tuition-free universities in the USA include the US Service Academies. In all, there are five US Academies. These five academic are the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy, and US Coast Guard Academy.

There is no tuition charge for students attending any of these U.S. academies. Additionally, they receive a monthly stipend in return for their service. As part of the application process, candidates are required to pass a physical fitness test. Other admission requirements may differ from one program to another.

Deep Springs College

Established in 1917, Deep Springs College offers a unique higher education experience to its students. Around 12-15 students are enrolled every year. Each student receives a full scholarship, and costs like tuition, board, room, etc., are covered. Deep Springs students are expected to devote themselves to serving humanity in exchange. 

While international students apply similarly to domestic students, there is one major difference. For applicants who have not attended an English-speaking secondary school or college, the college will require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent exam). 

How to Study for Free in the USA?

The cost of studying in the USA involves tuition fees, living costs, and other exam-related and visa expenses. International students should carefully consider each of these costs before arriving in the country. There are some ways in which students can reduce their overall costs of studying in the United States. Follow the tips given below to study in USA for free: 

• Prepare an Excellent Application
• Attend Tuition-Free Universities 
• Apply for Scholarships
• Look for Part-Time Job Opportunities

Prepare an Excellent Application

A majority of the US universities look for applicants who have exceptional academic records and also perform well in the entrance exams. Hence, students must ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility requirements of their desired college and apply accordingly. It is also important for students to prepare their applications as early as possible. This will help them to minimize errors and increase their chances of obtaining scholarships as well. 

Attend Tuition-Free Universities

The USA is home to several public and private universities that offer tuition-free education. Obtaining admission to such tuition-free universities is a sure-shot way to study in USA for free. Students must create a list of all these universities and courses and apply to the ones that match their field of interest. This will help them save a lot of money on their tuition fees. International students can also apply to some of the cheapest Universities in the USA.

Apply for Scholarships

International students can study in USA for free by applying for fully-funded or partially-funded scholarships in the USA. The amount of funding provided by each scholarship varies according to the applicant’s study level, course, and institution. The major categories of scholarships in the USA include government-funded, program-specific, subject-specific, and organization-provided scholarships.

Following are the top scholarships available for Indian students in the United States:

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
• Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
• Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship
• The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
• KC Mahindra Scholarship
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
• Chicago Booth Scholarships 
• Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program
• National Overseas Scholarship
• SN Bose Scholarship

Look for Part-Time Job Opportunities

Working part-time in the USA will help students save some money to pay their bills. There are several on-campus and off-campus part-time job opportunities available for international students in the country. However, there are some regulations that students need to consider before applying for a part-time job.

Students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week during their ongoing term of the course. However, at the time of university breaks, they can work for up to 40 hours per week. Additionally, to apply for an on-campus part-time job, international students must have a valid F1 US Visa.

Read More: Part-Time Jobs for Students in USA