Unfortunately, a college education can seem like an impossible feat for many ambitious students, as the cost of higher education is seemingly at an all-time high.
Thankfully, you don’t need to immediately give up on your dream of attending an American university, as there are various avenues you can pursue to earn your desired degree and embark on a rewarding career.
If you want to know how you can receive free tuition to study at the university level, read this informative guide to attending college for free in the US.
A Scholarship or Grant
Many universities across the country are more than happy to provide financial aid to promising students. To win an academic scholarship, which will eliminate some or all your college costs, you will most likely need to have either a:
- 3.5 GPA or higher
- 25 ACT score or higher
- 1200 SAT score or higher
- Rank within the top 10% of your class
You must, therefore, aim to secure excellent grades throughout high school to increase the likelihood of you securing an academic scholarship.
If, however, you’re a talented athlete, you could be eligible a sports scholarship, which could help you to secure an average of $30,000 per year for your college tuition, university fees, room, and board. Find out more about ASM Scholarships.
An ROTC Program
Serving your country could help you to secure a free college education. For example, the Air Force, US Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Navy, and the Military (West Point) academies are known for providing free college opportunities through ROTC programs.
To be eligible for an ROTC program, a student will need to:
- Complete military training on campus
- Commit to up to 12 years (depending on their chosen service)
A student can then leave education with their desired training, a guaranteed job in military service, and additional free education opportunities.
Employee Reimbursement
Many businesses are often more than happy to provide their hard-working employees with a free college education. You will, however, need to study in your field, as your degree will ensure your new knowledge and skillset directly benefits a business. To find out if your current employer provides employee reimbursement for a college education, book an appointment with human resources.
Enroll in a Work College
Another option is to enroll in a work college, which could provide you with either a free education or discounted tuition. By enrolling in the college, you could embark on a rewarding course while gaining valuable work experience, which could support your future career.
It is, however, important to note that you will be committing to between 15 to 20 hours of part-time work each week. Common fields you can enter in a work college can range from hospitality to landscaping.
Secure a Job at a College
Many college employees are often entitled to free education at an institution, which is often granted to older students. So, if you are 18, you may not automatically qualify for the employee benefit.
In most cases, a school will require a full-time employee to have a certain level of experience in an industry. If you currently work for a college, call the admissions office to learn more about the school’s policy.
