Calissa Jones
With the approach of the icy winds and morning frosts of winter comes the subsequent January 1st deadline for many college applications. Though it can be a stressful time for most seniors- decision of financing, majors, and everyday homework all play a role- there are colleges ready to help make the transition and choice easier. Simply put, they are offering free tuition to lessen the burden of debt from education.
Since 1892, the Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, has been providing students with a college education without the massive fees characteristic of other institutions (the average cost of college is $34,740 for private colleges). Pioneering the tuition-free frontier, the school was also the first in the south to be coeducational and racially integrated. It’s been a place of opportunity and change for decades, and the lack of a price tag is no different.
So, what’s the catch? According to The Atlantic, the secret comes down to a labor program like no other. Every student on campus must work, and the jobs can range from janitorial and food service to activities that match one’s academic program, like web production or managing educational programs. Students then receive a check that goes towards housing or living expenses. 45% of graduates have no debt, and the other 55% have less than $7,000 in debt.
With an acceptance rate of 33%, Berea College can be an affordable option for anyone wanting a college experience. Offering bachelor’s degrees in 28 fields, it is a college open to all and provides the educational interests of many.
Besides Berea College, a few other schools provide similar opportunities, as well as a few different majors. Each have their own requirements and specific interests, as listed below.
Barclay College
A private Christian college in Kansas with a 67% admission rate, this school has eleven undergraduate majors all incorporating faith.
College of the Ozarks
Located in Missouri, this Christian college with a 14% admission rate offers over 30 majors. To receive no tuition, students have to work 15 hours a week, plus two 40-hour weeks during the school year.
Curtis Institute of Music
For those looking to further their music education, look no further than this private college in Philadelphia. Boasting a highly-selective 4% admission rate, students who get in pay no tuition, but do pay small annual fees for things like health services and the internet.
Deep Springs College
Settled in the fields and farms of California, this two-year liberal arts college has the unique situation of only admitting 26 undergraduate students and having an 8% admission rate. Students pay only for things like books and travel whilst working on the school’s farms throughout their stay.
Warron Wilson College
In 2018, this North Carolina school introduced the Milepost One project, offering free tuition to 25 out-of-state students whose family income is equal to or less than $125,000 a year. The acceptance rate is 82%, but this is for all incoming students, not just for the free tuition alone. Eligible students must work 10 hours a week and develop a craft.
Webb Institute
For those looking to have a dual bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering, this New York college offers free tuition (minus room and board costs) at a 29% acceptance rate.
Apprentice School
Located in Virginia, this school specializes in shipbuilding trades and boasts pay for students’ work and no tuition. The acceptance rate is 6%.
In addition to these academic opportunities, many military academies offer free tuition in exchange for military service after graduating. These include CO’s United States Air Force Academy (11% acceptance), CT’s United States Coast Guard Academy (16%), NY’s United States Merchant Marine Academy (20%), MD’s United States Naval Academy (9%), and NY’s United States Military Academy (10%). For the latter, the Military Academy also requires students to play a sport.