20 Tips: How to Go to College for Free or With No Money

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Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Sarah McCubbin

Stress over paying for college can begin when our kids are young, but there are ways to go to college for free or with no money! 

So far, our family has graduated out three young adults and two of them have decided to go to college. By the time our youngest graduates, I’m sure we will have some very diverse experiences!

From the time our kids were young, we  talked about college, the different ways people pay for it and what our kids future options might be. My husband and I both graduated with dumb degrees from private universities. He went back to school at a public university to get a second degree just so we could pay the bills. He chose a B.S. in Nursing the second time around and that was a much better choice!
 

Going to college can be expensive, but there are many ways to get a higher education for free or at a reduced cost. By understanding the different options available, you can save a lot of money on your college education. Here are some tips and strategies to help you go to college for free or cheap.

#1 Way to Prepare For College That Is Free or Cheap

The best way to go to college for free or cheap is really more of a mindset. You have to decide that going to school debt free is a top priority. Parents have to decide this before their kids can decide it. 

There are many many options for reducing the cost of school, but in my experience, when families are prioritizing “the best program,” “a beautiful campus,” or “the college experience,” then it is hard to juggle a big wish list with going to school inexpensively. 

In our house, the way we did this was to do the following things:
We talked about the purpose of college from the time our kids were young

We set the expectation that THEY would pay for their schooling (and that it would be possible). 

We decided that WE would NOT sign for student loans. In most cases, it is difficult for students to get loans without a parent co-signer.

As a result, as our kids were growing up, there was just a general understanding. We would help them figure out school, but our priority was to help them get a valuable degree with no debt and as inexpensively as possible. As the college flyers started to arrive, we did look up different schools and researched some, but price was definitely part of the conversation. 

As a result, when it came time to pick a college, they chose a good one nearby so they could live at home if they needed to. And they chose to work. So far we have one graduated debt free working in his degree field and another one on the same path. 

If you are beginning your process of planning for college and want it to be free or cheap, there are many factors to consider. 

#2 Tip To Finding Free or Cheap Schooling

Before we jump into the practicalities, I want to mention the 2nd factor. And here it is. 

Every Family and Every Student has Unique Circumstances They are Navigating!!

This is so important to keep in mind as you create your plan. Our family has lots of kids, so that resulted in a lower family contribution. Some people have a lot of nearby school choices and others have none. Online universities offer some degree options but not others. And on and on. The tips below are not going to apply to every family and student. 

But…if your priority is to go to college for free or cheap, there is a way to get there.  

More Tips To Go To College For Free or Cheap

1. Apply for Federal Student Aid

One of the best ways to start is by applying for federal student aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free application that helps you get federal financial aid based on your financial need. This aid can come in the form of grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible each year to increase your chances of receiving aid.

2. Look for Tuition-Free Colleges

Some colleges offer tuition-free education to students. These tuition-free colleges can provide a great opportunity to get a college education without paying tuition fees. Examples include public colleges and universities in New York and other states that offer free college tuition to residents who meet certain eligibility requirements.

3. Consider Tuition Waivers and Scholarships

Many colleges offer tuition waivers and scholarships to students. Full-tuition scholarships cover the entire cost of tuition and are often awarded based on academic performance, financial need, or other criteria. Full-ride scholarships go even further by covering tuition, fees, room, and board. Look for scholarships offered by the federal government, state programs, private organizations, and the colleges themselves.

Something our family has learned is that if your student gets a full ride (or close to it) through whatever combination of scholarships and grants you are given, that some scholarship money is actually refundable and can be used toward other expenses. 

For example, last year my son got around $21,000 in scholarships and grants. His tuition and room and board were around $23,000. So he lived on campus and paid just a bit out of pocket…pretty close to a full ride. However, this year, he decided to live at home to take advantage of refundable scholarships and grants. His tuition and fees (without board) is around $13,000.

The first semester of college for this school year, he got a check in the mail for $3500 which he deposited into his bank account. This is to be used toward educational expenses. In his case it will be used toward car maintenance, a speeding ticket (ahem) and travel among other things! 

4. Take Advantage of State Programs

Several states have programs that provide free or reduced tuition to residents. For example, New York offers the Excelsior Scholarship, which covers tuition for eligible New York residents attending public colleges and universities. Similarly, West Virginia and New Mexico have programs that help students with the cost of college.

5. Explore Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs provide part-time jobs to students, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. These programs are often part of a financial aid package and can be a good way to gain valuable work experience while attending college. Check with the financial aid office at your college to see if you qualify for federal work-study programs.

​I would say it is important to weigh work-study options against other job options. When I was in college, the work study options were minimum wage and very few hours. It was much more productive to get a parttime job off campus than to work at 5am for an hour or two every morning cleaning bathrooms. 

6. Consider Community Service and ROTC Programs

Participating in community service programs or joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) can also help you pay for college. Many community service programs offer scholarships or tuition assistance in exchange for volunteer work. The ROTC program provides financial aid and covers tuition fees for students who commit to serving in the military after graduation.

My own cousin attended college and then entered the military where they paid for Medical School. Yes…medical school….  He is now a doctor without medical school debt! 

7. Look for Federal Grants and Pell Grants

The federal government offers various grants, including the Federal Pell Grant, which provides financial assistance to low-income students. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid and can be used to cover tuition costs and other educational expenses. Make sure to apply for these grants through the FAFSA.

The FAFSA application is usually open around the beginning of November. If your student has had a job, you will need their most recent tax return in order to file. So don’t wait…because that first tax return has to be mailed!! 

8. Attend a Tuition-Free Community College

Some states offer tuition-free community college to residents. These programs cover the cost of tuition for students who meet certain criteria, such as maintaining a minimum GPA or completing a certain number of credit hours. Attending a tuition-free community college can be a great way to start your higher education journey without incurring significant debt.

9. Consider In-State Tuition

Attending a public university in your state can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. In-state tuition is usually much lower than out-of-state tuition, making it a more affordable option for residents. Check the eligibility requirements and apply to state colleges to take advantage of lower in-state tuition rates.

Both of my sons have attended a state school about 20 minutes from home. One lived on campus all four years and the other lived on campus the first year but then opted to live at home. 

10. Seek Out Additional Financial Aid and Assistance

Beyond federal aid, there are many other types of financial assistance available. Look for need-based aid, institutional aid from colleges, and scholarships from private organizations. Many colleges offer financial aid packages that include a combination of grants, scholarships, and loans to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.

11. Consider Online and Part-Time Options

Online colleges and part-time programs can offer more flexible and affordable ways to get a college education. These options often have lower tuition costs and allow you to work while you study, helping you manage your educational expenses more effectively.

When you create a plan for college, sometimes the best choice is to do some of the classes online and then transfer in to another school for a degree that is only offered in person. This can save a ton of money but does require planning to make sure that classes transfer. 

Transferology.com is a great website for helping you figure out how classes transfer between schools! 

12. Plan and Apply Early

The best way to maximize your chances of getting free or cheap education is to plan ahead and apply early. Start researching and applying for scholarships, grants, and financial aid well before you graduate from high school. Early application often increases your chances of receiving aid on a first-served basis.

Many college and universities have a pool of funds they can award but some of the deadlines are actually quite early. The deadline might be as early as December for the following school year so applying early gives students the best opportunity to access the most scholarships. 

13. Consult Subject Matter Experts and Advisors

Seek expert advice from financial aid advisors, counselors, and subject matter experts who can guide you through the application process and help you find the best options for funding your education. The College Board and the US Department of Education offer resources and advice to help you navigate the complexities of paying for college.

If you family has a financial advisor, consider sitting down with them to learn what you can about the options they are aware of.  And if you can, definitely go visit the school you are interested in and talk to an advisor there. 


One of the questions we asked when we visited with my oldest was “What percentage of graduates find work in this degree field?” He said…”100%.”  That was a good answer! Some universities will quote you the number of students who get jobs after graduation…but you don’t know if they are flipping burgers or using their degree!  I always want to know how easy it is for students at THIS university with THIS degree to find employment in their degree field. 

14. Consider Educational Benefits and Programs for Special Groups

Certain groups, such as veterans, Native American students, former foster teens who were adopted as teens…or those who  and undocumented students, may be eligible for specific educational benefits and programs. For example, the GI Bill provides financial aid to veterans, and many colleges have programs to support Native American students and undocumented students.

15. Focus on Your Academic Performance

Maintaining good grades and academic performance can open up more opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. High school students and graduates with strong academic records are often eligible for more funding options, including merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers.

16. Plan for Your Career Goals

Consider your long-term career goals when choosing a college and a degree program. Some careers, such as those in healthcare and education, may offer additional financial support or loan forgiveness programs. Aligning your education with your career goals can help you maximize the financial benefits available to you.

By exploring these options and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the cost of your college education and avoid substantial student loan debt. Whether through scholarships, grants, work-study programs, or state initiatives, there are many ways to make higher education affordable and accessible.

17. Consider Getting A Job Where They Help Pay For College

All of my kids have worked at McDonalds as teens and continued as adults when they started college. Why McDonalds? They help pay for college! Every year that they worked in college, McDonalds has paid $2500 of their college expenses!

That may not seem like much but when added to all the other strategies, it has been a significant factor in helping to pay for school. As an added bonus, my kids have all become managers as adults there. So they get management experience at 18 years old….and a paycheck and free money toward college! 

Other “fast food” type businesses like Chipoltle and Starbucks also help pay for college. They do have limitations but are worth looking into. 

18. Take Advantage of Early College Credits While in High School

Many states offer early college programs that allow students to earn credits toward their college degree while they are in high school. Tuition is usually free although the number of credits they can earn may be limited. This is a great way to shorten the number of years of college that need to be completed after high school and can reduce the cost significantly. 

19. Live at Home While Going to College

This may seem like an obvious money saving option but it should not be overlooked. Room and board averages between $12,000 and $14,000 per year. That is over $1000 a month that you or your young adult does not need to pay for.

20. Work A Part Time Job

Ok…so this one isn’t really about going for free, BUT working part time when paired with other money-saving options is a great way to go through college debt free. My kids have had a variety of jobs and usually work 15-20 hours a week during the school year on top of going to college full-time. One son is an engineering major…and even he manages to work.

Working has led to management opportunities, work experience on the resume and ultimately to good internships.

My oldest son started an internship his junior year and worked full time his Senior year while going to school full-time. That led to an opportunity for an advancement two days after graduation. And yes…he graduated debt free with money in the bank.

​Begin With a Plan to Save Time and Money

Ultimately, planning for a degree that is inexpensive or free absolutely must happen in tandem with choosing a degree that is beneficial and helpful. A degree that is free but a huge waste of time is not actually free! Getting a degree that is free or cheap is absolutely possible if it is the priority. Every family is unique. Some families have more resources and their definition of “inexpensive” may be different than yours. Ultimately, helping your student make a wise choice about college is about finding the right fit for your family and no one else! 

Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! Socially awkward growing up, she loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership.

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2 thoughts on “20 Tips: How to Go to College for Free or With No Money”

  1. Wonderful that your state allows extra scholarship money to go to the student! Our state of Arkansas specifically prohibits it now. Didn’t 15 years ago, but policies have changed. Also, our state schools have shifted focus to first generation students, reserving the full ride options for them. A student with a 35 on the ACT no longer qualifies for a full ride at our state schools. Also, the free tuition options at our community colleges require family income of less than $75K a year. None of our state public or private schools will allow a student to apply without filling out FAFSA, and all of them look at parents’ monies to determine eligibility for any assistance. Thankfully, my son found an excellent college just a few minutes north of Arkansas that requires ALL students to work 15 hours a week plus two 40 hour work weeks to cover tuition. There are only 9 such schools in all of the United States, many with regional residence requirements.

    1. The program your son found sounds really unique. Do you mind sharing what the name of the school is? You can send me a message if that’s better. I’d love to know what type of program is that only 9 schools offer.
      My son’s scholarships were partly income based but largely academics based. We had no idea that his scholarships could be refundable…until he talked to some friends. All of this is a great example of navigating what options are available to your student and making the best choice based on your unique circumstances.

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