Last Updated on August 30, 2024
Today on our journey of educating you about institutions around the globe which can be the ones you’re after, we stop at the USA. We’ll be talking about how you can study in the USA for free and what are the advantages of studying in the USA. We’ll also inform you about various institutions where you can study for free in the United States.
International students can enrol at fully-funded institutions that do not charge tuition if they want to study for free in the United States. Students in the USA have access to a large array of areas and courses at several tuition-free colleges. International students can study in the USA for free or at a very low cost by applying for a variety of additional scholarships and other possibilities.
Why Study in the USA?
Before we get to how to study in the USA for free, we need to talk about why you should study in the States.
In the US, students can choose from many unique schools. They offer one-of-a-kind programs not easily found elseÂwhere. US education eÂxcels in STEM areas. It balances weÂll with arts and literature studies. The main perks of learning in the US include:
- Every tradition and culture has helped to make the United States a better place. This contributes to the diversity of the American ambience and will enhance your visit.
- The top three colleges in the world are located in the United States: Harvard University is ranked third, Stanford University is ranked second, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked first. The QS World Colleges Ranking for 2022 lists 151 US colleges among the best universities in the world. This illustrates how good American higher education is.
- In terms of course selection and organisation, the American higher education system offers a great deal of flexibility.
- Colleges and universities in the US have a vibrant student population. Numerous extracurricular activities are offered on campus by universities.
- International students have several possibilities to study and get training in the USA. With the most up-to-date technology available, institutions can provide their students with cutting-edge training, research, and instruction.
- On the employment market, students who study under internationally famous professors at elite US colleges are highly sought after.
How to study in the USA for free?
Now that we have got the why out of the way, let’s get to how you can study in the USA for free. If you decide to study at an American institution, you will have more possibilities if you have a great academic record and are fluent in English. You have a lot of options when it comes to colleges, so you may apply to institutions that have reasonable tuition. Better yet, scholarships can help you pay for your studies in the US.
You can follow the following tips to increase your chances of studying in the USA for free:
- Craft an Amazing Student Application
Most US institutions want students who not only have excellent academic records but also score highly on admission examinations. Therefore, students must ensure that they satisfy the minimal prerequisites for admission to the college of their choice and submit applications within time. Make sure that you have a good Statement of Purpose as well as the record of all your extracurricular activities. They will be able to reduce mistakes and improve their prospects of winning scholarships as a result.
- Attend Universities Without Tuition
Numerous governmental and private colleges in the USA provide tuition-free education. Getting accepted into one of these tuition-free institutions is a certain method to study for nothing in the United States. Students are required to compile a list of all these colleges and courses, and then apply to the ones that are relevant to their interests. They will be able to significantly reduce their tuition costs as a result. Some of the least expensive universities in the United States accept applications from overseas students.
- Submit a Scholarship Application
By submitting an application for a completely or partially financed scholarship, international students can study in the USA for free. Each scholarship offers a different amount of money based on the applicant’s course, school, and study level. In the United States, government-funded, program-specific, subject-specific, and organization-provided scholarships are the main types of scholarships available.
- Seek for Opportunities for Part-Time Work
Students in the USA who work part-time can save money for bill payments. However, students enrolled in bachelor’s programs can only work on campus. Additionally, overseas students need to have a valid F1 US Visa in order to apply for part-time jobs on campus.
Cheap Universities in the United States to Study Free
Now that you know how to, you will need a list of universities where you can study for free in the USA. Well, you won’t have to look further because we at Admissify have curated a list of the top universities in the USA where there is a possibility for you to study with zero tuition fees. However, there are certain criteria that you will have to meet to study for zero tuition fees, one of them is you will have to have a great academic record.
- Berea College
Berea College, which is located in Berea, Kentucky, sets itself apart from other postsecondary educational establishments by offering free education to students and being the region’s first mixed-race university. It provides students with just undergraduate courses and 33 majors to select from. The college is ranked #33 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report for 2021.
Every student at Berea College is eligible for full-tuition scholarships totaling more than $25,000. It also provides a work-study programme to help students with living, eating, and other expenditures. Students in the 2020 batch received need-based grants and scholarships totalling USD 55,389,392.
- Alice Lloyd College
Located near Pippa Passes, Kentucky, Alice Lloyd College (ALC) is a four-year liberal arts institution. It is among the top universities for overseas students wishing to pursue reasonably priced, excellent educations. Every student at ALC who is enrolled full-time participates in the student work programme. Financial help is provided to international students via the earnings from their student employment programme.
Students must have a minimum ACT score of 17 or SAT score of 810 in addition to a 2.25 high school GPA in order to qualify for ALC. Along with their TOEFL results, international students need to provide proof of financing that is backed up by a bank statement.
- The Ozarks College
Located near Point Lookout, Missouri, College of the Ozarks is a private Christian college that was founded in 1834. Ozarks is home to 22% of the world’s foreign student population, who come from over 20 different nations. More than 60 majors and minors in a broad range of subject areas are available at the college.
Students who wish to apply to Ozarks must submit their exam results, a statement of purpose, and a letter of recommendation. Some nations, like India, exclude their students from the English language competency requirement. International students must complete the Institutional Financial Need Application in order to be eligible for financial help.
- City University of New York
One of the most prominent public institutions in the United States is the City University of New York (CUNY), which was founded in 1961. The institution provides a wide range of programmes in several academic fields. At any given time, CUNY’s 25 campuses are home to approximately 11,000 students from more than 100 different countries.
CUNY takes pride in the number of international students it has on campus and offers a number of programmes to help international students settle into their new lives in the US. It offers excellent, complete scholarships for education to students who demonstrate a pristine academic record that is also accompanied by extracurriculars. To study here, you must take the SAT or GRE/GMAT depending on the level of education. Apart from this, an English-proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory.
- Deep Springs College
Deep Springs College was founded in 1917 and provides its students with a distinctive experience in higher education. Every year, 12 to 15 pupils are enrolled. Every student is awarded a full scholarship, which covers all expenses including lodging, board, and tuition. In return, students at Deep Springs are supposed to dedicate themselves to serving humanity.
There is one significant distinction even if applications from foreign and domestic students are comparable. In the event that a candidate has not attended a secondary school or college that speaks English, the college will demand confirmation of English competence (TOEFL, IELTS, or test equivalent).
Top scholarships to study in the USA for free?
You have the list of top colleges where you can study for free in the USA but, you also need a list of scholarship programs that can help you study in the USA for free. Like always, you won’t have to look for them anywhere else because here they are:
- Foreign Student Fulbright Programme
- Scholarships for International Youth at United World Colleges
- Rotary Fellowships for Peace
- The Clark Global Scholarship Programme and the PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women
- Rotary International Scholarships for Ambassadors
- General scholarships
How can you obtain a USA student visa?
You have the information that you need to study in the USA for free. It goes without saying that obtaining a student visa is the most important aspect, followed by an acceptance letter.
International students can study in the US by following the visa application procedure. It is imperative that you closely adhere to all the rules in order to obtain your visa without any problems.
- Online submission of the DS-160 visa application is mandatory at all times. Choose the application site you wish to use, and make sure you have all the data and supporting materials needed to fill out the form.
- Upon admission to a school with SEVP certification, you will get an I-20 or DS-160 form. It takes this form to apply for a student visa to the United States.
- Pay your SEVIS fee at least three days before completing your application for a US visa. Payment can be made online or on paper in both cases. The official US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP website has further information on them.
- After getting your SEVIS form and paying the SEVIS fee, you may make an appointment with a US consulate or embassy in your nation to apply for a US student visa.
- Cover the cost of the visa application. It is frequently referred to as the Machine Readable Visa Fee, or “MRV fee.”
- The final step is to schedule and show up for a US student visa interview. Visit the website of the embassy or consulate to find out what paperwork is required for the interview.
- Online submission of the DS-160 visa application is mandatory at all times. Select the application location of your choosing, and make sure you have all the data and supporting materials required by the form.
You shall require the following personal information and documents to apply for the visa:
- Name and date of birth
- Phone numbers and addresses
- Details of a passport
- Details on the passengers and the trip
- Details on previous trips to the US
- Your liaison in the United States
- Information about your profession, family, and schooling
- Information on the background, security, and health
- SEVIS ID and the address (written on the I-20 or DS-2019 form) of the US school or programme you want to enrol in
Don’t forget to show up at least 30 minutes early for your planned visa interview.
Conclusion
Studying in the USA is like a dream come true for many academically gifted students who wish to get a quality education. However, studying in the USA for free might seem like a distant reality. Therefore, we have provided you with all the information required but in case you need any more information, please feel free to reach out to us at Admissify; we have a vast, in-house team of friendly student counsellors who have they key to unlock excellent academic opportunities.
FAQs
Which English test is important for studying in the USA?
For graduate study in the United States, you can take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Some universities have also started accepting the Duolingo English test.
Will I be able to blend in with American society as an overseas student?
International students are cordially welcomed and accommodated in American colleges. They provide a lot of help and support, with groups catering to students from every country and offices specifically for foreign students.
Can someone with a low GPA get into US universities?
Indeed. In order to prepare international students with low GPAs for success in the US within a year, several schools and institutions offer undergraduate and graduate route programmes.
What is the English proficiency standard in the United States?
Minimum English exam scores vary throughout colleges. However, a minimum IELTS score of 6, a TOEFL score of 80, and a Duolingo test score of 100 are required by the majority of US colleges.
When should one apply to US colleges?
In most US universities, the academic year begins in August and ends in May. The FES Advisors can assist with organising the prerequisites and dates for admission.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
