Cheapest and tuition-free universities in the USA 2025- Let’s look at the 10 most affordable and tuition-free universities in the USA in 2025 that you can consider checking. Before diving into these schools, let’s talk a bit about the United States of America as a whole, and why you should consider schooling there.
Cheapest and Tuition-free Universities in the USA 2025
The United States
The United States is the fourth largest country in the world in area, described as the world’s most developed country, it ranks among the highest in the world in international measures of income, wealth, and culture.
The United States is made up of 50 states and a national government in Washington, DC. Not to mention the diverse cultures you will see in the US as well as different kinds of food and universities.
The first University in the US was Harvard University which was founded in 1636 and Ohio’s Oberlin College was the first university to give degrees to women in 1841.
Did you know?
There are over 5,300 Universities in the US
Let’s consider a few
Cheapest and tuition-free universities in the USA 2025
- Washington State University
Local Tuition $11,584
Washington State University was founded in 1890 and is regarded as the second-largest institution for higher education in Washington State. They bring their courses to life in an online format making the best use of technologies with the assistance of world-renowned researchers and industry experts who are dedicated to teaching.
Entry Requirements
Admission application must include the following;
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Identity verification (passport or national ID)
- Transcripts
- Certificates of finances
2. BEREA COLLEGE
Great News!! This is one of America’s top colleges that has zero tuition. In addition, students who are enrolled have the opportunity to get scholarships, making it possible for them to graduate debt-free.
Berea College offers 49 major programs for each academic year for the degree-granting certificate program.
Entry Requirements
Students who have strong academic potential and financial difficulty are usually accepted at Berea College, below are the requirements;
- High school transcripts and official score reports are required
- Participation in community service, leadership qualities
- ACT (or SAT equivalent) score between 20 and 30 with a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0
- Four units of English (including composition, rhetoric, and literature) three units of mathematics ( at least algebra and geometry) two units of laboratory two nits of a foreign language
 3. CURTIS INSTITUTION OF MUSIC
Tuition Fee: $2,525
Curtis Institution of Music has trained many talented young musicians to engage both local and global communities through the highest level of artistry.
You don’t need much educational qualifications to enroll in this college. What is considered is your talent and artistic promise. Below are a few requirements that you still need to meet
 Application requirements
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements including SAT and ACT requirements
4. ALICE IIOYD COLLEGE
Tuition Fee: $12,230
This college was established in 1923 as a private non-profit college. Below are the requirements
Entry Requirements
Alice College has the average entry requirements as follows
- Testing requirements including SAT and ACT requirements
- Application requirements
- GPA requirements
5. ALCON STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition Fee: $7,084
Alcon State University was established in 1871 and was the first black land grant in the United States. It is also a historically black, public university in Lorman, Mississippi and it has been a home for the black student community over the years.
They offer courses like medicine, education, business, and law, and can train you to become a professional athlete.
Entry Requirements
- Social security number
- Accurate email address
6. THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY)
Tuition Fee: depends on the following
- Full-time community college $4,800 per year
- New Yoke State residents/full-time four colleges $6,930
- Out-of-state residents/full-time four years college $18,600 per year
In addition, you can always apply for a scholarship or financial aid.
CUNY aims to provide quality and accessible education regardless of the background. It costs a fraction of what you will have to pay at a private institution.
Entry Requirements
- Application requirements
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
7. WEBB INSTITUTE
Tuition Fee: $50,175
Webb Institution is not just a typical engineering college, citizens and permanent residents are granted a full scholarship program while the rest would have to pay. Amidst that, their institution is far cheaper than most private schools.
Entry Requirement
The average GPA formally recognized by Webb Institute is 3.15. Although they do not require a GPA, it is advised that students aim within that point.
8. MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition Fee: $7,288
Minot State University is currently among the 32 regional universities in top public schools. Minot University had a strong online learning presence before COVID-19, and they have been online for more than 22 years.
 Entry Requirements
International students can apply online at www.minotstateu.edu. Once the application is submitted, the following documents will be required:
- Certification of financial responsibility
- Official entrance exam score
- Application for form 1-20
- International transfer student form (if applicable)
- Biographic page of the passport
- Official records demonstrating prior academic achievement
- A $35 non-refundable application fee
- Supporting financial documents
9. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition Fee:Â depends on residency:
- For Out of state residents $18,648
- Californian Residents $6,768
The California State University is a public university located in California and it’s the largest four-year public university system in the US with 23 campuses.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are specific to departments and programs. Application dates and deadlines range between:
- Winter: June 1- June 30
- Spring: August 1-August 31
- Fall: October 1 – November 30
Note that these dates may change
10. FRANKLIN OLIN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Tuition fee: $52,844
This institution is a private institution that was established in 1917 and is located forty miles from Bishop California. It provides each student with scholarships that cover the expenses of accommodation, tuition, and board. Students can also be transferred to a four-year institution to finish their BA or BS.
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Entry Requirements
Olin College admissions are very selective with an acceptance rate of 16%. Students can get into the institution with an average SAT score between 1460 and 1550 or an average score of 34-35.