Suppose you are looking for a way to get an online bachelor's degree in liberal arts without paying tuition. In that case, you might be interested in exploring free colleges. Yes, they do exist.
These institutions offer full or partial scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for eligible students, usually based on academic merit, financial need, geographic location, or some other criteria.
Some colleges also provide additional benefits such as free books, room, board, or stipends. Here are 10 of the best free online liberal arts degrees in the U.S.
Free Online Liberal Arts Programs
Here are the best free online liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
1. Coppin State University
Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) graduates are eligible for two years of tuition-free enrollment at Coppin State University.
The Finish 4 Free (F4F) Partnership makes the benefit possible. To qualify for the program, you must be a Baltimore City Public High School graduate.
You must have earned an associate degree from BCCC on or after June 2018. Students must provide official transcripts and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply.
2. Montana State University
Montana State University accepts Montana University System tuition waivers. The Montana University System offers several tuition waivers such as:
- American Indian Waiver
- Montana National Guard Tuition Waiver
- Honorably Discharged Veteran Waiver
- War Orphans Waiver
- Surviving Dependents of Montana Firefighters/ Peace Officers Tuition Waiver
- National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship
All Montana residents qualifying for these waivers can attend four-year universities tuition-free.
Montana State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies, environmental studies, and global and multicultural studies.
3. University of Maryland
Eligible University of Maryland employees who wish to take classes toward a degree program will receive tuition remission.
The tuition remission benefit also extends to the employee's immediate family, including the spouse and dependent children.
The University of Maryland offers four-year degrees in liberal arts fields like history, humanities, communication studies, psychology, English, political science, and many more.
All the degree programs at the University of Maryland Global Campus are 100% online.
4. Antioch College
Antioch College has integrated cooperative learning with an undergraduate liberal arts curriculum for over 100 years.
At Antioch College, up to one-third of a student's undergraduate experience is engaged in full-time work or research.
As part of the school's work program, all Pell Grant-eligible new and returning students receive full tuition and last-dollar scholarships.
The aid does not cover room and board costs, and to remain eligible, students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
5. Barclay College
Full-time students at this private Christian college in Kansas attend tuition-free if they live on campus. They qualify for the college's Full-Tuition Scholarship but are responsible for technology, room and board, and general fees.
The Full-Tuition Scholarship is worth $20,000 for students taking 12 to 18 credit hours per semester during the 2022/2023 academic year.
Online liberal arts degrees offered at Barclay College include:
- biblical studies
- Christian ministry leadership
- criminal justice
- psychology
6. The University of the People
This University of the People has 100% online, tuition-free degree programs. It's a fully accredited university in collaboration with popular schools like:
- Harvard Business School Online
- The University of Edinburgh
- New York University
The University of the People does not charge students to enroll, pay for books, or pay campus fees. The only fees charged to the student are a low application fee and an assessment fee of $120 per course.
7. University of New Mexico
New Mexico is the first state to offer free tuition to all residents who attend public colleges or universities, regardless of income level or immigration status.
The University of New Mexico uses the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship to cover any remaining tuition and fees after other state and federal aid is applied.
The scholarship is available for up to four years and covers career training certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor's degrees include economics, intercultural communication, liberal arts, and journalism.
8. Regent University
Regent University offers many benefits to veterans and military students. This school has a Military Appreciation Package that can reduce tuition to zero when combined with the following benefits:
- AU-ABC Program
- credit recognition for military training and experience
- family discounts
- GI Bill benefits
- tuition assistance from all branches
- tuition discounts
- Veterans Readiness Program
- Yellow Ribbon Program
Regent University has more than 150 programs and fields of study, including communication and the arts, counseling, divinity, education, government, law, and psychology.
9. The City College of New York
At the City College of New York, 75% of students graduate debt free, and 67% of in-state undergraduates attend tuition-free.
The state of New York funded student aid for New York residents to be able to attend college. The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible students pay for tuition at approved schools in New York state.
The City College of New York offers a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary liberal arts and science. The degree program is 100% online.
10. Empire State University
Empire State University focuses on making education accessible to all, regardless of age or location. It considers itself one of the early pioneers of online education.
Empire State University distributes more than $700,000 in scholarships. In addition, this school partners with various colleges, businesses, and organizations that provide educational benefits to their employees.
In combination with the TAP scholarship, the Excelsior Scholarship qualifies more than 940,000 middle-class families to attend college tuition-free.
Free Liberal Arts School FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about free online liberal arts colleges.
How Can I Attend College for Free?
Many programs help reduce tuition to zero. Employee programs are among the best ways to get a free education.
Working for a company, government department, or school system may provide benefits for employees that pay for courses or reimburse you for courses.
Other ways to pay down education expenses include scholarships, state and local college initiatives, military status, grants, and financial aid.
What is a Liberal Arts Degree?
A liberal arts degree is a type of academic degree that covers a broad range of subjects from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
It provides students with a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
Plus it can prepare students for various careers in different fields or as preparation for further education.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Liberal Arts Degree?
A liberal arts degree can open many career opportunities for graduates. Some of the standard fields that liberal arts majors can work in include:
- education
- journalism
- marketing
- public relations
- law
- social work
Liberal arts graduates can also pursue further studies in various disciplines or apply their skills in creative industries such as writing, art, or entertainment.
Find the Right Liberal Arts Degree Today
These free online liberal arts degree programs in the U.S. offer high-quality education and financial assistance to students who qualify.
By taking advantage of state programs, tuition waivers, and scholarships, you could get your degree tuition-free.
