There is a well-established opinion that studying at an American university is expensive, and therefore available only to the very rich. Usually they say five or even six figures, and this is true: many universities in the United States cost from 30 to 80 thousand USD annually.
But this is only half the truth. There are many universities in the United States that cover all student expenses, including tuition, accommodation, and even food. Yes, you can study there for free, and not only for US citizens, but also for foreign students! The main thing is to know where to look and what exactly to offer the university in exchange for a lucky ticket: excellent grades, a strong motivation letter, or information about the family's difficult financial situation.
Today we will try to figure out how the financial aid system works in the United States and which universities really help students study for free.
Financial aid: how does it work?
American universities love to help those who really want to study but can't afford it. There are two main types of financial assistance:
- Need-based aid – assistance based on the financial needs of the family; the lower the income, the more help,
- Merit-based aid — scholarships for merit: given for high grades, achievements in science, sports, art, and so on.
Especially interesting is the need-blind + full-need met model, when the university accepts a student without knowing about his income, and then guarantees full coverage of expenses if the student really needs help. Universities with such a policy are rare, but they give a chance to study for free even to those who cannot afford paid education.
Which universities in the USA cover 100% of student expenses?
Some universities in the U.S. don't just help, they fully cover all student expenses, including tuition, accommodation, and even meals. This applies to both U.S. citizens and international students. Such universities are usually very prestigious, it is difficult to get there, but if you succeed, you can study absolutely free of charge.
Harvard University
Yes, the same Harvard. The university promises that if your family earns less than $85,000 a year, you don't pay anything at all. You don't even pay for accommodation and meals. More than half of Harvard students receive financial aid, so you're not alone. Financing can cover up to 100% of the cost, and most often it is not a loan, but a grant that does not need to be repaid.
Yale
Yale works on the same principle of need-blind admissions for everyone, including foreigners: this means that you are accepted to study without regard to your income, and then they calculate how much help you need. As a rule, if a family has an income below $75,000, a student can study for free, but everything is calculated individually.
Princeton University
Princeton was one of the first to abandon student loans altogether — instead, there are now only grants that do not need to be repaid. If the family has a low or average income, the university will cover all expenses: tuition, accommodation, meals, and even part of personal expenses. By the way, since 2023, Princeton has raised the income threshold: families with an income of up to $100,000 can count on full coverage.
Liberal Colleges: Amherst, Sworthmore, Baudoin, and others
Small, but solid and respected, and most importantly - with a large number of cool sponsors. These universities are smaller in size than Harvard or Yale, but they are very generous and attentive to students. Amherst College, for example, is also need-blind for everyone, including foreigners, covering 100% of the financial need. The same is true at Bowdoin College, Swarthmore College and a number of other private colleges.
Free Merit Tuition: Scholarships for Top Students
There is also a second way to study for free in the United States – merit. Many universities and organizations give full scholarships to talented schoolchildren who show excellent results in study, sports, art or leadership. Sometimes such scholarships cover not only tuition, but also accommodation, meals, tickets, and even pocket expenses.
In particular, good scholarships are offered by:
- Duke University – Robertson Scholars Scholarship (shared with UNC Chapel Hill) covers 100% of expenses, including summer internships and academic trips.
- Vanderbilt University – Ingram or Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship can completely cover the cost of tuition and living.
- University of Chicago offers several full scholarships based on the results of a competition among applicants.
To get such a scholarship, excellent academic performance is not enough, you need to prove yourself as a person - in a motivation letter, recommendations and extracurricular activities.
Free education in the United States is not a myth at all
Studying for free in the United States is realistic, even if you are not from a rich family and even if you are a foreigner. The main thing is to know where to look and how to present yourself correctly! Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and dozens of other universities are ready to cover 100% of the cost of tuition, accommodation and board, if you are suitable for them and if you can prove that you need support.
Yes, it will not be easy: you will need to understand the intricacies of submitting documents, write a strong essay, prove your success, and not miss deadlines. But the reward is also huge: a diploma from one of the best universities in the world, without debt and financial stress. So if you dream of studying in the USA, don't delay! Start studying universities, prepare documents and believe that everything is possible. Because in the world of education, the winner is not the one who has more money, but the one who is better prepared and not afraid to try.
