Zero college tuition zones around the U.S.

___

Published Date 11/25/2024

Just when most Americans are feeling a major pinch in their wallets—from the price of eggs to high home prices, Realtor.com’s Julie Taylor reminds us that there are places where families can move to where their kids can go to college for free.

“Most Americans are feeling financial pressure from rising costs, with college expenses being particularly burdensome,” she says. “The average cost of college in the United States is $38,270 per student per year, totaling $153,080 over four years. After taxes, this requires earning roughly $190,996 to cover the full amount.”

However, 15 states currently offer free college tuition without income requirements. The initiative began in Wheelock, VT in 1830, and by 2015, Tennessee introduced the first state-level free tuition program. Today, 32 states offer similar programs, with 20% of U.S. community college students attending tuition-free.

Arkansas offers the Arkansas Future Grant for students pursuing STEM certificates or associate degrees, with a requirement to work in Arkansas for three years after graduation. Median home list price: $296,854.

California provides the California Promise program for first-time, full-time community college students for up to two years. Median home list price: $759,500.

Connecticut runs the Pledge to Advance Connecticut program for eligible first-time, full-time community college students. Median home list price: $499,994.

Delaware offers the SEED Scholarship Program for high school graduates with a 2.5 GPA. Median home list price: $487,450.

Indiana provides the Workforce Ready Grant for certificates in high-demand fields. Median home list price: $290,750.

Kentucky offers the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship for in-demand career programs. Median home list price: $299,950.

Louisiana provides the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students at eligible institutions. Median home list price: $276,438.

Maine offers the Free College Scholarship for 2022 and 2025 high school graduates. Median home list price: $450,000.

Massachusetts runs the Massachusetts Reconnect and MassEducate programs for eligible adults. Median home list price: $769,500.

Michigan offers the Michigan Reconnect program for adults 25 and older without college degrees. Median home list price: $289,950.

Nevada provides last-dollar scholarships with community service requirements. Median home list price: $495,000.

New Mexico offers the Legislative Lottery Scholarship and Opportunity Scholarship programs. Median home list price: $399,000.

Rhode Island provides the Rhode Island Promise for Community College students maintaining a 2.5 GPA. Median home list price: $549,950.

Tennessee offers both Tennessee Promise for high school graduates and Tennessee Reconnect for adult learners. Median home list price: $427,450.

West Virginia provides the West Virginia Invests program for community and technical college students. Median home list price: $245,000.

Realtor,TBWS

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.

Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker - NY Department of Financial Services; Licensed Mortgage Banker - CT Department of Banking; Licensed Mortgage Banker - PA Department of Banking, Licensed Mortgage Lender – FL Office of Financial Regulation

All rates, fees and programs are subject to change without notice.