{"answer":"85 colleges promise free tuition, a free ride or an aid package with no loans to families below a stated income, and 71 of them name an income line for free tuition. 34 promise a package with no loans, and 40 say they meet a family's full need.","as_of":"October 2026","date":"2026-10-15","dek":"The table gives each college's own income line, the year it starts and the strings attached. It does not tell you what your family would pay, which only that college's own calculator can.","faq":[{"a":"85 colleges promise free tuition, a free ride or an aid package with no loans to families below a stated income, and 71 of them name an income line for free tuition.","q":"How many colleges promise free tuition below an income line?"},{"a":"A promise that covers tuition still leaves housing, food and fees for the family to pay.","q":"Does free tuition mean college is free?"},{"a":"A state school's promise usually stops at the state line.","q":"Do these pledges apply to out-of-state students?"}],"findings":[{"h":"The highest income lines sit at the richest private colleges.","p":"Princeton sets free tuition at a family income of $250,000, and covers the whole cost up to $150,000. Its page says that \"Most undergraduate families with incomes up to $250,000 will pay no tuition.\" The University of Chicago reaches $250,000 too, starting in 2027-28. Caltech, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Rice and Yale all draw the free-tuition line at $200,000, and cover the whole cost up to $100,000."},{"h":"One dollar figure can mean three different promises.","p":"Free tuition covers tuition. A free ride covers the whole cost, housing and food included, which is why Princeton prints two numbers. A no-loan promise means the aid package holds no borrowing. UNC Chapel Hill sets free tuition at $80,000 for North Carolina residents and no loans at $62,400."},{"h":"A state school's promise usually stops at the state line.","p":"The University of California campuses cover systemwide tuition up to a family income of $100,000, for California residents. UT Austin and Texas A&M use the same $100,000 line for Texans. The University of Virginia covers tuition at $100,000 and the whole cost at $50,000, in-state only. Read the conditions column before you count on any of it."}],"license":"CC BY 4.0 \u2014 quote with attribution to Test Prep Gurus (High School Reach)","method":"Each row is one college's own aid pledge, taken from that college's financial-aid page, with the income line, the year it takes effect, the conditions and a line quoted from the page. The file holds 85 colleges with a pledge: 71 name an income line for free tuition, 34 promise a package with no loans, and 40 say they meet full need. The first table holds the pledges with no residency test and the second the ones limited to a state's own residents, each ranked by the free-tuition line, highest first. A college with no published pledge is not in the file, and a pledge can change for the next entering class.","question":"Which colleges promise free tuition or no loans below an income line in 2026?","related":[{"label":"Merit scholarships by score and GPA","url":"/merit-scholarships"},{"label":"What college pays, by college and major","url":"/college-outcomes"},{"label":"What families pay at the 100 most-applied-to colleges","url":"/research/what-families-pay-100-colleges"},{"label":"Median student debt at the 100 most-applied-to colleges","url":"/research/student-debt-100-colleges"}],"sections":[{"h2":"Three promises, one table","paragraphs":["A free-tuition line is the family income below which tuition is covered. A whole-cost line is the income below which the college covers everything, housing and food included. A no-loan promise says the aid package will hold no loans, sometimes below an income line of its own.","Meeting full need is a fourth thing. 40 of these colleges say they meet a family's full need. That means the college decides what your family can pay and covers the rest, so it is not a number you can read in advance. The income lines are."]},{"h2":"What an income line does not settle","paragraphs":["Income is not the only test. Many rows carry a condition: living in the state, a Pell grant, a class rank, or a start year. Texas A&M counts family income and assets, not income alone. The University of Chicago's line assumes typical assets.","The year matters too. The University of Chicago, Rice and Swarthmore list 2027-28, so a family applying for fall 2026 should read the rows that say 2026-27. And a pledge can change for the next class, which is why the table links each college's own page."]},{"h2":"What a family should do with this","paragraphs":["Find the college in the table. Read its income line, then read its conditions. Then run that college's own net price calculator with your real numbers, because every college that takes federal aid has to publish one.","Last, read the pledge in the college's own words on the page the table links. A promise that covers tuition still leaves housing, food and fees for the family to pay. That gap is the part a family has to plan for."]}],"slug":"colleges-with-free-tuition-pledges","sources":[{"label":"Princeton University: affordable for all","url":"https://www.princeton.edu/admission-aid/affordable-all"},{"label":"UNC Chapel Hill: Tar Heel Guarantee","url":"https://studentaid.unc.edu/tar-heel-guarantee/"},{"label":"UC Berkeley: Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan","url":"https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/innovative-berkeley-aid-programs/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan/"},{"label":"UT Austin: Texas Advance Commitment","url":"https://admissions.utexas.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/texas-advance-commitment/"}],"tables":[{"columns":[{"fmt":"str","key":"name","label":"College"},{"fmt":"money","key":"free_tuition_threshold","label":"Free tuition below"},{"fmt":"money","key":"free_all_threshold","label":"Whole cost covered below"},{"fmt":"bool","key":"no_loan","label":"No loans in the package"},{"fmt":"money","key":"no_loan_threshold","label":"No loans below"},{"fmt":"bool","key":"meets_full_need","label":"Meets full need"},{"fmt":"str","key":"conditions","label":"Conditions"},{"fmt":"str","key":"effective_year","label":"Takes effect"},{"fmt":"url","key":"source_url","label":"The college's page"}],"h2":"Pledges with no residency test","intro":"Ranked by the family income line for free tuition, highest first.","link_base":"/colleges/","note":"Each row is the pledge as that college published it, for 2026 unless the row says another year. A free-tuition line covers tuition; a whole-cost line covers housing and food too. Meeting full need is the college's own judgment of what your family can pay, not a published number. A blank means the college does not publish that piece, and a college with no pledge is not in the table.","rows":[{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":150000,"free_tuition_threshold":250000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Princeton University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Financial aid covers the full cost of attendance -- including tuition, housing, food, books and personal expenses -- for most families with incomes up to $150,000 a year. ... Most undergraduate families with incomes up to $250,000 will pay no tuition.","slug":"princeton-university","source_url":"https://www.princeton.edu/admission-aid/affordable-all","unitid":186131,"url":"/colleges/princeton-university"},{"conditions":"starts Autumn 2027; assumes typical assets","effective_year":"2027-28","free_all_threshold":125000,"free_tuition_threshold":250000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of Chicago","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"students from families earning up to $250,000 will receive free tuition\"","slug":"university-of-chicago","source_url":"https://www.uchicago.edu/admissions/affordability","unitid":144050,"url":"/colleges/university-of-chicago"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"California Institute of Technology","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":100000,"quote":"Most students from families making less than $200,000 (with typical assets) can expect an aid package that covers tuition","slug":"california-institute-of-technology","source_url":"https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/afford","unitid":110404,"url":"/colleges/california-institute-of-technology"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Harvard University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"For families with annual incomes below $100,000, the expected parent contribution is zero. For families with incomes up to $200,000, financial aid will cover at least the full cost of tuition.\"","slug":"harvard-university","source_url":"https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works","unitid":166027,"url":"/colleges/harvard-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Johns Hopkins University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"tuition-free for all undergraduate students from families earning up to $200,000 a year","slug":"johns-hopkins-university","source_url":"https://sfs.jhu.edu/tuition-promise/","unitid":162928,"url":"/colleges/johns-hopkins-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26 (still current for 2026-27)","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Massachusetts Institute of Technology","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, students whose family income is under $200,000 a year (with typical assets) attend MIT tuition-free.","slug":"massachusetts-institute-of-technology","source_url":"https://mitadmissions.org/afford/cost-aid-basics/access-affordability/","unitid":166683,"url":"/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2027-28","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Rice University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"INCOME BELOW $100K -- Full Tuition, Fees & Living Expenses Grant; INCOME $100K-200K -- Full Tuition Grant","slug":"rice-university","source_url":"https://financialaid.rice.edu/rice-investment","unitid":227757,"url":"/colleges/rice-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Yale University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Families with annual incomes below $200,000 and typical assets qualify for a need-based scholarship that covers at least the cost of tuition.","slug":"yale-university","source_url":"https://admissions.yale.edu/affordability-details","unitid":130794,"url":"/colleges/yale-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":75000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Boston University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Under the BU Promise, admitted domestic first-year, first-time students from families earning less than $200,000 annually, with typical assets, can expect financial aid to cover full tuition--roughly two-thirds of BU's total cost of attendance--plus a portion of housing and dining costs, with a parent contribution capped at $20,000 per year. Families with household incomes of $75,000 or less, with typical assets, can expect to pay nothing ... While families may still choose to borrow as part of their own financial planning, BU Promise no longer includes loans as part of meeting demonstrated financial need. ... BU Promise builds on the University's longstanding commitment to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need while making financial aid easier to understand and more predictable.","slug":"boston-university","source_url":"https://www.bu.edu/articles/2026/new-financial-aid-program-covers-tuition-for-certain-families/","unitid":164988,"url":"/colleges/boston-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":75000,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of Pennsylvania","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"If you make up to $200,000 with typical assets, your financial aid package is guaranteed to cover at minimum full tuition (and often more).","slug":"university-of-pennsylvania","source_url":"https://srfs.upenn.edu/quaker-commitment","unitid":215062,"url":"/colleges/university-of-pennsylvania"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Emory University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"families with incomes up to $200,000, with typical assets, will pay zero in tuition","slug":"emory-university","source_url":"https://studentaid.emory.edu/undergraduate/types/grants-scholarships/emory-grants/advantage-plus.html","unitid":139658,"url":"/colleges/emory-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2027-28","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":200000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Swarthmore College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"Swarthmore College will provide financial aid that meets at least the cost of tuition for students whose families have a household income of $200,000 or less and have typical assets.\"","slug":"swarthmore-college","source_url":"https://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid/paying-swarthmore","unitid":216287,"url":"/colleges/swarthmore-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":125000,"free_tuition_threshold":175000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Dartmouth College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"A family earning between $125,000 and $175,000 USD with typical assets can expect scholarship and/or grants that cover the full cost of tuition per year.\"","slug":"dartmouth-college","source_url":"https://financialaid.dartmouth.edu/how-aid-works/how-much-help-will-i-get","unitid":182670,"url":"/colleges/dartmouth-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":175000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Colgate University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":200000,"quote":"Students with an annual family income of $175,000 or less will, on average, attend Colgate tuition-free.","slug":"colgate-university","source_url":"https://www.colgate.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/colgate-commitment","unitid":190099,"url":"/colleges/colgate-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":100000,"free_tuition_threshold":150000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Stanford University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Families earning less than $150,000 with assets typical of that income level pay no tuition. Families earning less than $100,000 with assets typical of that income level pay no tuition or room and board.","slug":"stanford-university","source_url":"https://admission.stanford.edu/afford/","unitid":243744,"url":"/colleges/stanford-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":70000,"free_tuition_threshold":150000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Northwestern University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"most families making less than $150K per year attend Northwestern tuition-free","slug":"northwestern-university","source_url":"https://admissions.northwestern.edu/tuition-aid/","unitid":147767,"url":"/colleges/northwestern-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":66000,"free_tuition_threshold":150000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Columbia University in the City of New York","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Students coming from families with calculated total incomes of less than $150,000 annually (and typical assets) will be able to attend Columbia tuition-free.","slug":"columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york","source_url":"https://cc-seas.financialaid.columbia.edu/how/aid/works","unitid":190150,"url":"/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":60000,"free_tuition_threshold":150000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of Notre Dame","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"families with annual income below $150,000 will receive need-based financial aid that covers the cost of tuition\"","slug":"university-of-notre-dame","source_url":"https://admissions.nd.edu/aid-affordability/","unitid":152080,"url":"/colleges/university-of-notre-dame"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":150000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Tufts University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":60000,"quote":"admitted U.S. undergraduate students whose family income, with typical assets, is under $150,000 per year will receive grants to cover the cost of tuition","slug":"tufts-university","source_url":"https://students.tufts.edu/financial-services/undergrad-aid/award-letter/tufts-tuition-pact-faq","unitid":168148,"url":"/colleges/tufts-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":150000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Vanderbilt University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"we provide a full-tuition scholarship for all households with income of $150K* or less","slug":"vanderbilt-university","source_url":"https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/affordability/opportunity-vanderbilt/","unitid":221999,"url":"/colleges/vanderbilt-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":75000,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Cornell University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":75000,"quote":"Undergraduates from families earning up to $125,000, with typical assets, receive grant and scholarship aid that covers tuition.","slug":"cornell-university","source_url":"https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/03/board-trustees-approves-2026-27-budget-parameters","unitid":190415,"url":"/colleges/cornell-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":60000,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Brown University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Families with a total annual income equal to or below $125,000, that have typical assets for their income level, may be eligible for funding that covers the full cost of tuition.","slug":"brown-university","source_url":"https://finaid.brown.edu/basics/brown-promise/unique-initiatives","unitid":217156,"url":"/colleges/brown-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2024-25","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"New York University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, President Linda G. Mills expanded NYU's commitment to affordability through The NYU Promise, guaranteeing that every undergraduate-domestic and international-who start as a first-year student admitted to our New York campus will have 100% of their demonstrated need met through a combination of scholarships and grants.  In addition, families with income less than $100,000 and who hold typical assets will not have to pay tuition. ... Meeting demonstrated need means NYU will cover, through institutional scholarships, federal/state grants, and expected student work, the cost of attendance-including tuition, housing, food, books, and supplies-less the amount that your family is expected to contribute as determined by the information provided on the CSS Profile. ... Loans are not included in your financial aid package to meet your demonstrated need, however, federal loans are offered with submission of the FAFSA and private loans are an option to assist with your family contribution.","slug":"new-york-university","source_url":"https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships/applying-as-a-prospective-undergraduate-student/first-year-applicants/the-nyu-promise.html","unitid":193900,"url":"/colleges/new-york-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":80000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of Southern California","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Incoming first-year students from U.S. families with an annual income of $80,000 or less with typical assets can attend USC tuition free","slug":"university-of-southern-california","source_url":"https://admission.usc.edu/cost-and-financial-aid/financial-aid-and-scholarships/","unitid":123961,"url":"/colleges/university-of-southern-california"},{"conditions":"no-loan packaging below $100,000","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Carnegie Mellon University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":100000,"quote":"The program makes it possible for students whose families earn $75,000 or less annually to attend CMU tuition-free. Additionally, students whose families earn $100,000 or less annually can attend CMU without utilizing any federal student loans. This means that 100% of their demonstrated financial need will be met with financial aid offers that do not include loans. ... Carnegie Mellon meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents, regardless of their family income.","slug":"carnegie-mellon-university","source_url":"https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/cost-and-affordability/pathway-program/index.html","unitid":211440,"url":"/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":50000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Baylor University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Baylor Benefit Scholarship offers full tuition coverage for a select number of incoming freshmen with significant financial need and an adjusted gross income under $50,000. ... Families with an adjusted gross income under $50,000 as reported on the FAFSA ... If awarded, a student's Baylor tuition is fully covered by a combination of the Baylor Benefit Scholarship, Baylor Distinction Award (merit-based), federal grants, state grants and Baylor need-based grants. This award applies only to regular tuition costs and does not cover additional expenses such as housing, meal plans or other fees.","slug":"baylor-university","source_url":"https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/costs-aid/scholarships-aid/baylor-benefit-scholarship","unitid":223232,"url":"/colleges/baylor-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":75000,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Colby College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"We pledge to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need without loans.\" / \"If your family has a total income of $75,000 or less and typical assets, we've ensured they will have a parent or guardian contribution of $0.\"","slug":"colby-college","source_url":"https://afa.colby.edu/cost-and-aid/colby-commitment/","unitid":161086,"url":"/colleges/colby-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Amherst College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"Our financial aid meets your 100% of your full calculated need - there is no gap or unmet need in your financial aid offer.\"","slug":"amherst-college","source_url":"https://www.amherst.edu/offices/financialaid/frequently-asked-questions","unitid":164465,"url":"/colleges/amherst-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Boston College","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"We meet 100% of the need that is based on our determination of your institutional expected family contribution.","slug":"boston-college","source_url":"https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/offices/student-services/financial-aid/undergraduate/how-aid-works.html","unitid":164924,"url":"/colleges/boston-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Bowdoin College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Bowdoin meets your full calculated need using need-based scholarships--not loans--which never have to be repaid.","slug":"bowdoin-college","source_url":"https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/costs-and-aid/every-step.html","unitid":161004,"url":"/colleges/bowdoin-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Case Western Reserve University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"As of fall 2017, we now meet 100 percent of demonstrated need for all admitted undergraduate students. [case.edu/financialaid/undergraduates] || \"Undergraduate students, including U.S. military service members and their dependents, interested in receiving aid directly from Case Western Reserve University must submit the CSS Profile.\" [case.edu/financialaid/undergraduates/applying-undergraduate-aid] || \"After considering all the resources available to a student, including any scholarships awarded, the university may provide gift and self-help assistance (a combination of loans and student employment).\" [case.edu/financialaid/resources/frequently-asked-questions]","slug":"case-western-reserve-university","source_url":"https://case.edu/financialaid/undergraduates","unitid":201645,"url":"/colleges/case-western-reserve-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Duke University","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":65000,"quote":"If your family's total income is above $65,000, part of the aid offered to you will be a federal loan.","slug":"duke-university","source_url":"https://financialaid.duke.edu/how-aid-calculated/your-aid-offer/","unitid":198419,"url":"/colleges/duke-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Georgetown University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Georgetown University meets the full financial need of all eligible undergraduate students.","slug":"georgetown-university","source_url":"https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/","unitid":131496,"url":"/colleges/georgetown-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":55500,"quote":"The G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Scholarship makes it possible for academically qualified in-state students with family incomes below $55,500 to earn a Georgia Tech degree debt free. | Eligibility page (techpromise.em.gatech.edu/apply/eligibility): Have less than $55,500 in total combined annual income, assets, financial resources, and monetary/financial/in-kind support. | Benefits page (techpromise.em.gatech.edu/about/benefits): The funding students receive as a Tech Promise Scholar will meet 100% of financial need, assisting with costs associated with housing, a food service plan, books, supplies, personal expenses, and, of course, tuition and fees.","slug":"georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus","source_url":"https://techpromise.em.gatech.edu/","unitid":139755,"url":"/colleges/georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Harvey Mudd College","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Harvey Mudd College is committed to meeting 100 percent of your demonstrated financial need through the use of institutional, federal and state grants, available student loans and work-study.","slug":"harvey-mudd-college","source_url":"https://www.hmc.edu/admission/afford/determining-your-eligibility/","unitid":115409,"url":"/colleges/harvey-mudd-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Northeastern University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"We are dedicated to meeting the full demonstrated need for each admitted student eligible for federal financial aid.","slug":"northeastern-university","source_url":"https://studentfinance.northeastern.edu/applying-for-aid/undergraduate/the-northeastern-promise/","unitid":167358,"url":"/colleges/northeastern-university"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Pomona College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"While loans are available, Pomona does not use loans to meet a student's financial need.\"","slug":"pomona-college","source_url":"https://www.pomona.edu/financial-aid","unitid":121345,"url":"/colleges/pomona-college"},{"conditions":null,"effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Williams College","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Williams eliminated loans and work-study requirements from our financial aid packages.","slug":"williams-college","source_url":"https://www.williams.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/","unitid":168342,"url":"/colleges/williams-college"}]},{"columns":[{"fmt":"str","key":"name","label":"College"},{"fmt":"money","key":"free_tuition_threshold","label":"Free tuition below"},{"fmt":"money","key":"free_all_threshold","label":"Whole cost covered below"},{"fmt":"bool","key":"no_loan","label":"No loans in the package"},{"fmt":"money","key":"no_loan_threshold","label":"No loans below"},{"fmt":"bool","key":"meets_full_need","label":"Meets full need"},{"fmt":"str","key":"conditions","label":"Conditions"},{"fmt":"str","key":"effective_year","label":"Takes effect"},{"fmt":"url","key":"source_url","label":"The college's page"}],"h2":"Pledges limited to one state's residents","intro":"The same fields, for pledges a family qualifies for only by living in the state.","link_base":"/colleges/","note":"Each row is the pledge as that college or state published it, for 2026 unless the row says another year. Several of these cover tuition and fees only, which leaves housing and food to the family, and the conditions column says which. A blank means the college does not publish that piece.","rows":[{"conditions":"NY residents; state Excelsior program, tuition only","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Binghamton University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Excelsior Scholarship allows New York State residents to attend public colleges tuition-free for up to four years (eight semesters). ... Combined federal adjusted gross income must be $125,000 or less.","slug":"binghamton-university","source_url":"https://www.binghamton.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/nysaid/nysscholarships.html","unitid":196079,"url":"/colleges/binghamton-university"},{"conditions":"NY residents; state Excelsior program, tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"CUNY City College","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Excelsior Scholarship is a tuition-free program for eligible New York State residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college. ... Your household combined federal adjusted gross income must be $125,000 or less. ... Be a resident of New York State.","slug":"cuny-city-college","source_url":"https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/financialaid/excelsior-scholarship","unitid":190567,"url":"/colleges/cuny-city-college"},{"conditions":"NY residents; state Excelsior program, tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"CUNY Hunter College","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. ... Applicants must have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less. ... A recipient of an Excelsior Scholarship may receive up to $5,500.","slug":"cuny-hunter-college","source_url":"https://hunter-undergraduate.catalog.cuny.edu/financial-aid-tuition/new-york-state-financial-aid-programs","unitid":190594,"url":"/colleges/cuny-hunter-college"},{"conditions":"NY residents; state Excelsior program, tuition only","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Stony Brook University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"This groundbreaking program enables eligible students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free ... Your household combined federal adjusted gross income must be $125,000 or less.","slug":"stony-brook-university","source_url":"https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/finaid/aid/nystate/excelsior","unitid":196097,"url":"/colleges/stony-brook-university"},{"conditions":"NY residents; state Excelsior program, tuition only","effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University at Albany","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students whose families earn $125,000 or less. Recipients must be New York State residents or otherwise qualify under the NYS Dream Act.","slug":"university-at-albany","source_url":"https://www.albany.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/apply-new-york-state-grants-and-scholarships","unitid":196060,"url":"/colleges/university-at-albany"},{"conditions":"NY residents; state Excelsior program, tuition only","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University at Buffalo","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Students from families earning $125,000 or less can attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. || Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less. || Live and work in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years you received the scholarship. || Be enrolled in full-time study (at least 12 credits per term in your program of study) ... Complete at least 30 credits per year in your program of study.","slug":"university-at-buffalo","source_url":"https://www.buffalo.edu/financialaid/basics/types/scholarships/new-york-state.html","unitid":196088,"url":"/colleges/university-at-buffalo"},{"conditions":"MI residents; in-state, full-time undergraduates only","effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":125000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of Michigan-Ann Arbor","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"Michigan families with incomes $125,000 and under & assets below $125,000 now qualify for FREE TUITION.\"","slug":"university-of-michigan-ann-arbor","source_url":"https://goblueguarantee.umich.edu/ann-arbor/","unitid":170976,"url":"/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor"},{"conditions":"IL residents who attended an Illinois high school","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":120480,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Southern Illinois University-Carbondale","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"annual family income less than $120,480 with assets less than $50,000 | Your tuition and mandatory fees will be covered after all other financial aid is applied. | Be an Illinois resident who attended an Illinois high school.","slug":"southern-illinois-university-carbondale","source_url":"https://fao.siu.edu/types/saluki-commitment.php","unitid":149222,"url":"/colleges/southern-illinois-university-carbondale"},{"conditions":"VA residents; in-state undergraduates only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":50000,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of Virginia-Main Campus","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"\"UVA will cover the cost of tuition and fees to in-state undergraduates with family income of less than $100,000.\"","slug":"university-of-virginia-main-campus","source_url":"https://www.virginia.edu/tuition-affordability/","unitid":234076,"url":"/colleges/university-of-virginia-main-campus"},{"conditions":"TX residents; counts family income and assets","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Texas A & M University-College Station","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Aggie Assurance fully covers tuition and fees for eligible students. To be considered, students must meet all of the following requirements: Have a family income and assets of $100,000 or less (for incoming undergraduate students starting Fall 2026) ... Be classified as a Texas resident (including students eligible for in-state tuition under SB1528). ... As of the 2026-27 academic year, tuition and fees at Texas A&M and estimated tuition and fees at Blinn will be covered.","slug":"texas-a-and-m-university-college-station","source_url":"https://aggie.tamu.edu/paying-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/grants.html","unitid":228723,"url":"/colleges/texas-a-and-m-university-college-station"},{"conditions":"TX residents only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"The University of Texas at Austin","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"with family-adjusted gross incomes (AGIs) of up to $100,000, will have tuition covered","slug":"the-university-of-texas-at-austin","source_url":"https://admissions.utexas.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/texas-advance-commitment/","unitid":228778,"url":"/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-austin"},{"conditions":"TX residents; covers tuition + mandatory fees","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"The University of Texas at Dallas","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Beginning fall 2025, the UT Dallas Comet Promise expands the current Tuition Promise program by increasing the eligible family income threshold and including transfer students. | Eligible students will have their tuition and fees covered through scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds. | Have a family income of $100,000 or less. | Be a Texas resident at the time of admission.","slug":"the-university-of-texas-at-dallas","source_url":"https://www.utdallas.edu/costs-scholarships-aid/costs/tuition/promise/","unitid":228787,"url":"/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-dallas"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Berkeley","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds (from ALL sources) to cover their UC Tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-berkeley","source_url":"https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/innovative-berkeley-aid-programs/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan/","unitid":110635,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Davis","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Tuition Coverage: Most undergraduate students from California families that earn up to $100,000 and have total assets/investments of less than $500,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-davis","source_url":"https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/types/tuition-assistance/blue-gold","unitid":110644,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-davis"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Irvine","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-irvine","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":110653,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-irvine"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Los Angeles","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-los-angeles","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":110662,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-los-angeles"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Merced","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-merced","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":445188,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-merced"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Riverside","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-riverside","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":110671,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-riverside"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-San Diego","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-san-diego","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":110680,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Santa Barbara","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-santa-barbara","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":110705,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-santa-barbara"},{"conditions":"CA residents; UC Blue and Gold, systemwide tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of California-Santa Cruz","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Most California families that earn up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover their UC tuition.","slug":"university-of-california-santa-cruz","source_url":"https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html","unitid":110714,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-santa-cruz"},{"conditions":"TX residents, top 25% of class or 1030 SAT / 19 ACT","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of North Texas","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Beginning in Fall 2026, qualifying first-time freshmen seeking their first bachelor's degree will have the full cost of their tuition and mandatory course fees covered by a combination of federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships for up to four years (eight semesters). Eligibility: Be a Texas resident graduating from a Texas high school / Have a total family income of $100,000 or less* / Rank in Top 25% of high school class or be eligible for Federal Pell Grant / Be admitted for the Fall 2026 semester and turn in high school transcript by Feb. 15, 2026 / Complete and have a valid FAFSA submitted to UNT by Feb. 15, 2026. *Total family income is determined via the FAFSA. Eligibility requires financial need as determined via the FAFSA. Funding is capped at financial need.","slug":"university-of-north-texas","source_url":"https://financialaid.unt.edu/north-texas-promise.html","unitid":227216,"url":"/colleges/university-of-north-texas"},{"conditions":"UT residents","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Utah","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Utah Promise ensures full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees with scholarship and grant funding for Utah resident undergraduate students whose family household income and assets are each less than $100,000 per year. ... Qualified applicants must meet the following criteria: Be a Utah resident; Be a first-time, first-year student; Have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 or above; Have an annual family income and assets each totaling less than $100,000 as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)","slug":"university-of-utah","source_url":"https://admissions.utah.edu/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/utah-promise/","unitid":230764,"url":"/colleges/university-of-utah"},{"conditions":"VT residents; covers tuition + comprehensive fee, not housing","effective_year":"2025-26 or later","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":100000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Vermont","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Under the UVM Promise, admitted dependent undergraduate students from Vermont who start in the Fall 2025 semester or later, and whose parents' adjusted gross income (AGI) is $100,000 or less with typical assets, can have their Federal, state, and other secured grants and scholarships supplemented by UVM to cover their tuition and comprehensive fee. [...] Parents adjusted gross income (AGI) as reported on the FAFSA for the applicable academic year 2024-2025, is $75,000 or less with typical assets; 2025-2026 or later, is $100,000 or less with typical assets [...] Food and housing charges are not covered under the UVM Promise.","slug":"university-of-vermont","source_url":"https://www.uvm.edu/studentfinancialservices/uvm-promise","unitid":231174,"url":"/colleges/university-of-vermont"},{"conditions":"IN residents; last-dollar, covers tuition + fees","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":80000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Indiana University-Bloomington","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"This new grant covers the balance of tuition and mandatory fees for Indiana residents with a family AGI of $80,000 or less, after other eligible aid is applied. Starting in Fall 2026, the grant applies to new first year students, transfer students, and continuing students at IU Bloomington.","slug":"indiana-university-bloomington","source_url":"https://studentcentral.indiana.edu/pay-for-college/funding-options/grants/iu.html","unitid":151351,"url":"/colleges/indiana-university-bloomington"},{"conditions":"TX residents; covers tuition + fees, entering students","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":80000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Texas Tech University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Must be a Texas resident ... Must have a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less ... The maximum funding amount is $11,852, which corresponds to the tuition and fees listed on the Cost of Attendance (COA).","slug":"texas-tech-university","source_url":"https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/guarantee/","unitid":229115,"url":"/colleges/texas-tech-university"},{"conditions":"NC residents; Tar Heel Guarantee, in-state only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":80000,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":62400,"quote":"North Carolina undergraduates whose families make less than $80,000 a year and have typical assets","slug":"university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill","source_url":"https://studentaid.unc.edu/tar-heel-guarantee/","unitid":199120,"url":"/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill"},{"conditions":"SC residents in the top 10% of their high-school class","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":80000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of South Carolina-Columbia","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"You must be a South Carolina resident enrolled in a South Carolina high school and graduate within the top 10 percent of your high school class in your junior or senior year. ... Your family income must be below $80,000. ... The USC Commitment Grant covers regular full-time tuition, technology fee, and an average value of the program fees, after all other sources of gift aid are considered.","slug":"university-of-south-carolina-columbia","source_url":"https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/financial_aid/grants/usc_commitment_grant/","unitid":218663,"url":"/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-columbia"},{"conditions":"DE residents; entering freshmen only","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":35000,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Delaware","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Students with a family income of less than $35,000 receive a financial package that allows them to attend UD at little or no up-front cost. The package covers tuition, fees, standard housing and food expenses. || Students with family incomes between $35,000 and $75,000 will receive a financial aid package that covers their full tuition and mandatory fees; those with family incomes above $75,000 may also be eligible for some aid in addition to any merit scholarships they may have earned. || To qualify, students admitted to UD must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and meet the income requirements. No additional applications are necessary. || Does not apply to transfer students or course-related fees for freshmen. Household size, as well as family assets in excess of $50,000, may affect eligibility for need-based grants.","slug":"university-of-delaware","source_url":"https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/financing-your-degree/in-state-freshmen/","unitid":130943,"url":"/colleges/university-of-delaware"},{"conditions":"TN residents who qualify for the HOPE Scholarship","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"The University of Tennessee-Knoxville","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that assists with covering tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Tennessee residents attending UT campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis. ... To be eligible, students must qualify for the HOPE Scholarship, have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less and total assets under $75,000. UT Promise also guarantees a minimum $500 award per semester for all qualifying students.","slug":"the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville","source_url":"https://tennessee.edu/academics/affordability/ut-promise-scholarship/","unitid":221759,"url":"/colleges/the-university-of-tennessee-knoxville"},{"conditions":"OH residents; also Pell-restricted","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Cincinnati-Main Campus","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Have a total annual household income of $75,000 or less. Are an Ohio resident. Are admitted for fall semester 2026 or later. ... Are awarded a Federal Pell Grant based on the FAFSA. ... The grant covers tuition and the following fees: instructional fees, general fees, campus life fees, distance learning fees, and program fees. It does not cover any additional course-specific fees, books, housing, and meal plans. ... The first eligible class will be students entering UC in Fall 2026.","slug":"university-of-cincinnati-main-campus","source_url":"https://www.uc.edu/affordability-grant.html","unitid":201885,"url":"/colleges/university-of-cincinnati-main-campus"},{"conditions":"IL residents; covers tuition + fees for four years","effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"We'll cover tuition and fees for up to four years for all qualified in-state students. ... You're an Illinois resident (parents listed on the FAFSA are also Illinois residents) ... Your family income is $75,000 or less (effective fall 2025) ... Your family's assets are $75,000 or less (effective fall 2025)","slug":"university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign","source_url":"https://www.osfa.illinois.edu/illinois-commitment/","unitid":145637,"url":"/colleges/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign"},{"conditions":"MD residents; last-dollar, covers tuition + fees only","effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Maryland-College Park","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"in-state first-degree students enrolled full-time in a degree or certificate program and who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with unmet financial need and a total family income of $75,000 or less are eligible. ... Terrapin Commitment will cover UMD standard in-state tuition and mandatory fees ($12,290 for 2025-26).","slug":"university-of-maryland-college-park","source_url":"https://financialaid.umd.edu/terrapin-commitment","unitid":163286,"url":"/colleges/university-of-maryland-college-park"},{"conditions":"MA residents; covers in-state tuition + fees only","effective_year":"2025-26","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":75000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Massachusetts-Amherst","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Beginning with the Fall 2025 semester, if your household earns an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less, you can qualify to attend UMass Amherst at no cost for tuition and mandatory fees. ... If you qualify for UMass Amherst Advantage, 100% of your tuition and mandatory fees are covered by federal, state, and institutional aid. ... UMass Amherst Advantage covers in-state tuition and mandatory fees. The program does not cover the cost of campus housing, meals, required fees, or program/college-specific curriculum fees.","slug":"university-of-massachusetts-amherst","source_url":"https://www.umass.edu/financialaid/amherst-advantage","unitid":166629,"url":"/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst"},{"conditions":"MI residents who are also Pell-eligible","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Michigan State University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"100% free tuition for qualifying in-state students ... the Spartan Tuition Advantage is a financial aid program that covers up to 18 credits of tuition per semester for all qualifying full-time, in-state students through a combination of federal, state and institutional gift aid. ... Michigan resident -- or qualify for in-state tuition; Pell-eligible -- be eligible for the Pell grant; $65K or less -- total household income.","slug":"michigan-state-university","source_url":"https://finaid.msu.edu/spartan-tuition-advantage","unitid":171100,"url":"/colleges/michigan-state-university"},{"conditions":"AZ residents","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Northern Arizona University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"A2E guarantees full undergraduate tuition coverage [for] Arizona residents with a household income of $65,000 or less [and] members of one of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes (no income or residency requirement). || newly admitted Arizona first-year or transfer student (starting fall 2023 or later)","slug":"northern-arizona-university","source_url":"https://nau.edu/financial-aid/aid-programs/access-2-excellence/","unitid":105330,"url":"/colleges/northern-arizona-university"},{"conditions":"NJ residents enrolling fall 2026 or later","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Rutgers University-New Brunswick","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Family adjusted gross income (AGI) $0-$65,000: $0 annual net cost for tuition and eligible fees. $65,001-$80,000: no more than $3,000. $80,001-$100,000: no more than $5,000. ... available to eligible New Jersey students enrolling in fall 2026 or later.","slug":"rutgers-university-new-brunswick","source_url":"https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/admissions-cost/scarlet-guarantee","unitid":186380,"url":"/colleges/rutgers-university-new-brunswick"},{"conditions":"PA residents; last-dollar, covers tuition only","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Temple University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"For the 2026-2027 academic year, the Temple Promise program will begin with qualifying first-year, full-time undergraduate students residing in Philadelphia County ... a family adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less ... covers the remaining tuition and eligible fees after all other aid is applied ... does not cover living expenses such as room and board.","slug":"temple-university","source_url":"https://admissions.temple.edu/costs-aid-scholarships/temple-promise","unitid":216339,"url":"/colleges/temple-university"},{"conditions":"CO residents; covers tuition + fees, not housing","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Colorado Boulder","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The CU Promise is a combination of grants that cover tuition and fees for students with significant financial need. Families who are eligible typically have an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less","slug":"university-of-colorado-boulder","source_url":"https://www.colorado.edu/financialaid/types-aid/cupromise","unitid":126614,"url":"/colleges/university-of-colorado-boulder"},{"conditions":"TX residents","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Houston","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"UH guarantees tuition and mandatory fees will be covered by grant assistance and other sources for eligible students with family incomes at or below $65,000. It will provide tuition support for those with family incomes which fall between $65,001 and $125,000.","slug":"university-of-houston","source_url":"https://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/types-aid/incentives/cougar-promise/","unitid":225511,"url":"/colleges/university-of-houston"},{"conditions":"WI residents; covers tuition + fees","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":65000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Wisconsin-Madison","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"First announced in February 2018, Bucky's Tuition Promise is a commitment to Wisconsin resident students. The program guarantees scholarships and grants to pay for tuition & segregated fees for students whose family adjusted gross income (AGI) is $65,000 or less. Incoming first-year students will receive eight (8) consecutive semesters (4 years) of free tuition & segregated fees and new transfer students will receive four (4) semesters (2 years).","slug":"university-of-wisconsin-madison","source_url":"https://financialaid.wisc.edu/types-of-aid/tuition-promise/","unitid":240444,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-madison"},{"conditions":"FL first-generation students; selected by invitation","effective_year":"2022-23","free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":55000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Florida","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":55000,"quote":"Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarships (MFOS) are designed to ensure that those who meet eligibility requirements will not have to work or borrow to attend UF, but rather will have their need fully met with grants and scholarships. Awards are offered to Florida resident first-time-in-college freshmen students and undergraduate renewal students from historically low-income families whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree. ... parents', stepparents', or legal guardians' combined total income be below $55,000; parents', stepparents', or legal guardians' assets must be below $35,000.","slug":"university-of-florida","source_url":"https://www.sfa.ufl.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/","unitid":134130,"url":"/colleges/university-of-florida"},{"conditions":"TX residents; covers tuition + mandatory fees","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":50000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Texas State University","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Bobcat Promise provides grants for tuition and mandatory fees up to 15 hours per semester to new entering freshmen with a FAFSA income of $50,000 or less. ... We guarantee that students will have access to enough grants to cover tuition and mandatory fees if their FAFSA income is $50,000 or less per year. ... To be eligible for the Bobcat Promise, you must meet all of the following criteria: Be an entering first-time freshman (transfer students and students admitted through the TXST-LSCO Gateway Program are not eligible) / Be a Texas resident / Have a FAFSA income of $50,000 or less ... No. The Bobcat Promise will cover tuition and mandatory fees, but not housing, meal plans, books and other costs.","slug":"texas-state-university","source_url":"https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/learn-more/icons/bobcatpromise.html","unitid":228459,"url":"/colleges/texas-state-university"},{"conditions":"MN residents; new freshmen only, tuition only","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":50000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"University of Minnesota-Twin Cities","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The Promise Plus Free Tuition Program (Promise Plus) is an expansion of the U Promise Scholarship Program to support Minnesota students in being able to afford college. It provides funds in addition to the federal, state, and University grants/scholarships needed to cover the full cost of tuition for students whose families make $50,000 per year or less. [Eligibility list:] Be classified as a resident of Minnesota according to University regulations. ... Have a family income of $50,000 or lower and demonstrate financial need.","slug":"university-of-minnesota-twin-cities","source_url":"https://system.umn.edu/promise-plus-free-tuition-program","unitid":174066,"url":"/colleges/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities"},{"conditions":"OH residents, academically competitive first-years","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":null,"free_tuition_threshold":35000,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Miami University-Oxford","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"Have a total family income of $35,000 or less ... Academically competitive Ohio residents enrolling on the Oxford campus as first-time, full-time first years ... Guaranteed coverage of tuition and fees through a combination of federal and state grants and University grants and/or scholarships","slug":"miami-university-oxford","source_url":"https://miamioh.edu/onestop/paying-for-college/funding-opportunities/scholarships/miami-access-fellows/index.html","unitid":204024,"url":"/colleges/miami-university-oxford"},{"conditions":"incoming Missouri and southern Illinois students","effective_year":"2026-27","free_all_threshold":75000,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":true,"name":"Washington University in St Louis","no_loan":true,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"covers tuition, fees, housing, and dining for incoming, full-time Missouri and southern Illinois students who come from a family with $75,000 or less in annual income. ... WashU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduate students with scholarships, grants, and Federal Work-Study. ... Our undergraduate financial aid offers don't include loans.","slug":"washington-university-in-st-louis","source_url":"https://financialaid.washu.edu/how-washu-helps/","unitid":179867,"url":"/colleges/washington-university-in-st-louis"},{"conditions":"AZ residents; also requires federal Pell eligibility","effective_year":null,"free_all_threshold":42400,"free_tuition_threshold":null,"meets_full_need":false,"name":"Arizona State University Campus Immersion","no_loan":false,"no_loan_threshold":null,"quote":"The College Attainment Grant, the Obama Scholars Program and the Arizona Promise Award - all part of the ASU Advantage Program, make tuition-free attendance possible. [...] The ASU College Attainment Grant Program is our commitment to low-income families by making college affordable and accessible. The program will provide tuition and fees for up to four years to qualifying Arizona high school graduates. [...] Demonstrate a total annual family income of $42,400 or less on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). [...] ASU will cover students' estimated direct costs of attending ASU (minus the Expected Family Contribution as determined by the FAFSA) for up to eight full-time, consecutive fall and spring semesters","slug":"arizona-state-university-campus-immersion","source_url":"https://tuition.asu.edu/special-financial-assistance-programs-arizona-residents-0","unitid":104151,"url":"/colleges/arizona-state-university-campus-immersion"}]}],"title":"85 Colleges That Promise Free Tuition or No Loans Below an Income Line","updated":null,"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/research/colleges-with-free-tuition-pledges"}