Top 7 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Pennsylvania, and it was the second state to ratify the Constitution of the United States.

It is also home to many colleges and universities that offer options to students seeking online degree programs at little to no cost.

Let's look at seven options for free college in Pennsylvania as well as other options to help students pay for a college education.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

Here are seven colleges in Pennsylvania that offer free or low-cost degree programs or courses.

1. Curtis Institute for Music

Although the Curtis Institute for Music is very selective regarding its admissions, it offers every admitted student a merit-based, full-tuition scholarship to cover educational expenses.

The Curtis Institute for Music offers one completely online post-baccalaureate degree program in composition, which is a two-year program.

It also accepts other financial aid forms, such as grants, scholarships, and loans.

2. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is another option for free college in Pennsylvania. Penn's generous undergraduate need-based grant programs reduce costs tremendously.

It also offers free courses like project-based learning for global climate justice, ESG risks and opportunities, employment law: the gig economy, and many more.

The University of Pennsylvania's financial aid packages tend to cover 100% of the student's financial needs, but it does accept outside scholarships and aid.

3. Community College of Philadelphia

The Community College of Philadelphia offers different scholarships and tuition assistance programs to Philadelphia residents to help reduce costs or go to college for free.

It also offers online degree programs and certificate courses, including English, Liberal Arts, Psychology, and more.

The Community College of Philadelphia also accepts other financial aid forms, including outside scholarships, grants, loans, and more.

4. Messiah University

Messiah University is another free or low-cost college option, as it has many options for grants, scholarships, and more to help students pay for their education.

It provides options for online study in Business Administration with several different concentrations and an RN to BSN program.

Messiah University also accepts outside forms of financial aid and has several tuition discount programs that students can look into.

5. University of Pennsylvania (PennX)

The University of Pennsylvania has partnered with edX to offer free courses to students, though for a fee, the student can upgrade to get a certificate for the courses.

Some of the online courses hosted by PennX include intellectual property law and policy: part one, big data and education, and more.

EdX does offer financial assistance that can reduce the cost of an upgraded course by up to 90%.

6. Drexel University

Drexel University offers many financial aid forms that can drastically reduce the cost of tuition, including The Drexel Promise Scholarship and more.

This university offers online degree programs for students in Computer Science, Creative Writing, Psychology, Legal Studies, and more.

Drexel University does accept outside forms of financial aid as well. Students should contact financial services to learn more.

7. Point Park University

Another option for free or reduced-cost college is Point Park University. It offers tuition waivers, discounts, and more for eligible students.

Some online degree programs the university offers include a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Sales, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and more.

Point Park University does accept other forms of financial aid like employer reimbursement and even offers interest-free payment plans to help students pay for college.

How To Make College Free

Here are other ways students can achieve their educational goals at little to no out-of-pocket cost.

Apply for Grants

Grants are an excellent way for students to help pay college tuition. There are different types of grants, so students should research and ensure eligibility.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are another great way for students to reduce the cost of college expenses. Many colleges have scholarship options for students or accept outside scholarships.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

Another option is to have the student talk to their employer about tuition reimbursement.

The student should also discuss this with their college of choice to make sure it accepts employer tuition reimbursement.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Many colleges and universities offer tuition and fee waivers for students that qualify. Students should talk to financial services to see if they offer this option.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Pennsylvania Today

Students do have options for free college in Pennsylvania. If they do the proper research and talk to their school of choice, financial need does not need to keep them from their goals.