Top 4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Tennessee

Online degree programs have become popular in recent years. These programs offer plenty of convenience and affordability to prospective students.

Through online programs, students experience quality education at lower tuition rates and are able to complete the programs at their own pace.

Learn about free college in Tennessee below and find the best financial aid options for students.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

The following list contains the top four tuition-free and low-cost online colleges in Tennessee.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University is considered to be one of the top online universities in the state. The institution offers more than 50 graduate and 125 undergraduate degree programs.

These online courses offer an interactive approach that is combined with a user-friendly online platform. In addition, the institution offers advising, library services, and student assistance to their online students.

The university offers many online degree programs that range from computer science, criminal justice, and marketing at an affordable price. The current tuition is around $8,000.

2. Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University is located in Cookeville, TN, and is dedicated to providing affordable online education.

The university offers five bachelor's degree programs and nine master's degree programs. The programs range from accounting, business administration, and nursing.

Similar to Austin Peay State University, Tennessee Technological University's tuition is around $8,700.

3. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University offers seven online bachelor's programs and 16 post-graduate programs. Students can earn these degrees in psychology, criminal justice, and sociology.

The university offers online graduate degree programs in business administration, education, data science, and public health.

The courses last for seven or 15 weeks at a time, and the average in-state tuition is around $8,700.

4. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is committed to providing affordable online degree programs to its students.

Students can choose from many degree programs, such as business administration, communication, political science, and psychology.

Along with the diverse degree programs, online students are also given academic advising support, career services support, and online counseling.

The average in-state tuition is around $8,800.

How To Make College Free

The following information contains the best ways for students to lower their education costs and achieve an affordable education in Tennessee.

Apply for Grants

The state of Tennessee offers many grant programs for aspiring students.

The Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) provides financial assistance to Tennessee undergraduate students according to their financial needs.

The award can range from $2,000 to $4,000 for each academic year.

The state also provides assistance to veterans through the Helping Heroes Grant program. U.S. veterans who were honorably discharged or are a member of the reserves are eligible for the award.

The total award amount is $1,000 per semester for a student who enrolls in 12 or more semester hours.

Apply for Scholarships

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program is awarded to first-year students who are enrolled at a postsecondary institution within 16 months of graduating from a Tennessee high school.

The total award amount starts off at $2,250 for the first and second year, then up to $2,850 for full-time enrollment as a junior and senior.

The Tennessee Promise Scholarship is awarded to residents of Tennessee who are enrolled in a postsecondary institution and demonstrate a financial need.

The award amount varies based on the remaining tuition and mandatory fees.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

The Tennessee Reimbursement Act provides eligible members of the Tennessee National Guard tuition funding toward a first-time bachelor's degree for the next four years.

The reimbursement awards up to 120 credits hours or eight semesters.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

There are two programs that are available for state employees and their dependents: fee waiver for state employees and fee discount for children of state employees and public school teachers.

The fee waiver program allows full-time employees of the state to take one course at any supported college or university in Tennessee for free. The amount of waivers given is not to exceed four courses per academic year.

The fee discount program provides a 25% discount on a child's enrollment fees for undergraduate courses, given that the parent is a full-time employee of the state or a full-time teacher at a Tennessee public school.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Tennessee Today

Tennessee is dedicated to providing low-cost education to aspiring students who demonstrate a financial need. Additionally, there are tuition-free online colleges in Nashville.

If any of these programs interest you, please reach out to your institution of choice for more information about free college degrees in Tennessee.