Tuition-Free Colleges in Dallas 2025

The cost of tuition is one of the biggest deterrents for high school graduates when pursuing higher education, but students can consider various financial aid options to cover these expenses.

To reduce barriers to entry for low-income students, multiple schools collaborated to institute the Dallas County Promise program. This program provides college access regardless of family income or financial need.

Tuition-free college is one of the biggest facets of the Dallas County Promise. Although it isn't free, these programs don't charge tuition rates; instead, payments are connected with exams. Tuition-free online colleges in Texas are less common, but they provide affordable education opportunities for students looking to earn a bachelor's degree or other college credentials.

Top 5 Tuition-Free Colleges Near Dallas

High school students near Dallas have access to multiple tuition-free opportunities. Several colleges allow you to pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees in your area without paying full tuition rates. Schools in other parts of Texas, such as Texas A&M, also offer these programs, but you won't have to go far from home to find a quality education with no tuition.

Dallas College

Dallas College, formerly called Dallas County Community College District, offers various degrees and certifications in business, creative arts, education, engineering, and more. Dallas College is a community college with seven campuses, allowing students to pursue associate degrees or fulfill prerequisite requirements before transferring to universities.

Dallas College has a series of partner colleges, allowing for an easy transfer process; some of these schools also offer free tuition as part of the Dallas Promise program.

University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas is a public university with over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs. Campus life at UTD is vibrant, presenting students with opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, Greek Life, and more. UTD has multiple tuition rate choices which allow students to control their tuition.

University of North Texas at Dallas

UNT Dallas is the only accredited public university located in the city of Dallas. Many schools surround the area, but for students looking to stay in the city, UNT Dallas is a great choice.

In addition to the tuition programs in the Dallas Promise, the UNTD Dallas County Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that fills in any tuition gaps for eligible students.

University of Texas Arlington

UTA was declared the best public university in North Texas, according to The Wall Street Journal in 2024. The Blaze Forward program covers 100% of tuition and fees for undergraduate students who meet all the program's eligibility requirements, such as family income.

Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University has multiple need-based scholarships and grants that allow Texas residents to pursue education without high tuition bills. These tuition assistance programs provide qualifying full-time students the opportunity to graduate without being burdened by high tuition costs.

How To Access Free College in Dallas

Accessing free college in the Dallas area isn't always as easy as enrolling in school; however, there are several steps you can take that will enable you to earn a degree for less without having to leave Dallas.

Attend a Community College

The Dallas Promise path often starts in a community college. Attending a community college, like one of the seven Dallas College campuses, is an affordable way to complete credit hours for an associate degree.

There are many advantages of community colleges. For example, colleges in the Dallas Program network also make it easier to transfer your credits to a four-year university, both in Dallas and other parts of Texas.

Apply for Financial Aid

One of the most important steps is to apply for financial aid. Texas students can apply for both federal and state-based programs.

Students should start by filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal programs; they can also seek other programs available if they don't qualify. Students should also fill out their CSS profile and Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to determine which private and state-based programs they can apply for.

Grants and Scholarship Programs

The Dallas Foundation awards scholarships to students from different backgrounds enrolled in various programs. Some of the most popular scholarships from the Dallas Foundation include:

• Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation Scholarship
• Hirsch Family Scholarship
• Myrna D. Schlegel/AWARE Scholarship
• Virgin America Scholarship

Each program has unique submission dates and requirements, so it's important to review all relevant information before applying.

In addition to scholarship options, the Dallas Foundation also offers grants in seasonal cycles that can benefit students. Both scholarships and grants are called free money, meaning that students won't have to repay any funds they receive.

FAQs About Tuition-Free Degree Programs in Dallas

As college tuition rates continue to rise, students and their families have many questions about how to reduce or eliminate costs and fees associated with higher education. Tuition-free degree programs are less common, which can lead to unique questions.

Is College Free in Dallas?

There are tuition-free colleges in Dallas, but education still has costs. The term ''tuition-free'' is often misunderstood as ''totally free''. These schools don't charge tuition, but they do have other costs associated with them.

Most tuition-free programs provide waivers or reimbursements or have fees associated with examinations and other parts of education. These programs are usually more affordable but aren't entirely free of cost.

Who Qualifies for Dallas Promise?

The Dallas Promise is available to Texas Residents who have attended a Promise Path school and filed the Promise Pledge. Family income requirements must also be met. Starting in the Fall of 2025, the cap for a family is $75,000 annually. You also must attend a partner college for the program to have your schooling covered.

What Type of Courses Can I Enroll in as a Promise Scholar?

You can enroll in any course as a Promise Scholar, as long as it is through a school or program that honors the Dallas County Promise.

There are semester limits to the program, though. You need to make sure that your courses can be completed within the time frame for your level of Promise scholarship as well as the status of your school.

Are There Any Community Colleges in Dallas That Offer Free Tuition Programs?

Dallas College is a community college located in Dallas that has seven different locations. This school has multiple programs through the Dallas County Promise Program that allow students to pursue their education without paying tuition. DC has several grant and scholarship plans that can help fill gaps left by federal or state-based financial aid programs.