Top 3 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Indiana

Many universities are now offering low-cost tuition to students across the U.S.

Indiana universities offer a variety of exceptional options for those wanting to pursue higher education without taking on the burden of expensive tuition fees.

Below, learn about some of the low-cost and tuition-free colleges in Indiana.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

As the internet continues to affect the way we learn, the availability of free online courses has become a game-changer in higher education.

The following list includes online colleges and universities that offer many free or affordable courses.

1. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College has a unique Next Level Jobs program that allows students to earn in-demand certificates for free. The certificates can be earned in the following fields:

• advanced manufacturing
• building and construction
• health sciences
• information technology
• business
• transportation
• logistics

To qualify, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• be an Indiana resident
• have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
• have not completed a Next Level Jobs program before
• have not already earned a degree

Enrolled students of any degree or certificate program at Ivy Tech will also have free access to LinkedIn Learning. Students can choose from over 5,000 video tutorials about almost any subject.

These free courses will help students develop professionally and help them be successful in the work place.

2. Indiana University

Indiana University provides learners with many online program options.

A variety of disciplines, including a certificate in applied data science, a Bachelor of Arts in artificial intelligence, and a Master of Science in education, are available to prospective learners.

Online bachelor's programs at Indiana University have a tuition of $249.73 on average but the institution offers up to four ways for students to seek financial aid.

If students use the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), Indiana University will allow federal loans, grants, work-study options, and IU scholarships to reduce the cost of tuition.

3. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is a center for online learning and offers a wide range of degrees.

With programs like a Bachelor of Science in engineering, a Master of Arts in history, and a Bachelor of Science in intelligence analysis, the university gives students the tools they need to pursue their goals from a distance.

Indiana State University resident tuition cost is $351 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees and $450 per credit hour for master's degrees.

The FAFSA opens up many financial aid opportunities for students. Military discounts, student loans, and grants are a few of the resources that students can apply to tuition costs at Indiana State.

How To Make College Free

There are several ways to help reduce the cost of pursuing an accessible higher education. Students can lower college costs by following smart tactics such as the ones listed below.

Apply for Grants

Grants are financial awards, often based on need or merit, that can significantly reduce the cost of college.

For citizens of Indiana, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education provides a reputable option. The Frank O'Bannon Grant was created to give Indiana students access to qualifying postsecondary schools in the private, public, and proprietary sectors.

Students applying for this grant need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.gov.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships provide an effective way for financing educational costs and are awarded based on a variety of factors.

The 21st Century Scholarship program offers a scholarship option for residents that pays up to 100% of tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university. This scholarship option has four requirements listed below.

• be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen
• be a resident of Indiana
• be a part of a family that satisfies the eligibility requirements for income
• be enrolled in seventh or eighth grade at a public or private school in Indiana that is accredited by the Indiana Department of Education

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

For those engaged in the workforce, the prospect of securing tuition reimbursement from an employer can be a game-changer.

Many companies recognize the value of an educated workforce and offer to reimburse a portion of tuition expenses.

As an example, FedEx offers employees $1,500 per calendar year towards school, but only if the proper paperwork is filed on time. The requirements for applying to the program are:

• become a package handler employee
• enroll in an accredited institution
• submit the proper paperwork

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Tuition and fee waivers can alleviate the financial strain of higher education.

These waivers, often provided by educational institutions, community programs, or governmental initiatives, enable eligible individuals to eliminate certain tuition costs.

Indiana State University, as an example, offers some tuition and fee waivers to employees, spouses, and dependent children that offer up to an 80% discount on a program's costs.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Indiana Today

Exploring free colleges in Indiana is a promising endeavor. By enrolling in online state programs and community colleges, you can secure a valuable degree without compromising your financial stability.