Top 4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Washington, D.C.

If you're interested in earning an online degree, you're not alone. Many students find that online learning offers the flexibility to accommodate their busy schedules.

One deterrent to online learning, however, is cost. Many online degrees cost as much or more than traditional degrees, creating a barrier for students with limited incomes.

Fortunately, there are schools offering online courses at reduced costs. Keep reading to find out how to access low-cost and free college in Washington, D.C.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

Here are some great opportunities to reduce your tuition costs and possibly even access free college in Washington, D.C.

1. The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America provides distance learning students with 100% online program options in areas like social work, nursing, theology, and management.

Students who need tuition assistance might benefit from the Tuition Exchange award or Knights of Columbus private scholarships.

Through the Tuition Exchange, the university selects approximately 10 children of qualified employees to receive a merit-based scholarship equal to full tuition.

The Knights of Columbus scholarships are offered to qualifying students entering their freshman year.

2. Capella University

Although it's located in Minnesota, Capella University is a great online college option for residents of Washington, D.C. It offers students two learning paths: the self-paced FlexPath and the structured GuidedPath.

To help students decide which option is right for them, the university offers one free noncredit-bearing trial course for each path.

For students pursuing online master's degrees in education, Capella offers professional development courses that can be applied toward their degree program.

These courses allow students to earn 25 to 50 clock hours with no initial costs (note: fees will apply when pursuing graduate credit).

3. Walden University

Walden University, also located in Minnesota, offers online micro-courses to help students build their nursing, professional, personal, or teaching skills.

Some micro-courses provide contact hours, CEs, or NBCC hours. Each course costs $45.

The university also offers tuition savings of up to 25% to alumni, active duty service members and veterans, and families of enrolled Walden students taking standard online courses.

Students who choose the Accelerate into Master's (AIM) option can earn credits toward their master's degree for up to 50% in savings.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University, located just 180 miles south of D.C., has a variety of ways for online learners to reduce their tuition costs.

Employees of Word of Life receive a 50% discount on tuition when enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

The First Responder Discount reduces tuition for first responders by 25%.

The university provides a 15% tuition discount to small business owners, children of military members, and Liberty University Online Academic graduates.

Students associated with eligible companies also receive a 15% tuition discount.

How To Make College Free

In addition to university-based tuition discounts, consider the following ways to secure free college in Washington, D.C.

Apply for Grants

A great way to reduce the cost of college, or possibly attend at no cost, is to secure a grant.

Grants are often based on financial need and typically don't have to be repaid.

The most common grants available at the federal level include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

You can also check out opportunities to secure grants locally. For instance, students can benefit from the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG).

In order to qualify for grants, students generally have to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships offer financial aid to students based on qualifications that include academic merit, athletics, diversity, and income. These awards are typically not repaid.

By exploring CareerOneStop.org, a national database created by the U.S. Department of Education, you can browse thousands of scholarships nationwide.

Also, consider scholarships available from your school of choice, local organizations, and state and local agencies.

For instance, the D.C. Mayor's Scholars Undergraduate program offers eligible D.C. residents funding to fill gaps between tuition costs and financial aid.

The D.C. Futures Program similarly provides need-based funding that might result in a student enjoying free college in Washington, D.C.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

Tuition reimbursement is an option employers provide workers interested in taking courses or obtaining a degree.

Companies ask employees to pay for tuition costs upfront. Upon the successful completion of a course or semester, the company reimburses the worker.

Employers often cover tuition costs up to a specific amount. However, there are instances when a company will pay the full cost of an employee's education.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Tuition waivers can help students significantly reduce the cost of their online education.

These nonresident tuition exemptions often allow students to pay in-state rates for their out-of-state tuition. Some schools also waive students' program-related fees.

Student eligibility is typically granted to nonresident students, senior citizens, and dependents of disabled military veterans.

If you fall into these categories or think you might qualify, contact your school of choice for more information.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Washington, D.C., Today

Don't miss out on excellent opportunities to enjoy reduced tuition or free college in Washington, D.C. Now's the time to secure the online degree you want at the right price.