Pursuing higher education in the United States can be a dream come true for many students around the world, including Nigerians. However, the cost of education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, some universities in the US offer tuition-free education or substantial financial aid to international students, making it possible for talented individuals to achieve their academic goals without the burden of hefty tuition fees. Here is a list of twelve free United States universities for Nigerians and others.
1. Alice Lloyd College
Located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, Alice Lloyd College offers a unique program where students from the Appalachian region, including international students, can attend tuition-free. Students are required to participate in a student work program to cover their living expenses. Alice Lloyd College is dedicated to providing quality education to students with financial needs. Students also get a free laptop to make use of in class.
This Institute was co-founded by journalist Alice Spencer Geddes Lloyd and June Buchanan in 1923, first as Caney Junior College and it offers opportunities to different majors in different courses.
2. Berea College
Berea College, situated in Berea, Kentucky, is renowned for its commitment to providing a high-quality education without charging tuition. Instead, all students participate in a work-study program to cover their living costs. Berea College is a private liberal arts college thaf offers a robust academic curriculum and a supportive environment for international students, including Nigerians. It was founded in 1985 and it distinguishes from other postsecondary institutions by offering free education to students. It is also the first university in the southern United States to be mixed and racial. Every student who attends the university obtains a full-tuition scholarship worth more than $25,000 (about N37,500,000). The institution also supports students with other basic amenities like food, housing, and post study opportunities.
3. College of the Ozarks
The College of the Ozarks, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, is often referred to as “Hard Work U” due to its emphasis on a work-study program. Students work on campus to offset the cost of their education, making it tuition-free. This institution focuses on character development, academic excellence, and patriotic education. It is a Christian, non-tuition liberal arts college that discourages student debt. The institution is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and students are expected to work 15 hours per week to be qualified for tuition-free. The university offers over 30 academic majors in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programmes.
4. City University of New York (CUNY) Macaulay Honors College
The Macaulay Honors College at CUNY offers a highly competitive program that provides full-tuition scholarships to students who join their teacher academy. This program is open to both domestic and international students. It is the largest urban university system in the US which was founded in 1961 and has 24 campuses. The university offers full-tuition scholarships. Every student who enrolls is eligible and is entitled to a full-time teaching position at a New York school upon graduation.
5. Curtis Institute of Music
For aspiring musicians, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers an exceptional opportunity. All students admitted to Curtis receive full-tuition scholarships, regardless of their nationality. The institute is known for its rigorous training and high standards, making it a prestigious option for talented musicians from around the world. The Macaulay Honors College at CUNY offers courses for a performance diploma, a bachelor’s degree in music, a master’s degree in music opera or a certificate of professional studies in opera. It offers a highly competitive program that provides full-tuition scholarships to all its students. This program is open to both domestic and international students. Macaulay Honors College admits only 160 new students once a year,
6. Deep Springs College
Deep Springs College, located in the high desert of California, is a unique institution that combines rigorous academics with manual labor and self-governance. All students receive full scholarships covering tuition, room, and board. This highly selective college which admits 39 students at a time aims to develop leadership and critical thinking skills in its students. It is located forty miles from Bishop, California. It is an accredited two-year college that offers full scholarships per student, valued around $50,000 (about N75,000,000).
7. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
The university is a private undergraduate engineering college in Needham, Massachusetts and it provides significant financial aid to international students. The college’s mission is to provide an exceptional engineering education that emphasises entrepreneurship, teamwork, and leadership. At one point, the school offered a complete tuition scholarship to anybody who attended. The institution has since reduced the scholarship policy by 50 percent. However, it still remains one of the largest merit scholarship grant programmes in the US to all admitted students.
8. United States Service Academies
The US service academies, including the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy offers tuition-free education in exchange for military service upon graduation. These academies provide rigorous academic and physical training, preparing students for leadership roles in the military. International students, including Nigerians, can apply for admission through their respective countries’ nomination processes.
9. Webb Institute
Located in Glen Cove, New York, Webb Institute is a specialised engineering college focusing on naval architecture and marine engineering. Each graduate of the university obtains a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Admission candidates receive full tuition for four years. All admitted students receive full-tuition scholarships. Webb Institute boasts small class sizes and a hands-on learning approach, making it an excellent choice for those interested in these engineering fields. It is ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the best-value colleges in the United States
10. Olin College of Engineering
Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts, offers a full-tuition scholarship to all admitted students. The college focuses on innovative engineering education and hands-on learning. Olin College aims to produce well-rounded engineers who are prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
11. St. John’s College
St. John’s College, with campuses in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a distinctive liberal arts education based on the study of great books. The college provides substantial financial aid to international students, making it an affordable option for those seeking a rigorous intellectual environment.
12. Antioch College
Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, offers a full-tuition scholarship to all new students admitted to their undergraduate programs. The college focuses on experiential learning, social justice, and community engagement. Antioch College provides a unique educational experience for students committed to making a difference in the world.
