Analysis: States With Free College in 2025-2026

Surprisingly enough, about 35 state governments have actually provided “free college” programs during the last few years. And believe it or not, some pioneering efforts like the Illinois State Scholarship Program have actually operated since the 1970s. Because many of these programs are obscure and, before recently, there was little incentive for national media outlets to cover them, many of our readers may already live in these states but not know that these programs are available and could help them pay for college.

What’s more, as best we can tell, the 15 states we cover below have no family income ceilings. That’s especially important for our readers who are full-time-employed online students with families. They might exceed the income tests mandated by other states for low-income programs originally conceived many decades ago to help deserving, traditional-aged students 25 years old and younger afford college. Readers can rest easy that this more lenient “no income ceiling” feature won’t exclude them from free college tuition if they live within these 15 states.

In our previous coverage, we had briefly touched on two more of these pioneering “College Promise” programs in California and Tennessee within our article that warned our readers about the now-defunct Eastern Gateway Community College in Ohio. We also covered a few specialized tuition reimbursement programs, such as California’s new initiative that pays some students to attend community colleges.

But now, in this updated guide, we’re presenting 15 states where qualifying students can receive partial or complete tuition waivers irrespective of income. Each program has its own rules, eligibility criteria, and benefits, but they all share the same objective: making higher education accessible by reducing the burden of tuition.

Arkansas

Arkansas’ ArFuture Grant offers free tuition and mandatory fees for students pursuing associate degrees or certificates in STEM or other high-demand fields at public institutions. Open to both recent graduates and nontraditional students, the program aims to build a skilled state workforce.

Applicants must have graduated from an Arkansas high school or lived in the state for at least three years, and they must complete the FAFSA. Awards are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with deadlines of July 1 for fall and January 10 for spring. This grant offers a practical pathway for Arkansans seeking affordable, career-focused education.

California

California’s College Promise Grant makes community college far more affordable by waiving enrollment fees for eligible state residents. One of the nation’s largest Promise programs, the CPG is available at 53 community colleges across California and is aimed at first-time, full-time students, covering one full year of tuition.

Students must apply through the state’s CCCApply online platform, which simplifies the process by automatically transferring application data to both the CPG program and a selected college. Although books and supplies are not included, the grant substantially reduces the cost of starting a degree or transfer program. For Californians aiming to launch their careers or pursue a bachelor’s degree, this grant provides a flexible and reduced-cost advantage.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s “Mary Ann Handley Award” makes CT State’s 12 community colleges tuition-free for eligible residents. The program covers any remaining tuition and fees after federal and state grants are applied, for up to 72 earned credit hours.

Students must complete the FAFSA, register for at least six credits per semester, and enroll in a degree or certificate program. Recent updates make the grant more flexible because there is no longer a 48-month completion time limit or continuous enrollment requirement. Open to both traditional-aged and working students, this first-come, first-served program significantly reduces costs.

Delaware

Delaware’s expanded SEED+ Scholarship makes tuition free at Delaware Technical Community College for Delaware high school graduates and GED holders. The program recently removed its age cap, although students older than age 25 must still demonstrate five years’ residency in the state.

SEED is a last‑dollar, tuition‑only award—books and course fees aren’t covered—that funds up to 10 semesters within five years for associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and short-term workforce certificates. Students must complete the FAFSA by April 1, accept all non-loan aid, remain in good academic standing, and meet Delaware residency rules; if the federal Pell Grant program covers full tuition, SEED isn’t available.

Flexibility appears to be a hallmark of the SEED program: students can attend part-time after the first term and take a year off without losing eligibility. In fact, undocumented students and former foster youth might even qualify.

Indiana

Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant, part of the state’s Next Level Jobs initiative, offers free tuition and fees for over 150 certificate programs at approved training providers. The available institutions include some of the nation’s biggest names in online education like Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University and Indiana University.

Designed for Indiana residents with a high school diploma but no college degree, the grant supports training in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, information technology, and health sciences. Applicants complete an online survey to match with programs, then enroll through a provider. FAFSA filing may be required for some programs. And with more than 33,000 Hoosiers already trained through the program, the WRG offers a fast track to higher wages and career advancement.

Kentucky

Kentucky’s Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) helps residents earn certificates or associate degrees in high-demand fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and business services. After other awards, the scholarship covers remaining tuition, along with eligible fees up to $400 annually. The scholarship is valid for up to 60 credit hours or until the student earns an associate degree.

WRKS is flexible: students can attend part-time, pursue multiple certifications, and even qualify while enrolled in a GED program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meet Kentucky residency requirements, and complete both the FAFSA and WRKS application. Awards are finalized after the term begins and are based on in-state tuition rates.

Louisiana

Louisiana’s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) provides merit-based scholarships for residents attending public universities, community colleges, technical schools, and approved private institutions. To qualify, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meet Louisiana residency rules, complete the TOPS core curriculum, and file the FAFSA each year.

A high school GPA of 2.5 and an ACT composite score of 20 unlock the entry-level TOPS Opportunity Award. Higher GPAs and ACT scores earn additional stipends through the Performance, Honor, and Tech tiers. TOPS has helped thousands of deserving Louisiana students reduce tuition costs and pursue degrees.

Maine

Maine’s Free College Scholarship offers full tuition and fees at any of the state’s community colleges for students who earned a high school diploma or equivalent GED credential between 2023 and 2025. The program has no income or age limits—students simply need to live in Maine while enrolled, complete the FAFSA, and accept any state or federal aid that’s available. Additional grant funds can cover books and supplies.

With programs that include technical training as well as university transfer pathways, students can attend campuses in Auburn, Bangor, South Portland, and four other cities across the state. Enrollment advisors offer personalized guidance to help students select a program and begin their studies debt-free, which can be a significant advantage.

Massachusetts

An innovative special case is MassReconnect, Massachusetts’ free community college program for non-degree holders older than 25 years of age. The program made news early in 2024 because it’s been so successful at boosting enrollments. That May, legislators announced plans to extend the program to all state residents.

MassReconnect is funded through the state’s new “millionaire’s tax,” the Fair Share Amendment. That’s a four-percent tax on earnings over $1 million primarily targeting consulting and financial industry executives, along with the officers, directors, and major shareholders of technology and venture capital firms along Route 128 near Boston.

Building on the success of MassReconnect, Massachusetts also launched MassEducate, which now makes community college tuition and fees free for all state residents, irrespective of age or income. Eligible students must live in Massachusetts for at least one year, enroll in a certificate or associate program for at least six credits per term, and file the FAFSA or the state’s MASFA online form. Grants are last-dollar awards but may include up to $1,200 for books and supplies.

Michigan

Similar to Massachusetts’ program, Michigan Reconnect helps adults earn a tuition-free certificate or associate degree at their district’s community college. They can also receive a significant tuition discount if they choose to attend out of their district.

To qualify, applicants must be age 25 or older, have lived in Michigan for at least one year, and hold a high school diploma or GED without having yet earned a college degree. The application process is straightforward: apply online, submit the FAFSA, enroll in a Michigan public community college, and start a Pell-eligible program. Like many of the scholarships on our list, this one is also a “last-dollar” award, meaning it covers tuition after other grants and financial aid awards apply.

Nevada

The Nevada Promise Scholarship offers up to three years of last-dollar funding to cover tuition and fees at community colleges for eligible Nevada high school graduates. Students must be Nevada residents, under 20 years old when they completed their high school diploma or GED, and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester in an associate, bachelor’s, or certificate program.

Additional requirements include filing the FAFSA, completing an orientation and training program, performing eight hours of community service work, and meeting with a mentor. These scholarships are awarded in a first-come, first-served sequence based on FAFSA completion and available state funding. Renewal requires continuous compliance with credit, mentoring, and academic progress requirements.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition and up to $50 per credit hour in fees for eligible residents, with a lifetime cap of 160 credit hours. No separate application is required; eligible students receive awards automatically.

Traditional-age learners qualify if they enroll full-time at a public college within 16 months of their high school graduation or GED completion, complete 12 credits per term, and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Returning learners age 18 or older also qualify if they enroll in at least six credits, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students with disabilities may qualify for reduced credit loads, and summer session tuition also applies to the 160-credit allotment.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Promise Scholarship offers two years of free tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for recent high school graduates. Students must be Rhode Island residents, graduate from high school (or earn a GED), and enroll at CCRI the semester after graduation. Applicants should complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA, submit official transcripts, and enter an associate degree program.

To renew the scholarship, students must earn at least 24 credits in the first year, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and remain continuously enrolled for two years. A minimum of nine credits per semester is encouraged. CCRI has a reputation as one of New England’s more affordable colleges, and this scholarship delivers a cost-effective pathway to an associate degree.

Tennessee

Tennessee Promise offers tuition-free enrollment at community and technical colleges for high school graduates across the state. As a last-dollar scholarship, it covers tuition and mandatory fees not already paid by Pell Grants, HOPE Scholarships, or the state’s TSAA funding.

Students may attend any of the 13 community colleges or 24 colleges of applied technology within the College System of Tennessee. The program also pairs students with a mentor to help them navigate college admissions—an important and useful advantage.

To qualify, applicants must apply during their senior year, file the FAFSA by February 1, enroll in at least 12 credits, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and complete eight hours of community service each semester. Continuous enrollment and active participation in the mentoring activities are required.

West Virginia

West Virginia Invests (WVI) provides tuition-free education at the state’s community and technical colleges (CTCs) for certificate and associate degree programs in high-demand fields. The state government launched this program in 2019 to help residents secure good new jobs without taking on student debt.

As a last-dollar scholarship, WVI covers tuition and fees after other financial aid is applied. Available at 10 CTCs with 27 locations, the program serves recent high school graduates and working adults alike, preparing students for well-paying careers and sometimes requiring only 16 months of study. Eligible programs are periodically selected and reviewed by the West Virginia Department of Commerce to align with workforce needs.