Free college programs remain popular nationwide

“Buckeye Bridge,” a new initiative between The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College, will provide students with a tuition-free path to finish their bachelor’s degree. Low- to middle-income Ohioans who earn an associate degree from Columbus State will qualify for the new program at Ohio State, which will cover all tuition and mandatory fees. 

According to an announcement from The Ohio State University, more than 1,000 students per year transfer from Columbus State to Ohio State, the largest transfer partnership in the state. To qualify, students must: 

The program will officially launch for students graduating from Columbus State in Spring 2026 and seeking to start at Ohio State that autumn semester. 

SSTI asked its members if they were aware of any similar programs; they responded with information about various programs, some that focus on transfers to 4-year colleges, and others that are offered for attending a single 4-year institution. 

Judith Sheft, executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology, sent information about the NJ Stars and NJ Stars II programs. NJ STARS provides New Jersey residents who rank in the top 15.0% of their class at the end of either the junior or senior year of high school may be eligible to receive an NJ STARS award for attendance at their home county college. NJ STARS II provides funding for successful NJ STARS scholars who transfer to a New Jersey four-year public or private college or university that participates in the Tuition Aid Grant program to earn a bachelor’s degree. The amount of the NJ STARS II award is determined after all other State and Federal grants and scholarships are applied to these charges, not to exceed $1,250 per semester. 

Erica Crell, manager, innovation, from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, noted that Delaware residents have access to a tuition-free SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship program. It covers the first two years for state residents who are recent high school graduates and are attending a technical community college. “You can get an associate's degree in a STEM field and then, if you transfer to the University of Delaware to finish your bachelor's degree for your third year, that is covered as well,” noted Crell. “So essentially, residents only need to cover one year’s worth of tuition.”  

Steven Zylstra from the Arizona Tech Council forwarded information about tuition-free education offers to eligible Arizona residents at Northern Arizona University (NAU). This offer is extended through two programs: the Access2Excellence (A2E) program for students with household incomes up to $65,000, and the Arizona Promise program, a state grant that covers remaining tuition and fees after other aid is applied. NAU also provides tuition coverage for members of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes, regardless of their income or residency status.  

In addition to tips from our members, SSTI is aware of the following recently announced programs. 

The Emory Advantage Plus program at Emory University will take effect in fall 2026. It will apply to new and returning domestic undergraduates whose families have an annual income of under $200,000 and who qualify for need-based financial aid.  

Wake Forest University will be tuition-free for admitted students from North Carolina families earning less than $200,000, starting in fall 2026. 

These are only a small sample of free programs. SSTI reported in August 2024 that there are approximately 400 free college programs nationwide, with programs existing in all 50 states. To access the August 2024 SSTI article, which mentions additional programs for free college tuition, click here.