Colleges That Offer Free Tuition for Low-Income Students

What it covers: Full tuition for every enrolled student in 2026–27. Beginning fall 2027, Berea’s expanded benefit will cover tuition, housing, food, fees, and supplies without loans.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: For 2026–27, housing, food, fees, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses may remain after aid. Do not apply the expanded fall 2027 benefit to the current year.

Income or need threshold: Applicants must meet Berea’s financial-eligibility requirements. Income guidelines depend on household size and family circumstances; there is no single national income cutoff.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Students must qualify for undergraduate admission, including Berea’s financial review.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students participate in Berea’s required Work College program. Admission and aid decisions consider the family’s financial resources.

Required forms: FAFSA for eligible U.S. applicants and any requested financial questionnaires or supporting documents. International applicants follow Berea’s separate application instructions.

Relevant deadlines: Follow Berea’s admissions instructions for your applicant type and entering year, and complete the financial-eligibility review.

What it covers: The BU Promise covers full tuition plus part of standard housing and dining costs for qualifying families below $200,000. Families earning $75,000 or less with typical assets can expect aid covering the full cost of attendance.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Families between $75,001 and $200,000 may have a contribution toward housing, dining, fees, books, or personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Beginning in 2026–27, admitted first-time, first-year domestic students from households earning less than $200,000 with typical assets receive aid covering at least full tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: BU considers cash, investments, non-primary real estate, and business equity. Designated retirement accounts are excluded. The income guarantee applies to first-time, first-year students, not transfer students. 

Required forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile, plus supporting documents when requested.

Relevant deadlines: Check BU’s first-year financial aid calendar for the FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines for your admission plan and entering year.

What it covers: Full tuition in the lower ilower-incomencome band (family income below $75,000). The higher band is a half-tuition commitment, not free tuition (family income between $75,000 and $200,000) 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Required fees, housing, food, books, travel, personal expenses, and any calculated family contribution may remain. Commuters who live with relatives are not eligible for the Brandeis Commitment.

Income or need threshold: Incoming domestic undergraduates from families earning less than $75,000 with typical assets receive grants and scholarships equal to full tuition. Families earning from $75,001 to $200,000 with typical assets receive aid equal to at least half of tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. The Commitment applies to domestic undergraduates; international students use Brandeis's regular need-based aid process. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Brandeis uses adjusted gross income plus untaxed income and reviews cash, investments, home equity, business value, and other real estate. Students must remain within the income and typical-asset criteria each year. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested tax documents by the applicable deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

Carnegie Mellon University Program name: CMU Pathway Program

What it covers: Federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships totaling at least fall and spring tuition for eligible students.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, travel, personal expenses, and CMU’s calculated family contribution may remain.

Income or need threshold: The tuition-free eligibility checklist specifies family income below $75,000 with typical assets. The separate no-loan benefit applies below $100,000.

Residency and enrollment requirements: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as new or returning undergraduates at the Pittsburgh campus. Eligible transfers may qualify; no state residency requirement.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Applicants must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is reassessed annually. CMU counts cash, investments, other real estate, and business net worth; primary-home equity and formal retirement assets are excluded.

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting tax documents when requested. A completed aid application automatically triggers Pathway consideration.

Relevant deadlines: Use CMU’s financial aid application instructions for your applicant type and entering year. Complete all requested materials and reapply annually.

What it covers: Students with total family income of $175,000 or less and typical assets generally receive tuition coverage. Qualifying families with income up to $200,000 generally receive no-loan packages.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, fees, books, travel, personal expenses, and a student or family contribution may remain.

Income or need threshold: $175,000 or less for the typical tuition-free outcome. Colgate expressly states that these descriptions do not guarantee a particular award.

Residency and enrollment requirements: The fall 2026 Commitment terms apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. No state residency requirement.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Colgate reviews taxable and untaxed income, bank accounts, investments, home equity, and business net worth. Traditional retirement accounts are excluded. Individual circumstances determine the award.

Required forms: CSS Profile, FAFSA, and requested supporting documents. Applicants must indicate that they are applying for aid.

Relevant deadlines: Aid submission dates are November 1 for Early Decision I; January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision; November 1 for spring transfers; and March 15 for fall transfers. Confirm your entering year in Colgate’s aid instructions.

What it covers: Full tuition for qualifying families; parents contribute nothing below $66,000 with typical assets.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, meals, fees, books, travel, and student work or other contributions may remain.

Income or need threshold: Calculated family income below $150,000 with typical assets, approximately $250,000 or less.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Applies to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering undergraduates; other Columbia schools have separate policies.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Columbia includes taxed and untaxed income and both parents’ finances when separated. Assets include home and business equity; retirement assets are excluded. Eligibility is reassessed annually. International applicants must request aid when applying for admission.

Required forms: CSS Profile, FAFSA for eligible applicants, and requested tax documents; follow the applicant-specific checklist.

Relevant deadlines: Regular Decision applicants should submit financial aid materials by February 15. Early Decision, transfer, and continuing students should follow their separate financial aid checklists. 

What it covers: Standard full-time tuition through combined federal, state, and college gift aid.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Family adjusted gross income below $90,000.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Students from any U.S. state may qualify. Available to new, full-time first-year and transfer students without a previous undergraduate degree who are FAFSA-eligible or Minnesota Dream Act-eligible.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must qualify when entering Concordia. Renewal requires continued income eligibility, annual aid applications, and satisfactory academic progress, for up to four years or graduation. No minimum GPA is required for initial eligibility.

Required forms: FAFSA or the applicable Minnesota Dream Act application; no separate Promise application.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27 admission, the FAQ lists November 15 priority consideration and later consideration through May 1. Applicants to later years should confirm their cycle’s dates.

What it covers: Full tuition through federal, state, and Emory grants and scholarships. Emory also meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for domestic first-degree undergraduates. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, fees, books, transportation, and other expenses may remain depending on demonstrated need and the rest of the aid package.

Income or need threshold: Domestic undergraduate students from families earning up to $200,000 with typical assets pay no tuition through Emory Advantage Plus beginning in fall 2026.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. The guarantee applies to eligible domestic students. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Emory uses total assessed parent income rather than simply adjusted gross income and considers whether family assets are typical for the income level.

Required forms: Incoming students submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and required tax documents through IDOC. There is no separate Emory Advantage Plus application.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Full tuition at or below $100,000; at least 50% of tuition from $100,001 to $150,000. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Student fees, housing, meals, books, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses are not included in the guarantee.

Income or need threshold: Beginning with fall 2026 entrants, new domestic undergraduate students from families with household income $100,000 or less and typical assets receive enough grant and scholarship aid to cover full tuition. Families up to $150,000 receive at least half tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Domestic, first-time, first-degree undergraduate entering in fall 2026 or later; full-time enrollment in one of GW’s five residential colleges. Part-time and specified non-residential college programs are excluded.

Other significant eligibility conditions: GW uses household income from custodial and noncustodial parents and considers assets. Students must remain full time and in good standing. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, tax documents, and verification materials if requested.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Families up to $200,000 receive at least tuition coverage. Families earning up to $100,000 receive a $0 parent contribution, with aid covering tuition, fees, housing, dining, and most personal expenses. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Families between $100,000 and $200,000 may have costs for housing, dining, personal expenses, or a student contribution.

Income or need threshold: Families earning up to $200,000 with typical assets receive financial aid covering full tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Johns Hopkins says its income tiers assume typical assets, generally less than three times annual family income. Retirement savings are not included in the aid calculation. 

Required forms: Students seeking need-based aid complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile and submit any required supporting documents.

Relevant deadlines:Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Tuition during fall and spring terms for up to eight semesters for most first-year students. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, travel, personal expenses, and any calculated family contribution may remain.

Income or need threshold: Undergraduate students from families earning less than $75,000 with typical assets receive grants, scholarships, or waivers equal to at least full tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state-residency requirement; undergraduate enrollment and satisfactory academic progress are required. Renewal requires full-time enrollment and annual need-based-aid applications.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Lehigh defines typical assets for this program as less than $500,000 in total family assets and no more than $10,000 in student assets. 

Required forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile for eligible domestic students, plus requested supporting documents. International applicants follow Lehigh's international aid requirements.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Full tuition for qualifying students. Additional aid for housing, food, and fees depends on demonstrated financial need.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses not covered by the individual award.

Income or need threshold: U.S. families with total income up to $150,000 and typical assets.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Applies to U.S. undergraduates pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, including transfers and Frances Perkins Scholars.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Aid is reviewed annually using income, assets, family size, and other circumstances. Mount Holyoke limits how home equity affects the calculation. Graduate, second-bachelor’s, visiting, and non-degree students are excluded.

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and required tax documents for U.S. applicants seeking institutional need-based aid.

Relevant deadlines: Use Mount Holyoke’s Student Financial Services instructions for the admission-plan deadlines and annual aid renewal requirements that apply to you.

What it covers: Tuition for eligible students who begin at NYU as first-year undergraduates at the New York campus.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, meals, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses may remain unless other financial aid covers them.

Income or need threshold: Students with family income under $100,000 and typical assets may qualify through the NYU Promise.

Residency and enrollment requirements: None. Domestic and international first-year students may qualify. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must have typical assets and submit their financial aid application by NYU's deadline. The Promise applies to students who start at NYU as first-year students, not new transfer applicants. 

Required forms: CSS Profile, plus the FAFSA for eligible U.S. students. NYU may request additional financial documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Full undergraduate tuition through federal, state, and institutional gift aid.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: First-time freshmen with combined parent adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less and parent assets of $50,000 or less may qualify for the SLU Tuition Promise.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement, but students must be eligible for federal financial aid and enroll at SLU’s St. Louis campus. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, enroll full time, live on campus, and maintain the program’s income and asset requirements for renewal. SLU notes that awards are subject to available funding. 

Required forms: FAFSA. No separate Tuition Promise application is listed.

Relevant deadlines: February 1 renewal FAFSA priority, May 1 deposit deadline, and 2.0 renewal GPA and ten-semester maximum.

What it covers: Grants and scholarships from all sources totaling at least tuition, beginning in fall 2026. Additional grant aid may cover other expenses based on need.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses beyond the individual aid award.

Income or need threshold: Household income up to $150,000. The initial eligibility FAQ specifies assets below $200,000; confirm eligibility if your assets equal that amount because the renewal wording uses an inclusive limit.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Eligible domestic and international undergraduates may qualify, including entering, returning, transfer, and Ada Comstock students.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is reviewed annually. Assets include cash, savings, investments, home equity, business net worth, and other real estate; formal retirement accounts are excluded. Graduate students are ineligible.

Required forms: Complete Smith’s financial aid application annually: CSS Profile, FAFSA for eligible U.S. students, and requested income documents. International applicants follow their separate checklist.

Relevant deadlines: Follow Smith’s applicant financial aid instructions for your admission plan and entering year. No separate Pledge application is required.

What it covers: Need-based grants cover tuition. Students with family income below $60,000 also receive aid packages without loans, and aid may exceed tuition when demonstrated need is higher. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, travel, personal expenses, work-study, and a calculated family contribution may remain.

Income or need threshold: Beginning with the fall 2026 entering class, U.S. undergraduates from families earning under $150,000 with typical assets attend tuition-free.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. The Tuition Pact applies to U.S. undergraduates. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The $150,000 threshold assumes typical assets. Tufts reviews the complete financial circumstances reported through its aid application. 

Required forms: CSS Profile, FAFSA for eligible U.S. students, and tax or verification documents requested by Tufts.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: UChicago’s expanded program, effective in fall 2027, includes tuition coverage for household incomes below $250,000 and full billed-cost coverage below $125,000, subject to the final policy. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: The final fall 2027 terms will determine which fees and indirect expenses remain for families in the tuition-only band.

Income or need threshold: Beginning fall 2027, qualifying families below the announced income thresholds and with typical assets.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state-residency requirement; undergraduate enrollment in the College. Final fall 2027 implementation and renewal terms remain subject to the university’s published aid process.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The announced income bands assume typical assets; the final fall 2027 policy and aid-calculation details should be confirmed when published. 

Required forms: The applicable FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting documents under the final fall 2027 aid process.

Relevant deadlines: For fall 2027 entry, follow UChicago’s financial aid application instructions for your admission plan, including the deadlines for required forms and supporting documents.

What it covers: Remaining undergraduate tuition after the Federal Pell Grant and other eligible gift aid are applied.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Qualifying Pell-eligible undergraduate students under the official admission, enrollment, and aid rules.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state-residency requirement is published for the Pell Promise. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Federal Pell Grant eligibility is the financial trigger. The program page does not publish a separate institutional asset ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA and requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Grants and work-study* cover at least tuition for eligible families earning up to $200,000. For eligible families below $75,000, aid covers tuition, fees, housing, and dining. Penn meets demonstrated need without loans. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Books, travel, personal expenses, and costs outside Penn's student budget may remain. A family contribution may apply when assets are above the typical range.

Income or need threshold: Families earning up to $200,000 with typical assets receive an aid package covering at least tuition. Families earning under $75,000 with typical assets receive aid covering all billed expenses.

Residency and enrollment requirements: None. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Penn does not include the family's primary-home equity in its aid calculation. Businesses, farms, other real estate, trusts, and substantial cash or investments can affect eligibility. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested tax documents for eligible U.S. students. International applicants follow Penn's international aid process.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

*This use of work-study programs to meet financial need is an exception to our general list methodology.

What it covers: Tuition-free attendance for qualifying incoming first-year students from U.S. families. The benefit does not promise coverage of the full cost of attendance.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses may remain after other aid.

Income or need threshold: Annual family income of $80,000 or less with typical assets, subject to USC’s financial aid assessment.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No California residency requirement. USC identifies incoming first-year students from U.S. families as eligible for this initiative; do not assume the same guarantee applies to transfers or international applicants.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Income alone does not determine eligibility. USC reviews the complete financial aid application and the family’s financial circumstances.

Required forms: Complete USC’s applicant-specific financial aid checklist, including CSS Profile, FAFSA when eligible, and requested tax or income documents. Follow separate instructions if you cannot submit FAFSA.

Relevant deadlines: Use USC’s financial aid application instructions for the priority deadline matching your admission plan and entering year.

What it covers: At least tuition. Many Opportunity Vanderbilt awards exceed tuition and provide support for housing, food, or other expenses based on demonstrated need. Vanderbilt meets demonstrated need without including loans in its initial aid offers. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: The family contribution calculated by Vanderbilt and any costs beyond the aid offer.

Income or need threshold: Households earning $200,000 or less with typical assets qualify for at least a full-tuition scholarship.

Residency and enrollment requirements: None for eligible U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. Vanderbilt offers need-based aid to a limited number of international students through a need-aware admission process. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Vanderbilt generally defines typical assets as total parent net worth below $250,000 and student net worth below $150,000. Retirement accounts and equity in the family's primary home are excluded. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and student and parent tax documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

Brown University Program name: Full Tuition Scholarship and $0 Parent Contribution Direct Cost Scholarship

What it covers: Qualifying students receive combined scholarships and grants covering tuition. Brown also publishes coverage of standard tuition, fees, housing, and meals for its highest-need students below the lower income and asset limits.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: At the tuition-only level, fees, housing, meals, books, travel, and personal expenses may remain. Student earnings or work expectations can remain in the broader aid package.

Income or need threshold: Total annual family income of $125,000 or less with typical assets may qualify for tuition coverage. The broader direct-cost benefit applies below $60,000 in income and below $100,000 in assets, subject to Brown’s review.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Undergraduate applicants must follow the financial aid requirements for their applicant and citizenship category.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Brown evaluates income beyond adjusted gross income. Assets include savings, investments, other real estate, and business net worth; primary-home equity and qualified retirement accounts are excluded. The financial aid office determines eligibility.

Required forms: CSS Profile and requested income documents; FAFSA for eligible U.S. applicants. International and undocumented applicants follow their separate checklists.

Relevant deadlines: Use Brown’s first-year and transfer aid checklists for the deadline matching your admission plan, applicant category, and entering year.

What it covers: Most students with family income below $200,000 and typical assets can expect tuition coverage. Below $100,000 with typical assets, most can expect a no-loan package covering tuition, fees, housing, and food.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Books, transportation, personal expenses, and costs outside the individual aid package may remain.

Income or need threshold: Below $200,000 for the typical tuition-covered outcome; below $100,000 for the broader typical benefit. These are qualified expectations, not automatic income-only awards.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Undergraduate aid application requirements differ for domestic and international applicants.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Caltech evaluates family income, assets, and financial need. The final award depends on the complete financial review.

Required forms: CSS Profile, Caltech’s required supplemental forms, and supporting income documents; FAFSA for eligible U.S. applicants. Follow the checklist for your applicant type.

Relevant deadlines: For fall 2026 domestic Regular Decision applicants, the FAFSA deadline was March 2, 2026, and institutional aid materials were due March 16, 2026, after admission decisions. Use Caltech’s application checklists for other applicant types and entering years.

What it covers: Scholarships and grants cover tuition for families earning $125,000–$175,000 with typical assets. Below $125,000 with typical assets, Dartmouth expects no parent contribution and provides broader need-based support.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Student earnings and asset contributions may remain, even with no parent contribution. The tuition-only tier does not automatically cover housing, meals, fees, or personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: The published income bands assume typical assets and Dartmouth’s assessment of financial need.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Undergraduate aid is available regardless of citizenship.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Dartmouth meets demonstrated need without required student loans, but aid can include student employment. Families must reapply for aid.

Required forms: CSS Profile, supporting financial documents, and FAFSA for eligible U.S. applicants; international and undocumented applicants follow their respective checklists.

Relevant deadlines: The posted 2027–28 application guidance lists Early Decision CSS Profile/IDOC due November 1 and FAFSA February 1; Regular Decision materials February 1; transfer materials March 1.

What it covers: Full tuition through $150,000. At $65,000 or less, aid also covers housing, meals, some course materials, and other campus expenses without student loans. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Travel, personal expenses, health insurance, and costs outside Duke's aid budget may remain.

Income or need threshold: Admitted undergraduates from North Carolina or South Carolina with family income of $150,000 or less receive full-tuition grants. Students from those states with family income of $65,000 or less receive broader support.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Legal residence in North Carolina or South Carolina is required. Military families may qualify when their legal residence is in either state even if they are stationed elsewhere. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Duke states the income limits directly but still completes a need-based review. Family assets and unusual financial circumstances can affect the final contribution. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested tax documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Full tuition at family incomes of $200,000 or less with typical assets. At $100,000 or less, aid also covers billed fees, housing, food, and specified additional expenses, including travel and health insurance when needed.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Harvard lists a $3,500 annual student personal-expense expectation, usually met through work-study. Above $100,000, assistance beyond tuition depends on individual circumstances.

Income or need threshold: $200,000 or less for tuition coverage; $100,000 or less for broader coverage, assuming typical assets.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Applies to Harvard College undergraduates; international students receive aid on the same basis as U.S. students.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Harvard reviews family finances individually; the thresholds generally exclude primary-home equity and retirement assets.

Required forms: CSS Profile and IDOC documents; FAFSA for eligible U.S. applicants. Approved alternatives are available for certain international applicants.

Relevant deadlines:Posted 2027–28 guidance: November 1 for Restrictive Early Action/QuestBridge Match, February 1 for Regular Decision, and March 1 for transfers.

What it covers: Students from families earning below $200,000 typically receive grants and scholarships covering tuition. Below $100,000, parents can expect no contribution toward the full cost of attendance.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: A student contribution from summer savings or employment may remain even when the parent contribution is zero. Other costs depend on the individual aid offer.

Income or need threshold: Below $200,000 for typical tuition coverage; below $100,000 for a zero parent contribution. Aid depends on the family’s complete financial circumstances.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. MIT’s need-based aid policy applies to domestic and international undergraduates.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Tuition coverage is a typical outcome of MIT’s financial review, not an automatic award based on income alone. Students must complete the aid process.

Required forms: CSS Profile and family income documents; FAFSA for eligible U.S. students. Submit additional documents when requested.

Relevant deadlines: Follow MIT’s aid application instructions for your admission plan, applicant type, and entering year.

What it covers: For most qualifying families below $70,000, full cost of attendance through grants and scholarships. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Most families earning below $70,000 attend at no cost; all admitted students may receive need-based aid based on full financial review.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state-residency requirement. Domestic and international students follow Northwestern’s applicable need-based aid process. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The published income outcome is typical, not automatic. Northwestern reviews income, assets, household circumstances, and demonstrated need. 

Required forms: FAFSA for eligible U.S. students, CSS Profile, and requested tax or verification documents; international applicants follow Northwestern’s international-aid process.

Relevant deadlines: Regular Decision applicants should submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by February 1 and requested tax documents through IDOC by February 5. Check Northwestern’s instructions for other applicant types and your entering year.

What it covers: Most families earning up to $250,000 pay no tuition; most earning up to $150,000 pay nothing toward the full cost of attendance. Princeton meets demonstrated need with grants rather than loans.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Above the lower income level, housing, food, fees, books, travel, and personal expenses may remain. Individual family circumstances can produce a different contribution.

Income or need threshold: Up to $250,000 for the typical tuition-free outcome and up to $150,000 for the typical full-cost outcome. These are qualified outcomes, not automatic income-only awards.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Eligible new and returning undergraduates can receive aid, including international students; international assessments account for local living costs.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Princeton’s family-contribution calculation considers income and assets. Its standard U.S. calculation includes a contribution from assets above $175,000; primary-home equity and formal retirement accounts are excluded.

Required forms: Princeton Financial Aid Application, supporting tax and wage documents, and any required noncustodial-parent information. U.S. citizens and permanent residents also submit FAFSA. Princeton does not use the CSS Profile or IDOC.

Relevant deadlines: Follow Princeton’s prospective-student aid instructions and the application calendar for your entering year and admission plan. Apply again each year for continued aid.

What it covers: Tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board below $75,000. Tuition is covered from $75,000 to $140,000. Rice meets demonstrated need without requiring loans in the aid package. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Books, transportation, personal expenses, or a family contribution based on Rice's calculation may remain.

Income or need threshold: For 2026-27, families earning under $75,000 receive full tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board. Families earning from $75,000 to $140,000 receive full tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. The published Rice Investment income bands apply to domestic students. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Rice's published levels assume assets typical for the family's income range.

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and tax documents for domestic applicants seeking need-based aid.

Relevant deadlines: No separate program deadline was stated in the reviewed source. Complete admission and every required financial aid form by the institution’s published priority deadline.

What it covers: Tuition, fees, meal plan, and book allowance after other aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas Grant recipient; Pell eligible; family AGI $85,000 or less; top half of high-school class; first-time freshman; full time.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency and TEXAS Grant eligibility are required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Family AGI must be $85,000 or less, and the student must remain Pell- and TEXAS Grant-eligible. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA and Tarleton’s General Scholarships Application.

Relevant deadlines: Submit all materials by February 15 for 2027 scholarship priority.

What it covers: For qualifying students living on campus, scholarships and grants cover tuition. Below the lower income threshold, Stanford expects no parent contribution toward educational costs; a student contribution can still remain.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: At the tuition-only level, housing, food, fees, books, travel, and personal expenses may remain. Even with no parent contribution, students generally contribute from earnings and their own assets.

Income or need threshold: Parent income below $150,000 with typical assets for tuition coverage; below $100,000 with typical assets for no expected parent contribution.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. The tuition policy specifies students living on campus. These thresholds reflect U.S. living costs and may not apply to families living outside the United States.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Stanford reviews both parents’ finances when applicable. Savings, investments, and other real estate count; primary-home equity and retirement accounts are excluded.

Required forms: Complete Stanford’s financial aid checklist for your citizenship and applicant category, including the CSS Profile, FAFSA when eligible, and requested supporting documents.

Relevant deadlines: Use Stanford’s requirements and dates for your admission plan and entering year; first-year, transfer, and continuing-student schedules differ.

What it covers: For 2026–27, Notre Dame publishes full-tuition aid for qualifying families and tuition, fees, housing, and food coverage for most families at its lowest income level. Its stated aid mix includes scholarships, grants, and student work; work earnings are not an upfront tuition grant.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Above the lowest income level, housing, food, fees, books, travel, and personal expenses may remain. Students may have work expectations within their aid offer.

Income or need threshold: The Pathways FAQ lists up to $150,000 for full tuition and, for most families, up to $60,000 for the broader benefit, with typical assets. Individual financial review determines the award.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. The 2026–27 terms apply to new and returning undergraduate students, including international students.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is reassessed annually. The asset review includes home equity, savings, investments, other real estate, and business or farm value; retirement accounts are excluded. Confirm the grant-versus-work breakdown before budgeting.

Required forms: CSS Profile and requested supporting documents; FAFSA for eligible domestic applicants. There is no separate Pathways application.

Relevant deadlines: Use Notre Dame’s first-year aid instructions or its apply-or-renew guidance for your applicant type, admission plan, and academic year.

What it covers: Grant-based aid equal to full-time tuition, housing, and the Spider Unlimited meal plan.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, books, travel, personal expenses, health insurance, and costs above the standard housing or meal allowance may remain.

Income or need threshold: Virginia residents with total annual parental income of $75,000 or less qualify for Richmond's Promise to Virginia.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Virginia residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Richmond evaluates demonstrated need and the family's financial information. The public promise specifies parental income but does not publish a separate automatic asset ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested tax documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: UT Promise* covers tuition and mandatory fees when combined with other aid. Tennessee Pledge adds average on-campus housing and food for eligible first-time freshmen and transfer students. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Program-specific course fees, books, transportation, personal expenses, and housing or food above the published allowance may remain.

Income or need threshold: UT Promise requires combined parent and student adjusted gross income below $75,000 and FAFSA-defined assets below $75,000. Tennessee Pledge uses income and assets of $40,000 or less.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Tennessee residency is required. UT Promise recipients must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and receive the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Both income and FAFSA-defined assets are capped. UT Promise also requires eight volunteer hours and mentoring each semester. 

Required forms: FAFSA by UT's priority date. UT Promise also requires its separate application by December 15; admission applications are due January 5 for first-year students.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27 first-year applicants, the UT Promise application deadline was December 15, 2025, and the UT Knoxville admission deadline was January 5, 2026. The FAFSA must also meet UT’s priority filing date. While dates are often similar year to year, be sure to check back often for updated timelines. 

*The UT promise is a system-wide program, and is an exception to our list methodology of campus-specific programs.

What it covers: Tuition, standard housing, and food at the lowest income tier; full tuition at the next tier. Families between $200,001 and $300,000 receive half tuition.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees and other personal or educational expenses may remain. Families above $100,000 generally remain responsible for standard living costs.

Income or need threshold: Under the Wake Forest Gateway Initiative, North Carolina students from families earning $100,000 or less with typical assets receive tuition plus standard housing and food. Families earning $100,001 to $200,000 receive full tuition.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Students must be North Carolina residents when admitted. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Wake Forest excludes primary-home equity and parent retirement accounts when assessing typical assets. Transfer students entering in fall 2026 or later may qualify.

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and relevant family tax documentation.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Tuition below the 2026-27 $150,000 threshold. Students below $75,000 receive tuition, room, and board. W&L also meets demonstrated need without required loans. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Below $150,000, fees, housing, food, books, travel, and personal expenses may remain unless the student qualifies for the lower-income guarantee or additional need-based aid.

Income or need threshold: For 2026-27, the W&L Promise covers tuition for undergraduate students from families earning less than $150,000. Families earning less than $75,000 receive broader coverage. The tuition threshold rises to $200,000 for students entering in fall 2027.

Residency and enrollment requirements: None. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is based on family income and assets. Students must complete W&L's full need-based aid application; the published income threshold alone does not replace the asset review.

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested supporting documents by the applicable deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Scholarships and grants cover tuition, fees, housing, and food for four years. Housing and food coverage uses WashU's published room and meal-plan allowances. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Books, travel, personal expenses, health insurance, and upgrades above the covered housing or meal allowance may remain.

Income or need threshold: Incoming full-time students from Missouri and specified southern Illinois counties qualify when annual family income is $75,000 or less.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Students must reside in or attend high school in Missouri, or reside in or attend high school in one of 53 specified Illinois counties. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: WashU publishes an income ceiling but no separate automatic asset ceiling on the Pledge page. The final award follows WashU's financial aid review. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested tax documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Full tuition for families earning $200,000 or less with typical assets. Williams meets demonstrated need without loans or work-study expectations, and covers books for students receiving financial aid.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, meals, fees, travel, and personal expenses may remain depending on the calculated family contribution.

Income or need threshold: Family income of $200,000 or less with typical assets for tuition coverage.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state residency requirement. Undergraduate aid application instructions cover U.S., international, transfer, undocumented, and DACA applicants.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Williams considers family income, assets, siblings in college, medical and elder-care expenses, and other circumstances when calculating financial need.

Required forms: CSS Profile and required supporting documents through IDOC. For 2026–27, Williams says the FAFSA is not an initial requirement and will contact enrolled students about additional requirements.

Relevant deadlines: Admission and aid deadlines are November 15 for Early Decision, January 4 for Regular Decision, and March 3 for transfers. Check Williams’s requirements and deadlines for your entering year.

What it covers: Scholarships meeting or exceeding tuition below $200,000; all expected attendance costs below $100,000. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: New Yale College students entering in 2026-27; typical assets; income below $200,000 for at least tuition and below $100,000 for zero expected costs.

Residency and enrollment requirements: No state-residency requirement. Yale’s need-based aid policy applies according to its domestic and international aid rules. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The published thresholds assume typical assets. Yale determines eligibility through its complete need-based review rather than income alone. 

Required forms: FAFSA for eligible U.S. students, CSS Profile, and requested income and tax documents.

Relevant deadlines: For 2027–28, financial aid priority deadlines are November 1, 2026, for QuestBridge and U.S. citizen/permanent-resident Early Action applicants; December 1, 2026, for international Early Action applicants; February 15, 2027, for Regular Decision; and April 1, 2027, for transfers. Late submission does not reduce aid eligibility, but may delay an offer. 

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees through gift aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas resident; Pell eligible; demonstrated financial need; family income $85,000 or less; entering freshman or transfer.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility uses family income reported on the FAFSA, Pell eligibility, and demonstrated financial need. The program page does not publish a separate asset ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA and any documents requested to complete the financial aid file.

Relevant deadlines: Students must be admitted to Angelo State University by the priority review date of May 1 for the fall or Sept. 1 for the spring

What it covers: Tuition and specified mandatory fees that remain after Pell Grants and state scholarships; first-year housing or off-campus meal/perks benefit. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Meal-plan charges for students living on campus, books, additional fees, hours above 15, transportation, and personal expenses may remain. First-year housing or the off-campus meal/perks benefit does not continue in later years.

Income or need threshold: Arkansas high-school graduate; Arkansas resident; Pell eligible; household AGI under $70,000; Arkansas Academic Challenge recipient; 3.0 GPA and test-score criteria.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Arkansas residency; Arkansas high-school graduate; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; admitted to an on-campus program; at least 15 credit hours by the eleventh class day each semester. A-State Online students are not eligible.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program uses household adjusted gross income from the federal tax return and Pell eligibility. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship application.

Relevant deadlines: Complete admission, the FAFSA, and the Arkansas Academic Challenge application. Check A-State’s Promise Plus instructions for the dates that apply to your entering year.

What it covers: Remaining tuition and required fees for up to 15 credits per semester, including textbook-rental fees, after other awards are applied.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Qualifying Illinois residents with a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less annually, along with admission, aid-application, and enrollment requirements.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Illinois residency is required, and at least one parent listed on a dependent student’s FAFSA must also be an Illinois resident. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program uses annual family adjusted gross income reported through the FAFSA. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA and any requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: You must be admitted and have a completed financial aid package by June 1. Submit the FAFSA and any requested documents early enough for EIU to finish processing them. 

What it covers: Remaining tuition and mandatory fees after Pell Grants, state grants, Bright Futures, and other applicable aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Course or program fees, housing, food, books, late charges, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Undergraduate students qualify with combined family and student income of $80,000 or less or Pell Grant eligibility.

Residency and enrollment requirements: At least four years of residence in one of the listed Northwest Florida counties; first bachelor’s degree at FSU Panama City; continuous full-time fall and spring enrollment of at least 12 credits. Summer use requires at least 6 credits.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program uses parent and student AGI plus untaxed income from the FAFSA; no separate asset ceiling is published. Students must enroll full time, maintain at least a 2.0 FSU GPA, meet satisfactory academic progress, and complete 30 hours of community service per semester. 

Required forms: FAFSA and all items on the student's financial aid to-do list. Eligible students are considered automatically.

Relevant deadlines: Check FSU Panama City’s Promise Scholarship instructions for your entering term, and complete admission, the FAFSA, and requested financial aid documents by the applicable university deadlines. 

What it covers: A grant-and-scholarship package equal to the cost of up to 15 undergraduate tuition credits in each fall and spring semester; fees and other costs are not guaranteed. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Kansas residents must have family income of $80,000 or less and qualify for a federal Pell Grant. Students must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and enroll in at least 12 credits. Kansas State limits the program to 10 new recipients each year. 

Residency and enrollment requirements: Kansas residency is required, subject to the published military and Indigenous-student residency exceptions. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program uses combined family income and Pell eligibility as determined through the FAFSA. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA each year and any requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: 100% of undergraduate tuition through grants and scholarships. Loans are not used to meet the guarantee. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, course-specific costs, and other expenses.

Income or need threshold: New undergraduate students from North Carolina or South Carolina with family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less receive full tuition beginning in fall 2026.

Residency and enrollment requirements: North Carolina or South Carolina residency; new undergraduate enrollment beginning fall 2026; follow the full-time and renewal rules in the official guarantee.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Available to new first-year and transfer students enrolled full time in a traditional undergraduate program. The guarantee can continue for up to eight semesters. 

Required forms: FAFSA; there is no separate guarantee application.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Up to 18 credits of tuition per semester through federal, state, and institutional gift aid for as many as eight consecutive semesters. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses.

Income or need threshold: Newly admitted, full-time students eligible for in-state tuition who are Pell eligible and have household income of $75,000 or less qualify for Spartan Tuition Advantage.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Michigan residency or eligibility for in-state tuition. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must also have an SAI of $12,000 or less. Spartan Tuition Advantage is for new college students; transfer students are not currently included. 

Required forms: FAFSA. No separate application is required.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Remaining tuition and mandatory fees for up to four semesters after federal grants, state grants, and scholarships are applied.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Qualifying New Jersey residents with an AGI of less than $65,000, fewer than 60 earned credits earned, and full-time 12-credit enrollment status. Students must be working towards their first bachelor’s degree.

Residency and enrollment requirements: New Jersey residency is required; eligible NJ Dream Act students may qualify. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: AGI is based on parent income for dependent students and student-and-spouse income for independent students. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application, plus requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Full tuition through eligible institutional scholarships plus federal, state, and university grants. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses.

Income or need threshold: Arizona residents with household adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less and an SAI of $65,000 or less may qualify for Access2Excellence.

Residency and enrollment requirements: General Arizona residency. Members of one of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes can qualify regardless of income or state of residence. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Both first-year and transfer undergraduates may qualify. Online students are excluded. 

Required forms: FAFSA and any requested financial-aid documentation. Tribal students may need to document tribal enrollment.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA by April 1 for Access2Excellence consideration.

What it covers: First-year tuition and general fees; the initial grant amount may renew but does not guarantee later-year full coverage. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, dining, books, health insurance, transportation, course-material charges, summer costs, and other expenses remain. Full tuition and general fees are guaranteed only for the first year; the initial grant amount may renew without guaranteeing later-year full coverage.

Income or need threshold: Illinois resident and Illinois high-school graduate; 3.0 GPA; family AGI and assets each at or below $115,000; full-time first-year enrollment.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Illinois resident; Illinois high-school graduate; first-time fall freshman enrolled full time at 12 or more credits per semester. Transfers and current students are not eligible for initial awards.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Family AGI and FAFSA-defined reportable assets must each be $115,000 or less. Home equity and retirement accounts are excluded. 

Required forms: FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

Relevant deadlines: For fall 2027, apply for admission and submit the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid by the February 1, 2027, priority deadline. Later awards depend on available funding. 

What it covers: Remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other federal, state, and institutional aid is applied. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, course-specific fees, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Eligible new Ohio first-year students with family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less can receive tuition and mandatory-fee coverage beginning in fall 2026.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Ohio residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must begin at Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, or Ohio State ATI in Wooster, enroll full time, have financial need, and file the FAFSA annually. The award can follow an eligible student who later transitions to Columbus. 

Required forms: FAFSA annually.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: The Regional Promise provides free tuition at an Ohio University regional campus under its published rules. The President’s Opportunity Promise covers remaining Athens-campus in-state tuition and mandatory fees after other gift aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, course-specific charges, summer costs, and personal expenses may remain. Each promise is limited to its stated campus and cohort.

Income or need threshold: For fall 2026, the OHIO Regional Promise applies to full-time, Pell-eligible incoming freshmen with at least a 3.0 high-school GPA at a regional campus. The President’s Opportunity Promise applies to qualifying Pell-eligible students from Athens County and contiguous Ohio counties at the Athens campus.

Residency and enrollment requirements: The President’s Opportunity Promise is limited to residents of Athens County and contiguous Ohio counties. Confirm the separate residency rules for the OHIO Regional Promise with the regional campus. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Both tuition promises use Pell eligibility rather than a separately published income or asset ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA by the applicable first-priority deadline.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, the FAFSA first-priority date was January 15, 2026. Check Ohio University’s instructions for the admission and aid dates that apply to your entering year and Promise program. 

What it covers: Remaining tuition and most mandatory fees after other aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Oregon resident; Pell eligible; undergraduate first-year, transfer, or re-enrolling student; at least six credits; fall start.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Oregon residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Pell Grant eligibility determined through the FAFSA is the financial trigger; no separate income or asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA by the published priority date and any requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA by March 1 for priority consideration and annual renewal. Later applications may be considered if funding remains. Meet PSU’s admission deadline for your entering term.

What it covers: Tuition through combined federal, state, and institutional gift aid; tuition coverage does not require loans.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less and Student Aid Index below 15,000; qualifying non-filers may also be eligible.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Virginia residents pursuing a first bachelor’s degree full time, in person, on the traditional academic schedule. New, transfer, readmitted, and continuing students may qualify.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Certain online/completion, competency-based, and bridge programs are excluded. Renewal requires continued financial eligibility and satisfactory academic progress; new students may receive up to eight semesters. In-state tuition status alone does not establish Virginia residency eligibility.

Required forms: FAFSA or Virginia Alternative State Aid Application, as applicable, plus requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: Complete admission and the FAFSA or Virginia Alternative State Aid Application by March 1 for fall or December 1 for spring. Submit the required aid application by March 1 each year for renewal. View Radford Tuition Promise requirements.

Rowan University Program name: Rowan Opportunity Program

What it covers: Remaining tuition and mandatory student fees for families with AGI from $0 to $65,000; program- and course-specific fees are excluded. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Qualifying New Jersey residents meeting the official income, aid, and enrollment criteria.

Residency and enrollment requirements: New Jersey residency or qualifying eligible-noncitizen status is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The free-tuition tier uses federal AGI from the FAFSA. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application, plus all state-aid and university verification requirements.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Tuition and eligible fees through grants and scholarships at the full-coverage income tier; partial guarantees in higher tiers. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: New Jersey residents meeting the published adjusted-gross-income tiers and financial-aid requirements.

Residency and enrollment requirements: New Jersey residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Rutgers uses adjusted gross income reported through the FAFSA or state alternative-aid application. The final tier depends on the verified aid record. 

Required forms: FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application, plus requested state and university documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Mandatory tuition and fees for 15 hours per semester through grants. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas resident; Pell eligible; demonstrated need; family income up to $100,000; entering freshman or transfer; timely FAFSA.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Family income must be $100,000 or less, and the student must demonstrate need and qualify for Pell. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA and requested verification documents by the published deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline, including for annual renewal.

What it covers: Remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Qualifying Illinois residents with $125,200 and assets below $50,000

Residency and enrollment requirements: Illinois residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is determined under SIU and Illinois AIM HIGH income, asset, merit, and need rules; students should confirm the applicable annual limits.

Required forms: FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, plus requested documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years after other gift aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas resident; incoming first-year or first-time transfer; combined family AGI $100,000 or less; timely FAFSA and full-time enrollment.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program uses combined family AGI reported on the FAFSA. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA and requested verification documents by the published deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Tuition through grants and scholarships.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Required fees, housing, food, books, transportation, course charges, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Beginning in fall 2026, incoming Texas-resident undergraduates qualify for Aggie Assurance when family income and assets are each below $100,000.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. The 2026 expansion applies to incoming undergraduates at the College Station campus. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Both income and assets must be below $100,000. Students must meet the state financial aid priority deadline and remain eligible under university rules. 

Required forms: FAFSA or TASFA, plus requested supporting documents, by the applicable state priority deadline.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, Texas A&M’s recommended FAFSA submission date was January 15, 2026, for fall entry and is October 1, 2026, for spring 2027 entry. While these types of dates are often similar year-to-year, be sure to check Aggie One Stop frequently for the dates that apply to other entering terms. 

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees through the Islander Guarantee after eligible gift aid is applied. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Qualifying Texas resident with $125,000-or-less AGI AND Pell eligibility; must be an incoming freshmen enrolled in 15 credit hours a semester (30 a year) with at least a 2.5 GPA.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is based on the published family-income and financial-need criteria in the annual aid record; no separate asset ceiling is stated. 

Required forms: FAFSA, plus requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, the FAFSA priority deadline was February 15, 2026. Check the Islander Guarantee requirements for your entering year before applying.

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees for eligible first-time, transfer, and continuing undergraduates under stated duration rules. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas resident; household income $65,000 or less; demonstrated financial need; FAFSA/TASFA; full-time first bachelor's enrollment.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Household income must be $65,000 or less, with financial need determined through the FAFSA or TASFA. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA or TASFA.

Relevant deadlines: New students must register before August 1 for fall or January 1 for spring. Continuing students must register before June 1 for fall or December 1 for spring. These dates include the completion of the required financial aid application and documents. View the Javelina Promise’s full program requirements.

What it covers: Full tuition plus additional food and housing assistance. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, books, and other expenses remain unless covered by other aid. Food and housing assistance amounts are determined annually, and students must live on campus to retain that assistance.

Income or need threshold: Incoming Texas first-year student; Pell eligible; family AGI $70,000 or less with reasonable assets; timely FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas resident; incoming fall-semester first-year student enrolled full time. Transfer and current students are not eligible; annual renewal requires full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.

Other significant eligibility conditions: AGI must be $70,000 or less with reasonable assets. TCU considers cash, savings, investments, home equity, business net worth, and other real-estate equity.

Required forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile by the published deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by November 1 for TCU for Texans consideration. 

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees for up to 15 credits per semester through federal, state, and university grants. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, meals, books, transportation, course charges, and other costs.

Income or need threshold: For 2026-27, new first-time freshmen qualify with FAFSA income of $50,000 or less. Beginning in fall 2027, the threshold expands to $100,000 for students in the top 25% of their graduating class.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency and graduation from a Texas high school are required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program uses FAFSA income and demonstrated financial need; no separate asset ceiling is published. Students must complete at least 15 credits each fall and spring and meet renewal standards. 

Required forms: FAFSA and completed admission file by March 15.

Relevant deadlines: You must be admitted and have completed the FAFSA by March 15. Submit the FAFSA by March 15 each year for renewal. View the Bobcat Promise’s official program requirements.

What it covers: The guarantee combines federal, state, institutional, and scholarship aid to help cover standard tuition and fees. For the current program, Texas Tech lists a maximum funding amount of $11,852, corresponding to tuition and fees used in its cost-of-attendance calculation. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Any tuition or fee amount above the program maximum, plus housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Entering Texas freshmen and eligible transfers with family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and demonstrated financial need may qualify for the Red Raider Guarantee.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: For 2026–27, eligibility is limited to entering freshmen and eligible transfers who can complete the FAFSA. Funding is subject to program rules and available federal and state resources. 

Required forms: FAFSA and a complete financial aid file by Texas Tech’s deadline.

Relevant deadlines: You must be admitted and have a complete financial aid file by March 15. Texas Tech recommends submitting the FAFSA by the January 15 priority date.

What it covers: Gap between regular tuition and mandatory fees and other gift aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas resident undergraduate; Pell eligible or Pell-eligible SAI; demonstrated financial need; full-time first bachelor's enrollment.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Pell eligibility or a Pell-eligible Student Aid Index and demonstrated financial need are required; no separate institutional asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA or TASFA, as applicable, plus requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: In-state tuition and fees charged directly by UCA for up to 18 credits in each fall and spring term, after other applicable aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, summer courses, charges above 18 credits, and costs for fully online programs.

Income or need threshold: First-time entering undergraduates qualify with annual household income of $100,000 or less or Pell Grant eligibility.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Arkansas residency and graduation from an Arkansas public school, private school, homeschool, or GED program are required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The 2026-27 policy uses household income reported through the FAFSA and does not publish a separate asset ceiling. Students must enroll in at least 15 credits initially, complete assigned service hours, and meet credit and GPA renewal rules.

Required forms: FAFSA, Arkansas Academic Challenge documentation, UCA Commitment application, and any requested verification documents. 

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, the initial eligibility deadline was May 4, 2026. Returning students had a June 1, 2026, FAFSA deadline. Check UCA’s policy for your entering or renewal year.

What it covers: Remaining tuition plus specified instructional, general, campus-life, distance-learning, and program fees after applicable federal and state grants are applied. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Course-specific fees, books, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Beginning in fall 2026, qualifying Ohio students from households earning $75,000 or less can receive the Bearcats Affordability Grant if they are also Pell eligible.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Ohio residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must enter UC as first-time, first-year undergraduates, receive a Federal Pell Grant, enroll full time, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Eligible programs at all three UC campuses, including qualifying online programs, can participate. 

Required forms: FAFSA. No separate Bearcats Affordability Grant application is required.

Relevant deadlines:Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: At the lowest income level, tuition, fees, standard housing, and food. From $35,000 to $75,000, full tuition and mandatory fees. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Course-related fees and other personal or indirect expenses may remain.

Income or need threshold: Delaware freshmen from families earning $35,000 to $75,000 receive full tuition and mandatory-fee coverage through the First State Promise. Students below $35,000 receive a broader aid package designed to leave little or no upfront cost.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Delaware residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The program is for students entering UD as freshmen, not transfers. Household size and assets above $50,000 can affect need-based grant eligibility; primary-home value is excluded. 

Required forms: FAFSA each year. No additional First State Promise application is required.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates.

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees at or below $65,000; smaller tuition-support grants through $125,000. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Texas resident entering first-year student; demonstrated need; family AGI at or below $65,000 for full tuition/fee guarantee; timely aid file.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The full guarantee uses family AGI of $65,000 or less and demonstrated need. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA or TASFA and requested verification documents by the priority deadline.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, the deadline was January 15, 2026, for admission materials and the FAFSA or TASFA, including required verification documents. Check Cougar Promise requirements for your entering year.

What it covers: $0 tuition and fees. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: New undergraduate Illinois resident from a household with income $75,000 or less, under official asset and aid rules.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Eligibility for Illinois in-state tuition is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: UIC requires combined family income and assets of $75,000 or less, certified by the university. 

Required forms: FAFSA by the published deadline and any requested verification documents.

Relevant deadlines: For fall 2027, complete the required financial aid application by March 15, 2027. Follow UIC’s instructions for your applicant type and supporting documents. 

What it covers: Tuition and campus fees for up to four years for qualifying first-year students and up to three years for qualifying transfer students. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Course fees, housing, food, books, summer or winter classes, study abroad, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: New students need family income of $75,000 or less and family assets of $75,000 or less.

Residency and enrollment requirements: The student and the parents listed on the FAFSA must be Illinois residents. The student must also have attended and graduated from an Illinois high school. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Applicants must be under age 24 and enrolled in at least 12 hours during fall or spring. The renewal income limit is $82,500, while the asset limit remains $75,000.

Required forms: FAFSA by March 15 before each academic year. Additional verification documents may be requested.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA before March 15 for initial consideration and by March 15 each year for renewal.

What it covers: 100% tuition coverage for students receiving all three specified aid programs. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Kentucky resident first-time freshman; Pell, CAP Grant, and KEES recipient; full-time enrollment and timely FAFSA.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Kentucky residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility depends on receipt of the Pell Grant, Kentucky CAP Grant, and KEES rather than a separate published institutional income ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA by the published priority deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline, including for annual renewal. 

What it covers: In-state tuition and mandatory academic fees through federal, state, and institutional aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, meals, books, transportation, program- or college-specific fees, and other noncovered charges.

Income or need threshold: Massachusetts residents with adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less may qualify for UMass Amherst Advantage if they also meet the program’s aid-eligibility requirements.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Massachusetts residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: FAFSA filers must be Pell eligible with an SAI of $7,000 or less; MASFA filers must have an SAI of $7,500 or less. Students must enroll in an eligible on-campus undergraduate degree program and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements. 

Required forms: FAFSA or MASFA annually. Eligibility requirements must be completed by the program deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA or MASFA and complete all Amherst Advantage requirements before May 1. 

What it covers: Tuition for up to four years. Qualifying students in Nursing, specified teacher-preparation programs, and Music, Theatre & Dance may receive coverage for the full cost of attendance, including housing and fees. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: For most programs, fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses may remain after other aid.

Income or need threshold: Michigan families earning $125,000 or less with assets below $125,000 qualify for the Go Blue Guarantee.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Michigan residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Michigan counts home equity, cash, checking and savings, investments, other real estate, and business value. Retirement accounts are excluded. 

Required forms: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and requested financial documents.

Relevant deadlines: Early Decision applicants should submit financial aid materials by November 15. For Early Action and Regular Decision, December 15 is the suggested filing date and March 1 is the final deadline. Check the Ann Arbor campus’s instructions for your entering year and applicant type.

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory student fees through a combination of federal, state, institutional, and other qualifying grant or scholarship aid. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, meals, books, parking, charges beyond covered tuition limits, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: The Missouri Land Grant is for eligible Missouri-resident, Pell-eligible incoming first-time freshmen rather than students below a single published income limit.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Missouri residency at the time of admission. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must pursue their first bachelor’s degree, enroll full time, maintain Pell eligibility and satisfactory academic progress, and remain within the program’s continuous eligibility window. 

Required forms: FAFSA annually by the published priority deadline.

Relevant deadlines: For 2027–28, submit the FAFSA by February 1, 2027. Mizzou’s scholarship priority dates are December 1, 2026, for incoming freshmen and February 1, 2027, for continuing and transfer students. For a deeper look, see the Missouri Land Grant’s official program requirements.

What it covers: Remaining course fees up to 15 credits plus $1,000 per year for books. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Nevada resident; AGI under $68,000; timely FAFSA and institutional aid application; full-time fall start.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Nevada residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Dependent-student eligibility uses parent AGI under $68,000; independent students use the applicable FAFSA AGI. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA and UNLV Institutional Aid Application each year.

Relevant deadlines: Complete admission and the required financial aid application by the November 15 priority deadline.

What it covers: Up to $11,750 in 2026-27 and $12,700 in 2027-28 toward tuition, fees, and books. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Nevada resident; Pell eligible; SAI $7,000 or less; full-time first bachelor's enrollment and timely aid application.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Nevada residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must qualify for Pell and have a Student Aid Index of $7,000 or less. No separate asset ceiling is published. 

Required forms: FAFSA or Institutional Methodology form each year.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA or Institutional Methodology application by February 15 each year.

What it covers: Tuition and fees for eligible North Carolina residents after federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships. The neighboring-state benefit reduces tuition and fees to $10,000; it does not eliminate them.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, personal expenses, and other indirect costs.

Income or need threshold: Household adjusted gross income of $90,000 or less for students entering fall 2025 or later. The earlier $80,000 rule continues for the original 2024–25 participants.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Full coverage requires North Carolina residency. New first-year and transfer students must enter a first bachelor’s program, take at least 15 credits per semester, and meet citizenship requirements.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility begins in the first UNC Asheville term and is reviewed annually. Continuous enrollment and satisfactory academic progress are required. Coverage lasts up to eight semesters for first-year students or seven for transfers, or until graduation.

Required forms: FAFSA and North Carolina Residency Determination.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA by March 1 for fall or November 15 for spring, and meet annual renewal requirements. Review Access Asheville’s eligibility and deadlines.

What it covers: Remaining fall and spring tuition and mandatory fees after other grants and scholarships, for students who meet the program’s financial and enrollment requirements.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses may remain after other aid.

Income or need threshold: Total household income below $80,000 with typical assets. UNC uses total income, not simply adjusted gross income.

Residency and enrollment requirements: North Carolina resident tuition status, including qualifying military students. Students must pursue their first bachelor’s degree; eligible part-time students can qualify.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is reviewed annually. Coverage is available for up to eight semesters for first-year entrants, with eligibility adjusted for other entrants. Assets include cash, savings, investments, business or farm value, and real estate; retirement assets are excluded.

Required forms: FAFSA, an initial CSS Profile, and requested supporting documents. Additional CSS Profile submissions may be required after a break in enrollment or a change in circumstances.

Relevant deadlines: Complete financial aid materials by UNC’s grant-aid deadline for your enrollment year. Follow the application and deadline links on the Tar Heel Guarantee page.

What it covers: Full tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight consecutive semesters. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, course-specific charges, health costs, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: For the fall 2026 entering class, first-time freshmen from Texas families with total income of $100,000 or less could qualify for the North Texas Promise.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency and graduation from a Texas high school are required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must either rank in the top 25% of their high school class and demonstrate financial need or qualify for the Pell Grant. UNT's published 2026 announcement did not state a separate asset ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA. For fall 2026, students had to be admitted and have a valid FAFSA on file by February 15, 2026; use UNT's current page for the next entering class.

Relevant deadlines: For fall 2026, admission, official transcripts, and a valid FAFSA with required verification documents were due February 15, 2026; grant acceptance was due May 1, 2026. Check North Texas Promise instructions for later entering classes. 

What it covers: Oklahoma's Promise and Crimson Commitment combine to cover tuition and average student fees. For 2026-27, the fee guarantee was up to $9,750 from outside and OU resources. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees above the average guarantee, housing, food, books, transportation, summer costs not covered by the program, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Students must qualify for Oklahoma's Promise. At initial enrollment in that state program, family federal AGI is capped at $60,000 for one or two dependent children, $70,000 for three or four, and $80,000 for five or more. Continued eligibility uses a $100,000 family AGI ceiling.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Oklahoma residency and full Oklahoma's Promise eligibility are required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Oklahoma's Promise enrollment must occur during the eligible middle- or high-school years. Crimson Commitment is a last-dollar program; students must enroll full time and maintain satisfactory academic progress. 

Required forms: FAFSA and the Oklahoma's Promise application. Current OU guidance uses March 1 for admission and FAFSA steps; students should use the page for their entering year.

Relevant deadlines: For 2027–28, apply to OU by February 1, 2027, and submit the FAFSA by March 1, 2027. Oklahoma’s Promise has separate enrollment requirements that must be met while you are still in school.

What it covers: 100% of tuition and fees through federal, state, and University of Oregon grants and scholarships. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses.

Income or need threshold: PathwayOregon is available to eligible Oregon residents who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant and meet the program’s academic requirements.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Oregon residency, plus graduation from an Oregon high school within the program’s specified window. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Incoming first-year students generally need at least a 3.40 cumulative high school GPA. Students below 3.40 who otherwise qualify may be considered as space and funding allow.

Required forms: FAFSA. Students must also meet the admission and FAFSA deadlines listed for PathwayOregon.

Relevant deadlines: Apply for admission by January 15 and submit the FAFSA by March 1. Submit the FAFSA by March 1 each year for renewal. For further details, be sure to visit PathwayOregon’s official program requirements.

What it covers: Whatever tuition remains after federal, state, and institutional aid is applied. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other expenses.

Income or need threshold: Pennsylvania residents with household adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less qualify for the Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge beginning in fall 2026.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Pennsylvania residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The pledge applies to Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and the Titusville nursing program. New, current, and transfer students can qualify. Students who move to the Pittsburgh campus lose this benefit. 

Required forms: FAFSA; no separate pledge application is required.

Relevant deadlines:Check the Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge requirements and your campus’s admission and financial aid calendar for your entering term. Complete the FAFSA and any requested documents by the applicable dates.  

What it covers: Tuition and fees through federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships. Students with the highest need may also qualify for the Miner Success Grant for other education costs. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, personal expenses, and any costs not included in UTEP's tuition-and-fee calculation.

Income or need threshold: Texas residents pursuing a first bachelor's degree qualify for the Paydirt Promise with family income of $100,000 or less.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Texas residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The published program uses family income and does not state a separate asset cap. Students must enroll in at least nine credits each fall and spring, make satisfactory academic progress, and earn 21 credits per academic year. 

Required forms: FAFSA or TASFA and all requested documents. Eligible students are considered automatically.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA or TASFA and all required financial aid documents before classes begin each year. Apply early because funding is limited. For further details, be sure to check out The Paydirt Promise’s official program requirements.

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters through grants and scholarships from all sources. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, course fees, certain digital-content fees, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: First-time Utah students with annual family income and assets each below $100,000 can qualify for the Utah Promise Scholarship beginning in fall 2026.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Utah residency at the time of application. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Students must have at least a 3.5 unweighted cumulative high school GPA, meet application and FAFSA deadlines, enroll full time, and maintain good standing.

Required forms: FAFSA.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, the admission deadline was December 1, 2025, the FAFSA deadline was February 1, 2026, and remaining requested documents were due August 24, 2026. Check Utah’s scholarship requirements for the next entering class.

University of Vermont Program name: UVM Promise

What it covers: Tuition and the comprehensive fee after federal, state, institutional, employer, and veterans education benefits are applied. UVM also waives the acceptance fee. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, program fees, transportation, personal expenses, and summer tuition.

Income or need threshold: For 2026-27, dependent Vermont undergraduates qualify when parent adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less with typical assets.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Vermont residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is reviewed annually and assumes typical assets. Students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. The threshold rises to $125,000 for 2027-28. 

Required forms: FAFSA and Vermont State Grant application through VSAC by UVM's priority deadline.

Relevant deadlines: Follow UVM’s financial aid instructions for your admission plan, and meet the separate VSAC Vermont grant deadline. Complete the required applications each year. 

What it covers: Grants and scholarships equal to the eligible charges for up to eight semesters. The lower income level includes housing and food based on UVA's published allowances. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Books, travel, personal expenses, housing above UVA's allowance, and other costs outside the guarantee may remain.

Income or need threshold: Virginia families with income below $100,000 and assets below $100,000 may receive tuition and fee coverage. Families below $50,000 with assets below $100,000 may receive tuition, fees, housing, and food coverage.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Virginia residency and undergraduate enrollment are required; grants apply for up to eight semesters under AccessUVA rules.

Other significant eligibility conditions: UVA counts cash, checking and savings, investments, other real estate, and business value. It excludes primary-home equity and qualified retirement accounts. 

Required forms: FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1 each year.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1 each year. For more details, check out AccessUVA’s official program requirements.

What it covers: Full tuition and standard fees at the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses through grants and scholarships. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, individual course or lab fees, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Husky Promise is based on financial-aid eligibility rather than one published household-income cutoff. In general, qualifying Washington residents are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and/or comparable Washington need-based aid.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Washington state residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Incoming, transfer, and continuing students may qualify if they meet the program’s financial-aid requirements. 

Required forms: FAFSA or WASFA by the applicable priority date. No separate Husky Promise application is required.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA or WASFA before the February 28 priority date.

What it covers: Bucky's Tuition Promise covers tuition and segregated fees. Bucky's Pell Pathway is designed to meet full financial need, including housing, meals, books, and most other educational expenses. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Under the tuition-only promise, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses remain. Pell Pathway recipients may still have costs above UW-Madison's standard budget.

Income or need threshold: Wisconsin residents with annual household adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less qualify for Bucky's Tuition Promise. Pell-eligible Wisconsin students may qualify for the broader Bucky's Pell Pathway.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Wisconsin residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: The Tuition Promise uses household AGI; Pell Pathway requires Pell Grant eligibility. Students must meet the university's aid and enrollment requirements. 

Required forms: FAFSA, a submitted CSS Profile, and requested verification documents by UW-Madison's applicable priority date.

Relevant deadlines: Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority date. Incoming students should also complete the required CSS Profile by the applicable financial aid deadline; follow UW–Madison’s instructions for your entering year.

What it covers: Tuition in qualifying undergraduate associate and bachelor’s degree programs at Vermont State University. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses not covered by the scholarship.

Income or need threshold: Vermont residents with family income of $85,000 or less can receive tuition support through the Freedom & Unity Scholarship.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Vermont residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligible students may be full time or part time, new or returning, but cannot already hold a bachelor’s degree. This is separate from the University of Vermont’s tuition program.

Required forms: Students must complete the financial-aid process required by Vermont State University and VSAC for the scholarship.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, Vermont State must receive a valid FAFSA by April 30, 2027, for financial aid eligibility. Apply earlier for tuition-program consideration, and complete the separate VSAC Vermont grant application. Check the requirements for your entering year.

What it covers: Remaining tuition after federal and state aid, funded through college scholarships, need-based grants, and a work grant. Loans are not used to meet tuition.

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: Eligibility for a federal Pell Grant and/or North Carolina need-based grant.

Residency and enrollment requirements: North Carolina residents admitted to Warren Wilson for the first time as full-time undergraduates. Students must live on campus and participate fully in the college’s work program.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Up to four years of coverage. Renewal requires consecutive full-time enrollment, continued residency and need-based grant eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, and campus residency.

Required forms: FAFSA, North Carolina Residency Determination, and verification documents if requested.

Relevant deadlines: For renewal, file the FAFSA and complete any required verification before March 1 each year. Follow the NC Free Tuition Plan requirements and admission instructions for your entering term.

What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, and other charges may remain unless expressly covered.

Income or need threshold: Washington resident pursuing a first bachelor's degree who receives the Washington College Grant or Pell Grant and meets other program rules.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Washington residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Eligibility is tied to receipt of the Washington College Grant or Federal Pell Grant rather than a separate WSU income or asset ceiling. 

Required forms: FAFSA or WASFA.

Relevant deadlines: Check the official program requirements for the admission and financial aid deadlines that apply to your entering year and applicant type. Submit all required aid forms and supporting documents by those dates. 

What it covers: Full in-state tuition and standard fees through federal, state, and Wayne State scholarships and grants. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, transportation, course-specific charges, and personal expenses.

Income or need threshold: The Wayne State Guarantee covers eligible Michigan residents who are Pell Grant eligible or meet the program’s income-and-asset criteria. Current published program summaries list the threshold as family income of $80,000 or less and assets at $50,000 or less.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Michigan residency. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Wayne State expanded the Guarantee to eligible transfer students beginning in fall 2026. Transfer eligibility has additional requirements, including academic and state-aid criteria. 

Required forms: FAFSA.

Relevant deadlines: For 2026–27, first-year students had to complete admission and the FAFSA by August 1, 2026; the transfer deadline was July 1, 2026. Check Wayne State Guarantee requirements for later entering classes.

What it covers: Full-time resident tuition and general student fees for 12 to 18 credits per semester, after other grants and scholarships. 

Costs not guaranteed by the program: Housing, food, books, program or course fees, transportation, personal expenses, and summer tuition.

Income or need threshold: Dream Weber does not publish a separate household income ceiling. Students must qualify for a federal Pell Grant.

Residency and enrollment requirements: Legal Utah residency is required. Enrollment, entry-cohort, and renewal rules in the official program terms also apply.

Other significant eligibility conditions: Pell eligibility incorporates income, household, and financial information from the FAFSA. Students must have fewer than 150 credits, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and reapply each year. 

Required forms: FAFSA by the April 1 priority date and the Scholarship Universe application. Priority for the scholarship application goes to students who apply by the first Friday in December, with later awards made while funds remain.

Relevant deadlines: Complete ScholarshipUniverse by the first Friday in December for scholarship priority consideration. Submit the FAFSA and required documents by the April 1 Dream Weber priority deadline; later awards depend on available funding. For more details, check out Dream Weber’s official program requirements.

Each college sets its own income guidelines. For example, Carnegie Mellon’s tuition-free benefit requires family income below $75,000 with typical assets, while Princeton reports that most families earning up to $250,000 pay no tuition. These policies use different financial assessments, so the income figures aren’t interchangeable. 

Your eligibility may also depend on assets, household circumstances, residency, enrollment, and completing financial aid forms.

Only when the program specifically includes them. A tuition-only benefit can leave housing, meals, fees, books, transportation, and other expenses for you to cover.

Some colleges provide broader aid at lower income levels. Brown, for example, publishes a benefit covering standard tuition, fees, housing, and meals for qualifying students from families with income below $60,000 and assets below $100,000. Student earnings expectations may still remain. 

Many private colleges in this guide offer income-based tuition benefits without requiring the student to be a resident of a particular state. Examples include Harvard, MIT, NYU, Penn, Vanderbilt, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, Rice, and Washington and Lee.

Private colleges generally do not base their standard tuition price on in-state versus out-of-state residency, but individual financial aid programs can still have geographic, citizenship, admission-type, or other eligibility rules.

Public-college guarantees in this guide generally require residency or eligibility for in-state tuition.

Yes. Examples in this guide include, but aren't limited to, Harvard, MIT, NYU, Penn, Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, Rice, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UVA.

Each program uses its own income definition and may add residency, asset, enrollment, admission-type, or financial aid filing requirements. An income below $100,000 by itself does not guarantee eligibility at every school on the list.

Yes. Princeton, for example, reports that most families earning up to $250,000 pay no tuition. Assets and other financial circumstances affect the award, so this is not an automatic income-only guarantee.

Other colleges use different thresholds. Check whether the amount includes families earning exactly that figure and whether the benefit applies to your entering class.

No. A full-ride scholarship usually covers tuition and major living costs such as housing and meals. A tuition guarantee can leave those expenses, along with fees, books, transportation, and personal costs, for the student and family.

Sometimes. It depends on how the college packages aid.

A last-dollar program may apply the Pell Grant to tuition first and then cover only the remaining tuition charge. Another college may use institutional grants to meet tuition and allow part of the Pell Grant to support other education costs.

Your financial aid offer shows how each award is applied.

Most programs require it. Some students may use an eligible state financial aid application when the program permits.

Private colleges may require the CSS Profile, tax documents, or other financial aid forms in addition to the FAFSA.

Check the requirements for your specific college and entering year rather than assuming the FAFSA is the only form you need.

Some programs include transfer students, while others are limited to students who enter as first-year undergraduates.

Check the program’s transfer eligibility, admission-status rules, and maximum number of covered semesters before assuming the first-year guarantee applies to you.