Homebuyers

Buy a Home in One of the 14 States That Offers Free College Tuition

Many Americans are feeling a financial pinch lately, as prices continue to rise. This is especially true for families with children who want to attend college, which can come with a substantial tuition payment.

Indeed, the average annual cost of college in the U.S. in 2025—covering tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board—has climbed to $38,270 per student, according to the Education Data Initiative. Over four years, that adds up to a whopping $153,080. 

But what if college didn’t have to come with that kind of price tag? Some families may want to consider moving to or remaining in one of the many states that offer free college tuition.

Across the U.S., a growing number of states are offering tuition-free college programs, many with no income cap. This provides residents with a chance at a debt-free education in exchange for staying in-state or pursuing high-demand fields. 

“Choosing where you live can have a major ripple effect stretching far beyond just convenience. It’s often a very smart long-term financial strategy,” said Shawn Hill, vice president of growth at Movebuddha.com. “Buying a home in a state that offers free tuition [can be] one of those super smart moves.”

Indeed, finding a home in a state where your children can attend college tuition-free—and potentially graduate debt-free—may offer families more financial freedom.  

When your child is done with college, you may be able to sell your home and potentially even at a profit. Or you could move and keep the home as a rental property.

“College towns, especially those located in states with free tuition, usually have a steady housing demand, mostly due to the continuous flow of students, faculty, and other staff,” said Hill.

For buyers seeking to reduce education costs, here are the 14 states where your child can score free college tuition, and you can find a place to call home.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Future Grant covers tuition and mandatory fees at public community and technical colleges for students enrolled in STEM or regionally high-demand fields.

The caveat? Grads must work full-time in Arkansas for three years. Application deadlines are July 1 for the fall semester and January 10 for the spring semester.

California

Through the California Promise Grant, eligible students may have community college tuition waived. Note that not all schools apply the funds in the same way, so double-check the campus policy.

To qualify, students must meet academic requirements and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the Dream Act application.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s Pledge to Advance Connecticut allows eligible, full-time students to attend a community or technical college tuition-free. The program doesn’t impose income restrictions, making it widely accessible.

Delaware

The Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship continues to cover tuition for recent Delaware high school graduates with a minimum 2.5 GPA. It’s available for those attending Delaware Technical Community College or University of Delaware’s Associate in Arts program full-time.

Indiana

The Workforce Ready Grant covers tuition and fees for qualifying certificate programs in high-demand sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, IT, health sciences, and logistics. It’s available at institutions like Ivy Tech and Vincennes University.

Kentucky

Work Ready Kentucky funds up to 60 credit hours for approved programs tied to in-demand careers. Applicants must be state residents with a high school diploma or are working toward a GED.

Louisiana

TOPS—the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students—is a scholarship based on a student's academic performance. It covers tuition and some fees at public and private schools across the state.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Reconnect (for adults 25+) and MassEducate (for eligible residents with a high school diploma) both pay for tuition and fees at public community colleges. They also pay up to $1,200 a year for books and supplies.

Michigan

Michigan Reconnect offers free community college to individuals 25 and older who do not hold a college degree. This is part of the state’s effort to improve its workforce.

Nevada

The Nevada Promise Scholarship pays for community college tuition if students complete 20 hours of community service and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Colleges participate voluntarily, so check before applying.

New Mexico

The state offers two programs: the Legislative Lottery Scholarship, covering tuition for full-time students from their second semester onward. There is also the Opportunity Scholarship, which can cover all tuition costs for eligible part- or full-time students. Both require a 2.5 GPA and in-state residency.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Promise covers tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island for recent high school graduates who enroll full time, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and complete 30 credits per academic year.

Tennessee

Tennessee Promise helps new high school graduates attend in-state community and technical colleges tuition-free. Adults 23+ can apply for Tennessee Reconnect, which covers the same schools and costs after all other financial aid has been applied.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Invests grant covers tuition for community or technical college for individuals residing in West Virginia. They must pass a drug test and meet the academic requirements for the program.