Do tuition-free colleges actually exist? Yes. The words “free” and “college tuition” are normally not found in the same sentence, however, students looking for a college or even an Ivy League education with the option of either free tuition or other financial assistance can start their journey reviewing this informative article for some of the best colleges and universities offering this unique opportunity.

Over the last 30 years, tuition has increased 1, 120 percent and according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), college tuition has risen three times as fast as the consumer-price index and twice as fast as medical care in the past decade.

The following information gives a brief glimpse at recent average tuition costs and fees:

The College Board reports the 2013–14 tuition and fees:

• Public, four-year, in-state students: $8, 893

• Public, four-year, out-of-state students: $22, 203

• Private, nonprofit, four-year: $30, 094

• For-profit schools: $15, 130

In addition to the rising cost of tuition, student debt is also a growing problem. According to CNN Money, “the average debt load for the class of 2012 was $29, 400.

The list of tuition-free colleges below not only provides tuition-free private and state colleges but also Ivy League universities as well. Ivy League schools are some of the most prestigious and expensive schools in the U.S, however, this education can actually be affordable.

Many schools offer free tuition and other financial assistance for students from families with an income below a specific target. In addition, the Ivy League schools listed have a “no-loans” policy, meaning they provide grants instead of loans.

Alice Lloyd College

Established in 1923, Alice Lloyd College, a four-year, Christian-centered, liberal arts, offers pre-professional and bachelor’ degree programs. The college enrollment includes around 600 students. Alice Lloyd College has a 17:1 student/faculty ratio and accepts, on average, 18% of its applicants.

Additional Alice Lloyd College highlights include:

* Alice Lloyd College ranked #40 in the U.S. News & World Report 2014 edition of Best Colleges in Regional Colleges (South).

* SAT test scores (25th/75th percentile) are as follows: Critical reading: 460/590; math: 420/520; and writing: 440/480.

Students at the tuition-free college are required to work at least 160 hours per semester in an on-campus job or in the local community in the Student Work Program. The cost of living in a dormitory is about $1, 900 annually.

Each of Alice Lloyd’s 2009 graduates carried an average debt of $6, 500, which is well below the statewide average of $19, 112 and the national average of $24, 000.

Antioch College

Founded in 1850, Antioch College is a private liberal arts college in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The school has a commitment to social justice. Antioch College is the only institution in the nation, for the past 90 years, with a required co-op program for all students. Students work in a cooperative setting for four quarters during their enrollment. This practical work experience helps prepare students for future careers.

Additional Antioch College highlights include:

* In 2012, only around five percent of applicants received acceptance letters, making Antioch one of the more selective colleges in the U.S.

* Students enrolled in the class of 2017 have an average ACT score of 26, an SAT of 1160, and a GPA of 3.62.

* The Huffington Post recognized Antioch College in its “Top Non-Traditional Colleges” list alongside Brown University, the New School, Wesleyan and others.

Antioch College is extending its free tuition offer only one last time to students who are admitted for the 2014-2015 school year. They will receive the four-year, tuition-free package worth at least $121, 000.

Barclay College

Barclay College, established in 1918, a four-year Quaker Bible school located in Haviland, Kansas, has an enrollment of about 250 students. The college does welcome students from all evangelical faiths.

The program provides bachelor’s degree programs in Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, Sports and Recreational Leadership, Christian Elementary Education, Business Administration, and other programs. Barclay also offers Associate’s degrees in Biblical Studies and General Studies, a distance learning program as well as other certificates and degree programs.

Additional Barclay College highlights include:

* Barclay College has a 49% admission rate.

* The college received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation, of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

Students receiving full-tuition scholarship are required to live in on-campus housing. The scholarship is worth $11, 000 per year and a student’s cost is $10, 990. The scholarship, however, does not cover the cost of room, board and fees.

Berea College

Established in 1855, Berea College located in Berea Kentucky, a private liberal arts college, provides degrees in 28 fields. The college encompasses about 1, 500 undergraduate students from all 50 states and about 60 countries; however, the majority of the students are from Appalachia.

Additional Berea College highlights include:

* Berea College has an 11:1 student/faculty ratio.

* The Princeton Review named the college as one of the best colleges in the Southeast.

* Berea College Ranked #76 in the U.S. News & World Report 2014 edition of Best Colleges in National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Source: affordableschools.net