Here is an article featuring 10 online colleges in the western USA that provide free scholarships, including their history, website, charges, and contact details.
1. Western Governors University (WGU)
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
WGU, founded in 1997, was created by governors of 19 U.S. states to provide competency-based online education. It offers flexible, self-paced programs in business, IT, education, and healthcare. Scholarships and financial aid reduce costs, and some students may complete degrees faster, saving on tuition.
Website: www.wgu.edu
Charges: $4,325 per 6-month term
Contact: 866-225-5948
2. Foothill College
Location: Los Altos Hills, California
Founded in 1957, this community college offers online associate degrees and certificates. Through the Foothill College Promise, it provides two years of free tuition to first-time, full-time students. This initiative helps students achieve affordable education.
Website: www.foothill.edu
Charges: Free under the Promise program (for eligible students)
Contact: 650-949-7777
3. El Paso Community College
Location: El Paso, Texas
Established in 1972, EPCC emphasizes accessibility and affordability. It offers various online courses and full-ride scholarships for certain Texas residents through exemptions and grants, enabling students to graduate with minimal debt.
Website: www.epcc.edu
Charges: Free for eligible residents; standard fees for others
Contact: 915-831-3722
4. California Coast University
Location: Santa Ana, California
California Coast University was founded in 1973 with a focus on online education. It offers flexible degree programs in psychology, management, and education. Scholarships and payment plans make courses more accessible.
Website: www.calcoast.edu
Charges: $225-$300 per credit
Contact: 714-547-9625
5. University of the People
Location: Pasadena, California
Founded in 2009, University of the People is a tuition-free online university offering degrees in business, health, and education. Although tuition is free, students must pay nominal fees for assessments. Scholarships are available to cover these costs.
Website: www.uopeople.edu
Charges: $120 per exam (waivable with scholarships)
Contact: +1-626-264-8880
6. North Idaho College
Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
North Idaho College offers online associate degrees and certificates. Through various grant programs and scholarships, the college provides tuition assistance to Idaho residents and veterans, ensuring education accessibility.
Website: www.nic.edu
Charges: Varies; some students attend free through scholarships
Contact: 208-769-3300
7. Portland State University
Location: Portland, Oregon
PSU, founded in 1946, offers a range of online bachelor’s and master’s programs. It provides scholarships and financial aid options, including the PSU Four Years Free program, which covers tuition for eligible Oregon residents.
Website: www.pdx.edu
Charges: Free for eligible students; others pay per credit
Contact: 503-725-3000
8. Arizona State University Online
Location: Tempe, Arizona
ASU is a leader in online education with over 200 degree programs. Founded in 1885, it offers scholarships specifically for online students, including grants and merit-based aid, ensuring financial support.
Website: www.asu.edu
Charges: $561 per credit (before scholarships)
Contact: 480-965-2100
9. San Diego City College
Location: San Diego, California
San Diego City College has been serving students since 1914. It offers online courses and waives tuition fees for low-income students through California College Promise Grants, supporting access to affordable education.
Website: www.sdcity.edu
Charges: Free for eligible students; others pay nominal fees
Contact: 619-388-3400
10. Santa Monica College
Location: Santa Monica, California
Established in 1929, SMC provides online degrees in various fields. Through partnerships with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, it offers free tuition to first-time students via the Promise Program.
Website: www.smc.edu
Charges: Free for first-time students; others pay $46 per unit
Contact: 310-434-4000