Here is a curated list of online colleges based in the northern U.S. that offer scholarships covering part or full tuition, helping students access affordable education. For each, you’ll find a brief historical background, website, contact information, and key cost details.
1. Brown University (Rhode Island)
History: Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the oldest U.S. universities, known for its pioneering curriculum that eliminated general education requirements.
Scholarship: Brown’s “Brown Promise” replaces student loans with scholarships in financial aid packages.
Website: www.brown.edu
Contact: +1 (401) 863-1000 | admission@brown.edu
Tuition Fees: Based on financial need; full ride available for families earning under $60,000 annually.
2. University of the People (UoPeople)
History: Established in 2009 as a nonprofit institution, UoPeople offers fully online, tuition-free programs to students globally.
Scholarship: Numerous scholarships cover exam fees.
Website: www.uopeople.edu
Contact: info@uopeople.edu
Tuition Fees: No tuition; only minimal administrative fees per course.
3. Columbia University (New York)
History: Founded in 1754 as King’s College, Columbia is a leading Ivy League institution renowned for research.
Scholarship: Columbia offers need-based scholarships, including full tuition support for low-income students.
Website: www.columbia.edu
Contact: +1 (212) 854-1754 | ugrad-finaid@columbia.edu
Tuition Fees: Varies by program; significant aid available.
4. Central Christian College of the Bible (Missouri)
History: Founded in 1957, the college focuses on faith-based education and leadership.
Scholarship: Full tuition scholarships are available for eligible students.
Website: www.cccb.edu
Contact: +1 (660) 263-3900 | admissions@cccb.edu
Tuition Fees: Free for scholarship recipients covering up to 17 credit hours per semester.
5. University of Minnesota Online (Minnesota)
History: The University of Minnesota was established in 1851 and is known for innovation and public service.
Scholarship: Offers various scholarships for online students, including need-based grants.
Website: online.umn.edu
Contact: online@umn.edu
Tuition Fees: Varies; generous aid for state residents.
6. City College of San Francisco (California)
History: Established in 1935, the college has served as a gateway to education for underserved communities.
Scholarship: Free tuition for San Francisco residents, including online programs.
Website: www.ccsf.edu
Contact: +1 (415) 239-3000 | info@ccsf.edu
Tuition Fees: Free for residents; minimal fees may apply.
7. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Michigan)
History: Founded in 1817, Michigan is one of the nation’s leading public research universities.
Scholarship: “Go Blue Guarantee” covers full tuition for in-state students from low-income families.
Website: www.umich.edu
Contact: +1 (734) 764-1817 | finaid@umich.edu
Tuition Fees: Free for eligible students; otherwise based on residency.
8. Blackburn College (Illinois)
History: Founded in 1837, Blackburn is recognized as one of the first work colleges in the U.S.
Scholarship: Work-study programs offer free tuition for eligible students.
Website: www.blackburn.edu
Contact: +1 (217) 854-3231 | admissions@blackburn.edu
Tuition Fees: Free with scholarships covering full tuition; work-study mandatory.
9. SUNY Online (New York)
History: SUNY, established in 1948, is the largest public university system in the U.S.
Scholarship: Offers Excelsior Scholarships, covering tuition for residents based on income.
Website: online.suny.edu
Contact: online@suny.edu
Tuition Fees: Free for residents under Excelsior Scholarship; variable for others.
10. Southern New Hampshire University (New Hampshire)
History: Founded in 1932, SNHU became a leader in online education during the 21st century.
Scholarship: Scholarships available for new and continuing online students.
Website: www.snhu.edu
Contact: +1 (800) 668-1249 | onlineadmissions@snhu.edu
Tuition Fees: Varies, but scholarships significantly reduce costs.