The best free application colleges allow students to get an education for less. If you are interested in continuing to college or university, saving on your applications is vital.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.There are dozens of fantastic programs that allow students to apply without requiring a deposit or payment. This guide will go over 10 of the top-ranked free application colleges. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $20,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $50,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
10 Best Free Application Colleges
1. New Mexico Military Institute
2-4 Year; Roswell, NM
Average Annual Cost: $5,985
New Mexico Military Institute is known for having one of the more rigorous programs that help students develop character, leadership skills, and academics. The school is often called “The West Point of the West,” ideal for military-inclined individuals. Currently, the school has approximately a thousand students enrolled from 42 states and two territories in the United States.
There are a few different degree options you can consider from New Mexico Military Institute. They offer an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. They also grant high school diplomas, ideal for supporting students across their learning journey. As its name suggests, the school also features an ROTC program.
The ROTC program is essential if you are looking to join the military. It is designed to help cadets receive commissions in the United States Army. Alternatively, you can pursue commissions in the Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Merchant Marines, and the Marine Corps. All you have to do is enroll in the Service Academy Preparatory Program.
2. United States Merchant Marine Academy
4 Year; Kings Point, NY
Average Annual Cost: $6,433
Another military-inclined school to consider that doesn’t ask for an application fee is the United States Merchant Marine Academy. At the academy, students will receive a specialized education to help them develop as a person and Merchant Marine. Your courses will revolve around national security, the United States’ economic needs, and marine transportation.
There’s no doubt that this school has a highly competitive program, with only 950 individuals enrolled per year. Not only will you gather an ample amount of military education, but their programs are also phenomenal for specialized training. What’s more, if you are interested in obtaining a specialty career, you can get all of your licensing through school.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy features six areas of study for students to consider. Their academic departments include:
- Mathematics and Science
- Marine Engineering
- Humanities
- Marine Transportation
- Physical Education and Athletics
- Naval Science
3. Western Iowa Tech Community College
2-4 Year; Sioux City, IA
Average Annual Cost: $7,201
Western Iowa Tech Community College is a unique school that offers learning opportunities across a student’s lifetime. Not only do they provide post-secondary courses, but you can also learn while in high school. There are also programs for business owners to help them develop industrial solutions, health solutions, transportation solutions, and more.
Western Iowa Tech Community College typically serves adult students seeking a certificate or diploma in a career-ready field. There are many specialties you can choose from, all of which prepare you for employment.
During your studies, you will gather hands-on experiences paired with traditional in-class learning. A few examples of some popular programs at this school include:
- Administrative Assistant
- Agriculture Agronomy
- Bookkeeping
- Carpentry
- Chemistry
- Emergency Medical Responder
- English
- Human Resources
- Legal Secretary
Similar to any other college or university, you can guarantee there isn’t a shortage of programs for students to consider.
4. Tennessee College of Applied Technology–Jackson
2-4 Year; Jackson, TN
Average Annual Cost: $7,426
Are you looking for a way to better your chances at employment after school? If so, enrolling in Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson is ideal. Their programs are designed to help students establish real-world skills in their desired field of specialty. You will acquire competency-based training through in-person and distance classes to help you find gainful employment.
Another massive advantage of enrolling in Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson is that they help currently employed individuals. If you are interested in staying in your current field but advancing towards a promotion, their career-friendly programs can help.
You will find that this school has some unique learning pathways for students to consider. Several examples of the most popular programs you will find at Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson include:
- Industrial Maintenance
- Electrician Apprenticeship
- Computer Information Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Patient Care Technician/Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Welding
- Truck Driving
5. University of Phoenix–Hawaii
4 Year; Honolulu, HI
Average Annual Cost: $11,020
The University of Phoenix – Hawaii offers a fantastic opportunity for students to acquire a thorough online education. Instead of visiting on-campus classes, you can take digital courses that fit perfectly into your schedule. With the added bonus of free application, you can start your post-secondary schooling earlier than expected.
There’s no doubt that the courses at this school are some of the most competitive and well-rounded in the country. Students will be able to try their hands at several subjects, including:
- Project Management
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Counseling
- Finance
- Business Management
- Psychology
- Social Science
With customizable learning pathways, the University of Phoenix – Hawaii is designed to help students get their degrees faster. One of their unique aspects is letting students use past life and school experiences to earn current credits. For example, if you have college experience, work experience, or life experience, you could receive credits towards your degree.
6. University of Phoenix–New Jersey
4 Year; Jersey City, NJ
Average Annual Cost: $11,080
Students in New Jersey can reap many of the same benefits as students in Hawaii if they enroll in the University of Phoenix. With highly adaptable learning pathways, you can go to school while working or have other responsibilities. Their intuitively structured programs make it exceptionally simple to bring post-secondary schooling into your day.
Along with standard courses, such as Digital Marketing, Finance, Business, and Criminal Justice, the school has professional courses. The professional development courses can help you further your current career by enhancing pre-existing skills to a new level.
A few examples of professional development courses include:
- Google Analytics
- Google Ads
- Metrics for Workplace Learning
- Social Media Marketing Essentials
- Transforming Virtual Teaching
- Introduction to Search Engine Optimization
- Paid Social Media Marketing
Another remarkable advantage of enrolling in the University of Phoenix – New Jersey is their list of student support services. Students can access disability services to unlock equal learning opportunities and career services to prepare them for employment. With the added help of the Counselling Skills Center, you can find the ideal learning pathway for your existing skills.
7. Florida Institute of Technology–Online
4 Year; Melbourne, FL
Average Annual Cost: $12,240
As a full-time working professional, it can be challenging to imagine going to school or back to school. Fortunately, the Florida Institute of Technology – Online makes it simpler, offering professionals customizable courses to fit into their schedules.
Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s, associate’s, or master’s degree, FIT can help. With their unique programs, students can reap the benefits of professional development. Also, you can obtain standard degrees in an assortment of fields, such as:
- Criminal Justice
- Healthcare Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Aviation Management
- Psychology and Liberal Arts
- Information Assurance
These programs are unique because you can quickly complete them within eight weeks.
An alternative to the standard course offerings at FIT is the Virtual Education Center, also known as the Virtual Site. This location features 10 off-campus learning activities. Students can choose from 22 degrees in Technology, Business, and Science. The course’s duration is slightly longer, featuring 16-week semesters and a single 11-week summer semester.
8. Walden University
4 Year; Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Cost: $13,365
Walden University is often seen as one of the pioneers of online learning, making it easier for working professionals to obtain a degree. This school boasts some of the most remarkable accomplishments, such as having over 164,000 graduates.
Walden University is ideal if you want a comprehensive learning pathway that covers every aspect of your dream career. There isn’t a shortage of programs students can consider at this school. They offer doctoral degrees, master’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Students can also obtain specialist certificates and other certificates to further their careers.
Currently, Walden University features over 100 different certificate and degree programs encompassing over 260 concentrations. A few examples of their most prevalent concentrations include:
- Public Policy & Administration
- Information Technology Programs
- Criminal Justice
- Counseling
- Communication
- Nursing
- Education
- Business & Management
- Psychology
- Social Work & Human Services
9. Colorado Technical University–Colorado Springs
4 Year; Colorado Springs, CO
Average Annual Cost: $16,435
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs boasts a picturesque campus paired with highly competitive programs for prospective students. If you’re looking for a school close to Colorado Springs and its military bases, this campus is ideal. They also offer students many remarkable learning pathways to obtain associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs ensures students can enroll in comprehensive programs. Every program provides you with textbook-based learning as well as hands-on experience. By the time you graduate, you will have in-class and real-world experiences to help you find employment.
At this school, there are a significant number of degree programs you can consider in areas such as:
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology
- Management
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
If you are interested in pursuing a higher education degree, you can find master’s degree programs in the following:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
As an added benefit, there are also doctoral degree programs you can enroll in. Instead of having to switch schools to enhance your education, you can stay at CTU for your entire learning career. After graduating, you will have the best skills and documentation to help you find a dream placement.
It is important to note that Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs has many affordable learning options. Students can apply for scholarships and grants as well as apply for military benefits. If you are looking for financing options, the school also offers a Net Price Calculator to help you plan your finances accordingly.
With the added benefit of the CTU Fast Track, you can get the same education for less. Students will embark on a highly rigorous avenue of study, helping them obtain their degrees faster. Depending on your program, you may also be able to save on your total education costs.
10. Azusa Pacific University College
4 Year; San Dimas, CA
Average Annual Cost: $19,232
Azusa Pacific University College is a Christian college that offers over 200 online and on-campus programs for students to consider. You will be able to choose from doctorates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. The school also specializes in providing certificates and credentials to help you further your current or prospective careers.
This school is one of the better Christian colleges in the United States, thanks to its 50,000+ person faculty. Students will be surrounded by scholars and disciples to assist them with unlocking their potential and expanding their knowledge. The school also makes it simpler for students to afford an education, with 100% of the students receiving financial aid through loans, grants, or scholarships.
Regardless of the career field that you want to pursue after graduation, this school can help you find your path. There is a wide assortment of majors that students can consider, many of which have minor specialties. Several examples of the unique majors Azusa Pacific University College offers include:
- Animation and Visual Effects
- Allied Health
- Acting for the Stage and Screen
- Accounting
- Biology
- Business Economics
- Biochemistry
- History
- International Business
- Games and Interactive Media
- International Relations
- Entrepreneurship
- Engineering
- Liberal Studies
- Performance
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physics
Another massive benefit of this school’s programs is that they are highly adaptable. Some courses are offered online and in hybrid formats, making them easier to fit into your schedule. With the help of their many learning pathways, working professionals can acquire fundamental skills to help them better their current careers.
Overall, Azusa Pacific University College has a well-rounded curriculum revolving around many subjects. With a foundation rooted in Christ, it is a great option for religious studies and religious students. What makes it stand out is the fact that it offers a sense of community, making it a one-of-a-kind opportunity for prospective students.
