ONLINE SCHOOLS

Although news of joblessness and economic ills pours from the media like flood waters, a few glints of sunlight provide a welcome respite from the deluge of doom and gloom.

Expensive college tuition is one of those dreary economic topics. But sporadic bright spots, like the surprising availability of a tuition-free education, is giving hope to both parents and college-bound students.

In fact, some parents are choosing to relocate to areas where their children will be eligible for a free college education down the road. The lure of a debt-free graduation is an offer many parents, and students, cannot refuse.

Most free-tuition scholarship programs require a minimum 3.0 or above grade point average (GPA) at high school graduation, residency for a specified amount of time in the school district or state offering the free tuition, and maintenance of at least a 2.5 GPA while attending college.

Students must primarily attend public or charter higher education schools to receive the full benefit of these scholarships. Those who choose private in-state colleges or universities may receive a lesser amount of scholarship money; and family income levels may influence eligibility.

Listed below are a few of these remarkable free-tuition programs:

• The New Haven Promise is one of the newest free-tuition programs. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, which is home to Yale University, the program will provide full or partial tuition scholarships for eligible students to study at any Connecticut public college or university. High school graduates with a 3.0 GPA who have attended New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) since kindergarten will receive full paid tuition. Those who have attended for the last 3 years of high school will receive 65% paid tuition.
• The Hope Scholarship gives Georgia’s top high school graduates the opportunity to attend public colleges and universities in Georgia for free. Paid tuition and fees apply to those who graduated from high school with at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Say Yes to Education, in partnership with Syracuse University, offers free tuition assistance to students in the Syracuse City School District (SCSD). Eligible students who spent 10th-12th grade in Syracuse public high schools and are enrolling full-time in an eligible college or university will be able to attend college for free. Other grants and scholarships will be taken into account in calculating how much funding students will need in order to be guaranteed free tuition.
• Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program pays all of the tuition and fees for eligible students at public Florida colleges and universities. Students also receive a small stipend for books and supplies. The high school GPA must be at least 3.5, with specific requirements for SAT scores. Students must also complete 75 community service hours. Those who are lacking in one or more of these areas may be eligible for 75% paid tuition with the Florida Medallion Scholars Award.

Several colleges and universities offer free tuition to all students who are accepted into their programs, including Moody Bible Institute (Chicago) and Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia). However, competition is keen for places in such schools. A number of colleges and universities also offer free tuition to National Merit Scholars, valedictorians, low-income students, or those who major in specific career areas (i.e. education, nursing or engineering).

The thought of paying for college should not be a sore subject. Parents and students who plan ahead may discover an oasis of financial ease as the college years trickle by peacefully and debt-free.

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