Tuition-Free Colleges

If you're eligible to attend one of these 12 schools, you can save big on college costs.

A handful of colleges and universities don't add tuition to students' bills, which can add up to major cost savings for those who qualify or who are willing to work in return for their education.

Some of the schools that don't charge tuition are quite small, many require some form of service, and a few have strict eligibility guidelines. Most still charge room, board, and other fees, so they're not completely free, notes Pamela Rambo, founder of the education-focused Rambo Research and Consulting firm. 

"It is a big savings, but it's not for everybody," she notes. "There are lots of ways to look at going to college for less money." 

With that caveat, and bearing in mind that this list may not be exhaustive, here are 12 tuition-free schools you may want to check out.

• Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes, Ky.: Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this school offers a free tuition guarantee, but only to full-time students from one of the 108 counties in the Central Appalachian service area. The area encompasses districts in Ohio,Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and the college's home state of Kentucky. 

• Berea College, Berea, Ky.: Students do not pay tuition at this Christian college but must participate in the Student Labor Program. All full-time students work at least 10 hours a week on campus, and can receive additional, low wages ($3.80 to $6.25 an hour) for their hours. U.S. News rank: 71, National Liberal Arts Colleges 

• College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Mo.: A work college, this school foots the bill for students' tuition in exchange for 15 hours of on-campus work per week, plus two 40-hour work weeks each year during semester breaks. Ninety percent of incoming students demonstrate financial need, and jobs range from custodial work to dairy farming.  

• Cooper Union, New York City: All admitted students receive full-tuition scholarships to this urban institution known for art, architecture, and engineering. According to the school, admissions decisions are based only on merit.  

• Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia: Students who apply to this small music school are evaluated on "artistic promise" alone, according to the institution's mission statement, and must audition for a spot on the roster. All accepted students receive full-tuition scholarships.  

• Deep Springs College, Big Pine, Calif.: This two-year school is highly selective, currently educating only 26 students who work on the school's cattle ranch and alfalfa farm to supplement their studies. Full scholarships cover tuition, room, and board for two years, and students can transfer to another college after completion. Formerly an all-male school, Deep Springs recently decided to admit women, too. As a two-year institution, Deep Springs is not included in the U.S. Newsrankings. 

•Webb Institute, Glen Cove, N.Y.: Students pay no tuition or fees at this school, which bills itself as "the only college in the country devoted to ship design engineering." The school is very small, currently enrolling only 80 students. 

• Service academies: Pledging to serve the country can mean major educational benefits. The five institutions below tend to have rigorous application processes—all but the Coast Guard Academy require a congressional nomination for acceptance—and require students to serve after graduation. Tuition and room and board are free. 

• United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.  

• United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn.  

• United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y. 

• United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. U.S. 

• United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. 

Source: By KATY HOPKINS - US News Education