How can I study in the US for free?

I'm a high school junior hoping to attend college in the US, but money is tight. Are there any ways to study for free, like scholarships or programs? What options should I be looking into to reduce college costs?

Indeed, studying in the US can seem like a costly affair, but there are several strategies you can follow to minimize college costs:

1. Scholarships: Scholarships and grants are essentially free money that doesn't need to be repaid. There are countless scholarships available on a local, national, and international level, based on various criteria like merit, need, talents, or specific student populations. For instance, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a highly selective scholarship that provides $20,000 to high school seniors who have a strong academic record and leadership experience. Other sources to find scholarships are dedicated platforms like Fastweb or Appily. Don't forget to look for scholarships in your own country that support studies in the U.S.

2. Need-blind colleges: Some schools, like Harvard, MIT, and Princeton, have need-blind admission policies for international students. This means they won't consider your financial need when making admission decisions. Plus, they provide financial aid packages that meet 100% of demonstrated need. Harvard, for instance, doesn't require any contribution from families making under $85,000 a year.

3. Work-study opportunities: The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses. You can work on campus or with a private nonprofit organization or public agency.

4. Attend community college first: Community colleges are typically much less expensive than 4-year schools. Many international students start at a community college to complete general education requirements, then transfer to a 4-year university to complete their degree, saving considerable amounts of money.

5. Seek in-state tuition rates: Some universities offer in-state tuition for certain international students. You usually need to have a long-term visa and meet certain requirements to be eligible.

Remember, the key to securing financial aid is to start early, do your research thoroughly, and apply to multiple sources. And always check each scholarship's or program's specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.