Is there a way to study for free in the US?

I'm a high school junior looking into college options, and I'm curious if there are opportunities to study in the US for free or at a very low cost. Scholarships or specific programs, maybe? Any advice would be appreciated!

Sure, there are indeed opportunities to study in the U.S for free or at a significantly lower cost. One way to achieve this is through obtaining full-ride scholarships, which cover tuition, room and board, and sometimes even books and travel. These scholarships are highly competitive but they do exist.

There are a number of universities that offer scholarships based on different criteria. It could be based on academic merit, leadership and service, special talent in an area such as music or athletics, or financial need. For example, Questbridge National College Match is a prominent program that matches low-income but high-achieving students with full-ride scholarships to selective schools.

In terms of financial need, many schools have generous financial aid programs. For instance, Ivy League schools have need-blind policies and meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, domestic and international. Harvard’s financial aid program, for example, ensures that families earning less than $65,000 a year aren’t expected to contribute to college costs. There are also non-Ivy schools like Amherst College and Stanford University that have similar programs.

There are also Service Academies such as the United States Military Academy (West Point), United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy. These are all tuition-free in exchange for service commitment after graduation.

You can also opt for community colleges for the first two years and then transfer to a public state university for a lower total cost, although this option isn't exactly "free."

Remember that researching scholarship opportunities and financial aid policies at your desired institutions is invaluable. Start early, and don't shy away from applying to multiple sources of financial assistance.