Are there really universities that offer free tuition?

I've heard some rumors about universities that offer free tuition and I'm interested to know if that's true. If yes, what are the catch? Like, do I need to commit to working for them after I graduate or something?

Indeed, there are many universities across the world that offer free or almost free tuition. Many schools in nations like Norway, Germany, and Finland, for instance, offer free education to both native and international students, regardless of degree level.

In the United States, there are also colleges that provide free tuition, often referred to as "tuition-free" colleges, including Berea College in Kentucky and Alice Lloyd College, also in Kentucky. Not all of them come with a work requirement, but some might.

There's also the U.S. service academies that offer free tuition such as the United States Military Academy (USMA), United States Naval Academy (USNA), United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), and the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Admission into these service academies involves a commitment to serve in the military for a period of time after graduation.

Harvard University, among other Ivy League schools, also offers a form of free education for families who earn less than $65,000 a year; they're expected to contribute nothing towards their child’s education. These are need-based scholarships that take into account your family's income, and are not free for everyone, but for those who qualify, it can significantly reduce the cost of attendance.

Keep in mind, many of these situations are exceptions rather than the rule. Many students, especially in the United States, have to consider tuition costs when choosing a college. It's always a good idea to look at the specific financial aid offerings of the schools you're interested in.

Also, don't forget to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see if you qualify for any federal aid, as it can significantly help in reducing the cost of college.