Jan 23, 2017 08:11 AM EST By Jules Catch, UniversityHerald Reporter

With the soaring costs of higher education, which includes tuition, housing, food, and textbook costs, many students can only dream of going to college. Many stop at high school due to lack of funds, while others cannot afford to study while raising a family.

Student loans, although helpful, become a burden especially for those who don't graduate. Income-share agreements, on the other hand, also provide a great alternative to college funding, but pose risks to students who don't understand how they work. Thankfully, there is an even better alternative to both: colleges with zero tuition.

CNBC reports that there are a few colleges that offer good quality education at no cost. But while the idea of free education sounds dreamy, the requirements and the non-financial costs of entering are actually high. Still, these colleges provide good training to students, both academically and practically.

Here are some colleges where students can study for free.

Berea College - Kentucky

Berea College aims to provide education to committed students. In exchange for mandatory classroom attendance and a set number of hours of campus work per week, deserving students are given a four-year scholarship and a laptop. Room, board, and other expenses are shouldered by students.

College of the Ozarks - Missouri

Also called "Hard Work U," the College of the Ozarks is one of the hardest Midwestern schools to enter. In exchange for 15 hours of work a week plus two 40-hour weeks as part of the school's Work Education Program, students don't pay anything for tuition. Room and board, however, are shouldered by students.

Webb Institute - Long Island, New York

Webb Institute, founded by the shipbuilder William Webb, gives full scholarships for students who wish to pursue naval architecture and marine engineering. Students who graduate from this little college in New York often find themselves employed soon enough with its 100 placement rate.

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