How To Get Free College in California

College degrees help students get ahead in their careers and develop a broader perspective on the world. However, financing a college education can be a serious challenge for many students.

Tuition-free online colleges in California, federal and state grant programs, and other financial aid options, can help California students avoid paying tuition fees out of their own pockets. Students hoping to earn a respected degree for free should learn more about the eligibility requirements and application processes for these programs.

Is Community College Free in California?

Many students qualify for free community college in the state of California. The California College Promise Grant allows California students with documented financial need to attend community college for free.

The standard tuition cost for community colleges in California is $46 per unit. Even state residents who don't qualify for free tuition will only have to pay around $550 per semester. California's community college tuition rate is the lowest in the country.

Who Qualifies for Free College in California?

There are multiple programs designed to offer free college, and each has a different target population. Free college programs are designed to reduce inequality and allow high school students from less privileged backgrounds to experience the benefits of a college education.

The eligibility requirements for some programs, like the FT3 promise, will cover most students attending college for the first time. The Cal Grant program is also a program that benefits a wide range of students.

Programs like the California Dream Act are designed to support students who are on temporary visas or are undocumented. Many free college programs also have an income limit. The eligibility criteria vary for each specific program.

Nearly all state and federal aid programs will require students to fill out either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). These applications allow a standardized determination of each student's financial situation and expected family contribution.

What Is the California College Promise Grant?

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a state-sponsored program that allows state residents and qualifying non-residents to attend community college for free. Recipients of the California College Promise Grant will have the $46 per unit tuition fee waived for two academic years.

Eligibility Requirements

While the grant covers over half of all community college students in California, there are some eligibility requirements. Students must either be state residents or be exempt from non-resident fees through the California Dream Act. Students must also remain enrolled full-time and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

There are also income limits that ensure the funds are awarded to students with financial need.

Income Limits

The income limit for the CCPG depends on family size and income. Here are the income limits by family size:

• 1 - $20,385
• 2 - $27,465
• 3 - $34,545
• 4 - $41,625
• 5 - $48,705
• 6 - $55,785
• 7 - $62,865
• 8 - $69,945

Each additional family member raises the income limit by $7,080.

How To Apply for the California Promise Grant

Students can apply for the CCPG online or download the form and fill it out. The application is available in both English and Spanish.

Students will only need to fill out the application once. Completed applications will be stored in the community college system and applied to any participating education site.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Tuition-free college is a real possibility for California students. The best way to ensure your college tuition is affordable is to determine your eligibility for each grant program and attend a participating institution.

The Cal Grant is an important funding source for students attending colleges in the California State University system. Speak with someone on the financial aid team at the college you plan on attending to make sure you identify all possible funding sources.

Tuition-Free Colleges in California

Whether you are a first-time student looking to complete an associate degree or a graduate of the community college system moving on to a bachelor's degree, there are plenty of low-cost and tuition-free colleges in California.

1. Contra Costa Community College District

Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is increasing the accessibility of associate degrees in California. 4CD comprises a community college system that includes:

• Contra Costa College, San Pablo
• Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill Campus
• Diablo Valley College, San Ramon Campus
• Los Medanos College, Pittsburg Campus
• Los Medanos College, Brentwood Center

4CD offers California residents and those exempt from non-resident rates two years of free tuition through the FT3 promise. The eligibility requirements for the FT3 promise are simple. Full-time students who are first-time college students will receive a full tuition waiver.

2. Calbright College

Calbright College is a two-year online college and a member of the California community college system. Calbright College currently offers free tuition to all California students.

Calbright's innovative online degrees are designed to give students practical, job-focused skills that will help them advance in their careers. Classes are self-paced and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

3. Soka University

Soka University is a respected private university offering completely free tuition to qualifying students. The Soka Opportunity Grant gives students from families with an income of less than $60,000 free tuition for liberal arts programs.

Soka University's degrees are designed to create global leaders with strong critical thinking and teamwork skills. A degree from Soka University can allow students to reach the next level of their careers without taking on student debt.

FAQs About Free College in California

Here are some answers to common questions about free college programs in California.

How Do Free-Tuition Programs Relate To State and Federal Financial Aid?

Tuition-free college programs are typically supported by multiple sources of funding. California grants, like the California College Promise Grant, are designed for California state students, while federal programs, like the Pell Grant, are available to students nationwide.

The easiest way to ensure your tuition and enrollment fees are covered is to speak with the financial aid team and ask about your eligibility for free tuition programs. Tuition may be covered by multiple funding sources, but the outcome for students will be the same.

Will California Pay You To Go to College?

The state of California dedicated $30 million to an innovative program that pays students to attend community college. The HireUP program pays community college students the state minimum wage of $16 an hour to attend ten community colleges in cities like Los Angeles and Sacramento.

The program is designed to reduce historical inequalities and support students from low-income families or disadvantaged backgrounds. Even tuition fee waivers don't always cover low-income students' living expenses, but the HireUP program can increase the accessibility of higher education for many students.

What Is the Income Limit for Free Community College in California?

The California College Promise program is set to an income limit of 150% of the national poverty line and depends on family income adjusted for family size. A family of four will have a base income limit of $41,625. Larger families will have higher income limits.

The income limit for the Cal Grant program is determined by family income if the students are dependents and personal income if they are independent for tax purposes. The income limit for a family of four is $116,800. The income limit for a single student is $42,800.