Key takeaways:
- Some eligible students receive tuition waivers at California community colleges through the California Promise.
- Others may receive fee waivers, living allowances, and Pell Grants to help lower the overall cost.
- To increase your chances of free community college in California, complete the FAFSA, apply for the Cal Grant, and research scholarships.
Flickr user Truckee Meadows Community College
On average, a public 2-year in-district school costs $3,598 in tuition alone each year. Community college can be free for some in California, thanks to the California College Promise Program that covers tuition for eligible students. However, this program doesn’t cover the full cost of attendance, which averages $17,439 per year. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about this program, the California College Promise Grant, and other resources to help make community college more affordable.
Is community college free in California?
Eligible students in California may receive free tuition at community colleges through the California College Promise Program. Others can qualify for fee waivers with the California College Promise Grant. However, tuition is only part of the total cost of attending college.
Though they have similar names, the Program and Grant are different. Here’s a quick look:
California College Promise Program
The California College Promise Program, or California Promise, can cover full tuition to eligible community college students for up to two years. Some schools also waive enrollment fees through this program, but they are not required to.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a California resident or AB 540 eligible student (Dreamer) with proof of California residency or Dream status
- Attend full-time as a first-time student
- Apply to a participating community college and complete their California Promise application process
- Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Not be eligible for the California College Promise Grant
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA
Community colleges can have additional requirements for eligibility, including meeting with your academic advisor regularly, studying specific majors, and/or demonstrating financial need. Application processes vary by school.
California College Promise Grant
The California College Promise Grant waives fees for qualifying students, up to $46 per unit. Unlike California Promise, the grant can be used for more than two years and students don’t have to be attending college for the first time.
You have to demonstrate financial need and be a California resident or AB 540 eligible student. Community colleges may have additional eligible requirements such as minimum GPAs and full-time attendance. Students are responsible for paying any fees not covered by the grant.
5 other ways to lower the cost of community college
Even if you qualify for the California Promise Program or the grant, tuition and fees are only a fraction of the cost of attending college. Whether you qualify for these programs or not, here are some ways you can further lower your community college expenses:
1. Apply for the Cal Grant
The Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award and Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award help students lower college costs at participating schools.
For lower community college costs, you want to apply for Cal Grant B or C, depending on your program.
Cal Grant B awards a living allowance up to $1,648 to be used towards books, supplies, and related costs at community colleges. Eligibility requirements include:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Attend for one academic year and take at least 24 credits
Cal Grant C provides up to $1,094 at occupational or technical programs to cover supplies, equipment, and more.
Cal Grant A is for students who are attending community college and will later transfer to a 4-year school. The grant will be applied after your transfer. You can also use Cal Grant B at 4-year institutions. Award amounts vary by school.
2. Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA determines your financial need and provides your schools with your Student Aid Index (SAI). Colleges then use your SAI to dispense financial aid packages, which can include the need-based Pell Grant, federal student loans, and the California College Promise Program. Some also use it for merit aid awards.
3. Apply for other scholarships
There are thousands of scholarships available, including plenty for students attending community college. Scholarship databases help you sort and find the awards you qualify for, saving you countless hours in research. Start applying early as many require you to submit your application during the first semester of your senior year of high school.
4. Take AP classes or dual enrollment courses
Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual enrollment courses allow you to get a head start on college while you’re still in high school for a fraction of the cost.
With AP classes, you’ll need to take a test at the end of the year and earn at least a 3 out of 5 to receive college credit. Dual enrollment or dual credit courses are classes through your high school but overseen by a college, often a local community college. You generally have to pass the class to receive credit.
Both of these classes are rigorous and require additional fees. However, students may qualify for waivers.
5. Take online classes
Some community colleges offer online courses at a much lower rate than on-campus classes. You also won’t have to travel to campus, saving you time and money on transportation and parking costs.
While community college is much more affordable than 4-year schools, the cost of attendance is still quite high and can be out of reach for some students. California has taken steps to help lower tuition costs with waivers, but other expenses for books, transportation, and supplies can add thousands to the total price. If you need help affording your college tuition, apply for these state programs, research scholarships, and complete the FAFSA.
Want to start on your scholarship research now? We have you covered. Check out our free-to-use Scholarship Search Tool right here.
