Community College is Affordable (and sometimes free!)
It’s not too late to enroll in classes for the fall semester at Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College! Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25, and registration is now open.
Getting a college education at one of the three community colleges in Contra Costa County can be affordable – and, in some cases, free! - thanks to a variety of financial assistance programs.
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) and its three colleges are encouraging students to complete the universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Sept. 2 priority deadline to maximize applicants’ chances of receiving the best possible state and federal financial aid package.
The FAFSA application allows students to qualify for multiple sources of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans
The FAFSA may be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
In addition to federal aid, state and institution-based financial aid is available to FAFSA applicants. These funds include: Cal Grant, California Community College Promise Grant, Student Success Completion Grant, and grants/scholarships from the individual college
California also offers state financial aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), which allows students to qualify for state and institutional financial aid. The deadline for completing the CADAA is also Sept. 2, and it can be accessed here: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing.
Students who miss the Sept. 2 priority deadline are still encouraged to submit the application.
Free Tuition
4CD also offers free tuition (for up to two academic years) to students who enroll in a minimum of 12 units each term. Students must be California residents or otherwise exempt from paying non-resident tuition fees. They also must complete the FAFSA or CADAA for the current academic year.
The Full-Time Free Tuition Program waives the $46 per unit enrollment/tuition fees at 4CD colleges. Other programs are available to help students with free or no-cost textbooks. More information: https://www.4cd.edu/insite/full-time-free-tuition-program/
Friendly Support
4CD’s three colleges – Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College – each have their own financial aid offices with staff members who can guide students through the application process, often hosting lab hours to provide direct assistance. We are here for you!
For more information, please visit:
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