States that offer programs for free or reduced cost community college

Did you know that several states offer free or reduced community college tuition to their students? Taking advantage of these programs can be a great way to start your education and save money! Below, we've outlined all of the states that currently have programs to make attending community colleges more affordable.

States that offer free or reduced community college programs

Several states offer completely free community college for qualifying students. Others provide grants or discounts to lower the overall cost of attendance. Eligibility requirements vary, depending on the student's financial need, state funding, school, and more. Below, we've listed every state and provided some resources on its various programs.

Alabama

At the moment, Alabama does not have a free community college program or scholarship. However, students who earn a GED or complete the state's Ready to Work program could receive the Alabama Community College Tuition and Free Waiver, which pays for a single college class.

Alaska

The Alaska Education Grant (AEG) is for residents who have demonstrated financial need. It offers $500 to $4,000 per academic year for eligible students who are attending a participating institution. Funds are very limited, so apply early by completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other requirements as soon as possible.

Arizona

Arizona had a free community college program in 2024 but does not currently have one. However, some community colleges, such as Mesa Community College, offer free tuition to state residents who demonstrate financial need.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture) helps STEM students pay for college when attending school in the state. It covers all tuition and fees for qualifying certificate and Associate degree programs at public institutions within the state.

To apply, students must:

• Submit their application by July 1st for the fall semester or January 10th for the spring semester
• Have graduated from high school
• Have lived in the state for at least 3 years
• Complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be pursuing a program in a STEM or regional high-demand field

California

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) program offers tuition waivers to California students who have demonstrated financial need. Students need to attend a participating school and submit an application through the CCCApply website.

Colorado

Colorado Promise covers up to 65 credit hours of tuition and fees through a refundable tax credit. You can use it for community colleges as well as public 4-year schools and technical schools. To enroll, you need to:

• Enroll in college within two years of graduating high school
• Complete the FAFSA or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA)
• Demonstrate financial need

Connecticut

CT State offers funding to cover the gap in expenses that aren't covered by other federal and state grants. Students interested in applying need to:

• Have graduated from high school or received a GED
• Be a Connecticut resident
• Complete their FAFSA
• Be attending college for the first time
• Enroll in at least 6 credits per semester
• Be enrolled in a degree- or credit-bearing certificate program
• Remain in good academic standing

Delaware

Delaware is home to the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED), which offers free tuition for qualifying students at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) or the University of Delaware's Associate of Arts Program. The scholarship can be put towards an associate degree, bachelor's degree, credit certificate, workforce training programs, and more, but it does not cover course fees and books.

To apply, students must:

• Complete their FAFSA
• Have graduated high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Have a combined score of 1350 on the SAT or a 19 or higher on the ACT

Florida

Florida's Bright Futures program is a merit-based award that can be used at any Florida school, public or private, including community colleges. The Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS) covers 100% of tuition and fees at public and community colleges, while the Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS) meets 75% of tuition and fees.

Exact requirements depend on the award, but generally students need to:

• Be a Florida resident and graduate from a Florida high school
• Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
• Enroll in a participating school with at least 6 credit hours per semester
• Apply for the program within 5 years
• Meet the minimum required weighted GPA (3.00 for FMS 3.50 for FAS)
• Meet the minimum required ACT, SAT, or CLT score
• Complete 75 to 100 volunteer service hours, paid work hours, or a combination of both

Georgia

The HOPE Career Grant is designed to help fill skills gaps in the state of Georgia. Qualifying majors and students can receive a fixed amount of money per term based on the number of credit hours the student enrolls in. The career paths and majors that qualify for the grant regularly change, but other requirements to qualify include:

• Be a legal resident of Georgia
• Comply with Selective Service registration requirements and the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990
• Be in good standing with loans
• Meet academic achievement requirements

Hawaii

The Promise Scholarship is for qualifying students who are attending participating community colleges in Hawaii. The program covers any gaps between current financial aid and the total cost of attending college. The average award amount in the 2024 fiscal year was $1,600, but the total amount depends on the school, the student's need, and enrollment level.

To be eligible, students must:

• Complete their FAFSA
• Qualify for in-state tuition in Hawaii
• Be taking at least 6 credits per semester
• Be enrolled in a degree program at a participating school

Idaho

Idaho LAUNCH provides a one-time 80% discount on tuition and fees at a participating school, up to $8,000. Students need to:

• Be an Idaho resident and graduate from an Idaho high school or equivalent
• Enroll in an in-demand career program right after high school graduation or request an extension
• Complete a Career Pathway Plan

Illinois

Illinois's Monetary Award Program (MAP) is for residents – adult learners and fresh high school graduates – who are attending participating schools and have demonstrated financial need. It covers up to $8,400 for tuition and fees per year. You must:

• Take at least 3 credits
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not already have a bachelor's degree
• Submit the FAFSA

Indiana

In Indiana, there is the 21st Century Scholarship, which pays full tuition at public colleges within the state and partial tuition at private institutions. However, students interested in entering the program need to enroll by the end of 8th grade. Participating students also need to meet income eligibility guidelines, maintain good grades, and meet behavior expectations during high school.

Iowa

The Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship covers the gap between a student's current financial aid and the cost of attending community college. Eligible students must:

• Be working towards a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or associate degree
• Be enrolled at least part-time
• Complete their FAFSA
• Apply and accept all other federal and state grants and scholarships
• Have an eligible Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Participate in college orientation, career advising sessions, and academic advising sessions
• Maintain good academic standing

Kansas

Kansas also has a last-dollar scholarship known as the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship for students going to community colleges and technical colleges in specific areas of study such as IT and security, mental and physical healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing, and others. To apply, students need to:

• Complete their FAFSA and scholarship application
• Agree to the Kansas Promise Scholarship Agreement
• Have demonstrated financial need
• Be a Kansas resident
• Qualifying students must then enroll in at least six hours each semester and complete the program within 36 months.

Kentucky

The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship is for students entering high-demand fields including business services and transportation. Students interested in applying need to complete the FAFSA and be a Kentucky resident.

Louisiana

Louisiana residents over 19 years old might qualify for the M.J. Foster Promise Program in Louisiana to help pay for an associate degree. Students need to be entering a specific high-demand industry within the state and, if they qualify, can receive up to $3,200 per award year. In addition, students must:

• Complete their FAFSA and scholarship application
• Not already have a degree
• Agree to reside and work full-time in the state for at least one year

Maine

Students who graduated high school between 2023-2025 can qualify for the Free College Scholarship in Maine at community colleges. There are no income or age limits, but students do need to accept any state or federal aid they're offered and remain in Maine while attending college. A FAFSA is required.

Maryland

The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship provides eligible students with up to $5,000 to cover the gap in current financial aid and the cost of attending college.

Interested students need to:

• Complete the FAFSA or Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) One App
• Meet GPA requirements (2.3 GPA for high school and 2.5 in community college)
• Demonstrate financial need

Massachusetts

MassReconnect helped students over the age of 25 enroll in community college for free. Following its success, Massachusetts introduced MassEducate, which provides free tuition and fees for all students, regardless of age and income. Some may also receive an additional $2,000 allowance to cover costs.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Have lived in the state for at least one year
• Take at least 6 credits
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Complete the FAFSA or Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)

Michigan

Michigan Reconnect is for students who are 25 years or older, have lived in the state for at least a year, and don't have a college degree. Eligible students can receive fully covered tuition and fees at an in-district community college or discounted costs at an out-of-district community college.

Minnesota

The North Star Promise program provides free tuition to public colleges in Minnesota, including community colleges, for students who have demonstrated financial need. It acts as a last-dollar scholarship, and you simply need to submit the FAFSA or complete the Minnesota Dream Act Application to apply.

Mississippi

While Mississippi had a bill for free community college for residents pass in the state senate, it did not pass in the house. However, some schools in the state offer tuition-free programs for eligible students. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers Career Technical programs for high-demand fees at no cost through the Gulf Coast Work Ready, Supply Chain, Grant Supported Health Professions programs and others.

East Mississippi Community College also has tuition assistance for full-time students from select counties.

Missouri

Missouri is home to the A+ Scholarship Program, which can help make attending public community colleges, public technical schools, and some private technical schools more affordable. Eligibility requirements depend on whether the student in question is a high school student, attending college for the first time but graduated from high school, or renewing participation in the program.

High school students interested in the A+ Scholarship Program need to:

• Enter a written agreement with the high school
• Attend a designated A+ high school for at least 2 years
• Graduate with a 2.5 GPA or higher
• Have a 95% attendance rate
• Participate in at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring
• Have a good record of citizenship
• Achieve a high enough score on end-of-year exams in Math

Montana

The Montana Promise Grant Program is a need-based grant for students interested in attending community college within the state. Eligible participants can receive $75 or more per enrolled credit.

Nebraska

Nebraska doesn't specifically offer free community college to residents, but there are two programs which can lower the cost of attendance. The Nebraska Promise, or Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee, offers free tuition to students who:

• Receive the Pell Grant or make below a specified income
• Meet academic qualifications
• Attend one of the three schools that make up the state's college system: Chadron State, Peru State, or Wayne State College

The Metropolitan Community College also offers free college courses for 9th through 12th grade students in Nebraska.

Nevada

The Nevada Promise Scholarship can be used at one of the four state's community colleges as a last-dollar scholarship. It can cover up to three years of tuition. To apply, students need to:

• Have not already received a degree
• Be a Nevada resident
• Have graduated high school after 2020
• Take at least 12 credit hours per semester
• Complete their FAFSA
• Participate in school-required orientation and training programs

New Hampshire

New Hampshire recently introduced tuition assistance, waivers, and scholarships to provide free or reduced community college to residents. Exact requirements and monetary amounts depend on the program.

Students may qualify if they're a:

• Child of combatants missing in action, fallen firefighters, fallen police officers, disabled veterans, or veterans who died during active duty or from a disability due to their service
• Foster child
• High school valedictorian
• National Guard or Reserve member
• Law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician
• New Hampshire Scholar
• Senior citizen

Other programs include the Governor's Cup Robotics Scholarship, Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship, and SkillsUSA, among others.

New Jersey

For families who make less than $65,000 in income in New Jersey, there is the Community College Opportunity Grant. It covers all tuition costs for eligible students and can be used at 18 different county colleges. Eligible students must:

• Take at least 6 credits per year
• Complete the FAFSA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application
• Meet academic requirements
• Not have a college degree already

New Mexico

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship covers all tuition and fees at public colleges and universities within the state and is open to those pursuing their associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or career training certificates. The state also hosts the Lottery Scholarship, which can cover college costs for recent high school graduates.

New York

The Excelsior Scholarship Program in New York works as a last dollar scholarship for tuition costs at eligible SUNY and CUNY schools. To qualify, students must:

• Be a New York resident and have lived in the state for at least 12 continuous months
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester and at least 30 credits every year
• Agree to work in the state for a period of time after graduation

North Carolina

North Carolina's eligible high schoolers can take advantage of the Career & College Promise (CCP) program, which grants free college and vocational classes during high school. Some institutions also allow students to earn their diploma and start on their associate's degree at the same time.

North Dakota

North Dakota currently offers two college grants for North Dakota high school graduates and GED recipients that can be used at community colleges: the State Grant and the Supplemental State Grant. The State Grant awards up to $1,375 per semester, while the supplemental program cannot exceed undergraduate tuition costs.

Eligibility requirements and tasks include:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll in at least quarter-time
• Only students who received the State Grant may be eligible for the Supplemental Grant, which also requires satisfactory academic progress.

Ohio

Ohio does not currently have a free community college program, but several schools within the state offer free tuition – including Columbus State Community College. To qualify, you must:

• Graduate from a Columbus City School
• Submit your FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
• Complete the Columbus Promise application

In September 2025, CSCC and Ohio State University also announced the Buckeye Bridge Initiative. Those who graduate from CSCC may be able to pursue their bachelor's degree at Ohio State with free tuition and fees.

Oklahoma

Students interested in the Oklahoma's Promise program have to apply before December 31st of their senior year (homeschooled students need to apply before the age of 16). You also have to demonstrate financial need.

Oregon

High school seniors and GED recipients can apply for Oregon Promise, which awards up to $4,585 to full-time students. Requirements include:

• Complete the FAFSA or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA)
• Apply through the scholarship portal during their senior year
• Have a 2.0 GPA or higher
• Have lived in the state for at least one year
• Have demonstrated financial need (below an SAI of 18,000 for 2025)

Pennsylvania

At the moment, Pennsylvania doesn't have a state-wide community college tuition waiver program, but it does offer the PA State Grant for students with financial need. The award amount depends on the school you attend, your income, and available state funding. You can also receive up to $800 if you attend a college out of state.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Enroll in college at least half-time
• Have not already received a bachelor's degree
• Meet satisfactory academic progress and character requirements
• Submit the FAFSA

Rhode Island

Students attending the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) may be eligible for the Rhode Island Promise scholarship. Applicants must:

• Be a Rhode Island resident and a recent high school graduate
• Be 19 years or younger, or submit an appeal up to 21 years of age
• Enroll in college full-time immediately following high school graduation or GED completion
• Complete the FAFSA
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
• Earn 30 credits a year

South Carolina

The Live to Chase Initiative is a last-dollar scholarship available to South Carolina students attending Spartanburg Community College. Some requirements include:

• Complete the FAFSA and the SCC Financial Aid File
• Be a South Carolina resident
• Not be in default on federal student loans
• Maintain a 2.2 GPA or higher
• Take at least 6 credit hours each semester
• The reward can be renewed every semester if the student has a 2.2 GPA or higher.

South Dakota

South Dakota hosts the Build Dakota scholarship program, which helps students pay for their work training education in select, high-demand areas of study and careers at technical colleges. The state doesn't offer free community college.

Tennessee

For students younger than 19 years old, Tennessee has the Tennessee Promise, which can cover tuition at community colleges, technical schools, and some two-year programs at universities within the state. Students must:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Enroll in college full-time
• Complete 16 hours of community service every year

Texas

Texas doesn't currently offer a free community college program, but the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) can lower the overall cost – it grants qualifying students up to $6,402 per year. You need to:

• Have financial need
• Enroll in at least half-time
• Not have already earned an associate's or bachelor's
• Individual schools also offer free tuition, such as Austin Community College. ACC's Free Tuition is for students who received their diploma or GED in the Austin area. There are no income or GPA requirements.

Utah

Utah does not have a specific program for free community college, but it does offer state grants and scholarships that can help cover the cost. The Utah Promise Grant is for recent high school graduates and adult residents who have demonstrated financial need. Award amounts depend on funding availability and the student's cost of attendance.

Vermont

The 802 Opportunity is open to Vermont residents who make less than $100,000 and don't already have a bachelor's degree. New and returning students can apply for this last-dollar scholarship, but a FAFSA is required. It's also renewable, but students need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Virginia

Virginia is home to the G3 program, which is available to students pursuing a degree and career in education, information technology, public safety, healthcare, hospitality, culinary arts, skilled trades, construction, and manufacturing. Participating students must:

• Be residents of Virginia
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll in at least 6 credits per semester

Washington

Students can use Washington's College Bound Scholarship to cover the average tuition costs and other fees at state community colleges. To apply, students must:

• Enroll in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
• Have a 2.0 GPA or higher upon high school graduation
• Complete the FAFSA or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
• Attend college within one year of graduating high school
• Demonstrate financial need

Washington D.C.

While not a state, Washington D.C. has the Mayor's Scholars Program, which is a last-dollar scholarship for area students with demonstrated need. The University of the District of Columbia also offers the College Access and Readiness for Everyone (CARE). High school students and GED program participants attending a participating school can earn college credits for free.

West Virginia

For students entering a high-demand field and attending school in West Virginia, there is the West Virginia Invests Grant. Eligibility requirements include:

• Be a West Virginia resident for at least one year
• Have not already earned a degree
• Meet the school's Satisfactory Academic Progress policies
• Complete the FAFSA
• Agree to live, volunteer, and work in the state for at least 2 years
• Participate in a drug screening
• Be studying for an in-demand and high-paying field

Wisconsin

At the moment, Wisconsin doesn't have a state-wide free community college program, but it does offer several grants and scholarships to qualifying students which can help lower the cost. For example, the Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant is for first-time college students who demonstrate financial need and come from an educationally disadvantaged background. It awards up to $1,800.

Wyoming

Wyoming's Hathaway Scholarship can be put towards attending a community college within the state or at the University of Wyoming. There are four tiers of merit-based awards and the better the student performs, the more money they will receive – up to 100% of unmet financial need. There is also a need-based award available.

What should you do if your state doesn't have free community college?

If your state doesn't currently offer free community college or doesn't have a program you qualify for, you have options. We recommend:

1. Research your state

New programs are being introduced regularly. For example, Massachusetts only started its program in August 2023 and expanded it since. Initiatives may change names or requirements, too. You might not have qualified last year, but you qualify this year. Visit your state's education website to learn more about recent developments.

Most also offer grants and scholarships which can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Many are last-dollar awards which can equate to free tuition, too!

2. Research community colleges

While your state doesn't offer free tuition, the community college itself might. Many institutions have started programs that waive tuition and fees for students who have demonstrated financial need or graduated from the surrounding area!

3. Complete financial aid applications

Regardless of where you go to school, you should always complete your FAFSA. Almost all states with grants, scholarships, and community college tuition waivers require it. Colleges also need it to determine Pell Grant, federal student loan, and institutional grant amounts

You may also have to complete a CSS profile or state-specific application.

4. Apply for scholarships

There are millions of available scholarships to students – outside of state and institutional awards. Use a scholarship database to start exploring options to cut the cost of attending a community college.

5. Ask for help

Community college's financial aid departments understand the ins and outs of institutional and state programs. They can help you navigate the processes and provide advice on additional funding options.

Explore all the different ways—scholarships, grants, federal aid—you can help pay for college. Visit the Citizens Student Hub today to get started.