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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

There are four criteria for ‘free college’ at WVMCCD:

  • Live in WVMCCD service area
  • Apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Be sure to file the 2023/24 application and list either Mission College or West Valley College on your application.
  • Be a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition through AB 540.
  • Intend to earn a degree or credit-level certificate at one of our colleges.
  • For students who don't live in our service area, you can still qualify for free tuition through FAFSA or CA Dream Act.

The Enrollment Fee Grant will be applied to your student account, to cover your Spring 2024 tuition and mandatory fees. The grant will be applied after the semester begins, so do not worry if you see a Spring 2024 balance due on your account.

The WVMCCD service area includes Alviso, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and parts of San Jose and Sunnyvale. Once you apply to the college and gain access to your WVM portal, you will be able to confirm your eligibility status via the portal.

International students do not qualify for the Enrollment Fee Grant.  However they do qualify for free parking, free health services, free technology, and may qualify for free childcare. To explore additional options for tuition assistance, please contact the international programs office at the appropriate college.

Non-resident students are not eligible for the Enrollment Fee Grant.  However they do qualify for free parking, free health services, free technology, and may qualify for free childcare. To explore additional options for tuition assistance, please contact the Financial Aid office at the appropriate college.

Dual Enrollment (DE) students have their tuition and fees waived as part of the DE program.

Students with an AB540 residency status are eligible for the Enrollment Fee Grant. Students who do not have AB 540 residency status do not qualify. However they do qualify for free parking, free health service, free technology, and may qualify for free child care. To explore additional options for tuition assistance, please contact the Financial Aid office at the appropriate college. Learn more about AB540 eligibility.

WVMCCD offers four ways to qualify for free-tuition at each of our campuses:

  • Enrollment Fee Grant (service area) 
  • Mission Promise or Viking Promise
  • California College Promise Grant (CCPG) 
  • Dual Enrollment 

First and second year students who do not live in the service area may qualify via our College Promise programs. For more information, click on the following links:

All students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA or CADAA to determine their eligibility for other types of financial assistance.

If you have a CCPG award it will remain in your account. No changes will occur to your CCPG award.

Students may apply for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) using either FAFSA or CADAA.

There is no minimum unit requirement at this time.

Employees are not eligible for the enrollment fee grant at this time.

Support

Free College will have no impact on the current financial aid awards you are already eligible for. The goal of the Enrollment Fee Grant program is to help students obtain free enrollment at Mission College and/or West Valley College.

Yes. Support Programs will continue to serve students with their individual participation incentives and resources.

We recommend you apply for Financial Aid to maximize the financial support you may qualify for to assist with your education expenses, including technology support.

Mission College: Student Technology Loan Request

West Valley College: Textbooks ‘n’ Technology

We recommend you apply for Financial Aid in order to maximize the financial support you may qualify for, including textbook support. Students can visit the Mission College “Semester Text” or West Valley College “Textbooks ‘n’ Technology” website for more information. Also note that both college class schedules include notations next to the courses that are Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC).

Additional Information

Once qualified, students may be eligible for the grant for two years, beginning in Spring 2024. The enrollment fee grant eligibility will be reviewed on a semester basis.

Your initial intent for your program of study is taken from your admissions application. If you wish to update your Major/Program of Study, please visit the following pages:

A 1098-T will be provided to you.

Yes, you can. Just contact the Admissions Office and they can reverse the exemptions and you will be charged the full amount.

You can find more information on the Free Community College website. You can also contact the college Welcome Center for additional assistance.