Free Tuition: Explore Your Options

Free College for Adults vs. Free Tuition for High School Grads

Which is right for you? If you’ve heard the buzz and now you’re ready to learn more about FREE Tuition, then read on! We’ve compiled all the information you need in one place. Whether you’re a graduating high school student, a current college student, or an adult with no college degree, you could be eligible for one of the two tuition-free programs available right here in Central Texas. Explore your options below to find out if you qualify to earn your college degree, debt-free.

GET STARTED

Career Expressway »
by Capital IDEA

Free Tuition Program »
by Austin Community College

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Adults with no degree

Current ACC students
See below for additional qualifications.

Class of 2024 high school graduates

2024 GED and home school graduates
See below for additional qualifications.

WHAT’S FREE?

100% Free Tuition and all Student Fees from start to graduation for select associate degrees and certifications.

Career Expressway students also get:
▪ Textbooks & Tools
▪ Childcare Assistance
▪ Career Navigators
▪ Emergency Assistance
▪ Job Search and Career Placement

Note: Capital IDEA students who attend ACC will have access to all ACC student resources listed at right except student loans.

100% Free Tuition and General Fees for 3 years, or up to 5 years if you want to pursue your bachelor’s at ACC.

ACC students can also access and apply for:
▪ Free CapMetro Green Pass
▪ Student Support
▪ Financial aid: scholarships, grants, and student loans
▪ Emergency funds
▪ Career Services

Not included: course/program-specific fees and textbooks.

WHAT ARE MY
CAREER CHOICES?

Choose from 29 Select Career Fields:
Healthcare
▪ Nursing
▪ Dental Hygiene
▪ Physical Therapy
▪ + 11 more Healthcare Careers
Technology (IT)
▪ Cyber Security
▪ Network Administration
▪ IT User & Computer Support
Manufacturing & Trades
▪ Advanced Manufacturing
▪ Automotive Technician
▪ + 7 more Advanced Skills Professions
▪ + 3 Union Apprenticeship Programs
Visit: Career Directory »

Choose from 100+ Programs in 10 Areas of Study:
▪ Arts, Digital Media & Communications
▪ Business
▪ Computer Science & Information Technology
▪ Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
▪ Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Technologies
▪ Education
▪ Health Sciences
▪ Liberal Arts
▪ Public & Social Services
▪ Science, Engineering & Math
Visit: ACC Academic & Career Programs »

DO I QUALIFY?

Age: Adult 18+, no maximum age.
Education Level: Must have a high school diploma or GED. May be currently enrolled in college or have some previous college. Must not have a degree (associate degree or higher). No GPA requirements.
Income Qualifications: Must qualify as low-income. See Qualifications page for income chart.
Resident Requirements: Must live in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, or Caldwell County. Must have lived in Texas for 12+ months. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
ACC Out-of-District: Class of 2024 high school graduates who live out-of-district and meet Capital IDEA’s qualifications (including career choice) may apply to both programs to cover their out-of-district fees.

Education Level: Must be a 2024 high school graduate (including GED completers and home school graduates). No GPA requirements.
Income Qualifications: none.
Resident Requirements: To be considered in-district, students must live within ACC’s service area: City of Austin, Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Elgin ISD, Hays CISD, Leander ISD, Manor ISD, and Round Rock ISD. See: Map of service area. Not available to non-residents or international students.
ACC Out-of-District: Out-of-district students will also receive free tuition but will be responsible for the out-of-district fee of $201 per credit hour. Those who meet Capital IDEA’s qualifications (including career choice) may apply to both programs to cover their out-of-district fees.

WHERE WILL I GO?

Capital IDEA sends students to these approved partner education and training providers:

▪ Austin Community College
▪ Temple Junior College
▪ Union Apprenticeship Programs

The Class of 2024 Free Tuition Program is exclusively available at:

▪ Austin Community College

GET STARTED

Career Expressway »

ACC Free Tuition Program »

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