MJC waives student debt, offers free tuition for all students taking classes in spring 2022
Modesto Junior College will offer free tuition and zero student fees for all students taking classes during the spring 2022 semester.
The college also eliminated student debt balances and will give $500 to students who submit proof pf vaccination for COVID-19, according to a Tuesday announcement.
“We are looking for ways to incentivize and remove barriers for students to attend college, especially those that are underserved that maybe can’t afford college,” spokeswoman Jeanette Fontana said.
The campaign, called “MJC is Free for Me” is covered by federal COVID-19 relief dollars and reflects an effort to boost enrollment amid statewide declines, Fontana said. Fall enrollment at MJC dipped 15%-20%, she said.
At this time, MJC does not plan to extend free tuition and student fees beyond spring 2022, Fontana said.
The college budgeted $6.7 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to provide free tuition and vaccination incentives, according to Sarah Schrader, vice president of college and administrative services. The college received nearly $67.7 million total, according to Schrader.
Open registration for the spring begins Nov. 22. The number of in-person classes will more than double compared to the fall semester, Fontana said. There is no maximum or minimum number of free courses a student may take.
Existing student debt was waived as a result of a vote by the Yosemite Community College District Board of Trustees on Oct. 20, according to MJC.
Steps to apply
The webpage for the campaign, www.mjc.edu/free, says those eligible include first-time, current and returning students, recreational learners, dual-enrollment high school students, workers seeking career training, English learners and noncitizens. Even California residency is not required.
There are three steps to apply, MJC says:
Complete the spring 2022 admissions application. (Skip this step if you have attended MJC in the last 12 months.)
Apply for financial aid. Complete the FAFSA, CADAA or California Promise Grant Application.
Register for spring 2022 courses.
Though applying for financial aid is required, students do not need to qualify to receive free tuition.
Vaccination incentive, too
The vaccination incentive is open to students who enroll in at least six units for the spring 2022 semester, including high school students in dual enrollment classes.
Vaccines are not required. After proposing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, YCCD trustees instead approved a testing requirement Oct. 20 that will take effect in the spring.
Students must submit proof of vaccination by Dec. 10 to receive a $250 Pirates Book Store credit and $250 cash disbursement to students’ BankMobile accounts.
The “Free For Me” page has a link to set up a BankMobile account. It also has answers to frequently asked questions.
This story was originally published November 3, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
