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CR’s College Access Program – A Free 2-Year Degree!

 

CR’s College Access Program Extended to 2nd Year!

College of the Redwoods implemented the College Access Program to help California residents pursue their community college degree tuition-free. This program waives enrollment fees for eligible first-time students enrolled in 12 or more units and it’s now available for a second year! That’s a two-year degree – for free! 

(Some non-tuition fees apply. Please see below for details)

It’s easy to apply!

You can also pick up an application from the Student Services Building on the Eureka campus. For those attending in Crescent City or Klamath-Trinity, please reach out to the Students Services area for an application.  It is important that your eligibility be determined as soon as possible. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding your residency status, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at (707) 476-4200 or ambassador@redwoods.edu.

To qualify for the College Access Program, students must:

  • Complete the online application to CR
  • Fill out the FAFSA or Dream Act application
  • Maintain enrollment in 12 or more units (full-time)
  • Be a California resident or AB540
  • Currently not receiving the California College Promise Grant
  • Be a first-time college student, or a high school graduate who took CR classes while in high school.  NEW: Second-year students are now also eligible if they were also eligible during their first year (consecutive) and continue to meet the eligibility criteria as outlined above.

College Access Program or California College Promise Grant?

If financial aid information is received that makes you eligible for the California College Promise Grant, you will receive this waiver instead of the College Access Program as there are additional benefits. Your application will guide you to the better option.

What is Not Covered?

Eligible students do not receive a check or refund from this program, but enrollment fees are waived. 

The CR College Access Program does not pay student health fees, student technology fees, student activity fees, course material fees, audit fees, or books, but there are other services that may help with those fees. Please make an appointment with our Counseling Department to explore this support.

Make sure you check your account statement and pay all applicable fees to ensure your registration and prevent future holds on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

The College Access Program is College of the Redwoods’ commitment to offering first-time college students tuition-free education.

First-time college students, regardless of financial need, who enroll in 12 units or more (full-time).  Students must be California residents (or AB540) and have submitted the necessary financial aid applications (FAFSA or CADAA). Students must begin in the fall to receive free tuition for a full academic year. 

Students starting in the spring will only receive the award for the remaining full-time semesters in the academic year.  Students starting full-time in the summer will only receive the award for the summer term.  In both cases, a student can still be considered for a second year of the College Access Program if they enroll in 12 units for the consecutive academic year and renew their FAFSA/CADAA application.

Yes, second-year students are now eligible if they were also eligible during their first consecutive year. It is not required that they received funding the first year.

No, you must be a first-time student (first or consecutive second year, as previously outlined).

Yes. You are eligible if you took CR classes in high school and are now in your first year after high school graduation.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your residency status, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at (707) 476-4200 or ambassador@redwoods.edu.

Classes range in units, but most are 3-4 units. Generally, 12 units will be 3-4 classes, depending on the specific course selection.

$46/unit

Health Services fee - $20 Fall/Spring, $17 Summer ($7 @ DN and KT campus)
Activity fee - $10 per semester
Technology fee - $10 per semester
Various Course Material Fees & Books
Parking Fees - $46 Fall/Spring, $17 Summer

You can lose the award if you are not enrolled in 12 or more units during each term or if you are determined to have attended college previously. If you drop below 12 units after receiving the grant you may be billed enrollment fees for that term.  Additionally, if financial aid information is received that makes you eligible for the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as BOG), you would be awarded the California College Promise Grant as there are additional benefits to this award that are not part of the College Access Program.

Questions? Contact Us


Contact Information

Admissions and Records

 707-476-4200

 Student Services Building, 1st Floor

  2023 College of the Redwoods