Free community college is a long-standing discussion in higher education. As tuition costs rise and technology advances, more people need an educational foundation to advance their careers. Making tuition free at community colleges would help maintain the small enrollment increases in higher education.
Students from diverse backgrounds are increasingly drawn to community college education as institutions remove tuition costs. Today, more than 30 states offer a tuition-free version of community college. This guide will explore free community college benefits for students, colleges, and the community.
Townsend Harris founded the first free public institution of higher education in 1847, so the notion of these colleges is hardly new. Since then, they have evolved. Today, they have garnered much support, with policymakers recognizing the advantages of investing in education.
While tuition-free community college is rapidly emerging as a remedy for the student debt crisis, it’s still a work in progress. In the states that offer free community college, students who are residents of those states must meet specific requirements to attend classes free of charge. However, remain responsible for other costs associated with learning, like housing, transportation, and learning materials.
Each state has its own eligibility criteria to ensure students from diverse backgrounds can access postsecondary education. For example, in Massachusetts, students must enroll in at least six credits per semester and have no bachelor’s degree or equivalent to qualify. Students may also submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine eligibility. Many free community colleges operate on funding from state and federal government grants. States may also allocate a portion of their budgets to these colleges.
Some examples of tuition-free models include:
Despite the many benefits of free community college tuition, community colleges that subscribe to this model face significant challenges. The viability of the free tuition model has been hotly contested for some time. Despite the progress many community colleges have achieved, significant hurdles still exist, including:
Free tuition takes the financial burden off students, but someone has to assume the cost. Different models exist, but almost all involve higher taxes, meaning everyone pays for community college. College costs have risen, and many community colleges get no fiscal grants. Community colleges that serve the most disadvantaged populations receive the fewest dollars per student. Community colleges miss out on most federal funding, meaning they must look elsewhere to remain operational.
Free tuition is only partially free. Lodgings, books, travel, and related expenses still fall on the student, creating a significant financial burden. Students from higher-income families are still more likely to attend, and those who need postsecondary education the most may remain unable to take advantage of these opportunities.
Current programs based on the “last dollar” model cover tuition after all federal aid, which benefits higher-income students more than their low-income counterparts. Students without the disposable income to cover these additional expenses would still incur significant debt.
Free college tuition often leads to a massive uptick in enrollment, which could diminish educational quality. Colleges may need to expand their infrastructure to accommodate the influx of students, and faculty won’t be able to provide the same level of personalized attention.
If colleges expand rapidly, you would have to wonder whether federal funding could accommodate them. If not, they may need to become more selective in who they enroll. Once again, inequality exists, which could impede the primary goal of free tuition — a more educated population.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of free community college outweigh the drawbacks. Community colleges have a massive academic, economic, and social impact across the country, and opening their doors to more people can only compound this impact. Some of the many advantages of free community college include:
Accessibility in higher education is about more than equity — it is essential for propelling society forward. Free community colleges are an important bridge between students, higher education, and their careers. The cost of higher education has been a significant issue for years, and it keeps rising, leaving more affluent communities with access while their low-income counterparts scramble to pay the fees.
Free community college can level the playing field. Students from diverse backgrounds can attain free education while working and supporting families. Regardless of socioeconomic background, they can sharpen their skills, increase their earning potential, and make meaningful community contributions.
When more people have access to higher education, the whole community benefits. Free college leads to higher completion rates, which means a better-educated population. Bachelor’s degree holders earn 68 percent more than people with high school diplomas — any certification is vital in today’s changing workforce.
Degree attainment benefits society as a whole on a large scale. People with degrees earn more, which means they can pay more taxes. They’re also less likely to rely on government support and more likely to vote, volunteer, and contribute to charity. The local economy benefits because higher earners have more disposable income, and the national economy grows because it has a highly skilled, better-educated workforce that allows the U.S. to compete globally.
Free community colleges are also in an excellent position to fill local employment gaps. Many are expanding apprenticeship pathways so students can learn while they earn, filling the workforce pipeline while attracting workers who might not otherwise choose to train.
Many free community colleges collaborate with industry partners to create programs that respond quickly to workforce demands. These programs connect coursework with career outcomes, preparing students for the influx of skilled job openings. Students can stack their credentials by earning short-term certificates that increase their earning potential. The more qualified they are, the more they benefit the economy.
Social inequality is one of the principal reasons many believe free colleges should exist. With 29 percent of Americans saying the cost of a degree is not worth the debt, students from low-income families are often held back by the debt and choose not to attend college. Free community college reduces this mindset, removing financial needs from the equation when deciding where to attend.
Even students who attain short certifications instead of associate’s degrees increase their earning capacity. They gain valuable, in-demand skills for the job market, which enhances their potential earnings. As their earnings grow, they have access to more educational opportunities, so the cycle continues.
While taxpayers are spending more than ever on community colleges, it’s possible to distribute the burden better. As community college graduates increase their earning potential, they increase their taxes, which means that every generation of graduates takes on some of the burden.
Tuition-free community colleges that align educational programs with local industry demands create a skilled workforce that attracts businesses. As these businesses thrive, they generate higher revenue, which means increased business taxes. As students make more meaningful contributions to the workforce, they earn livable wages, decreasing their reliance on public assistance. The government can spend less on welfare, redirecting those funds to education and other public services.
The message that college is free is incredibly powerful and can motivate students to enroll or re-enroll. Although enrollment in higher education institutions has faced many challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has recently increased. Community colleges lead college enrollment partly due to their accessibility to the nontraditional student population. Around 43 percent of full-time community college students also work full-time, which makes access to free education even more motivating.
The recent introduction of a no-cost community college program in Massachusetts exemplifies increased enrollment. Since its launch, 10,000 more students have enrolled for the semester. The increased access to education that free community colleges bring is a massive step toward enrollment growth.
Community colleges have long played a vital role in expanding access to higher education. Students from diverse or low-income backgrounds often face challenges outside their studies that hamper their academic success. Free-tuition community colleges remove one of these challenges. They remove one of the most significant reasons students drop out — the rising cost of education.
Free-tuition community colleges close the equity gap by providing at-risk students with the necessary resources to achieve their educational goals. By increasing access to education, students can sharpen their skills, pursue a bachelor’s degree, or work in a skilled trade at a local business.
Student persistence is an essential metric in higher education. It measures the determination and activities that drive students to complete their qualifications. The financial impact of completing higher education is one of the most significant barriers to student persistence, alongside external responsibilities and mental health challenges. As students work through their studies, their financial needs may change. Free tuition reduces the impact of these changes.
Finances are one part of student persistence, and tuition-free community colleges are only successful if students complete their courses. Integrated student success software helps these colleges identify students early when they pull away from their academic commitments. They can intervene early, get these students back on track, and support them through to course completion.
Student loan debt in the U.S. totals a massive $1.773 trillion, and the average federal student loan debt balance is $38,375. The burden of debt often affects community college students the most, as many are more financially vulnerable. Many potential students cannot afford to take on this debt in the first place, and those who can are thinking twice about their financial futures.
Proponents of free education argue that everyone deserves the opportunity to get a college education, and community colleges can make this goal a reality. Many college graduates and attendees must still grapple with their debt, and free community colleges can make significant inroads into redressing the imbalance.
Community colleges are often hubs for community events, workshops, and seminars. Free tuition makes these events more accessible, creating a platform for community members to come together and learn. Tuition-free community colleges also attract students from diverse backgrounds and cultivate an inclusive environment, which leads to greater community understanding.
Many of these colleges develop programs that involve families in the educational process, further creating a supportive community environment. They provide additional resources, like counseling, career services, and financial literacy workshops. Over time, the entire community benefits.
Working professionals often need to upskill during their careers but may face financial challenges. By removing tuition costs, free community colleges make education accessible to adults returning to education. These people feel comfortable pursuing education throughout their lives, as they can enhance their skills without incurring debt. When their colleges understand their student body, they often provide dedicated support services and recognize peer learning, motivating adult students to attend.
Nontraditional students have many reasons to enroll at community college, and free tuition is a significant factor in many decisions. Adults are at greater risk of dropping out due to lack of financial support. In addition to removing financial burdens, these colleges provide numerous resources and support geared toward nontraditional students, including flexible class options, career coaching, and child care.
Nontraditional learners want to enroll in institutions that empower them to reach their academic goals. Their learning paths may include readmissions, flexible classes, and accelerated learning, and community colleges are uniquely positioned to meet these needs.
Most students have access to basic technology, but some remain inconsistent. Community colleges can support these students by providing Wi-Fi coverage on campus and increasing tech support. Leverage student data: Community colleges can use student data to view their performance, satisfaction, and retention holistically. For example, if a student is skipping classes, data will reveal it so that the appropriate people can act.
Success at free community colleges rests on student outcomes, and you can only boost student success if you understand what each student needs. With Watermark Student Success & Engagement, you can support each student’s unique needs and increase retention with proactive, data-driven support. This solution is just one part of the Watermark Educational Impact Suite (IES) — connected solutions that give you a holistic view of your institution’s activity in real time.
When you gather, synthesize, and analyze your student data in one centralized hub, you can proactively address institutional improvement and maximize your impact. Request a demo today and drive community college success!
