Zero Tuition Initiative
Your future starts here
HOW IT WORKS
JC has announced a “zero tuition” initiative to make college possible for low-income students. Beginning spring of 2025, JC’s Zero Tuition Initiative will provide financial support for Texas undergraduate students. Eligible Texas students can now attend JC – a Christian college, without the burden of finances so they can start and finish their education.
With the Zero Tuition Intiative, qualifying full-time Texas residents who have completed their FAFSA can now attend with their tuition covered depending on (SAI) for up to two (2) years (4 full-time consecutive semesters of 12-17 credits or 60 SCH). This initiative is “last-dollar” funding that cover the remaining tuition cost, after all other grants and scholarships, state and federal grant funding have been applied.
The Zero Tuition Initiative helps eligible students pay the gap between regular tuition and student service fee and what is paid through the Federal Pell Grant and other gift aid (i.e. institutional scholarships, other federal grants, state grants and institutional grants).
DO I QUALIFY?
If you meet these six criteria, then you may qualify for the Zero Tuition Initiative!
Have demonstrated financial need
(determined by FAFSA or TAFSA)
enroll as a full-time student
(associate degree seeking students)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Zero Tuition Initiative?
- Undergraduate, Texas residents
- Degree seeking (pursuing first associate degree)
- Enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 hrs per long term–fall/spring)
- Must be Pell-eligible or have a Pell-eligible SAI
- Require additional funding to meet the full cost of tuition and student service fee after all state and federal funding and private aid that is designated for tuition only
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to qualify
- Complete verification, if selected, by submitting all requested documents by the established deadline
- Zero Tuition Initiative recipients must meet these requirements each year to remain eligible
How does the Zero Tuition Initiative Work?
- The Zero Tuition Initiative is intended to remove economic barriers and provide a pathway to help students complete their associate degree at JC.
- The Zero Tuition Initiative helps eligible students pay the gap between regular tuition and student service fee and what is paid through the Federal Pell Grant and other gift aid (i.e. other federal grants, state grants, private scholarships and grants).
- Students who qualify for a Zero Tuition Initiative award because their tuition & student service fee are not already covered will have the award finalized and posted to their student account after the census date (12th class day) for the semester.
Is the Zero Tuition Initiative renewable?
- Yes. Students must submit a FAFSA or TASFA each year and continue to be Pell Grant eligible or have a Pell Grant eligible SAI.
- Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
- Students must continue to enroll full-time.
- Students will automatically be reviewed for Zero Tuition Initiative awards each semester.
Is the Zero Tuition Initiative available for summer sessions?
No. JC already offers a reduced flat fee rate for summer sessions.
What other options are there for financial aid?
Zero Tuition Initiative covers the cost of tuition and student service fee for qualifying students. This initiative does not cover books, other fees, housing, nor food. No other coverage is associated with this initiative. Excludes summer and overload tuition.
What costs are covered by the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Zero Tuition Initiative covers the cost of tuition and student service fee for qualifying students. This initiative does not cover books, other fees, housing, nor food. No other coverage is associated with this initiative. Excludes summer and overload tuition.
I am transferring in college credits and I anticipate graduating in less than 2 years – what costs are covered by the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Zero Tuition Initiative will cover the cost of tuition and student service fee until you complete your first associate degree.
Do I need to apply for the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Once we receive your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will automatically be considered for the Zero Tuition Initiative. The deadline to qualify for the 2024-25 academic year will coincide with the FAFSA filing deadline or the start of the semester – whichever is earlier. We encourage students to file their FAFSA as early as possible annually.
How do I let JC know that I'm interested in receiving the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Apply for Admission and be accepted. Click to Apply today!
What GPA is required to maintain my Zero Tuition Initiative?
All Zero Tuition Initiative students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards each semester to continue receiving the Zero Tuition Initiative. Click here to see the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
How many credits do I have to enroll in each semester under the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits (17 max) each 16 week semester to qualify for the Zero Tuition Initiative. We recommend that students meet with their academic advisor regularly to track their academic success and graduation progress.
I am an athlete. Do I qualify for Zero Tuition Initiative?
Student athletics is separate from the Zero Tuition Initiative. Athletes are not eligible for this initiative.
I believe I qualify for the Zero Tuition Initiative but I do not see it on my financial aid offer letter. Why?
Some students will not require additional funding to meet the full cost of tuition and student service fee because their state and federal funding (plus any private scholarships designated for tuition only) will meet or exceed the tuition cost. These students do not require the assistance of the Zero Tuition Initiative as their tuition cost is already covered. It is our goal to use the Zero Tuition Initiative to reach and help more students achieve a Christian education who currently are unable to afford the cost of tuition.
How do I continue to qualify for the Zero Tuition Initiative after I receive it my first year?
To continue to qualify for the Zero Tuition Initiative, you must continue to meet the initiative requirements each year.
For how long am I eligible for the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Students who meet all eligibility criteria may receive the Zero Tuition Initiative until earning their first associate degree.
I am enrolling as a first-year freshman student, but I am not eligible for the Zero Tuition Initiative at this time. Will I automatically qualify for subsequent years if there is a change in my financial status and I meet the eligibility requirements?
Yes, students are automatically considered each year.
Are online students eligible for the Zero Tuition Initiative?
Yes, online students are eligible.
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