Free College, Endless Possibilities! Your Golden Ticket to Free Tuition Awaits
Check To See If You Live Within the District Service Area
Free & Flexible – With No Tuition Costs
Attend West Valley and Mission College for free if you live within our service area.
A West Valley College degree equips you with the essential skills and training required to embark on a rewarding career in the current high-demand industries. Our offerings encompass:
- Over 100 diverse degree and certificate programs
- Valuable skills that enhance your resume
- Practical, hands-on training experiences
- Flexible course options and various learning formats
- Opportunities for internships
Our Service Area
- Alviso
- Campbell
- Los Gatos
- Santa Clara
- Saratoga
- Parts of San Jose and Sunnyvale
Apply to West Valley College and check your student portal to verify your eligibility.
Don’t live in our service area, that’s no problem, there are so many ways we can help you pay for your tuition at West Valley College. Check out our FAQs below.
We Don't Stop at Free Tuition – Check out all the FREE resources we provide our students!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are four criteria for ‘FREE COLLEGE’ at WVMCCD:
- Live in WVMCCD service area
- Apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Be sure to file the 2024/25 application and list either West Valley College or Mission College on your application.
- Be a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition through AB 540.
**Please note that ALL students who are California College Promise Grant (CCPG) eligible, will have their tuition and fees covered, regardless if they qualify for the WVMCCD “Free College” program.
The Free College program will be applied to your student account, to cover your Spring 2025 tuition and mandatory fees. The grant will be applied after the semester begins, so do not worry if you see a Spring 2025 balance due on your account.
Click on our service map and plug in your address fo find out if you qualify. The WVMCCD service area includes Alviso, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and parts of San Jose and Sunnyvale.
International students do not qualify for the Free College program, however they do qualify for free parking, free health services, free technology, and may qualify for free childcare. To explore additional options for tuition assistance, please contact the international programs office at the appropriate college.
Non resident students are not eligible for the Free College program, however they do qualify for free parking, free health services, free technology, and may qualify for free childcare. To explore additional options for tuition assistance, please contact the Financial Aid office at the appropriate college.
Dual Enrollment (DE) students have their tuition and fees waived as part of the DE program.
Students with an AB540 residency status are eligible for the Free College Program if they reside in the WVMCCD service area. Students who do not have AB 540 residency status do not qualify, however they do qualify for free parking, free health service, free technology, and may qualify for free child care. To explore additional options for tuition assistance, please contact the Financial Aid office at the appropriate college. To learn more about AB540 eligibility (PDF).
WVMCCD offers four ways to qualify for free-tuition at each of our campuses:
- Free College Program (service area)
- Mission Promise or Viking Promise
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
- Dual Enrollment
First and second year students who do not live in the service area may qualify via our College Promise programs. For more information, click on the following links:
All students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA or CADAA to determine their eligibility for other types of financial assistance.
Students may apply for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) using the FAFSA or CADAA.
For more information, visit the following page(s):
CADAA: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
We recommend you apply for Financial Aid to maximize the financial support you may qualify for to assist with your education expenses, including technology support.
Please visit the technology support webpages for more information:
West Valley College: Textbooks and Technology
Mission College: Student Technology Loan Request
Your initial intent for your program of study is taken from your admissions application. If you wish to update your Major/Program of Study, please visit the following pages:
West Valley College Change of Major Request
Mission College Program Update Request
You can find more information on the FREE COLLEGE website. You can also contact the college Welcome Center for additional assistance.
West Valley College Welcome Center
Mission College Welcome Center