The objective of the Straube Foundation (sponsor of this blog) is to show how anyone anywhere can obtain quality education at little or no cost. So I was particularly happy to read that the city of Boston Massachusetts is expanding its tuition-free community college offerings. All Boston city residents, regardless of age, income or immigration status, will now be able to attend one of six partner community colleges free of charge. Both tuition and fees will be covered for associate degrees and certificate programs at the six participating schools. For some students, up to $2,500 of overdue past tuition and fees will also be waived. Learn more here.
Boston’s decision is part of a recent trend at the state level to encourage post-college-age adults to get a degree that will help them find employment in high tech industries like clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
In some states, the new programs will cover tuition, fees and textbooks for community college students. Under Massachusetts’ MassReconnect program, anyone over 25 with a high school diploma or equivalent will be able to attend one of 15 community colleges for free (tuition, fees, books and supplies). It appears that degrees can be taken in any subject. The Michigan Reconnect program offers free tuition and fees to anyone over 25 with a high school diploma to earn an associate degree or complete certain skill certificates. The Tennessee Reconnect program offers grants to pay the amount of tuition and fees unpaid for by other state or federal aid programs. Eligible students must be over 25 years old, and can pursue any degree at any institution, but the grant amount will be limited to the cost of a community college associates degree or skills certificate.
These are just examples of the free college education that is currently available in the United States. Most are in-person colleges, but post-Covid offerings may include online options. A summary of the various state programs can be found here.
