Concord University began offering West Virginia residents five years ago a creative financial aid tool for incoming freshmen, current as well as transfer students – last dollar financial assistance through its Concord University (CU) Free program. CU Free allows qualifying students to obtain a four-year degree without paying money out-of-pocket for tuition.
“If you are eligible for Pell grants, you are eligible for a free education at Concord University,” said Tammy Brown, Chief Enrollment Management Officer. Established in the Fall of 2019, CU Free has awarded up to $4,255 per year depending on the students’ other financial aid to 88 qualifying students in all majors. Thus far, 37 students receiving CU Free support have graduated and are in the workforce.
“Concord University is already very affordable, but the CU Free program ensures that every individual seeking a higher education can access it here,” said Brown. “The CU Free program also allows community college students who enjoyed the West Virginia Invests Grant at a two-year institution to continue their education with no tuition cost.”
Incoming freshman, current students and transfer students who meet the criteria are eligible for the CU Free program.
Qualifying students must
- Be Pell grant eligible
- Be a West Virginia resident eligible for WV Higher Education Grant
- Have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0, if an incoming freshman
- Have a GPA of at least 2.75, if a transfer student
- Have filed their FAFSA before April 15
- Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits a semester) at Concord University
This is a last dollar in after all federal, state, institutional, and outside resources have been applied, for base tuition only.
CU Free will renew for four continuous years (or eight semesters) for first time, first year students. Transfer students can renew up to eight semesters depending on the credits transferred into Concord. Eligible students must also remain continuously enrolled, remain enrolled full-time, remain Pell Grant and WV Higher Education Grant eligible, complete the FAFSA each year by April 15, maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA, earn at least 24 credit hours each year and meet satisfactory academic progress.
CU Free program details: https://www.concord.edu/financial-aid/cu-free
Link to apply to Concord University: https://www.concord.edu/admissions/apply-now
