Limitless Opportunities with Free Tuition
At West Valley College, we've removed tuition costs for individuals residing in the West Valley-Mission College District service area. If you live in the district’s service area, you can now attend college without paying tuition. Our commitment to you expanded – FREE tuition for all within our service area.
There are four criteria for ‘FREE COLLEGE’
1.
Live in WVMCCD service area.
2.
Apply for financial aid through the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application and list either Mission College or West Valley on your application.
3.
Be a California resident or eligible for CA residency via AB 540.
4.
Intend to earn a degree or credit-level certificate at one of our colleges.
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 2023/24 application and list either Mission College or West Valley College on your application.
- Be a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition through AB 540.
- Intend to earn a degree or credit-level certificate at one of our colleges.
**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 Enrollment Fee Grant will be applied to your student account, to cover your Spring 2024 tuition and mandatory fees. The grant will be applied after the semester begins, so do not worry if you see a Spring 2024 balance due on your account.
The WVMCCD service area includes Alviso, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and parts of San Jose and Sunnyvale. Once you apply to the college and gain access to your WVM portal, you will be able to confirm your eligibility status via the portal.
International students do not qualify for the Enrollment Fee Grant, 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 Enrollment Fee Grant, 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 Enrollment Fee Grant. 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:
- Enrollment Fee Grant (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