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Free Tuition for All Students

Free College, Endless Possibilities

Your potential is unlimited, and we are here for you with free tuition, free childcare, free healthcare, and more!

Beginning in 2025, all students living within West Valley-Mission Community College District’s service areas will receive free tuition to attend classes at either of the District’s two colleges, Mission College and West Valley College.

Check To See If You Live Within the WVMCCD Service Area

Enroll and Attend Classes For Free

Free tuition applies to all students - fulltime, part-time and returning - without the need for complicated forms or paperwork. To qualify, students simply enroll in classes and attend, thanks to legislation signed into law in mid-September.

The District successfully passed Assembly Bill 3158 that eliminates state-mandated tuition fees for students within the District. Funded by local property taxes, the District has successfully balanced its budget in recent years without the need for student fees.

The new legislation expands on and streamlines existing programs, including the California College Promise program. That program offers tuition waivers but excludes many students due to stringent requirements such as fulltime enrollment and complex financial aid forms.

The legislation eliminates that and the time-consuming reimbursement processes associated with it.

Now the entire process is dramatically simplified for all students: Enroll and attend classes. For free.

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify, you must:
  • Live within the WVMCCD service area. Try our service area map above to see if your address falls within the service area.
  • Be a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition through AB 540.
Additionally, students who plan to earn a degree or credit-level certificate must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the current aid year.

Please note, these students will have the option to request an exemption from FAFSA. FAFSA/CADAA are not required for students not planning to earn a certificate or degree.

State-mandated tuition and mandatory enrollment fees are waived as part of the AB 3158 Free Tuition initiative. WVMCCD has also waived fees associated with parking, health services, and district-provided childcare for all students.

The WVMCCD service area includes Alviso, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and parts of San Jose and Sunnyvale. Once you apply and gain access to your WVM portal, you will be able to confirm your eligibility status through your portal.

You can also use our service area map above to check whether your address falls within the service area.

International students do not qualify for free tuition through the AB 3158 Free Tuition program. International students, however, do qualify for free parking, free health services, free technology and also may qualify for free childcare. To explore other options for tuition support, please contact the international programs office at the appropriate college.

Non-resident students are not eligible for free tuition through this program. However, they do qualify for free parking, free health services, free technology, and may qualify for free childcare. To explore other options for tuition support, contact the Financial Aid office at the appropriate college.

Concurrent/dual enrollment (DE) students have their tuition and fees waived as part of the DE program.

A minimum number of units is not required. All full-time and part-time students can receive free tuition if they live within the district service area and meet eligibility criteria.

There is not a deadline. However, students requiring a FAFSA/CADAA are encouraged to submit their application prior to registering for courses. Students requiring support with completing the FAFSA/CADAA application or those interested in requesting an exemption should contact the Financial Aid office at the appropriate college.

AB 3158 Free Tuition covers the cost of tuition and mandatory enrollment fees. By completing the FAFSA or CADAA, you may qualify for more aid that can cover the cost of books, transportation, food, housing, etc. For application support or to request an exemption, please contact the Financial Aid office at your home campus.

WVMCCD offers multiple ways to qualify for free tuition: 

  • AB 3158 Free Tuition  
  • Mission Promise or Viking Promise 
  • California College Promise Grant (CCPG) 
  • Dual enrollment 

All students are encouraged to submit a FAFSA or CADAA application to explore all financial assistance options.

There is no impact. Your CCPG award will remain on your account.

No, the free tuition program will not impact existing financial aid awards.

Yes, students in support programs will still receive their individual participation incentives and resources.

Apply for financial aid to qualify for financial support that can assist with technology expenses.

To request technology support, please visit: 

 

Apply for financial aid to qualify for financial support that can cover textbooks. Please note that Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses are noted in the class schedule.

As long as you meet the criteria, you will qualify for free tuition for the full duration of your studies at West Valley and/or Mission College.

A 1098-T will be provided to you.

Yes. Contact the Admissions Office to reverse exemptions and pay full tuition.

There is no age limit.

Yes, as long as they meet eligibility requirements.

Reach out to the Welcome Center at either college: 

Testimonials

Community colleges serve students from all walks of life, many of whom don’t fit into the traditional college mold. This opens doors for people retooling their careers, balancing family responsibilities, or lacking the support to navigate complex financial aid forms. It’s a vital step toward ensuring equity in education and making sure no one is left behind.

Trustee Adrienne Grey

This isn’t just about waiving fees – it’s about smart governance. This allows us to use our local resources more effectively, without increasing the District’s budget or asking for more state funding. It’s a win-win for students and taxpayers alike.

Trustee Robert Owens