More Union County Locals May Be Eligible For Tuition-Free College

UNION COUNTY, NJ — More Union County residents may now be eligible to attend Union County College tuition-free this fall through an adjustment made to the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently increased the income cap up to $65,000 for students who may be eligible for funding. This is a $20,000 increase from the prior income cap of $45,000.

Here is some of the criteria needed in order to see if you are eligible for tuition-free college at UCC:

• County residents who fall within the income range and who want to earn their associate degree. This includes individuals with college credits but no degree and those who have never attended Union. Eligible students may attend part or full-time and take classes on campus or online.
• To receive funding, new and returning students must file the Free Application for Student Assistance (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application for NJ Dreamers.
• Students must have been a Union County resident for at least one year and meet the adjusted gross income level.

The grant will cover the full cost of tuition and approved educational fees for a minimum of 6 credits and up to 18 credit hours.

The fall semester at UCC starts on Sept. 4. Students must register for classes by Sept. 3. For more information about the program, go to www.ucc.edu and click on “Tuition-Free College.”

"Union County College is excited to offer this opportunity. With the expansion of the income
level to $65,000, we will be able to help more Union County residents earn their degree and achieve their dream of becoming a college graduate," stated Union County College President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. "At Union County College, we know that an education opens doors and improves the lives of our county’s residents and their families."

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