College on Your Terms – Your Goals, No Fees!
At Mission College, we've undertaken a monumental shift. We've removed tuition costs for individuals residing in the West Valley-Mission Community College District service area. Yes, if you live in the district’s service area, you can now attend college without paying tuition. Your boundless future begins right here.
Say goodbye to student debt, as we're dedicated to ensuring that your college experience not only comes with no tuition but also enriches your life in countless ways. Our commitment to you expanded – free tuition for all within our service area.
Free & Flexible – With No Tuition Costs
Learn moreA Mission 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
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 Mission. Check out our FAQs below.
How You Can Also Receive Free Tuition!
| Opportunities | Apply for Financial Aid | CA Resident/ AB 540 | Demonstrate financial need | Live in WVMCCD Service Area | Enroll as a First- Time, Full-Time Student | Current High School Student |
| WVMCCD Enrollment Fee Grant | X | X | X | |||
| Mission Promise | X | X | X | |||
| California College Promise Grant | X | X | X | |||
| Dual Enrollment | X |
You belong at Mission College!
Misison College is enhancing its approach to education, ensuring that your college experience is within reach and tailored to meet your needs! We also offer:
Free Childcare
Free Parking
Free Health Services
Free Transportation
Free Tuition FAQs
Eligibility
Do I qualify for 'free college' at West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD), and if so, how can I confirm my eligibility?
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.
- For students who don't live in our service area, you can still qualify for free tuition through FAFSA or CA Dream Act.
What benefits do I receive if I qualify?
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.
How can I verify if I reside within the WVMCCD service area?
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.Is it possible to qualify as an international student?
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.Can I qualify if I am considered an out-of-state or non-resident?
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.Can I qualify if I am a dual enrollment (high school) student?
Dual Enrollment (DE) students have their tuition and fees waived as part of the DE program.Can I qualify if I am considered an undocumented student?
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, click here: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Files/General-Counsel/x_ab-540-flyer-ada.pdfWhat other options do I have if I don't qualify, and what are the requirements I must meet?
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:
WVC Viking Promise: https://www.westvalley.edu/community-grant/
All students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA or CADAA to determine their eligibility for other types of financial assistance.
How does my status as a California College Promise (CCPG) student affect my situation?
If you have a CCPG award it will remain in your account. No changes will occur to your CCPG award.How can I apply for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)?
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/
Is there a minimum number of units I need to register for to qualify?
There is no minimum unit requirement at this time.
Are employees eligible?
Employees are not eligible for the enrollment fee grant at this time.
Support
Will free college affect the current financial aid and incentives received from FAFSA, Promise Program, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), and other programs?
Free College will have no impact on the current financial aid awards you are already eligible for. The goal of the Enrollment Fee Grant program is to help students obtain free enrollment at Mission College and/or West Valley College.
Can students in the Promise, EOPS, TRIO, and other support programs qualify for free tuition in addition to the participation incentives provided by these programs?
Yes. Support Programs will continue to serve students with their individual participation incentives and resources.
How can I qualify for technology support?
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. Click on the links below for more information on technology assistance available at each college:
Mission College: https://servicedesk.wvm.edu/support/catalog/items/87
West Valley College: https://www.westvalley.edu/library/textbooks-and-technology.html
How can I qualify for textbook support?
We recommend you apply for Financial Aid in order to maximize the financial support you may qualify for, including textbook support. Students can visit the Mission College “Semester Text” or West Valley College “Textbooks ‘n’ Technology” website for more information. Also note that both college class schedules include notations next to the courses that are Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC).Additional Information
How long will the grant cover my tuition and mandatory fees?
Once qualified, students may be eligible for the grant for two years, beginning in Spring 2024. The enrollment fee grant eligibility will be reviewed on a semester basis.
How can I inform West Valley or Mission College about my intended program of study and my plan to earn a certificate and/or degree with them?
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:
Mission College: https://missioncollege.formstack.com/forms/programchange
West Valley College: https://westvalley.formstack.com/forms/change_of_major
Will I be required to pay taxes on this free tuition program?
A 1098-T will be provided to you.
Is it possible for me to opt out of the free college program?
Yes, you can. Just contact the Admissions Office and they can reverse the exemptions and you will be charged the full amountWho should I contact if I have questions about the free tuition program?
You can find more information on the FREE COLLEGE website. You can also contact the college Welcome Center for additional assistance.
Mission College: https://missioncollege.edu/student_services/welcome_center/
West Valley College: https://www.westvalley.edu/services/welcome-center/