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Licking County Promise: Free College for Many
28 Feb
Summary
- Free tuition offered to eligible Licking County residents.
- Program covers tuition and instructional fees, not books.
- Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and meet academic standards.
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) has initiated the Licking County Promise program, a new initiative designed to provide free tuition for eligible residents of Licking County. This program aims to significantly improve access to higher education for individuals who may have previously found the cost prohibitive.
To qualify, students must have resided in Licking County for a minimum of one year and possess a household income not exceeding $100,000 annually. The program covers tuition and general fees but does not include costs for books or living expenses. Students can begin classes as early as May 18, 2026, with new students needing to apply by May 6, 2026.
Eligibility is determined annually based on FAFSA income and county residency. Participants must maintain a 2.0 GPA and meet academic progress standards to remain in the program. There is no lifetime limit on the program's benefits, allowing students to complete degrees or certificates at their own pace.
The college estimates that approximately 540 current students will benefit in the program's first year, with projections for growth. This program aligns with COTC's existing initiatives like the Coshocton County Promise and Knox County Promise, which also offer free tuition to eligible residents in those areas.
