Campus offers free tuition

The scholarship offer is available to both Ohio and out-of-state residents.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — People who have lost their jobs because of the region’s current economic downturn can go to college for free this spring at Kent State University’s Trumbull campus.

It’s a one-time scholarship offer to new students who have been recently laid off from a full-time position, and it’s open to both Ohio and out-of-state residents.

The pilot program is available only at the Trumbull campus and covers up to 12 credit hours. It begins with the spring semester next Tuesday and applies only to new admissions. Current in-state tuition for lower-level courses is $2,385 for 11 or more credits. The nonresident rate is $6,100. Rates for higher-level course are slightly higher.

Participants must meet a number of requirements, including applying for admission to the university.

Applicants must have been laid off from a full-time job since Oct. 1, 2008, and must provide proof that the layoff was from a full-time position because of the economic climate and not the fault of the employee.

The documentation may be in the form of a letter from the employee’s former company or documentation of unemployment benefits.

Applicants must be new students or students who have not attended any college or university within the past three calendar years.

Prospective students must also complete the current Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Any grants for which the student is found eligible will be applied against the value of the scholarship. The scholarship applies to the cost of tuition only. Book and supply costs are the responsibility of the student.

Prospective students must take the COMPASS placement test, and information about the placement test will be provided at the time the student is admitted.

Course availability is not guaranteed. Students who are admitted to the program will be able to register for classes starting Jan. 20 and can enroll in classes that have seats available. Tuition-paying students have first choice of available classes.

Information sessions for prospective participants in this program are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. today and 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Workforce Development Building at the Kent State Trumbull Campus.

For additional information, call (330) 675-8860 to speak with a Student Services representative.