City Colleges of Chicago
Harold Washington, Truman, Kennedy-King, Malcolm X, Olive-Harvey, Daley, Wright

Now’s the Time to Come Back

City Colleges of Chicago is dedicated to helping students get a quality education. We believe that a gap in your studies is no reason to ignore your dream, and we’re committed to helping you finish the goals you started.

To support these efforts, we’ve launched Fresh Start.

If you’ve been away from City Colleges, this is your opportunity to re-ignite your education. Enroll with the goal of obtaining a degree or certificate, and your prior CCC debt will be waived.

If debt has held you back, City Colleges is here for you.


You are eligible to participate in Fresh Start if you: 

  • Were enrolled (or attempted to enroll) at City Colleges and left with debt of at least $201 prior to July 1, 2022.

Please note:

  • Students are eligible for Fresh Start regardless of the GPA they had when they left.
  • Students are eligible even if they received an associate degree or higher at City Colleges or any other higher education institution after they left.
  • Students who have a SAP hold on their financial aid are able to take advantage of Fresh Start. 

How to Participate

Let’s Do This Right

While participating in the program means that your old debt will be waived, it is your responsibility to secure the tuition for the term for which you enroll. This could mean setting up a tuition payment plan, financial aid, or paying out of pocket. City Colleges has many ways to help you pay for college; visit ccc.edu/WaysToPay for details.

We’ve also set tuition payment deadlines for each semester, ensuring our students remain in good standing and can continue in their classes without getting into new debt. With the payment plan options and tuition deadlines, you can have a much easier time avoiding debt and completing your education.

Fresh Start is a one-time opportunity, meaning it’s your best shot at erasing your prior college debt, earning your degree or certificate, entering a fulfilling career, and/or transferring to a four-year college or university.

Get back on track. Call us at 773-COLLEGE.

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Maryam Muhammad

Maryam Muhammad, Malcolm X College

Abner Gutierrez-Herrera

Abner Gutierrez-Herrera, Harold Washington College

Steven Bahena

Steven Bahena, Truman College

Tamika Powell

Tamika Powell, Harold Washington College

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