At City Colleges of Chicago, we want to make it easier for Chicago students to advance their education right here in their hometown. Through the Chicago Roadmap, our seven colleges offer several free and affordable opportunities to help CPS and CPS-affiliated Charter students start their college journey at CCC.
This page is the perfect place for students (and parents) to start their research and connect with a staff member who can help every step of the way. From scholarships, to earn and learn programs, and even earning college credits for free while still in high school—City Colleges has everything you need to reach your academic and career goals. We are ready when you are!
Connect with a CPS/CCC Navigator
Explore Our Scholarships and Other Opportunities:
Whether you’re a CPS graduate or you’re still in high school, City Colleges offers scholarships and other programs to help you earn college credits for free. Click on an opportunity below to learn more.
Star Scholarship
With our Star Scholarship program, students who graduate from a CPS, charter, or Big Shoulders Fund partner school, earn at least a 3.0 GPA, and test completion-ready in math and English can complete their degree or certificate at City Colleges at no cost. That’s free tuition and books!
Early College
Through our Early College program, juniors and seniors at participating Chicago high schools can earn college credits for free before they graduate, saving them time and money on the cost of a college degree. Those credits are also transferable to many four-year colleges or universities.
Summer Start
Get an introduction to City Colleges with other 2021 CPS grads who are starting…
Teach Chicago Tomorrow
Teach Chicago Tomorrow helps you plan your path from student to teacher, and connects…
Apply to City Colleges:
The first step to starting your affordable college journey is to apply to City Colleges. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to successfully complete our online application form. Then, visit www.ccc.edu/apply to start your application today.
Virtual Student Services
Have a question? Connect with a student services representative for support.
Admissions Guide
Already applied? Check out our admissions guide to review your next steps.
Discover Additional Ways to Pay:
In addition to our scholarships and free programs designed exclusively for CPS students and graduates, City Colleges offers several other resources to help students pay for their education, from financial aid to our payment plan. Click on a link below to learn more.
*Even if you believe you won’t qualify for federal grants, we recommend that all eligible students fill out the FAFSA in order to determine their eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships, including the Star Scholarship.
Not FAFSA eligible? See below for more ways to pay for college.
Start Here, Go Anywhere:
Whether you want to start at CCC and transfer to a four-year college, receive a salary and on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship program, or earn an industry-recognized credential and head straight into the workforce, City Colleges has the program and pathway to support your success. Click on a link below to learn more.
About Chicago Roadmap
The Chicago Roadmap is a formal, comprehensive partnership between CPS and CCC that builds on existing programs and establishes new resources to provide a seamless education pathway for Chicago students from Pre-K through college. The goal of the partnership is to ensure all of our students, regardless of background or ZIP Code, have the opportunity to get to and through college, paving the way for economic success.