Fresh Start Student Debt Relief Program - City Colleges of Chicago: Apply Now

Harold Washington, Truman, Kennedy-King, Malcolm X, Olive-Harvey, Daley, Wright

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Fresh Start

A Student Debt Forgiveness Program
at City Colleges of Chicago

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

Apply to City Colleges of Chicago

Your participation in Fresh Start will be noted on your account. If you’ve been away from us for more than a year, you’ll need to reapply.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at FAFSA.gov.

Sign the Fresh Start Commitment form

This is a promise to yourself to continue your education. You can find the form in your student portal at My.CCC.edu.

Submit Your Reinstatement Fee

This is a $75 nonrefundable fee.

Take a Placement Test (if applicable)

A placement test will help determine the right English and math courses for you.

Meet with Advising and Register for Classes

A college advisor will help you enroll at City Colleges and register in your program of choice, whether you want to continue your original field of study or start a new one. You must meet with your advisor at least twice during the term. Student services (including Advising) are available online at ccc.edu/VSS.

Attend Financial Empowerment Coaching

Fresh Start students are eligible to participate in credit-building workshops and financial coaching sessions provided by our nonprofit partner, Working Credit. To register or learn more, sign up here.

Arrange Your Tuition Payments for the Semester

Ways to pay your tuition include the City Colleges payment plan and financial aid. Learn more at ccc.edu/WaysToPay.

Complete Your Credential

Once enrolled in the program, half of your debt will be waived if you stay enrolled for the current term and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. The remainder will be waived after successfully completing your degree or certificate.

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.

Contact Me

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