Free Tuition Program

Join the BCC Community for Free

Zero fees for every student enrolled in at least six units at Peralta for Spring 2024.*

Students must apply and enroll at Berkeley City College and complete the appropriate financial aid application. Follow the steps below to enroll! (Students do not need to qualify for financial aid to receive free fees.) 

1. Apply

Complete Spring 2024 Admissions Application*. (Skip this step if you have attended BCC in the last 12 months.)

2. Financial Aid Application

Complete the FAFSACADAA, or California Promise Grant Application* or speak to a Financial Aid Specialist email: bcc-finaid@peralta.edu phone: 510-981-2807

3. Register

Register for Spring 2024 classes in Campus Solutions.

Priority Registration begins November 6, 2023 – Click here and choose “Enrollment Dates Spring 2024” to see if you qualify for Priority Registration.

Open Enrollment begins November 15, 2023. Classes start January 22, 2024.

The last day to add a class is February 2, 2024.

*Please note that these dates reflect full-semester classes.

Spring Is Free

Berkeley City College Six Units at Peralta
FREE FEES
Free Weekly Meals
Free AC Transit Pass

For any questions about financial aid or FAFSA please email bcc-finaid@peralta.edu or call: 510-981-2941

Questions? Scroll down to our list of Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at: (510) 981-2800 or send us an email: bccambassadors@peralta.edu.

Who qualifies for zero fees for Spring 2024?

  • First Time College Students
  • Currently Enrolled Students
  • Returning Students
  • Recreational Learners
  • Workers Seeking Career Training
  • English Language Learners
  • Dual Enrollment High School students are eligible.
  • Students must identify Berkeley City College as their home campus on their FAFSA
  • Must have official California Residency or AB 540 classification status to qualify. International and out-of-state students do not qualify
Cost Per Unit $46.00
Campus Center Fee $2.00
Student Center Fee $2.00
Health Center Fee $23.00
AC Transit $46.46

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to Berkeley City College?

Open a CCC account and submit an application. BCC will receive your application electronically and send updates to your @peralta.edu email account. Skip this step if you are a returning student who has attended BCC in the last 12 months.

I don’t think I qualify for financial aid. Should I apply?

Yes, completion of a financial aid application is required to participate in the zero fees program.

Which financial aid application should I complete?
  • FAFSA: If you are a citizen, or legal permanent resident complete a 23/24 FAFSA.
  • CADAA: If you are an AB540/SB 68 eligible student who is undocumented, DACAmented, a U Visa holder or TPS holder complete a 23/24 CADAA

California College Promise Grant: If you are a California resident, AB540 or AB1899 eligible student or homeless youth as determined by the BCC Financial Aid office complete a 23/24 CCPG application.

How many units can I take for free in Spring 2024?

A minimum of six units for zero fees courses for Spring 2024.

What if I already paid tuition and fees for the Spring 2024 semester?

Students who qualify for Spring is Free at BCC will be reimbursed through their selected refund preference with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Visit this link for more information: https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/.

I am a high school student. Do I qualify for zero fees?

Yes. High school students who are concurrently enrolled at BCC, are eligible for zero fees for Spring 2024.

Do I have to be a citizen to qualify for zero fees?

No. There is no citizenship requirement for participation in the zero fees program. Out of state and international students are not eligible.

Is the college course material fee “free” as part of the zero fees program?

 No.

I’ve registered for free Spring 2024 courses. Why do I see a balance due on my account?

Students will see a balance due on their account until it has been verified that they have completed the required financial aid application(s) to qualify for free tuition. Once verified, the account balance will be waived. Payment is not required to register for classes, however, if you do not submit a completed financial aid application by October 1st, 2023, you will be responsible for any outstanding tuition or fees for the Spring 2024 semester. (Students enrolled in at least 6 units are eligible to receive zero student fees. Students do not have to be financial aid eligible to qualify for zero student fees.)

How can I receive an AC Transit pass?

You must be enrolled in at least 6 units to receive an AC Transit pass. Once you’re enrolled in 6 units, please take your photo at the Berkeley City College Welcome Desk located on the first floor. You will then be able to pick up your AC Transit pass at the Cashier’s Office in 10 business days.

*Program restrictions: BCC free zero fees campaign applies to Spring 2024 enrollment only (includes late start courses). A CCC Application and a 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a 2023-2024 California Dream Act Application (CADAA) with an official Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is required. Mandatory student fees are paid under the program.