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  • Press Release
  • June 24, 2024

CCBC provides high school students with a tuition-free summer, erasing $2.2 million in student debt

Young woman takes notes while studying in the library.

High school students will have access to higher education classes for free thanks to CCBC's Early College Access Program (ECAP).

The Community College of Baltimore County is proud to announce significant initiatives this summer aimed at further enhancing accessibility and affordability for students pursuing higher education. These efforts include covering summer tuition for high school students in the Early College Access Program (ECAP) and forgiving approximately $2.2 million in outstanding student debt.

These initiatives are an extension of CCBC’s long history of breaking down financial barriers for its students, including offering a tuition-free experience. Last academic year, 85% of CCBC students benefited from full or partial tuition.

  1. Tuition-free summer classes for high school students: CCBC is filling the 50% financial gap high school students need to take courses 100% tuition free for the summer. Now, public, private or homeschooled students can enroll in summer classes at CCBC only paying for books and fees. This initiative is expected to save students approximately $366 per typical three-credit class, with CCBC allocating approximately $350,000 to support this effort.
  2. Debt forgiveness initiative: CCBC has forgiven approximately $2.2 million in outstanding student debt resulting in a tuition-free experience. This initiative benefited over 4,000 credit and Continuing Education students owing less than $1,000 from either the 2022-23 or 2023-24 academic year. By alleviating this financial burden, CCBC enabled these students to continue their academic journeys without the stress of unpaid tuition, encouraging their re-enrollment and progression towards degree completion.

“Many students hit financial roadblocks that stall their educational journeys. That's why we're excited to offer these tuition-free initiatives to make college more accessible. We want to lift the financial burden of education so students can focus on their studies, not their wallets," said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis.

CCBC’s tuition-free opportunities can be life-changing."

CCBC's commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable is underscored by these initiatives. Despite national trends showing significant increases in tuition costs, CCBC has maintained consistent tuition rates for in-county residents since 2018. According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition and fees at public four-year institutions have risen by 179.2% over the last 20 years, with an average annual increase of 9%. CCBC's initiatives stand in stark contrast, demonstrating its dedication to supporting students financially.

Summer classes at CCBC are currently underway, with a new five-week session starting on July 15. Learn more information about the ECAP program and other opportunities to see how high school students can attend CCBC tuition-free.

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About Community College of Baltimore County

Since 1957, CCBC has opened the doors to accessible, affordable, high-quality education empowering generations of area residents to transform their lives and the lives of others. Each year, nearly 50,000 students enroll at the college’s main campuses, extension centers and online to make their starts, earn degrees, launch and build careers. CCBC offers the region’s most expansive selection of degree, certificate and workplace certification programs that prepare students for transfer, job entry and career advancement in such industries as business, education, health care, information technology, cybersecurity, construction, and transportation. Designated as the “Best Community College” among the Maryland Daily Record’s 2023 Reader Rankings, CCBC is also nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies and among the nation’s top associate degree producers.