Don’t let college tuition be the scariest part of your fall season. All of Virginia’s 23 community colleges offer G3, a program that can bring tuition to $0 for eligible students training for high-demand careers.
On average, college costs $39,406 per year. But hidden within that number isn’t just the cost of classes, but also books, supplies and the daily living expenses that come with being a student.
Before committing to a college or university, consider all financial commitments. This article breaks down the expenses your college will cover if you choose to enroll in a G3 program.
Tuition
G3 is a last-dollar program, designed to remove any financial barriers to college education, starting with tuition and mandatory fees. It pays whatever balance remains after other grants, such as a federal Pell Grant, are applied. For students who meet every requirement, that can bring tuition and fees to $0.
Many G3 programs are also stackable. You can start with a short certificate, go to work and then keep building toward more credentials or an associate degree in the same career pathway. You have up to three years from your first G3 semester to use the funding.
Books
Most classes require books or other supplies, and those costs add up when you take several courses at once. G3 includes a textbook stipend of up to $500 per term for full-time students, with smaller amounts for part-time students.
Living Expenses
Some G3 students also receive a Student Support Incentive Grant to help with costs outside the classroom. To qualify, you must enroll full-time and receive a full federal Pell Grant. The grant pays up to $900 per semester in the fall and spring and up to $450 in the summer.
You can use it for gas, food, housing or other bills. That means less time at a part-time job and more time to focus on school.
To keep receiving G3, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
About G3
Virginia’s Community Colleges provide affordable access to higher education, but a tuition bill of any size can still be too expensive. G3 is a last-dollar tuition assistance program that covers tuition, fees, and books for individual students. Click here to learn more and see if you qualify for G3 assistance!
