What is free?
Cost | CA resident w/ completed FAFSA or Dream Act Application | Out of state resident w/ completed FAFSA | International student | How do I get it? | |
Tuition | $290 per unit for out of state and international students | N/A | Students who receive a full Federal Pell Grant will have tuition paid. Students who are not Pell eligible will need to pay their out-of-state tuition. | Not free | Apply & enroll, complete the application for financial aid (either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application). |
Enrollment fees | $46 per unit | Free | Free | Not free | Apply & enroll, complete the application for financial aid (either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application). |
Books | varies | Free | Free | Not free | Show student id card & schedule of classes to the Laney Bookstore |
Required supplies | varies | Free | Free | Not free | Show student id card & schedule of classes to the Laney Bookstore |
A/C transit pass | $42.88 | Free – but must enroll in at least 6 units | Free – but must enroll in at least 6 units | Free – but must enroll in at least 6 units | Show student id card in the Cashier’s Office in A-201. |
Parking | Free for fall | Free | Free | Free | Park in the student lot. No permit needed. |
Student health fee | $18.00 | Free | Free | Not free | Taken off account after completion of FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. |
Student campus use fee | $2.00 | Free | Free | Not free | |
Student activity fee | $2.00 | Free | Free | Not free | Taken off account after completion of FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. |
Chromebook | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Check-out in the Library. |
Wi-Fi hotspot | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Check-out in the Library. |
Lunch | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free Mo-Thu in the Cafeteria in the Student Center 10am-6pm. |
Food produce pantry | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free Mo-Thu in the Cafeteria in the Student Center 10am-6pm. |
Food protein panty | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free to each student once a week. Stop by the Cafeteria either Wed or Thur every week 10am-6pm. |
Eligibility
What if I’m not sure if I’m eligible?
Call our Fall is Free Helpdesk at (510) 255-3507 on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9:00am – 11:00am or 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Or call on Tuesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Phone calls will be answered in the order they are received.
I don’t think I will qualify for financial aid. Can I still get Fall for Free?
Yes. However, you are still required to complete a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application to be eligible for the Fall for Free program.
How many units are free?
1-18 units. Part-time and full-time students are all eligible.
If you want to take more than 18 units, you need approval from an academic counselor. Counseling is available on campus, on the phone, and online. Make an appointment at https://laney.edu/counseling/.
- 18-21 units, students need clearance from a general counselor
- 22-24 units, students need clearance from the VPSS
- Please refer to college catalog, pages 23-24 under Study Load and Excess Units
Can I add one more class? I’ve already enrolled for fall.
YES! You can add as many as you would like to take, up to 18 units. If you want to take more than 18 units, see the previous question above for information.
Does the program cover out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition is not covered, but out of state enrollment fees will be if you complete a FAFSA. Tuition is $290 per unit and will the responsibility of each student. Enrollment fees are $46 per unit and will be paid for you as part of the Fall is Free program. Out-of-state students are eligible for all the rest of the free items.
Does the program cover international students?
International student tuition and fees are not covered. International students textbooks and required supplies from the Bookstore will be covered. International students are eligible for free lunch, free produce pantry, free protein pantry, free A/C transit pass if enrolled in six or more units, free wi-fi hotspot checkout, and free Chromebook checkout.
What if I fail or drop a class, will I have to pay anything back?
No, you will not have to pay anything back.
What if I have already earned a degree, am I eligible for the program?
Yes! As long as you complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act application you will receive all of the free items.
What you need to do
I need help
I need help with my Federal Application for Financial Aid or my California Dream Act application. Where can I go?
The Financial Aid Office offers weekly FAFSA/CA Dream Act Workshops on Thursdays from 1:30pm-3:00pm. You may attend the workshop in-person in A-201 or via ZOOM. Visit Https://Laney.Edu/Financial_aid/ to register for a ZOOM workshop.
- The Financial Aid Office can be reached at (510) 464-3414 and chat is available at https://laney.edu/financial_aid/
- The Financial Aid Office is open on campus from 9:00am – 3:00pm on Monday – Thursday in A-201. If you prefer remote interaction, you can sign up for a zoom appointment at Https://Laney.Edu/Financial_aid/
I need help picking what classes I should take. How do I meet with an academic counselor?
Counseling is available on campus, on the phone, and online. Make an appointment at https://laney.edu/counseling/.
I’d like to learn more about Laney before I enroll. How can I do that?
Attend one of our Information Sessions in the Laney Tower Lobby on one of the following days/times. The Information Sessions will tell you about the programs and offerings available at Laney.
- Wednesday, August 10th at noon and 6pm
- Thursday, August 11th at noon and 6pm
- Friday, August 12th at noon
- Monday, August 15th at noon
- Tuesday, August 16th at noon
Lunch or dinner will be provided, and we will be there to answer all your questions.
I have a question I’d like answered in person and I can only come to campus on Saturdays. What can I do?
Attend one of our two One-Stop events on either of the following Saturdays at the flagpole on Fallon Street:
- August 13 from 10:00-1:00pm
- August 20 from 10:00-1:00pm
Light refreshments will be served, and we will have staff and counselors available.
I have questions that are not answered here, who do I contact?
Call our Fall is Free Helpdesk at (510) 255-3507 on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9:00am – 11:00am or 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Or call on Tuesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Phone calls will be answered in the order they are received
Where do I get my student ID card?
ID cards are printed in the Welcome Center in A 102. Until the start of the fall term on August 22, the Welcome Center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00-3:00. It will also be open on Saturday, August 13 and Saturday, August 20 from 10:00-1:00pm.
Issues with student accounts and financial aid
What if I already paid my fall tuition and fees?
Students who have completed a FAFSA and already paid tuition and fees will be refunded after the beginning of the semester via check. All refund requests must be signed off by the Vice President of Student Services prior to submission to the Bursar’s Office for check issuance. The refund will be issued after the semester begins, most likely sometime around the second week of the semester (on or around September 5).
If my tuition is being paid by another program at the College (Veterans Affairs, EOP&S/CARE, etc.), can I receive the other benefits and fees free of charge?
Yes. Even though your tuition is covered, you still should complete your FAFSA or California Dream Act application to receive coverage of your other fees and needs this semester, including student health fees, books, food, technology, and transportation.
I have a hold on my account, will I still be able to get Fall for Free?
All students can enroll for free during the Fall semester. Currently, there is no hold on the student accounts who have outstanding fees. If there is, the Bursar’s Office and the Vice President of Business and Administrative Services will handle the case. Call (510) 464-3131 or Laney Business Office at (510) 464-3228.
I've registered for free Fall 2022 courses. Why do I see a balance on 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 September 30, 2022, you will be responsible for any outstanding tuition or fees for the Fall 2022 semester.
Bookstore
My instructor is requiring books that are not available through the Laney Bookstore. Are those free?
No.
How do I get my free books and required materials?
Go to the Laney Bookstore in the basement of the SSC (cafeteria) building. Show them your schedule of enrolled courses and they will give you the required books and instructional materials.
For quicker pickup, order your books online, click “contactless pickup” as your delivery method and your order will be bundled and ready for you to pick up at the bookstore. To order online go to https://www.bkstr.com/laneystore/home. When ordering online, at the last step on the payment screen, check the box for “Financial Aid”. This will populate the Fall is Free program as the funding source so you will not have to pay. When you go for pickup, you will have to show your schedule of enrolled classes.
If you are taking online classes and are unable to come to campus for pickup, you can order your books online to be delivered to your home. This may take up to a week before you receive them. To order online, https://www.bkstr.com/laneystore/home. When ordering online, at the last step on the payment screen, check the box for “Financial Aid”. This will populate the Fall is Free program as the funding source so you will not have to pay.
If you are renting a book, you will have to provide a credit card as collateral for book. The card will not be charged unless you do not return the rented book at the end of the term.
If you have further questions, you can call the bookstore at (510) 464-3349.
What about my Cosmetology kit or my Culinary Arts knife kit?
Since these are required instructional supplies, they will be provided for free. These items must be picked up in person at the Laney Bookstore, they cannot be mailed. You will have to show your schedule of enrolled classes when you pick up your books and materials.
What are the bookstore hours?
Until August 18th
- Monday-Thursday 10:00-2:00
- Saturday, August 13th 10:00-2:00
- Saturday, August 20th 10:00-2:00
Beginning August 22nd
- Monday-Friday 9:00-3:00
- Saturday, August 27th 10:00-2:00
Saturday, September 3rd
- 10:00-2:00
When can I go pick up my books or order them online?
Books can be ordered or received in-person beginning on August 22nd.
If I drop my class, do I need to return my books to the bookstore?
Yes, we are asking you to return books if you do not need them.
AC Transit Passes
Where do I get my AC Transit Pass?
Bring your student ID card to the Cashier’s Office in A-201.
Student Services Available
Do you need assistance with learning?
Academic accommodations can be given to students with learning challenges via Student Accessibility Services: SAS application Click here. Their phone number is (510) 464-3428. Information is available at SAS.Laney@peralta.edu.
Technology
COVID-19 policies
What are Laney’s policies about COVID-19 and vaccinations?
Laney College follows the Perlata Community College District’s COVID-19 policy. As of July 20th all students are required to wear a mask while on campus and upload proof of vaccinations or receive an exemption to the policy if you are coming to campus. Details can be found at https://safe.peralta.edu/
On a daily basis, if you are coming to campus, please complete a daily health screening. To do so, use the Campus Shield app to answer screening questions for campus access. Instructions for downloading and using the mobile app are at https://web.peralta.edu/files/2021/08/Campus-Shield-setup-mobile.pdf. If you do not have a smart phone, you can stop by the Tower lobby to use the computer and printer that are there.