For California residents who complete a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application, Fall Is Free At Laney!
Questions? We’re here to help.
Visit the Welcome Center on campus in A-102 and online. It is open Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:00am – 11:00am & 1:00 – 3:00pm. Availability online on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm. You can also call the Welcome Center at (510) 464-3540.
El otoño es gratis – Preguntas más frecuentes en español
春季免费教学常见问题
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp cho Mùa Học Fall Miễn Phí
View the Fall is Free PDF in English here
Cost | California resident with completed FAFSA or Dream Act Application | Out-of-state resident with completed FAFSA | International students | How do I get it? | |
Tuition | $359 per unit for international students and out-of-state students | Free (no tuition charged) | Not free | Not free | Apply, enroll, and complete your application for financial aid (either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application). |
Enrollment fees | $46 per unit | Free | Not free | Not free | Apply, enroll, and complete your application for financial aid (either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application). |
Books | Varies | Free | Not free | Not free | Show your student ID card to the Laney Bookstore in the basement of the Student Center (below the cafeteria). |
Required culinary or cosmetology supplies | Varies | Free | Not free | Not free | Speak with your instructor on the first day of class for information. |
A/C transit pass | $46.46 | Free – but must enroll in and maintain at least 6 units | Free – but must enroll in and maintain at least 6 units | Free – but must enroll in and maintain at least 6 units | Show your student ID card in the Cashier’s Office in A-201. |
Parking | Free for Fall | Free | Free | Free | Parking is free |
Student health fee | $23.00 | Free | Not free | Not free | Do nothing. It will be taken off your account after you complete your FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. |
Student campus use fee | $2.00 | Free | Not free | Not free | Do nothing. It will be taken off your account after you complete your FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. |
Student activity fee | $2.00 | Free | Not free | Not free | Do nothing. It will be taken off your account after you complete your FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. |
Chromebook | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Free to checkout | Complete the form at https://laney.libguides.com/chromebooks The library will notify you when your Chromebook is ready for you to pick-up in the library. |
Lunch | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free Monday-Thursday in the Cafeteria in the Student Center from 10:00am-6:00pm. |
Food produce pantry | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free Monday-Thursday in the Cafeteria in the Student Center from 10:00am-6:00pm. |
Food protein items to take home | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free to each student once a week. Stop by the Cafeteria in the Student Center either Wednesday or Thursday every week from 10:00-6:00. |
Eligibility
I completed my financial aid application (FAFSA) or the Dream Act application in 22-23. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, you need to do a new form every academic year.
What if I am not sure I am eligible?
Visit the Welcome Center on campus in A-102 and online. It is open Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:00am – 11:00am & 1:00 – 3:00pm and Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm online.
I don’t think I will qualify for financial aid. Should I submit a FAFSA anyway and will I qualify for Fall is Free if I make too much money?
Yes, you will still qualify for Fall is Free if you do your application. All you have to do is complete an application for financial aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application to be eligible for the Fall is Free program. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, October 23, 2023.
How many units are free?
.05-18 units. Part-time and full-time students are all eligible.
I am a California resident. I already have a degree but want to come to Laney and take classes. If I submit a FAFSA or Dream Act form, can I qualify for Fall is Free?
Yes! Complete your FAFSA or California Dream Act application.
I am taking only noncredit courses. Do I qualify for Fall is Free?
Noncredit classes are always free, so yes, they qualify. Complete your FAFSA or CA Dream Act application to receive other benefits.
Can I add classes after the semester begins, and if I am qualified for Fall is Free, will those classes also be free?
YES! You can add as many as you would like to take, up to 18 units.
I want to take classes in Fall semester, but I cannot start until September or October. Can I qualify for Fall is Free if I am a resident and have completed my financial aid application (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act and start later?
YES! We offer many late-start classes that begin throughout the Fall term. Fall is free applies to all classes in the term.
Does Fall is Free cover undocumented/DACA/Dream Act students?
Yes. Complete your CA Dream Act application. If you have questions or need help, go to Admissions and Records in A 120 or call (510) 464-3540 for assistance.
Does Fall is Free cover out-of-state students?
Nonresidents from outside of California and international students do not qualify for free tuition, fees, or books. However, you are eligible for all other benefits of the program, see the chart at the top of this page. We recommend out-of-state students complete their FAFSA, as you may qualify for financial aid.
Does Fall is Free cover international students?
No. Nonresidents of California and international students do not qualify for free tuition, fees, or books. However, with a student ID, other benefits are available. See the chart at the top of this page.
If I fail or drop a class, will I have to pay anything back?
No. You will not have to pay anything back.
I’m taking classes at other Peralta colleges. Are they also free?
To see what you are eligible for if your home college is another Peralta college, see:
I’ve already submitted a FAFSA for another college. How do I change my home campus to Laney so that I can qualify for Laney’s Fall is Free program?
Click “Log In” on the home page of https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and log in. You’ll have the option to “Add/Update Schools.” Add Laney College's school code (001266) and then submit the corrections for processing by the Department of Education. The school code is 001266.
Is there a deadline to complete my FAFSA?
Yes. Monday, October 23, 2023
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 1:30 pm-3:00 pm. 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 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 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 choosing the classes I want to take in Fall. 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/ or call (510) 464-3326.
What kinds of in-person support will there be if I need help applying or enrolling in classes and I can only come on Saturdays?
Saturday One-Stop:
Attend one of our two One-Stop events on either of the following Saturdays at the flagpole on Fallon Street:
- Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 10:00-1:00 pm
- Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00-1:00 pm
Staff and counselors will be available.
I would like to learn more about Laney, will there be Information Sessions in person on campus?
Yes! You should attend an Information Session! Faculty and staff will be there to answer all your questions. Information Sessions will be in the Tower lobby and free lunch or dinner will be served.
Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 12:30 pm & 6:00pm
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 12:30 pm & 6:00pm
Where do I get my student ID card?
Visit the Welcome Center, located in A-101, near the Flagpole on 9th and Fallon Streets.
Issues with student accounts and financial aid
What if I already paid my Fall fees?
Students who have completed a FAFSA or California Dream Act application and already paid tuition and fees will be refunded after the beginning of the semester via check. The refund will be issued after the semester begins.
If my fees are being paid by another campus group (Veterans, EOPS, or similar), am I still eligible for Fall is Free?
Yes. Even though your fees and tuition are covered, you still must complete your federal application for financial aid (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?
If you have a hold, call the Bursar’s Office and the Vice President of Business and Administrative Services at (510) 464-3131 or Laney Business Office at (510) 464-3228 for assistance.
I’ve registered for Fall is Free. Why do I see a balanced owed on my student account?
You will see a balance due on your account until it has been verified that you have completed the required financial aid application (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application to qualify for the program. 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 or Dream Act application by Monday, October 23, 2023, you will be responsible for any outstanding tuition or fees for the Fall 2023 semester.
Bookstore
My instructor is requiring books that are not available through the Laney Bookstore. Are those free?
No.
How do I get my books and materials for class?
Go to the Laney Bookstore in the lower level of the SSC (cafeteria) building. Show them your student id card and they will give you the required books and instructional materials.
If purchasing 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. Please have your order number ready.
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 Spring 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 books. 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 are the bookstore hours?
Summer Hours
June 20th - July 27th:
Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm
Fall Hours
Beginning August 21st:
Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Fridays 9:00am - 4:00pm
AC Transit Passes
What do I have to do to be eligible for the free AC Transit pass?
You must be enrolled in and maintain six or more units and have completed your financial aid application (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application.
Student Services Available
Do you need assistance with learning?
Academic accommodations can be given to students with learning challenges via Student Accessibility Services. Call SAS at (510) 464-3428 or see their webpage at Student Accessibility Services Home - Student Accessibility Services Student Accessibility Services (laney.edu). To request services, submit the form found at Accessing SAS Services - Student Accessibility Services Student Accessibility Services (laney.edu).
Technology
Are there programs available that can help me pay for internet services at my home?
Laney is not able to financially support your home internet costs, but you should check out the Affordable Connectivity Program from the federal government at https://www.fcc.gov/acp. This program provides discounts on home internet service that you may be eligible for.
COVID-19 policies
What are Laney’s policies about COVID-19 and vaccinations?
Laney College follows the Peralta Community College District’s COVID-19 policy. All students are required to wear a mask while on campus and upload proof of vaccination or receive an exemption to the policy if they are coming to campus. Details can be found at htts://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 available here. If you do not have a smartphone, you can stop by the Tower lobby to use the computer and printer that are there.
Program funding
Summer 2023 Session
How many hours per week will I have to study in addition to the hours I am in class?
The general rule of thumb is that for every one hour of class time, a student should expect two hours of homework.
Class hours | Homework hours |
1 | 2 |
2 | 4 |
3 | 6 |
4 | 8 |
5 | 10 |