Spring is Free at Laney College for California residents who complete a Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) or are eligible for the CA Dream Act and complete that application and who are enrolled in 6 or more units at Peralta Colleges.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Cost | CA resident with completed FAFSA or eligible for the CA Dream Act and have completed that application and who are enrolled in 6+ units | 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 in at least 6 units 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 in at least 6 units and complete your application for financial aid (either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application). |
Required culinary 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 if parked in designated spaces in the student parking lot. | Free if parked in designated spaces in the student parking lot. | Free if parked in designated spaces in the student parking lot. | Free if parked in designated spaces in the student parking lot. | Free if parked in designated spaces in the student parking lot. |
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 and are enrolled in 6+ units. |
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 and are enrolled in 6+ units. |
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 and are enrolled in 6+ units. |
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
Who is eligible?
California resident students, refugees, and undocumented students who complete their financial aid application (FAFSA) or their CA Dream Act application qualify for free tuition, fees, and books. For Spring, the College is, unfortunately, unable to offer these items to nonresident and international students.
To be eligible you must be enrolled in at least six units across all four Peralta colleges (Laney, Merritt, College of Alameda, and Berkeley City College).
All students are eligible for some benefits. See the chart at the top of this page for specifics.
How many units do I have to take to get Spring for Free?
You must be enrolled in at least six units across all four Peralta colleges (Laney, Merritt, College of Alameda, and Berkeley City College).
I am unable to take six units. Is there a process I go through to get exempt from the six-unit minimum so I can still get Spring Free?
Yes. The Cashier’s Office in A 201 will have a paper form you will be able to fill out to get an exemption. The form will be available in mid-January.
I completed my financial aid application (FAFSA) or the Dream Act application in Fall 2023. Do I need to do it again?
You need to do one application per year. If you completed yours in Fall 2023 you do not need to do a new one for Spring 2024.
What if I am not sure I am eligible?
Visit the Welcome Center in A-Building, Room 102, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00 pm
I don’t think I will qualify for financial aid. Should I submit a FAFSA anyway and will I qualify for Spring is Free if I make too much money?
Yes, you will still qualify for Spring 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 and enroll in 6 or more units across Peralta Colleges to be eligible for the Spring is Free program. The deadline to submit your application is April 1, 2024.
How many units are free?
You must be enrolled in six units as a minimum. The maximum number of units you can get for free is 18. 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 Spring is Free?
Yes! You can add as many late start classes up to 18 units. You must be enrolled in six units as a minimum. The maximum number of units you can get for free is 18. Part-time and full-time students are all eligible.
I am taking only noncredit courses. Do I qualify for Spring 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 Spring is Free, will those classes also be free?
Yes! You can add as many late start classes up to 18 units. You must be enrolled in six units as a minimum. The maximum number of units you can get for free is 18. Part-time and full-time students are all eligible.
I want to take classes in the Spring semester, but I cannot start until February or March. Can I qualify for Spring 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 Spring. Spring is Free applies to all classes in the term.
Does Spring is Free cover undocumented/DACA/Dream Act students?
Yes, if you are eligible to complete the CA Dream Act application. If you have questions or need help, go to the Undocumented Community Resource Center in Tower 201 or call (510) 464-3140
Does Spring 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 Spring 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. April 1, 2024.
What You Need To Do
What do I have to do to get these free items for Spring semester?
Apply to the college in CCC Apply, enroll in at least 6 units across the Peralta Colleges, and complete the FASFA (Federal Application for Student Financial Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (State Financial Aid Application for Undocumented Students). In your financial aid application, list Laney as your college.
- To apply: Go to https://laney.edu/enroll/ and click “Apply Now!”
- To enroll: Go to https://laney.edu/enroll/ and click “Ready to Enroll?”
- To complete the financial aid application (FASFA): https://laney.edu/financial_aid/
- To complete the CA Dream Act Application (Undocumented Students): https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing
I Need Help
Who do I contact for help with applying and enrolling?
- On campus: Visit the Welcome Center (Building A-101) Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm. Phone: (510) 464-3540
- For remote service join the Welcome Center open Zoom room:Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00am – 11:00am & 1:00pm – 3:00pm
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 Spring. 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?
One Stop Spring 2024
Saturday, January 13th & Saturday, January 20th 10 am-1 pm (Flagpole-Weather Permitting)
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 held on:
- Tuesday, December 7, 2023 at 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
- Thursday, December 12, 2023 at 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
- Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
- Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
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 & Financial Aid
What if I already paid my Spring 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 Spring 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 Spring 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 Spring 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 the deadline, you will be responsible for any outstanding tuition or fees for the Spring 2024 semester.
Bookstore
My instructor is requiring books that are not available through the Laney Bookstore. Are those free?
No.
What are the bookstore hours?
During the initial two weeks of school (1/22/24 - 2/2/24):
- Monday & Tuesday: 9 am - 7 pm - Wednesday & Thursday: 9 am - 6 pm - Friday: 9 am - 4 pm Starting from February 5, 2024, regular hours will be in effect: - Monday to Thursday: 9 am - 4 pm - Friday: 9 am - 1 pmAC Transit Passes
Where do I get my AC Transit Pass?
Bring your student ID card to the Cashier’s Office in A-201.
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
Are there support services for international students?
While free tuition and fees do not apply to international students, Laney's Office of International Students does offer services and tools to provide guidance and support. See https://www.peralta.edu/international/events to learn what is available for the spring semester. See the chart at the top of this page to see which elements of Spring is Free are available for international students.
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.
Are there Chromebooks available for checkout?
There is a very limited supply of Chromebooks available to check out from the library.
Program Funding
How is the college paying for this program?
Laney is using remaining COVID Recovery Block Grant and Student Retention Funds.
Summer 2024
Is Summer Free?
No, summer 2024 will not be free.
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 |