For Immediate Release: August 10, 2018
For more information, please call Student Financial Services at (831) 646-4030.

Monterey, CA: MPC TO OFFER FREE TUITION TO FULL-TIME FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS STARTING THIS FALL.

Monterey Peninsula College will offer free tuition for the 2018-2019 school year to new full-time students who meet certain qualifications as part of its Monterey Peninsula College Promise program.

    “The Monterey Peninsula College Promise adds another vital tool to MPC’s toolbox of student support mechanism,” explains Dr. Walt Tribley, the school’s Superintendent and President.  “With this program in place, individuals who graduated from a high school within our service district who meet the program criteria will be able to attend MPC without paying a dime for tuition during their first year.”

    The MPC service district covers every high school, public or private, on the Monterey Peninsula to include Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Seaside.

To qualify for the Monterey Peninsula College Promise, students must:

• have graduated from a high school within MPC’s service district;

• be a first time student at MPC;

• enroll full-time (defined as 12 units or more);

• declare an educational goal of earning a certificate, associate’s degree, or transfer to a four-year college or university;

• complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application; and

• complete an MPC Orientation and develop an Educational Plan with a counselor.

Units normally cost $46 each, so a student who takes a 12-unit load would save $552.  One who takes 16 units would save $736. Books and other expenses are not covered by the Promise program. Students who qualify for the Monterey Peninsula College Promise program and have already paid their tuition for the new term, which begins August 20, will be reimbursed. Funding for the Promise Initiative is being provided under state Assembly Bill 19, which is administered by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.  

MPC offers numerous resources and programs to support students achieving their educational goals while attending MPC.  “We know that tuition expenses are one of many challenges that our students have to consider, so it is important that they are aware of the myriad additional resources we have to offer at MPC,” explains Larry Walker, Interim Vice President of Student Services. “Financial support is just one piece of the puzzle. Our team stands ready to help provide the critical wrap-around support individuals need to make the transition to becoming a college student, all the way through to their graduation.”

Beccie Michael, MPC’s Vice President of Advancement, adds, “We appreciate the State’s investment in student completion. We live in a costly area where being a college student is extremely challenging; fortunately, ours is an incredibly generous community and we are honored to offer students privately-funded scholarships and other vital support that helps to ensure access and success for everyone.”

For more information, please contact Monterey Peninsula College Student Financial Services at (831) 646-4030 or visit our website at: www.mpc.edu/promise.