This article was provided by the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).
For many students, the biggest barrier to college isn’t motivation — it’s cost. At the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), a growing number of students are discovering that higher education can be far more affordable than they imagined — and in some cases, completely tuition-free.
Through a combination of federal and state financial aid, scholarships and programs such as the Baltimore County and Maryland Community College Promise scholarships, eligible students can attend CCBC without paying tuition. These initiatives are designed to remove financial barriers and help students focus on their education and career goals rather than the price tag.
The approach is working. The majority of CCBC students receive full or partial tuition assistance, making college accessible for thousands of Baltimore-area residents each year.
For student Leah Goodman, affordability was a key factor in choosing CCBC. Goodman, an honors scholar studying interior design, knew she wanted the freedom to explore her interests without taking on significant debt.
“I didn’t want to pay thousands of dollars just to switch my major halfway through my college career,” Goodman says. “CCBC’s affordability has allowed me to commute to college, fund my clubs, explore more educational opportunities and focus on my studies instead of picking up a job to afford tuition.”
At CCBC, Goodman has been able to develop her creative talents while participating in the Honors College, student clubs and leadership opportunities. Like many students who start at the college, she plans to continue her education at a four-year university after earning her associate degree through the Degrees to Succeed program.
Programs that reduce or eliminate tuition are helping make that pathway possible for more students across the region. By lowering financial barriers, CCBC is opening doors to higher education and helping students start their futures with opportunity instead of debt.
Explore CCBC in Person
Curious about CCBC? Come see it for yourself.
Spring Open House
Saturday, April 18 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
CCBC Catonsville
✔ Tour the campus
✔ Meet faculty and students
✔ Explore programs and student life
✔ Learn how many students are attending tuition-free
Register: ccbcmd.edu/openhouse
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