Free City Grant / Free City College

Free City is a partnership between City College of San Francisco and the City and County of San Francisco that covers per-unit enrollment fees for eligible CCSF students. Launched in 2017 with voter support, it is distinctive because eligibility is not based only on low income: residency and the state classification the college can verify are central.

For the standard pathway, a student must be a California resident and a San Francisco resident; certain nonresident tuition exemptions, including AB 540 and other state categories, can also qualify. The financial-aid office makes the final determination after reviewing records. Do not assume a mailing address or lease is sufficient by itself; ask CCSF which documents it accepts and how residency must appear in the admission file.

In 2026, the California-resident enrollment fee is $46 per unit, which Free City can cover. CCSF cautions that other costs remain, including health, web-registration, student-representation, activity, and some course-material fees. If a student drops a course after the full-refund deadline or is dropped by an instructor, the program may require repayment of the covered amount for that course.

The benefit coordinates with the California College Promise Grant when a student qualifies for both; it may appear as a fee waiver or a grant credited per unit. File FAFSA or the relevant state form to check additional aid, track enrollment units, and confirm the balance in the student portal. Free City reduces a specific charge, but it does not provide free transit, books, housing, or a guarantee that every semester expense is covered.

Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.

Official program information and application