Peralta Gems

“Fall Is Free” is Back: Laney College is Here to Help you Pursue Your Dreams

Written by Johnathan Freeman | Aug 8, 2023 10:59:31 PM

OAKLAND, Calif.– For the second year in a row, Laney College is offering free tuition – paired with added incentives – urging the community to pursue an educational goal or simply explore a passion with the help of the college’s 130 different programs and 600+ classes.

The Fall is Free program is open to California residents, undocumented students, and refugees who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application or the California Dream Act application, and there are no minimum units required. Students can take any of the college’s in-person, hybrid, or online classes. International students are not eligible for the program.



In addition to free tuition, the program covers textbook costs and the college’s student health fees. Students will also receive free bus passes, free lunch on campus, free weekly produce boxes, and Chromebooks to check out from the Library.

“We invite students of all backgrounds and ages to explore the endless possibilities at our campus,” Rudy Besikof, president of Laney College said.

“As inflation grips our region, the need for high-wage earning potential increases, and Laney College offers specific classes to build skills or increase employment qualifications. Our certificate and degree programs meet students where they are and help build foundations that keep our graduates gainfully employed and in tune with their purpose.”  

For students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution, the college offers associate degrees and associate degrees for transfer, which guarantee admission into a California State University. 

Last year’s Fall is Free and Spring is Free campaigns were tremendously successful, with the college seeing huge gains in enrollment – particularly in the enrollment of Latinx and Black students. As the college readies for another upward trend in enrollments this fall, Laney College is once again the community’s first stop to pursue dreams, supported by those who believe anything is possible.  

For more information, students can visit the college’s Welcome Center, visit the Fall is Free website, or call the Fall is Free Helpdesk at (510) 255-3540, open from 9-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and mornings on Friday.  Laney will be hosting One Stop Enrollment events for the community on August 12 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the website offers an online FAQ.

#AnythingIsPossible

For more information, to schedule an interview/campus visit please contact:

Arlene Lontoc
alontoc@peralta.edu
(510) 464-3219