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College Application Help
127 resources found
What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse — Urban Institute / National Reentry Resource Center
An online clearinghouse that offers access to research on the effectiveness of various reentry programs. It helps users identify evidence-based support services for education and employment.
National Directory of Higher Education in Prison Programs — Alliance for Higher Education in Prison
This directory serves as a central hub for finding higher education programs operating within prisons across the United States. It helps students and families locate specific institutional pathways.
Santa Rosa Junior College Second Chance Program — Santa Rosa Junior College
Second Chance is a support program for formerly incarcerated students that provides course materials, admissions support, and programming. It also facilitates the IGNITE program for incarcerated students in local detention facilities.
Folsom Lake College Prison and Reentry Education Program — Folsom Lake College
This program supports students in correctional facilities and upon their return to their communities. It provides intentional relationships between faculty, admissions, and counseling to ensure student success.
Madison College Correctional Education — Madison Area Technical College
Madison College participates in the Second Chance Pell initiative, offering college courses to incarcerated students. The program focuses on providing hope and career readiness for those nearing release and those with long-term sentences.
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Correctional Education — Milwaukee Area Technical College
MATC provides postsecondary educational opportunities in multiple correctional institutions across Wisconsin. They offer academic advising and career pathways to help students prepare for family-sustaining jobs post-release.
Second Chance Pell Program — U.S. Department of Education
An experimental site initiative that allows incarcerated individuals to receive Pell Grants to pursue post-secondary education while in prison. It helps cover tuition and educational costs to improve reentry outcomes.
National College Attainment Network (NCAN) — National College Attainment Network
NCAN supports a network of college access programs that assist students transitioning from prison to college campuses. They focus on expanding services to justice-impacted students.
National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) — The Council of State Governments Justice Center
The NRRC provides a comprehensive online library and database of reentry programs nationwide. It offers resources for returning individuals and families regarding education, housing, and employment.
College Access & Success for Justice-Impacted Students — National College Attainment Network (NCAN)
Provides resources and professional development for program leaders to expand college access services to justice-impacted students. Focuses on transitioning students from prison to campus.
National College Attainment Network (NCAN) Justice-Impacted Resources — National College Attainment Network
NCAN provides guides and toolkits to help practitioners assist justice-impacted students with FAFSA completion, technology access, and career support. They focus on the transition from prison education programs to brick-and-mortar college campuses.
Federal TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) — U.S. Department of Education
The EOC program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. It also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants, including help with FAFSA completion.
Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) — U.S. Department of Education
VUB is a TRIO program designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education.
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) — Council for Opportunity in Education
TRIO EOC programs provide counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a post-secondary education program. They assist with financial aid applications, including FAFSA completion.
Student Loan Fresh Start — U.S. Department of Education
A temporary program that helps borrowers with defaulted federal student loans get back into good standing. This is critical for formerly incarcerated students who may have defaulted during periods of incarceration.
Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Resources — Council for Opportunity in Education
COE provides webinars and resources to support low-income and first-generation students in accessing higher education. They offer guidance on financial aid and college success strategies.
Student Support Services (SSS) — U.S. Department of Education
SSS programs provide academic advising, tutoring, and personal and career counseling to help college students persist and graduate. These services are vital for justice-impacted students navigating campus life.
BigFuture — College Board
A comprehensive online resource for college planning, including scholarship searches, career exploration, and financial aid guidance. It helps students of all backgrounds prepare for postsecondary education.
National College Attainment Network (NCAN) — NCAN
NCAN supports a network of college access programs that assist justice-impacted students. They provide resources for program leaders to expand services for students transitioning from prison to college campuses.
College Greenlight — EAB
An online platform that connects first-generation and underrepresented students with colleges and scholarship opportunities. It provides resources to help students navigate the college search and financial aid process.
Dell Scholars — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
This program provides students with a scholarship, laptop, and ongoing support to ensure they complete their degree. It is designed for students who have overcome significant personal obstacles.
College Possible — College Possible
College Possible provides low-income students with the support they need to get into and graduate from college. They offer near-peer coaching and curriculum-based support for college applications and financial aid.
TRIO Upward Bound — U.S. Department of Education
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. It offers academic instruction, tutoring, and assistance with college and financial aid applications.
Rising Scholars Network — California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
While California-based, this network serves as a model for supporting currently and formerly incarcerated students. It provides grants to colleges to scale programs and ensure students can access financial aid.
Second Chance Pell Experiment — U.S. Department of Education
This initiative allows incarcerated individuals to receive Pell Grants to pursue postsecondary education while in prison. It partners with over 100 colleges across the country to provide degree and certificate programs.
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) — U.S. Department of Education
TRIO EOC programs provide counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a post-secondary education program. They assist with FAFSA completion and navigating the college enrollment process.
Federal TRIO Programs — U.S. Department of Education
TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, and financial aid application assistance. They are specifically designed to support low-income, first-generation students and individuals with disabilities.
Federal Student Aid Fresh Start Program — U.S. Department of Education
A temporary program that allows borrowers with defaulted federal student loans to return to good standing. It restores access to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, for those who previously defaulted.
TRIO Talent Search — U.S. Department of Education
Talent Search provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice.
Federal TRIO Programs (Educational Opportunity Centers) — U.S. Department of Education
TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers provide counseling and information on college admissions and financial aid to qualified adults. They assist with FAFSA completion and navigating the postsecondary education system.
Federal Student Aid 'Fresh Start' — U.S. Department of Education
A temporary program that helps borrowers with defaulted federal student loans regain access to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and new loans.
Federal Student Aid for Students with Criminal Records — Federal Interagency Reentry Council
A guide designed to help students with criminal records understand their eligibility for federal financial aid and how to navigate the application process.
National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) — Bureau of Justice Assistance
The NRRC provides technical assistance and resources for reentry programs across the country. It serves as a hub for information on education, employment, and housing for returning citizens.
Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network (FICGN) — Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network
An international network of formerly incarcerated college graduates that provides peer support, networking, and advocacy for justice-impacted students. It connects individuals to a community of peers who have successfully navigated higher education after incarceration.
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) — U.S. Department of Education
GEAR UP is a college preparatory program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. It provides support services to students and their families throughout their academic journey.
National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) — Council of State Governments Justice Center
The NRRC provides a centralized hub for reentry resources, including toolkits for helping incarcerated students complete the FAFSA and information on funding opportunities for reentry programs.
Federal Student Aid for Students with Criminal Records — Federal Student Aid (FSA)
Provides guidance on how to complete the FAFSA and access federal financial aid for students with criminal records. It clarifies eligibility for Pell Grants and other federal assistance programs.
NCAN Justice Fellows Program — National College Attainment Network
This program supports college access and success initiatives by developing tools and strategies for justice-impacted students. It focuses on navigating financial aid and mental health services.
Second Chance Pell — U.S. Department of Education
An initiative that provides Pell Grant access to incarcerated individuals to pursue post-secondary education while in prison. It helps students earn degrees that are transferable upon release.
Federal Pell Grant (Restored Access) — U.S. Department of Education
Following the FAFSA Simplification Act, incarcerated students are now eligible to apply for Pell Grants to fund postsecondary education. This financial aid helps cover tuition and related costs for eligible prison education programs.
Associates Scholars Empowerment Program — College Board
Offers scholarships for Black or African-American students pursuing an associate degree or professional certification. Special consideration is given to formerly incarcerated individuals interested in trade and health professions.
TRIO Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) — U.S. Department of Education
VUB provides intensive basic skills development and academic support to veterans to prepare them for success in postsecondary education. It is particularly helpful for veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
National Reentry Resource Center — Council of State Governments Justice Center
The NRRC provides technical assistance, research, and a comprehensive database of reentry programs across the country. It helps individuals and families identify local service providers and resources for successful community reintegration.
GEAR UP — U.S. Department of Education
A college preparatory program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. It provides early awareness and readiness services.
Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network (FICGN) — FICGN
An international network that connects formerly incarcerated college graduates for mentorship and professional support. It provides a community for those navigating higher education after incarceration.
Second Chance Pell Initiative — U.S. Department of Education
This initiative provides need-based Pell Grants to people in state and federal prisons to increase access to postsecondary education. It allows participating colleges to offer credentialed programs to incarcerated students.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) — U.S. Department of Education
SSS programs provide academic advising, tutoring, and personal and career counseling to college students. These services are vital for formerly incarcerated students to ensure successful degree completion.
TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) — U.S. Department of Education
The EOC program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a post-secondary education program. It is specifically noted for supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in navigating the enrollment process.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — U.S. Department of Education
The primary application for federal grants, work-study, and loans. Incarcerated individuals and those with prior justice involvement are now eligible to apply for Pell Grants to fund postsecondary education.
Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) — U.S. Department of Education (TRIO)
A TRIO program designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education.
Student Support Services (SSS) — U.S. Department of Education (TRIO)
Provides academic advising, tutoring, and personal and career counseling to help college students persist and graduate. Many programs specifically support justice-impacted students on campus.
National Reentry Resource Center — Bureau of Justice Assistance
The NRRC provides technical assistance and resources to help formerly incarcerated individuals access benefits, education, and employment. It serves as a hub for information on reentry policies and support services.
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) — U.S. Department of Education (TRIO)
Provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a post-secondary education program. It assists with financial aid applications, including FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grant for Incarcerated Students — U.S. Department of Education
The restoration of Pell Grant eligibility allows incarcerated individuals to receive federal financial aid to pay for postsecondary education programs. This is a critical resource for covering tuition and fees for eligible prison education programs.
Federal Pell Grants
Need-based grants for undergraduate students that do not have to be repaid.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Apply for grants, loans, and work-study for college and trade school at studentaid.gov.
Indiana College Application Week - Indianapolis
Free college application assistance in Indianapolis through Indiana's College Application Week. Counselors help with applications to Ivy Tech, IUPUI, Butler, and other Indiana schools. FAFSA and Frank O'Bannon Grant guidance. Returning citizens from Indiana prisons encouraged to apply to open-access Ivy Tech campuses.
Missouri College Advising - Free Help, Kansas City
Free college application assistance in Kansas City through Missouri Department of Higher Education partnerships. Helps adults apply to Metropolitan Community College, UMKC, and other Missouri schools. FAFSA, Access Missouri, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Hawaii College Application Month - Honolulu
Free college application assistance in Honolulu through Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education. Helps adults apply to University of Hawaii system, Honolulu Community College, and other schools. FAFSA and Hawaii Need-Based Financial Aid guidance included. Returning citizens welcome.
Illinois College Application Week - Chicago
Free college application assistance in Chicago through Illinois College Application Week and Chicago Public Library. Counselors help with applications to City Colleges of Chicago, UIC, DePaul, and other Illinois schools. FAFSA, Illinois MAP Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Cook County Jail and Illinois prisons actively supported.
Nevada College Application Week - Las Vegas
Free college application assistance in Las Vegas through Nevada College Access. Counselors help with applications to College of Southern Nevada, UNLV, and other Nevada schools. FAFSA and Nevada financial aid guidance. Returning citizens welcomed at CSN's open-access programs.
Idaho College Application Week - Boise
Free college application assistance in Boise through Idaho College Application Week. Counselors help adults apply to Boise State University, College of Western Idaho, and other Idaho schools. FAFSA and Idaho opportunity scholarship guidance included.
Tennessee College Access - Free Help, Nashville
Free college application assistance in Nashville through Tennessee College Access and Success Network (TCASN). Counselors help with applications to Nashville State, Vanderbilt, Belmont, and other TN schools. FAFSA, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens especially encouraged — Tennessee Reconnect Grant covers community college tuition.
South Dakota College Application Week - Sioux Falls
Free college application assistance in Sioux Falls through South Dakota Board of Regents College Application Week. Counselors help with applications to Southeast Tech, USD, and other SD schools. FAFSA and South Dakota financial aid guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
North Dakota College Application Week - Bismarck
Free college application assistance in Bismarck through North Dakota Student Financial Assistance. Counselors help with applications to Bismarck State College, UND, NDSU, and other ND schools. FAFSA and North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Mississippi College Application Week - Jackson
Free college application assistance in Jackson through Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning College Application Week. Counselors help with applications to Hinds Community College, Jackson State, and other Mississippi schools. FAFSA and Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Connecticut College Application Month - Hartford
Free college application help in Hartford during Connecticut College Application Month and year-round at Hartford Public Library. Counselors assist with applications to CSCU schools, UConn, and private colleges. FAFSA, CT Need-Based Aid, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens supported.
Iowa College Aid - Free Application Help, Des Moines
Free college application assistance in Des Moines through Iowa College Aid. Counselors help with applications to DMACC, Drake, Iowa State, and other Iowa schools. FAFSA, Iowa Grants, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Florida College Access Network - Tampa
Free college application assistance in Tampa. Counselors help with applications to Hillsborough Community College, USF, and other Florida colleges. FAFSA and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens encouraged.
Pennsylvania College Application Week - Philadelphia
Free college application help in Philadelphia through the Philadelphia College Access Network. Counselors assist with applications to CCP, Temple, Drexel, and other PA schools. FAFSA, Pennsylvania State Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Philadelphia prisons actively supported — PA State Grant available to them.
Nebraska College Application Week - Omaha
Free college application assistance in Omaha through Nebraska College Application Week. Counselors help with applications to Metropolitan Community College, University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton, and other schools. FAFSA and Nebraska Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Montana College Application Week - Billings
Free college application help in Billings through Montana University System College Application Week. Counselors assist with applications to MSU Billings, Montana State, and other Montana schools. FAFSA and Montana University System financial aid guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Texas College Access - Free Help, San Antonio
Free college application assistance in San Antonio through College Advising Corps and San Antonio Public Library. Bilingual counselors help with applications to Alamo Colleges, UTSA, Trinity, and other TX schools. FAFSA, TASFA, Texas Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Delaware College Application Week - Wilmington
Free college application assistance in Wilmington through Delaware College Application Week. Helps adults apply to Delaware Technical Community College, University of Delaware, and other schools. FAFSA and Delaware Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) scholarship guidance included.
Virginia College Access - Free Help, Virginia Beach
Free college application help in Virginia Beach through Virginia's college access network. Counselors assist with applications to TCC, Old Dominion, and other Virginia schools. FAFSA, VGAP, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Hampton Roads-area jails and Virginia prisons welcome.
Wyoming College Application Week - Cheyenne
Free college application assistance in Cheyenne through Wyoming Community College Commission and Wyoming Student Loan Corporation. Counselors help with applications to Laramie County Community College, UW, and other Wyoming schools. FAFSA and Wyoming Hathaway Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome at LCCC's open-access programs.
Arizona College Application Campaign - Phoenix
Free college application assistance in Phoenix. Counselors help with applications to Maricopa Community Colleges, ASU, and other Arizona schools. FAFSA help, scholarship searches, and essay guidance. Returning citizens can access second-chance programs at Maricopa colleges.
Kentucky College Application Week - Louisville
Free college application assistance in Louisville through Kentucky's College Access and Regional Development Initiative. Counselors help with applications to Jefferson Community College, U of L, and other Kentucky schools. FAFSA and Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) guidance. Returning citizens encouraged.
Wisconsin College Access - Free Help, Madison
Free college application help in Madison through Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. Counselors assist with applications to Madison College, UW-Madison, Edgewood, and other Wisconsin schools. FAFSA and Wisconsin Grant guidance. Returning citizens welcome at Madison College's open-access programs.
Oklahoma College Application Week - Oklahoma City
Free college application assistance in Oklahoma City through Oklahoma College Application Week. Counselors help with applications to OSU-OKC, UCO, and other Oklahoma schools. FAFSA and Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
New Jersey College Application Week - Newark
Free college application assistance in Newark through New Jersey Association for College Admissions Counseling (NJACAC). Counselors help with applications to Essex County College, Rutgers Newark, NJIT, and other NJ schools. FAFSA, NJ TAG Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from NJ prisons actively supported — NJ TAG is available to them.
New York State College Access - Buffalo
Free college application assistance in Buffalo through Say Yes Buffalo and Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Counselors help with applications to Erie Community College, Buffalo State, UB, and other NY schools. FAFSA, TAP Grant, and Say Yes scholarship. Returning citizens welcome.
Rhode Island College Access - Free Help, Providence
Free college application assistance in Providence through Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority. Counselors help with applications to CCRI, Rhode Island College, URI, and Brown. FAFSA, Rhode Island State Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome at CCRI's open-access programs.
Missouri College Advising - Free Help, St. Louis
Free college application assistance in St. Louis through Missouri Department of Higher Education. Counselors help with applications to St. Louis Community College, UMSL, Washington University, and other Missouri schools. FAFSA, Access Missouri Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens supported.
Texas College Access - Free Help, Houston
Free college application assistance in Houston through College Advising Corps and Houston Public Library. Bilingual counselors help with applications to HCC, UH, Rice, and other Texas schools. FAFSA, TASFA, Texas Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Harris County Jail and Texas prisons are supported — Texas Grant available to them.
Washington College Access - Free Help, Spokane
Free college application help in Spokane through Washington Student Achievement Council partnerships. Counselors assist with applications to Spokane Community College, EWU, Gonzaga, and other WA schools. FAFSA and Washington College Grant guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Oregon College Application Week - Portland
Free college application assistance in Portland through Oregon ASPIRE and library partnerships. Counselors help with applications to Portland Community College, PSU, Reed, and other Oregon schools. FAFSA, Oregon Opportunity Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Oregon prisons actively supported.
Maine College Application Week - Portland
Free college application assistance in Portland through Maine College Access. Helps adults apply to Southern Maine Community College, University of Maine, and other Maine schools. FAFSA and Maine State Grant guidance. Returning citizens actively welcomed.
Minnesota Office of Higher Education - College Help, Minneapolis
Free college application help in Minneapolis through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and library partnerships. Assists with applications to MCTC, University of Minnesota, and other Minnesota schools. FAFSA, Minnesota State Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens encouraged.
New Hampshire College Application Week - Manchester
Free college application help in Manchester through New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation. Counselors assist with applications to NHTI, SNHU, UNH Manchester, and other schools. FAFSA and New Hampshire Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Maryland College Application Week - Baltimore
Free college application help in Baltimore through Maryland College Application Week. Counselors assist with applications to BCCC, Morgan State, UMBC, and other Maryland schools. FAFSA, Maryland State Scholarship, and financial aid guidance. Returning citizens from Baltimore jails and Maryland prisons are prioritized.
Arizona College Application Campaign - Tucson
Free college application assistance in Tucson. Trained counselors help with applications to Pima Community College, University of Arizona, and other schools. FAFSA, scholarships, and financial aid guidance included.
California College Guidance Initiative - San Francisco
Free college application assistance in San Francisco. Helps adults apply to CCSF, SFSU, UC Berkeley, and private colleges. FAFSA, CADAA, Cal Grant, and scholarship support. SF has robust second-chance college programs for returning citizens.
DC College Access Program - Washington DC
Free college application assistance in Washington DC through DC College Access Program (DC-CAP). Comprehensive help with college applications, FAFSA, DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), scholarships, and financial aid. Returning citizens from DC Jail and federal prisons actively supported. DC TAG covers up to $10,000/year at out-of-state public universities.
Kansas College Application Week - Wichita
Free college application help in Wichita through Kansas Board of Regents College Application Week. Assists with applications to Wichita State, WATC, and other Kansas colleges. FAFSA and Kansas Comprehensive Grant guidance included. Returning citizens welcome.
Massachusetts College Access Network - Boston
Free college application help in Boston through Massachusetts College Access Network (MassCAN). Counselors assist with applications to Bunker Hill, UMass Boston, Northeastern, and other schools. FAFSA, MassGrant, and Adams Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Massachusetts prisons are prioritized and MassGrant is available to them.
North Carolina College Application Week - Raleigh
Free college application assistance in Raleigh through NC College Application Week. Counselors help with applications to Wake Tech, NC State, Shaw, and other NC schools. FAFSA and NC Need-Based Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome at Wake Tech.
South Carolina College Application Week - Columbia
Free college application help in Columbia through SC College Application Week. Counselors assist with applications to Midlands Tech, USC Columbia, Benedict College, and other SC schools. FAFSA and SC Tuition Grants guidance. Returning citizens welcome at Midlands Tech.
California College Guidance Initiative - Los Angeles
Free college application assistance in Los Angeles through the California College Guidance Initiative and LA area college access organizations. Helps with UC, CSU, community college, and private school applications. FAFSA/CADAA completion, Cal Grant information, and scholarship matching. Returning citizens can access special programs at many LA colleges.
Florida College Access Network - Jacksonville
Free college application help in Jacksonville. Assists with applications to Florida State College at Jacksonville, UNF, and other Florida schools. FAFSA and scholarship guidance included. Returning citizens encouraged to apply to FSCJ's open-access programs.
Georgia College Application Week - Atlanta
Free college application help in Atlanta through Georgia College Application Week. Counselors assist with applications to Georgia State, Georgia Tech, GPSC, and Atlanta Technical College. FAFSA, HOPE Scholarship guidance, and scholarship searches. Returning citizens supported — many GA colleges have second-chance admissions.
Texas College Access - Free Help, Dallas
Free college application help in Dallas through Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Dallas Public Library. Counselors assist with applications to Dallas College, UTD, SMU, and other Texas schools. FAFSA, Texas Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcomed.
New Mexico College Application Week - Albuquerque
Free college application assistance in Albuquerque through New Mexico Higher Education Department. Bilingual counselors help with applications to CNM, UNM, and other New Mexico schools. FAFSA, NM Legislative Lottery Scholarship, and financial aid guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Tennessee College Access - Free Help, Memphis
Free college application help in Memphis through Tennessee College Access and Southwest Tennessee Community College partnerships. Counselors assist with applications to STCC, U of Memphis, Rhodes, and other TN schools. FAFSA, Tennessee Reconnect, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome — TN Reconnect covers community college tuition.
Arkansas College Application Week - Little Rock
Free college application help in Little Rock through Arkansas College Application Week and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Counselors assist with applications to UAFS, Pulaski Tech, UALR, and other Arkansas colleges. FAFSA and scholarship guidance included.
Virginia College Access - Free Help, Portsmouth VA
Free college application assistance in Portsmouth through Virginia's college access network and Portsmouth Public Library. Helps adults apply to Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University, and other VA schools. FAFSA and Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) guidance. Returning citizens actively welcomed.
Washington College Access - Free Help, Seattle
Free college application assistance in Seattle through Washington Student Achievement Council and Seattle Colleges. Counselors help with applications to Seattle Colleges, UW, Seattle University, and other WA schools. FAFSA, Washington College Grant (formerly State Need Grant), and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from King County Jail and Washington prisons are prioritized — WA College Grant is available to them.
Florida College Access Network - Miami
Free college application assistance in Miami through the Florida College Access Network. Bilingual counselors help with applications to Miami Dade College, FIU, UM, and other schools. FAFSA, Florida Bright Futures (if eligible), and scholarship support. Returning citizens welcome at Miami Dade College's Second Chance Program.
Michigan College Access Network - Detroit
Free college application assistance in Detroit through the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). Counselors help with applications to Wayne County Community College, Wayne State, and other Michigan schools. FAFSA, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, and financial aid guidance. Returning citizens from Wayne County Jail and Michigan prisons are actively supported.
Wisconsin College Access - Free Help, Milwaukee
Free college application assistance in Milwaukee through Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board and College Possible Milwaukee. Counselors help with applications to MATC, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette, and other WI schools. FAFSA, Wisconsin Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Milwaukee County Jail and Wisconsin prisons actively supported — WI Grant available to them.
Utah College Application Week - Salt Lake City
Free college application assistance in Salt Lake City through Utah System of Higher Education. Counselors help with applications to SLCC, University of Utah, Utah State, and other Utah schools. FAFSA and Utah Centennial Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome at SLCC's open-access programs.
West Virginia College Application Week - Charleston
Free college application assistance in Charleston through West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Counselors help with applications to BridgeValley CTC, WVU, and other WV schools. FAFSA, PROMISE Scholarship, and West Virginia Higher Education Grant guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Vermont College Application Week - Burlington
Free college application help in Burlington through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). Counselors assist with applications to CCV, UVM, Champlain, and other Vermont schools. FAFSA, Vermont Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome — CCV's open-access community college model accommodates all adults.
Virginia College Access - Free Help, Richmond
Free college application assistance in Richmond through College Access Virginia and Virginia public libraries. Counselors help with applications to Reynolds Community College, VCU, University of Richmond, and other VA schools. FAFSA, Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP), and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Virginia prisons welcomed.
California College Guidance Initiative - Sacramento
Free college application help in Sacramento. Assists with applications to Sacramento City College, Sac State, UC Davis, and other schools. FAFSA, CADAA, Cal Grant, and scholarship support included.
New York State College Access - NYC
Free college application help in New York City through CUNY's College Access for All and NYC's College Access for All initiative. Counselors help with applications to CUNY schools, SUNY, and private colleges. FAFSA, TAP Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Rikers Island and NY prisons are prioritized — NY TAP Grant is available to them.
California College Guidance Initiative - San Diego
Free college application assistance in San Diego. Counselors help with applications to San Diego Community Colleges, SDSU, UC San Diego, and private schools. FAFSA, Cal Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens encouraged.
Louisiana College Access Week - New Orleans
Free college application help in New Orleans through Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. Counselors assist with applications to Delgado Community College, UNO, Tulane, and other Louisiana schools. FAFSA, TOPS scholarship, and other financial aid guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
Colorado GEAR UP - College Application Help, Denver
Free college application assistance in Denver through Colorado GEAR UP and Denver Public Library. Helps adults apply to Community College of Denver, MSU Denver, CU Denver, and other Colorado colleges. FAFSA, COHEAP scholarship, and financial aid guidance. Returning citizens welcome.
North Carolina College Application Week - Charlotte
Free college application help in Charlotte through NC College Application Week. Counselors assist with applications to CPCC, UNC Charlotte, Davidson, and other NC schools. FAFSA and North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship guidance. Returning citizens welcome — CPCC has open-access admissions.
Ohio College Access - Free Help, Cleveland
Free college application help in Cleveland through College Now Greater Cleveland. Counselors assist with applications to Tri-C, Cleveland State, Case Western, and other Ohio schools. FAFSA, Ohio College Opportunity Grant, and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Cuyahoga County Jail and Ohio prisons supported.
Ohio College Access - Free Help, Columbus
Free college application assistance in Columbus through Ohio College Access Network. Counselors help with applications to Columbus State, Ohio State, Otterbein, and other Ohio schools. FAFSA, Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), and scholarship guidance. Returning citizens from Ohio prisons are welcomed and OCOG may be available.
Pennsylvania College Application Week - Pittsburgh
Free college application assistance in Pittsburgh through the Pittsburgh-area college access network. Counselors help with applications to CCAC, Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, and other PA schools. FAFSA and PA State Grant guidance. Returning citizens welcome at CCAC.
Alabama College Application Campaign - Birmingham
Free college application assistance for Birmingham residents. Trained counselors help with college applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, essay writing, and financial aid appeals. Returning citizens and first-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply. Many Alabama colleges accept students with criminal records.
Alabama College Application Campaign - Montgomery
Free college application assistance in Montgomery. Counselors help with applications to 2-year and 4-year colleges, FAFSA, scholarships, and personal statements. Returning citizens encouraged — Alabama colleges increasingly offer second-chance admissions policies.
Alaska College Application Week - Anchorage
Free college application assistance during Alaska College Application Week and year-round through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. Helps adults apply to UA system schools, FAFSA, scholarships, and financial aid. Returning citizens are encouraged to apply to University of Alaska programs.
College Possible - Free College Application Coaching
Free one-on-one coaching for college applications, financial aid (FAFSA), and scholarship searches. They help you find colleges with second-chance admission policies and Pell Grant eligibility.
