ATHENS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Concord University’s CU Free program is offering West Virginia students the opportunity to earn a four-year degree without paying tuition out-of-pocket.
Established in 2019, the initiative provides last-dollar financial assistance to qualifying students, covering tuition costs after all other federal, state, institutional, and external aid has been applied.
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“If you are eligible for Pell grants, you are eligible for a free education at Concord University,” said Tammy Brown, Chief Enrollment Management Officer.
Since its inception, CU Free has supported 88 students, with 37 already graduating and entering the workforce.
The program is open to incoming freshmen, current students, and transfer students who meet eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for CU Free, students must:
- Be Pell Grant eligible
- Be a West Virginia resident eligible for the WV Higher Education Grant
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (incoming freshmen) or 2.75 (transfer students)
- File the FAFSA before April 15
- Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours per semester)
The program covers base tuition costs and can be renewed for up to four years (eight semesters) for first-time freshmen.
Transfer students may renew up to eight semesters, depending on transferred credits.
Renewal Requirements
To maintain CU Free eligibility, students must:
- Stay continuously enrolled full-time
- Remain Pell Grant and WV Higher Education Grant eligible
- Complete the FAFSA annually by April 15
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Earn at least 24 credit hours per year
- Meet satisfactory academic progress
“Concord University is already very affordable, but the CU Free program ensures that every individual seeking a higher education can access it here,” Brown added. “The CU Free program also allows community college students who enjoyed the West Virginia Invests Grant at a two-year institution to continue their education with no tuition cost.”
For more information about CU Free, visit Concord University’s website. To apply to Concord University, visit theadmissions page.
