DACC offering free college to new full-time students this fall

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Danville Area Community College is starting a pilot program this fall that will allow first-time, full-time students to graduate on time — for free.

The “Provost’s Promise” program was inspired by a campus visit from Governor J.B. Pritzker, who shared his goal of offering free community college through state and federal grants. Now, the Provost’s Promise will officially launch for new students in the Fall 2024 semester.

“The Provost’s Promise essentially offers students a pathway to graduating in two years or less without paying a penny out of their own pocket,” said Carl Bridges, DACC Provost and VP of Academics and Student Services. “But to receive this benefit, they’ll need to make a commitment to study hard and stay on track toward graduation.”

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The program is only open to in-district residents. To participate, students must sign a pledge that acknowledges admission requirements. Then, they must continue meet all the necessary conditions to remain in the program.

For the first semester, Bridges said Provost’s Promise scholars must know which major and what degree or certificate they will work towards, complete FAFSA and all financial aid requirements, and apply for Foundation scholarships. They must also register for and complete at least 15 credit hours while maintaining a GPA of 2.50 or more each semester.

College credits earned in high school or through other accredited colleges will also count toward the degree requirements. Students will be assigned a personal academic mentor to help them on their scholarly journeys.

“Thanks largely to the strong community support DACC receives in Foundation scholarships and the vision of Dr. Bridges, Chief Financial Officer Tammy Betancourt, Financial Aid Director Jonathan Jett, and our Board of Trustees, we can extend free community college to all of our students, even those who aren’t eligible for MAP and Pell grants,” DACC President Stephen Nacco said.

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The DACC will not financially penalize Provost’s Promise scholars who might falter during the program. However, those who are receiving federal Pell while dropping classes may need to repay their grants.

“Students who don’t make it to the finish line can still continue as DACC students,” Nacco said, “but they’ll need to find another way of paying for their education.”

Program participants who meet requirements and graduate on time will be debt-free. They will also receive special recognition during Commencement.

The deadline for Early Bird Registration will be Friday, June 28.

Bridges said new fall students should complete both the FAFSA and the DACC Foundation scholarship application in a timely manner to meet this deadline. DACC Foundation Scholarship applications are due Wednesday, May 1 for the Fall semester. This may be completed online at dacc.edu/scholarships.

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