Nebraska’s three state colleges-Wayne State College, Peru State College, and Chadron State College-are continuing their commitment to college affordability through the Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee. This program ensures that qualified Nebraska residents can attend these colleges tuition-free, making higher education more accessible for students from low- and moderate-income families.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee, students must:
- Be a Nebraska resident.
- Be a first-time freshman or an incoming transfer student.
- Be admitted to Chadron State, Peru State, or Wayne State College State College Guarantee.
- Qualify for the federal Pell Grant, as determined by the FAFSA Financial Aid Awarding for Summer Courses.
- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester, with at least one on-campus class (2014), and
- Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.
The guarantee is renewable for up to four years, provided students remain Pell-eligible, maintain good academic standing, and continue full-time, on-campus enrollment.
How Does It Work?
The program covers the full cost of tuition up to 30 credits per academic year after applying for Pell Grant funds and other federal, state, or college grants and scholarships. The college covers any remaining tuition balance through remissions or foundation scholarships. The guarantee does not cover fees, books, housing, meals, or transportation, but private and community scholarships can be used for these additional expenses.
Impact and Goals
The Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee is designed to remove financial barriers for students who might otherwise struggle to afford college. Pell recipients don’t pay tuition, which helps first-generation and low-income attendees pursue higher education while remaining in Nebraska.