Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is offering Licking County residents the opportunity to attend college tuition‑free through the Promise Program, which covers instructional and general fees with the help of institutional, federal, state, and private scholarship support.
The Promise Program is available to students enrolling at any COTC campus or online. To qualify, applicants must live in Licking County for at least one year, have a household income of $100,000 or less as reported on the FAFSA, and be admitted to COTC. Registration requires completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov for the intended semester and annually thereafter. Once admitted, students can register for classes and begin their studies.
The program exists to remove financial barriers to higher education and expand access for local residents. By covering tuition costs, COTC ensures that students can focus on academics without the burden of instructional fees. The initiative is made possible through decades of community support, particularly the Newark Campus Development Fund, which has endowed scholarships since 1983. This generosity reflects a commitment to educational opportunity and workforce development in the region.
Eligibility requirements are straightforward. The program is open to new, current, or returning students who do not already hold an associate or bachelor’s degree. Students must enroll in an aid‑eligible degree or certificate program and maintain satisfactory academic progress, including a minimum GPA of 2.0. Continued eligibility depends on annual FAFSA submissions, household income verification, and residency in Licking County. Importantly, there is no lifetime dollar limit to Promise awards, meaning students can continue receiving support as long as they meet the criteria.
Students do not need to complete a separate application for the Promise Program. Once admitted to COTC and having filed the FAFSA, they are automatically considered. This streamlined process ensures that financial aid is accessible without additional paperwork.
COTC offers four campuses plus online courses to meet students wherever they want to learn. The flagship Newark campus, located about 40 miles east of Columbus at 1179 University Drive, spans 200 acres with 12 buildings, including seven academic facilities and three residence halls. Extended campuses provide convenient starts to all degrees, some full associate programs, and certificates. Across every campus, students benefit from academic advisors and success coaches who help guide them toward achievement.
For more information, residents can contact the COTC Gateway Enrollment Center at 740‑366‑9222 or email [email protected]. The Promise Program represents a significant investment in the future of Licking County, offering residents a chance to pursue higher education and career advancement without the financial strain of tuition costs.
