Deadline Looms for Free College Tuition in Louisiana

Time is running out to apply for a Louisiana program that can help pay for college tuition at BPCC in Bossier City and other community colleges around the state.

Adults can apply for a program that could help you get a college degree and potentially land a high-demand, high-paying job for free.

The M.J. Foster Promise Program helps adults get a two-year degree or an eight-week training credential. Qualifying adults in Louisiana could get financial assistance, or a chance to train in certain high-demand fields.

Community colleges and technical colleges across the state offer the program, opening the door for opportunities in the high demand fields of health care, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, information technology, and construction.

This program helps people who may not be able to afford college. During the first year of the program, there were some problems because some people did not get the FAFSA applications turned in on time and this left millions of dollars on the table. But the program is ready to go this year. But the deadline is fast approaching.

The window for the program is now open. The priority deadline for select students is set for June 15. But you do have to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA application prior to submitting the M.J. Foster Promise Application to be considered for the program.

Where can you use a M.J. Foster Promise Award?

Who Is Eligible for the Program?

• Be 21 years of age as of the date the school bills LOSFA for your award.
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Be a U.S. Citizen and a Louisiana Resident*
• Have not previously earned an undergraduate degree at the associate level or above.
• Must complete the MJ Foster Program Award Application
• Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year in which they will be enrolled
• Meet the admission requirements of the institution the student plans to attend; and
• Agree to reside and work full time in Louisiana for a minimum of one year after the completion of the last program of study for which funding is received.
• Agree to perform each year funding is received at least 20 hours of community service or participate in at least 20 hours in an internship, apprenticeship, or mentorship that is related to the qualified program of study.

The student must have actually lived and resided in Louisiana for 24 months prior to completing the FAFSA to be considered a Louisiana resident for the MJ Foster Promise Program.