What Would You Do With a Free College Education?

Free College is here for adults of all ages! As a nonprofit with a mission to get our Central Texas neighbors into great careers, Capital IDEA raises money for your college education. Each year, we raise enough to cover the tuition and textbooks for over 800 adults, just like you! Then we send you to college to get a free college degree in a high-demand career field. If you’re eligible for our program, your tuition and textbooks are already paid for by the generous support of our funders. If you’re serious about getting into a career with a future, sign up for a CareerUp information session to learn more.


We’re Proud of Our Partner Colleges!

Austin Community College   

2200+

Capital IDEA students have been placed in new careers

3X

Most graduates TRIPLE their previous earnings

$32/hr

was the average starting wage for Capital IDEA students placed in 2023

1,029

Capital IDEA students received direct support in 2023

$22M+

has been invested in our students’ tuition and books since Capital IDEA first opened in 1998

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Learn more about how we're making college FREE and how to apply.

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News & Events

Graduate Spotlight: Sarai Anzaldo

[top] Sarai Anzaldo; Sarai with Career Navigators Lori and Sara. [bottom] Lori and Sarai at her pinning ceremony with her son and guest; Capital IDEA Board Chair Toni Swinton, 2024 Good Neighbor Jesse Navarrete, and Capital IDEA Executive Director Alyssia Palacios-Woods; Sarai with her son and Sara. August 25, 2024 Capital IDEA’s Whitlow Education Fund […]

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Thank You
Central Texas INTERFAITH

Special thanks goes to Central Texas Interfaith for their tireless work in the community and their ongoing support of Capital IDEA!