Find Out if You Qualify for Free College and Ongoing Support

Some applicants may not meet all of our eligibility requirements right away—but that doesn’t mean the door is closed. For example, if you’re self-employed and your income was too high last month, you can still attend an info session and ask questions. We can wait for your income to fall within the guidelines to verify eligibility and move your application forward.

If you’re missing other qualifications, we may be able to keep your application on file and follow up when you’re eligible. Reach out to us. We’re happy to talk through your options. Send us a question here

What if I don’t meet all of the qualifications?

Yes, many Capital IDEA students work part-time or even full-time while attending school, though that can be very challenging. Your ability to manage both classes and work will depend on the flexibility of your employer. Be sure they’re on board to help you make your schedule work around your classes. We support over a thousand students each semester who are balancing work, school, and family responsibilities. It can be done. You’ll need to manage your time carefully and keep your Career Navigator updated so that they can support you and offer guidance.

Can I work while attending school?

Yes, you can apply to Capital IDEA if you’re currently enrolled in one of our partner colleges, Austin Community College (ACC) or Temple College. You must meet our other eligibility requirements and be in a career track we sponsor. If accepted, we will sponsor the remainder of your degree or certification. However, we do not retroactively pay for any classes you’ve already completed.

Can I apply if I’m already in college?

An applicant’s income is most often determined by their income and the income from a spouse or partner, if applicable. The most common types of income are: wages, unemployment, self-employment, retirement, or social security benefits. Do not include income from roommates or adult children (18 or older) who live with you. If you don’t have any income of your own, the person supporting you must write a letter of financial support. If you’re a recent high school graduate living at home, the same applies. Your parent or guardian will need to provide a letter to confirm they’re supporting you. We do not use your parent or guardian’s income to determine your eligibility. Still unsure, send us your question.

Whose income do I count when applying, and does my parents’ income matter?

If you already have a college degree from the U.S., you may still qualify if your degree isn’t valid for employment, or you’ve earned a general studies associate degree. Contact us to see if you might be eligible for an exception.

If your degree is from another country, you can have it evaluated by ACC for transfer, and we may be able to support you in completing additional credits towards an associate degree, if needed.

What if I already have a degree?