Making Free Community College Permanent

SAN MATEO, CA — In light of the resounding success of the Free Community College Pilot Program, established by SB 893 (Becker) in 2022, new legislation introduced today by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) would make this pilot program permanent for all students who qualify in San Mateo County, ensuring long-term access to tuition-free higher education for tens of thousands of students and building on the success of the county’s nationally recognized pilot program.

“The cost of tuition should never be the reason why someone can’t pursue higher education and reach their full potential,” said Senator Becker. “The data shows that when we remove this burden, enrollment increased significantly, especially among first generation students and students of color. SB 968 opens doors to those who never imagined college was within reach. It’s a game changer, and an investment in our workforce, our economy and our community.”

“Over the past three years, the promise of free college in San Mateo County has been truly transformative, increasing access and removing financial barriers for thousands of students who may have otherwise been unable to pursue higher education. It also proved the concept right here in San Mateo County, and I was honored to expand the effort of free college to the West Valley - Mission Community College District in 2024. I am proud to co-author Senator Becker's bill to make this permanent and support future generations of students,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park).

I’m proud to support a policy that meets the pace of a changing 21st-century workforce and ensures students—whether just starting out, raising families, or reskilling mid-career—can gain new skills without taking on debt,” said Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo). “Free tuition is a smart, adaptive tool in a fast-moving economy and represents the Legislature’s commitment to affordability, opportunity, and economic mobility.”

Since the launch of the Free Community College Pilot Program, established by Becker, the program has helped more than 35,000 students, increased district enrollment by 24 percent, allowed students across San Mateo County to attend community college without taking on tuition debt, and enabled students to focus on education rather than debt. Making the program permanent strengthens workforce development, expands economic mobility, and supports students balancing school with jobs and family responsibilities.

Under this bill, the San Mateo County Community College District will be permitted to continue using their unrestricted general funds to sustain their tuition fee waiver to provide to qualifying students financial assistance, targeted support for books, technology, and transportation for students with demonstrated financial need

SB 968 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee in the coming weeks.