UFCW Free College Education
As a member of the WPEA/UCFW Local 365, you are eligible for benefits that can save you thousands. One of those includes the possibility for you and/or your loved ones to earn an Associate’s Degree online through Eastern Gateway Community College with absolutely no out-of-pocket costs or need for loans. This benefit is available exclusively to UFCW members, retired members, and family of members, including children, spouses, grandchildren, domestic partners, and dependents.
Best of all, the UFCW Free College Benefit is designed to help you balance work and home life. You can
attend school part-time or full-time – whichever fits your schedule. All you need to get started is a high school degree or GED, there are no entrance exams to worry about. To find out more about enrollment and programs offered please visit www.ufcw.org/college.
Best of all, the UFCW Free College Benefit is designed to help you balance work and home life. You can
attend school part-time or full-time – whichever fits your schedule. All you need to get started is a high school degree or GED, there are no entrance exams to worry about. To find out more about enrollment and programs offered please visit www.ufcw.org/college.
Low-Cost Bachelor's Degree Program
As a complement to the Union Plus Free College program, union members and their families can complete a Bachelor’s Degree online with little to no cost thanks to a partnership with Central State University (CSU).
An Associate degree or 60 credit hours in the intended major is required to enroll. Students who have earned an Associate Degree or college credit outside of their intended major, will begin with the Free College program at Eastern Gateway Community College and then, transfer into Bachelor’s Degree Completion program at CSU.
Students must apply for federal financial aid and use any grants to pay the tuition. They must also use any employer-sponsored tuition assistance. The Student Success Grant will be applied toward tuition, fees and books so the most full-time students will pay in annual out-of-pocket costs is $4,500 per year ($187.50 per credit). For many, it will be significantly less and for some, even zero (depending on available federal grants)*. E-textbooks and fees are included in the out-of-pocket maximum.
Bachelor’s Degrees Offered
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An Associate degree or 60 credit hours in the intended major is required to enroll. Students who have earned an Associate Degree or college credit outside of their intended major, will begin with the Free College program at Eastern Gateway Community College and then, transfer into Bachelor’s Degree Completion program at CSU.
Students must apply for federal financial aid and use any grants to pay the tuition. They must also use any employer-sponsored tuition assistance. The Student Success Grant will be applied toward tuition, fees and books so the most full-time students will pay in annual out-of-pocket costs is $4,500 per year ($187.50 per credit). For many, it will be significantly less and for some, even zero (depending on available federal grants)*. E-textbooks and fees are included in the out-of-pocket maximum.
Bachelor’s Degrees Offered
- Business Management
- Teacher Education, licensure and non-licensure (PreK-5th grade)
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Scholarships
Don't forget to check out our scholarships page to find out even more ways to make obtaining a degree more affordable.
Qualify for Loan Forgiveness
As government employees WPEA members are be eligible for PLSF. Under PSLF, members would have to apply and make qualifying payments for 10 years. For more information please click here.