Fresh Start
The Alamo Colleges’ Fresh Start Program Offers Eligible Students a Second Chance to Complete College
Beginning with the Fall 2019 semester, the Alamo Colleges District is launching a Fresh Start program to offer eligible students who previously attended one of the district’s colleges the opportunity to re-enroll and complete their degree or certificate.
The program is targeted to students who did not complete their degree or certificate and have been unable to re-enroll because they owe a balance of $500 or less which they incurred before Fall 2017.
A scholarship to pay the outstanding balance would be given once the student meets certain requirements.
Fresh Start Requirements
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Attend a financial literacy workshop |
Connect with Student Advocacy Services at the college they plan to attend |
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Develop an academic plan with an advisor |
Register and complete six semester credit hours with a grade of “C” or better |
Students who re-enroll under Fresh Start would be able to use any financial aid for which they are eligible.
The Fresh Start program will help address the fact that life circumstances, including financial constraints, transportation, and child care needs, may contribute to students leaving college before completing their degree or certificate.
The program will also benefit taxpayers and the community by helping more students to complete college and qualify for the high-demand, high-wage jobs that local employers need to fill.
Want to Opt-In?
Fill out a form for:
| Northeast Lakeview College | Northwest Vista College | Palo Alto College |
| St. Philip's College | San Antonio College |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a debt forgiveness program?
No, the purpose of the Fresh Start program is to allow students who owe ACD less than $500 related to classes taken prior to 9/1/2017 to be able to re-enroll at Alamo College District and complete a degree certificate.
2. Is this program a financial aid program?
No, while ultimately a ‘scholarship’ will be applied to the student’s account once all criteria are met, the ‘scholarship’ is not being provided as a foundational, merit or need-based scholarship.
3. When does this go into effect?
Fresh Start is available for eligible students registering for Fall 2021 & Spring 2022.
4. What are the requirements to qualify for participation in the initial program?
- Student must not have already graduated with a degree or been awarded a certificate.
- Student must have a balance owed of less than $500 as of 9/1/2017.
- Student must be included in initial eligible population as of 3/21/2019.
- Student must opt-in to participate in the program.
- Student must register for 6 hours and pay in full (either through Student Financial Aid, payment plan or other means) at current tuition rate.
- Student must participate in a financial literacy course.
- Student must connect with one of the five ACD Student Advocacy Recourse Centers.
- Prior to completion of 6 hours, student must work with assigned advisor to develop an Academic Plan.
5. What about student with on Financial Aid Suspension?
Students on financial aid suspension will need to follow the current Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal process and submit all documentation within the published Fall semester Financial Aid Appeals timeframe.
6. How will students verify eligibility?
Students may call their preferred college to confirm eligibility.
7. Is the 6-hour requirement limited to academic courses or are Continuing Education (CE) courses included?
CE courses are not included.
8. What if the students would like to register for more than 6 credit hours?
Students will be limited to enrolling for a max of 6 hours until the criteria of this program are met.
9. How will the students be notified if they have an inactive Apply Texas or need to submit a new FAFSA?
Students will need to complete a new Apply Texas application and a new FAFSA.
10. If I already paid my debt prior to 2017 and complete 6 hours can I get refunded?
If the student paid the debt prior to 9/1/2017 they would not have an eligible balance and would not be part of the initial eligible population.
11. Can students who qualify sign up for a payment plan to cover Fall 19 tuition?
Yes, students can sign up for the payment plan to pay for current term tuition charges and will need to make payments on time.
12. How do students opt in?
Students must complete an opt-in form and acknowledge their understanding of the program criteria.
Please contact your institution and a form will be sent to you or you may pick one up at any of the ACD college Welcome Centers or Admissions Offices.
An electronic form will be available in the near future.