College Comeback Debt Forgiveness Programs

Tri-C offers several ways for students with debt owed to the college to return and complete their certificate or degree!

Tri-C College Comeback Program 

Tri-C encourages all students who have stopped out and acquired an account balance to return to Tri-C to complete their certificate or degree. Students must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below in order to participate. This is a one-time, up to $1,000 debt forgiveness.

Eligibility Requirements

• Active Tri-C application on file
• Account balance from Fall 2019 or earlier
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at time of application
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for current aid year (as applicable)
• Satisfactory Academic Appeal (applicable for students who wish to regain financial aid eligibility)

Academic Progress 
Students must complete the following upon their return:

• Yearlong financial aid plan
• DegreeWorks academic plan
• Achieve a 2.0 GPA
• Enroll in at least one course (part of a student's academic plan)

Ohio College Comeback 

The Ohio College Comeback is for students that want to return to Tri-C (but are unable) or are unable to receive their transcripts due to a balance on their student account at one of the compact colleges or universities. The Compact is designed to forgive debt up to $5,000 and/or have transcripts released to a participating school.

Eligibility Requirements (include, but not limited to)

• Active Tri-C application on file
• Stopped out for 2 or more terms previous to the comeback term
• Cumulative 2.0 GPA as of the final term enrolled
• Debt certified to the Ohio Attorney General collection, not special counsel

To view full eligibility requirements, visit the Ohio College Comeback website.

Academic Progress

• Meet with an academic counselor
• Complete at least one academic term
• Earn six credits towards an associate degree or certificate program

Ready to take the next step?

Second Chance Grant Program

The Ohio Department of Education has announced the Second Chance Grant Program for eligible students. The program aims to support students in the completion of their certificate or degree. To find out more about the program and eligibility requirements, see the Ohio Depatment of Education's Second Chance Grant Overview. 

If you think you may qualify, contact Heidi Nicholas, Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Enrollment Operations at heidi.nicholas@tri-c.edu.