College Comeback Debt Forgiveness Programs

Through the Cuyahoga County Debt Repayment program, eligible Cuyahoga County residents may qualify for payment of up to $2,000 toward debt to return to Tri-C. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Have resided in Cuyahoga County for at least one year
• Has stopped out for at least one semester (not including summer) at Tri-C or Cleveland State
• Has previously incurred institutional debt at Tri-C or Cleveland State
• Is Pell Grant eligible
• Will be returning to Tri-C

Have questions about eligibility? Your first step is to complete the Cuyahoga County Debt Repayment Eligibility form here. 

Cuyahoga County Debt Repayment Program Eligibility Requirements

Academic Progress 
Students that have been approved to participate in this program must complete the following upon their return:

• Yearlong financial aid plan
• Meet with an academic counselor
• Enroll in at least one course (part of a student's academic plan) or workforce program
• Pay tuition in full or payment plan amounts by the due dates
• Complete at least one course that is part of the academic plan
• Earn credits towards an associate degree or certificate program OR complete workforce 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
• Stopped out at least two semesters or earlier from the new intended start term
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at time of application
• Register in credit coursework (non-credit courses not eligible)
• 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 that have been approved to participate in this program must complete the following upon their return:

• Yearlong financial aid plan
• Meet with an academic counselor
• DegreeWorks academic plan locked
• Enroll in at least one course (part of a student's academic plan)
• Pay tuition in full or payment plan amounts by the due dates
• Complete at least one course 
• Achieve a 2.0 GPA
• Earn six credits towards an associate degree or certificate program

The Ohio College Comeback Compact 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
• Register in credit coursework (non-credit courses not eligible)
• 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)
• Debt certified to the Ohio Attorney General collection, not to a special counsel
• Cannot be involved in bankruptcy proceedings

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

Academic Progress 
Students that have been approved to participate in this program must complete the following upon their return:

• Yearlong financial aid plan
• Meet with an academic counselor
• DegreeWorks academic plan
• Register in credit coursework (non-credit courses not eligible)
• Pay tuition in full or payment plan amounts by the due dates
• Complete at least one academic term
• Achieve 2.0 GPA
• Earn six credits towards an associate degree or certificate program