Welcome Waiver

First term as a college student? Get $200 toward your first class!

Starting college is a big step, and we want to make it a little easier! 

Columbia Gorge Community College is excited to launch the Welcome Waiver, a one-time tuition waiver for new students enrolling in Fall Term 2025.

Enroll in at least six credits this fall, and you’ll receive a $200 tuition waiver applied directly to your bill after the add/drop period. You must enroll and apply prior to Friday, September 12, 2025.

Who’s Eligible?

  • New* degree or certificate-seeking students who have never before enrolled at CGCC.
  • Students must take two or more courses totaling six (6) or more credits.
  • The waiver is available on a first-come, first-served basis and will only apply for Fall 2025 enrollment.

How It Works

  • Fill out the Welcome Waiver Application Form.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements and agree to the Terms & Conditions.
  • After the add/drop period ends, $200 will be applied to your tuition balance.

Ready to Apply?

Take the first step in your CGCC journey and apply today. Space is limited!

Apply Now! The deadline is Friday, September 12th!

* See full terms and conditions in the FAQ below for full eligibility requirements.

FAQ

Want to learn more? Check out the info below. If you don't see an answer, email us at soar@cgcc.edu!

First-time students are those enrolling in a CGCC degree or certificate program for the first time. If you have never been enrolled in a degree-seeking or “undeclared” program at CGCC, you may qualify.

If you were previously enrolled at CGCC as part of one of the following programs, you may still qualify:

  • A high-school dual credit program, such as Early College, College Now, Running Start, or Expanded Options.
  • A GED® prep class or GED® test.
  • A non-credit program such as community education. 

Students who previously participated in Early College, College Now, Running Start, Expanded Options, GED, community education, or other non-degree-seeking programs may still qualify. 

If you believe you may qualify but aren't sure, submit an application. A staff member will verify your eligibility.

Students receiving other CGCC tuition waivers (such as employee waivers, Gorge Scholars, or athletic waivers) are not eligible.

You must enroll in at least two courses totaling six (6) or more credits to qualify.

The tuition waiver will be applied after the add/drop period ends. 

  • If you are paying for your own classes: You must still register and pay for classes as usual; the waiver is posted after the add/drop period has passed. If you have been awarded the waiver, you may subtract $200 from your initial tuition payment, which the waiver will cover.
  • If you are receiving financial aid: You must still register for classes as usual; the waiver is posted after the add/drop period has passed. If you have been awarded the waiver, you may subtract $200 from your initial tuition payment, which the waiver will cover. 

No. The waiver is a tuition discount only. It cannot be refunded or transferred.

Yes. The Welcome Waiver may be combined with financial aid, grants, or scholarships. However, it cannot result in a cash refund if your aid already covers your full tuition and fees.

Yes. Waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds run out.

No. This waiver does not reduce your eligibility for federal or state financial aid. 

However, it does count toward your Cost of Attendance, and may have tax implications. Students receiving this or any aid are encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional to understand tax liabilities.

Possibly. Any tuition waiver, scholarship, or financial aid may have tax consequences. CGCC does not provide tax advice. Students should consult a qualified tax professional with any questions.

Welcome Waiver Program Terms & Conditions

Eligibility

  • Only first-time students shall be eligible.
  • “First-time student” is defined as an individual who is enrolled in a CGCC degree or certificate program, and has never previously been enrolled in a degree-seeking program or as an “Undeclared” student at CGCC, except:
    • A student who was previously enrolled at CGCC in one of the following programs: A high school dual credit program such as Early College, College Now, Running Start, or Expanded Options; a CGCC GED student; or, a community education or other non-degree-seeking (NDS) student.
  • Recipients of other tuition waivers, including but not limited to employee tuition waivers, student athletes, and Gorge Scholars are ineligible for this tuition waiver.

Program Period

  • This tuition waiver is available only to students who enroll for the Fall 2025 term.
  • The waiver applies only to a single term.
  • Each awarded student is awarded only for the term in which they take their first eligible classes at CGCC. The waiver does not roll over to future terms.

Nature of Award

  • The incentive is a $200 tuition waiver. It is not a cash award, cannot be refunded, and is non-transferable.

Enrollment Requirement

  • Students must enroll in a minimum of two courses totaling six (6) or more credits to qualify.
  • Students must remain enrolled in an eligible number of credits through the end of the add/drop period.
  • Students who drop below the minimum credit requirement during the add/drop period will forfeit eligibility for the waiver.

Funding Availability

  • Waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The total number of awards is subject to a program cap, to be determined by CGCC.
  • The tuition waiver will be applied after the add/drop period has passed.
     

Financial Aid and Scholarships

  • This tuition waiver may be combined with other forms of institutional aid, financial aid, or scholarship programs.
  • The waiver cannot result in a cash refund if other forms of aid fully cover tuition and fees.

Program Modification or Cancellation

  • CGCC reserves the right to modify or cancel this program at any time, without prior notice.

Taxation Implications for This and Other Forms of Financial Aid

  • This tuition waiver, as well as any other forms of financial aid, scholarships, or awards, may have tax implications. Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) does not provide tax advice and cannot advise students on taxation. Students are responsible for understanding the potential tax consequences of receiving this waiver and are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional if they have questions or concerns.