The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the educational journeys of recent high school graduates. As they navigate the transition to higher education and the workforce, robust support from educational institutions and local communities is crucial.
Laurus College is responding to this critical need with the Central Coast “Zero Tuition” discount. This initiative will open doors for 100 eligible individuals who completed high school between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2025, offering them accessible pathways to pursue a low-cost bachelor’s degree in their local community.
This is more than just an academic opportunity; it’s an investment in the future of our community. By supporting these students, Laurus College aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that will contribute significantly to the economic strength of San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County.
Laurus College’s goal is to help up to 100 individuals earn a 4-year (bachelor’s) degree with minimal out-of-pocket expenses (zero tuition). All students who meet the eligibility criteria and are among the first 100 to enroll (and begin attending classes during the designated eligibility time frame), will have access to the discount.
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Laurus College ``Central Coast Zero Tuition`` Discount
The Central Coast “Zero Tuition” program provides eligible students with the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree without paying standard tuition costs. While tuition is waived, students are still responsible for bundled program fees, which include required books, software, and course materials. Up to 100 students may qualify for the Zero Tuition discount program based on the following criteria*:
•Completed high school between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2025
• Resides in either San Luis Obispo county or Santa Barbara county and is enrolled at one of the College’s designated In-Residence locations:
○Atascadero, CA
○San Luis Obispo, CA
○Santa Maria, CA
•Enrolls in one of Laurus College’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs:
○Audio Production
○Business Systems Management
○Digital Arts and Computer Animation
○IT Systems Management
○Web Design and Development
•Meets all other Admissions requirements outlined in the Laurus College Catalog
•Begins attending classes by September 8, 2025, Fall I Term.
To ensure that students take full advantage of all non-loan funding / aid that may be available to them, students will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for grants, such as the Pell Grant. Any grants awarded to the student will first be applied to cover non-tuition expenses such as application and program fees as well as the student’s technology package (including laptop w/ software & e-textbook subscription). Any remaining grant funds will then be applied toward the student’s tuition costs with the “Central Coast Zero Tuition” program covering the remaining tuition costs.**
Eligible (Bachelor of Science or B.S.) Programs:
Program Costs w/ “Zero Tuition” Discount Applied:
| Bachelor of Science (BS) Program | Application Fee | Tuition* | Program Fees | Technology Package | Cont. Ed Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Production | $100 | $0 | $3,800 | $7,500 | $3,000 | $14,400 |
| Business Systems Management | $100 | $0 | $3,800 | $2,750 | $750 | $7,400 |
| Digital Arts and Computer Animation | $100 | $0 | $3,800 | $2,750 | $750 | $7,400
|
| IT Systems Management | $100 | $0 | $3,800 | $2,750 | $750 | $7,400
|
| Web Design and Development | $100 | $0 | $3,800 | $2,750 | $750 | $7,400 |
*Published tuition costs for Laurus College are $2,000 per course and $76,000 for an entire bachelor’s degree program with 38 courses. Please see pages 159-160 of the College’s Catalog for a full breakdown of program costs.
Why Laurus College
At Laurus College, we’ve built a learning model that works for both traditional college students and adult learners — not by attempting a one-size-fits-all approach, but by deliberately designing an educational experience that adapts to the learner, rather than forcing the learner to adapt to it. The result? A personalized, flexible, career-driven education that meets students where they are—regardless of their starting point.
For recent high school graduates, our model provides the necessary structure, career alignment, and applied learning opportunities that traditional community colleges and four-year universities often lack. Many students enter college not just for a degree, but to gain a clear pathway to employment—and our curriculum ensures that from day one, students understand how their education translates into real career opportunities.
*Eligibility does not imply automatic acceptance; students must demonstrate eligibility through required documentation and must also apply and be admitted to Laurus College according to standard admissions policies.
**For a full explanation of how the discount works, please review pages 203-204 in the College’s Catalog (Addendum).
FAQ: Laurus College’s Central Coast ``Zero Tuition`` Discount
What is Laurus College’s Central Coast "Zero Tuition" Discount?
The Central Coast “Zero Tuition” discount is a special initiative designed for recent high school graduates from San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara counties. This program offers eligible students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without incurring tuition costs, making higher education more accessible for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do I qualify for the Laurus College Central Coast "Zero Tuition" Discount?
To qualify for the Laurus College Central Coast “Zero Tuition” Discount, you must meet the following criteria*:
•Completed high school between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 202
•Lives in San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara counties and enrolls with one of the College’s following In-Residence locations:
○Atascadero, CA
○San Luis Obispo, CA
○Santa Maria, CA
•Enrolls in one of Laurus College’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs:
○Audio Production
○Business Systems Management
○Digital Arts and Computer Animation
○IT Systems Management
○Web Design and Development
•Meets all other Admissions requirements outlined in the Laurus College Catalog
•Begins attending classes by September 8, 2025, Fall I Term.
How does the "Zero Tuition" Discount work?
To ensure that students take full advantage of all non-loan funding / aid that may be available to them, students will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for grants, such as the Pell Grant. Any grants awarded to the student will first be applied to cover non-tuition expenses such as application and program fees as well as the student’s technology package (including laptop w/ software & e-textbook subscription). Any remaining grant funds will then be applied toward the student’s tuition costs with the “Central Coast Zero Tuition” program covering the remaining tuition costs.
Example Scenario:
Student A is eligible for and is accepted into the “Zero Tuition” Discount program. Student A enrolls into the Bachelor of Science (BS) – Business Systems Management (BSM) program and, after completing the FAFSA process, is determined eligible to receive $6,000 in Pell grant disbursements during the student’s first academic year (6 courses = 30 credits).
The upfront costs of the BS-BSM program include a $100 application fee and a $2,750 technology fee that includes the student’s school-issued laptop, software, and e-textbook access. Additionally, program fees are $100 per course, or $600 for 6 courses. All of these costs (total of $3,450) would be covered by the student’s Pell grant. The remaining grant funding ($2,550) would then be applied toward the student’s tuition.
Student A’s tuition costs would be $2,000 per course x 6 courses = $12,000. The remaining Pell funding ($3,450) would be applied toward the tuition costs leaving $8,550 in tuition costs remaining. The “Zero Tuition” discount would then be applied, leaving the student with a zero balance.
I’m currently a senior this school year. Will I be able to access this discount?
The eligibility window for high school graduates is from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2025. This means if you’re a senior this school year, as long as you graduate before June 30, 2025, you can still qualify for the discount.
Do I qualify if I earned a GED, graduated from a home school, or passed the CHSPE between the eligibility dates?
If you earned a GED, graduated from homeschool, or passed the CHSPE between January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2025, you can still qualify for Laurus College’s Central Coast “Zero Tuition” Discount, as long as you meet all other eligibility criteria.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA to receive the discount?
Yes, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This helps determine your eligibility for non-loan funding, such as Pell Grants, which can be used for non-tuition costs. Any remaining funds from your FAFSA will then be applied toward your tuition.
Are there any fees that the “Zero Tuition” discount does not cover?
Yes, the discount does not cover fees for courses you retake (e.g., if you fail a class and need to retake it). You would need to pay for those separately. Additionally, some non-tuition fees such as application fees, technology packages, and program fees are not covered by the discount.
Can I receive the “Zero Tuition” discount every year?
Yes, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, remain in good academic standing, and renew your FAFSA each year, you can continue to receive the discount throughout the entirety of your program.
How many students will receive the Central Coast “Zero Tuition” discount?
The discount is available to the first 100 eligible students who apply and begin their classes in one of the eligible Bachelor of Science programs by September 8, 2025.
Do I need to apply separately for the “Zero Tuition” discount?
Yes, you will want to notify your admissions representative during your admissions interview that you wish to apply for the Central Coast “Zero Tuition” discount. After completing your application, enrollment packet, and FAFSA, you will also need to complete the “Zero Tuition” Discount Agreement to officially secure your spot in the program.
How do I know if I’m one of the first 100 students to enroll?
You will receive official confirmation from Laurus College once your enrollment is complete, and you will be notified that you have secured a spot in the “Zero Tuition” discount program.
What if I change my program during my enrollment?
If you switch to a different program, your eligibility for the “Zero Tuition” discount remains in place as long as you remain an active student with Laurus College and are enrolled in one of the College’s Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs. However, changing programs will involve additional fees that are not covered by the discount.