Unlock Your Potential
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree,
Zero-Tuition, at Laurus College!
Laurus College offers Central Coast residents a Zero Tuition Discount on select programs, completely covering the cost of tution.
Who Qualifies
- Residents of San Luis Obispo County or Santa Barbara County
- Completed high school between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2025
- Begins attending classes by September 8, 2025, Fall I Term.
The world changed, and maybe your plans did too. If you graduated high school between 2020 and 2025 on the Central Coast, Laurus College is investing in YOUR future. We believe so strongly in your potential that we’re offering 100 eligible students the chance to earn a career-focused Bachelor’s degree with ZERO TUITION COSTS through our Central Coast Zero Tuition discount opportunity.
This isn’t just about a degree; it’s about gaining the skills, support, and confidence to build a thriving career right here in our community. At Laurus, we know the most expensive degree is the one you can’t finish. That’s why our Executive Chancellor, Jeff Redmond, wants to share a personal message:
Life happens. We get it. In fact, many students who didn’t finish their degree faced real-life challenges – like juggling family and work, or unexpected personal situations. Others hit roadblocks because of the school itself, like not getting enough support, dealing with courses that don’t seem to connect to real jobs, or schedules that just don’t work for busy lives.
This is why Laurus College is built differently. We are focused on one thing: you. We’ve worked hard to create a college experience that clears away those roadblocks because we believe that when you feel supported and the path is clear, you can achieve amazing things!
That’s what ‘U-LEAD the Way’ means here. We don’t expect you to fit into a rigid box. Instead, we build our learning and support around you and your needs. Want to learn how to use AI on the job? U-learn it here. Want to learn how to have a job and fit in getting a degree? U-can do that here.
This Central Coast Zero Tuition discount comes straight from our mission to serve. We want to help talented people in our community, like you, get the education you need to excel in your future. It’s our way of investing in your future and the future of the Central Coast. We’re here to help you succeed, not just enroll. We believe in you.
Warmly,
Jeff Redmond Executive Chancellor, Laurus College
Get Started Today
Your Opportunity: Zero Tuition, Total Support
The Central Coast Zero Tuition discount is our commitment to:
- Empowering YOU: We equip you with in-demand skills for a great career on the Central Coast.
- Removing Financial Hurdles: Focus on learning, not tuition costs.
- Career-Focused Education: Gain practical, real-world skills employers want, from day one.
- Support to Finish Strong: You’re not a number. We provide personalized attention to help you cross that finish line.
This is your chance to reclaim your educational journey and build a future you’re proud of, with a team dedicated to your success.
How Your Zero Tuition Discount Works
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree: All Tuition Covered.
Simple. If you’re one of the first 100 eligible students to enroll, your $76,000 tuition cost is completely covered by the Central Coast Zero Tuition discount.
Your Investment in Your Success Tools: You’ll be responsible for a one-time $100 Application Fee and bundled Program & Technology Fees. These cover essentials like your books, industry-standard software, a personal laptop, and course materials. (Full breakdown below).
Eligibility at a Glance (Are YOU one of the 100?):
- HS Grad: Between Jan 1, 2020 – June 30, 2025.
- Local: SLO or N. Santa Barbara County resident (attending Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, or Santa Maria locations).
- Program: Enrolled in an eligible Laurus Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Program.
- Admissions: Meet standard Laurus College requirements.
- Start By: September 8, 2025 (Fall I Term).
Maximizing Your Aid: Complete the FAFSA. Any grants (like Pell) apply first to your fees, while the discount covers your tuition. Our team guides you!
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 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).
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 to cover non-tuition costs.
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.