September 8, 2021: Earn your degree for free online. The Free College Benefit helps union families continue their college education without piling on thousands of dollars in student debt. 

Free associate degree for you and your family 

Union Plus Free College offers working families  a debt-free and convenient higher education  opportunity. Current and retired union members,  their spouses, domestic partners, children (including  stepchildren and children-in-law), financial  dependents, grandchildren, siblings and parents  can all take advantage of this exciting opportunity!  Family members do NOT need to be financial  dependents or living with the member to be eligible. 

Zero out-of-pocket costs 

Union members and their families can earn an Associate Degree online, with no out-of-pocket  costs. A last-dollar scholarship covers the difference between any federal grants and your tuition, fees, and e-books at Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC). 

Eastern Gateway credits are transferable Eastern Gateway Community College is a public, non-profit school in the University System of  Ohio and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Credits you earn can  transfer to other schools, saving you as much as $15,000 on your education! 

Higher Education in Just 4 Steps 

1. Apply to Eastern Gateway Community College. Go to freecollege.unionplus.org and select the Get Started Today button. 

2. Complete the FAFSA online at FAFSA.ed.gov (school code: 007275) 

3. Submit proof of high school graduation or GED completion 

4. Enroll in classes. Work with an enrollment advisor to register for classes.

Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

A bachelor’s degree at no cost for you and your family members 

Bachelor’s degree completion program for union families 

The program is available to current and retired union members, their spouses, domestic partners, children (including stepchildren and children-in-law), financial dependents and grandchildren. Family members do NOT need to be financial dependents or living with the member to be eligible. All courses are 100% online. 

An Associate degree or 60 or more transferable college credits are required to enroll. Students who have not yet earned an Associate degree or are just getting started in higher education can begin with the Free College program at Eastern Gateway Community College and then transfer into the Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs at CSU. 

Central State University is regionally accredited 

Union Plus has partnered with Central State University (CSU), a regionally accredited public, non-profit university near Dayton, OH. Credits you earn can transfer to other schools. 

Zero out-of-pocket costs 

Union members and their families can earn a Bachelor’s degree online with no out-of-pocket costs. 

Students must apply for federal financial aid and use any grants to pay the tuition. Students must also use any employer-sponsored tuition assistance. The Student Success Grant covers the difference between any federal grants and employer assistance and your tuition, fees and e-books at CSU. 

Bachelor’s degrees offered 

 Business Administration 

 Teacher Education Early Education (Pre-K – 5th Grade) and Intervention Specialist 

 Criminal Justice 

 Interdisciplinary Studies – Humanities 

 Additional degree programs coming soon!* 

Students may enroll part time, but continuous enrollment is required. Students must complete the FAFSA and any required verification. 

*For additional degree programs, there may be required fees. 

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