Pima Community College To Forgive $2.7 Million In Debt

TUCSON, AZ — Pima Community College is set to forgive more than $2.7 million in student debt accrued by more than 4,500 students during the pandemic.

The college announced Monday its plan to use money from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to erase the student debt.

“This is a critical and important decision," said Pima Community College Governing Board Chair Demion Clinco in a news release from the college. “This action will directly help students harmed by the pandemic and support their recovery and long-range success. We know many Pima students have been significantly impacted directly and indirectly by COVID-19 and this program is one step in supporting community recovery.”

Students actively enrolled by March 13, 2020 are eligible for debt forgiveness.

This plan is set to release holds on accounts for students with past-due balances. Typically students with past-due balances must make a payment or create a payment plan to enroll in classes, get transcripts and obtain certificates.

“We are pleased to offer relief to those who’ve been adversely affected by the pandemic,” said PCC Chancellor Lee Lambert in the news release. “This program will allow us to remove barriers and effectively re-engage with students who may have left PCC for financial reasons but would still like to continue their educational journey.”

The college is set to contact students to notify them that their balances have been waived and to discuss re-enrollment in classes.