Johnson & Wales University Expands Free Tuition Program For Students In 4 More States

PROVIDENCE, RI — Johnson & Wales University has expanded its new free tuition initiative for qualifying undergraduate students in four additional states.

The JWU Pledge covers up to 100 percent of tuition for eligible students and families with an annual household income of up to $80,000 and at least 60 percent of tuition for those with a household income below $200,000.

The initiative goes into effect for undergraduate students starting in Fall 2025. Previously only available to residents of Rhode Island, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Massachusetts; it is now open to students from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and South Carolina.

"At Johnson & Wales, we are creating pathways to make higher education more affordable, accessible, and attainable for students of all means and backgrounds," Chancellor Mim Runey said. "This new initiative, combined with our recently launched three-year degree programs, demonstrates the university’s deep commitment to our educational mission of expanding lifelong access to higher education."

To be eligible for the JWU Pledge program, students must:

• Be a resident of Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine
• Have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all requisite forms
• Live on campus
• Be eligible for a Pell Grant (for those seeking 100 percent tuition coverage).

The JWU Pledge combines institutional, federal, and state scholarships and grants to cover a qualifying student’s tuition, either partially or completely based on their household income bracket. The initiative does not include loans, although families may decide to pursue them in addition to the JWU Pledge to help cover other costs, such as housing and meal plans. Learn more about the initiative here.

In addition to students applying for the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree, students applying for one of the four majors offered under the new career-focused bachelor’s degrees (90-96 credits) are also eligible for this assistance if they qualify.

This new initiative comes just several months after the launch of the Johnson & Wales Career-Focused Bachelor's Degree programs, an innovative approach to undergraduate learning that allows students in selected programs to earn their degree in just three years.

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