Take Advantage of Free Summer Classes at HCCC!

Earn College Credit in Summer 2026 – For Free!

This summer, Hudson County Community College is giving students the opportunity to take up to 7 credits tuition-free, including fees! If you're working toward a degree or credential at HCCC, this is your chance to get ahead, stay on track, and save money on your education.

Who’s Eligible?

  1. Students enrolled in their first degree or certificate program at HCCC.
  2. Students enrolled in Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026.
  3. Students without an enrollment or academic hold preventing registration.

*If you have a balance hold, you can make a payment/payment arrangement online by signing into your Liberty Link account or contact the Student Accounts Office at studentaccountsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE or (201) 360-4100

*Second Degree Students and students whose tuition is paid by a 3rd party are not eligible.

What is Covered and How Does It Work?

This is a last-dollar model, which means standard tuition and fees for up to 7 total credits will be covered, but only after all grants, financial aid, and scholarships are first applied.

What credits are covered?

Covered credits include 7 credits taken in Summer I, Summer II, or a combination of both, and classes that are part of your degree or certificate program.

Funding is contingent upon class attendance. Students who never attend class are not eligible for funding.

Examples of covered credits:

Student A could take a combination of courses in Summer I and Summer II for up to a total of 7 free credits (e.g., 3 credits in Summer I and 4 credits in Summer II).
Student B could take up to 7 free credits total in Summer I.
Student C could take up to 7 free credits total in Summer II.

*Note: eligible students can take more than 7 credits in the summer, but are financially responsible for any credits beyond the free 7-credit limit in the Summer 2026 terms.

What does “last-dollar” mean?

A last-dollar model means HCCC covers what’s left AFTER all other financial aid (Pell, state aid, scholarships) is applied.

  • Financial aid is applied first
  • HCCC then covers any remaining balance (up to the cost of 7 credits)
  • Any charges beyond 7 credits are the student’s responsibility

In other words, HCCC helps “fill the gap” — but only up to 7 summer credits.

*Note: For the purpose of calculating the Summer Free Tuition adjustment, financial aid is prorated based on the 7-credit limit to align with the program’s coverage cap.

Examples of How Last-Dollar Works

*Note: These examples are for illustrative purposes only. Each student’s financial aid and enrollment situation is unique and may differ from the scenarios shown below.
  • Enrolled in 7 credits (Summer I)
  • Financial aid: Partially covers tuition and fees (based on 7 credits)
  • HCCC covers the remaining balance (up to 7 credits)
  • Student pays: $0
  • Enrolled in 6 credits (Summer II)
  • Financial aid: Does not cover tuition and fees
  • HCCC covers the full balance (within the 7-credit limit)
  • Student pays: $0
  • Enrolled in 7 credits (Summer I)
  • Financial aid: Fully covers tuition and fees (based on 7 credits)
  • HCCC covers $0
  • Student pays: $0
  • Enrolled in 9 credits (Summer II)
  • Financial aid: Partially covers tuition and fees (prorated to 7 credits)
  • HCCC covers the remaining balance up to the cost of 7 credits only
  • Charges beyond 7 credits are not fully covered
  • Student pays: balance related to 2 credits
  • Takes 3 credits (Summer I) + 4 credits (Summer II) = 7 total
  • Financial aid: Partially covers tuition and fees (based on 7 credits)
  • HCCC covers the remaining balance (up to 7 credits)
  • Student pays: $0
  • Takes 6 credits (Summer I) + 3 credits (Summer II) = 9 total
  • Financial aid: Partially covers tuition and fees (prorated to 7 credits)
  • HCCC covers the remaining balance up to the cost of 7 credits only
  • Charges beyond 7 credits are not fully covered
  • Student pays: balance related to 2 credits
  • Takes 4 credits (Summer I) + 6 credits (Summer II) = 10 total
  • Financial aid: Fully covers tuition and fees (prorated to 7 credits)
  • HCCC covers $0
  • Charges beyond 7 credits are not covered
  • Student pays: balance related to 3 credits
  • Takes 4 credits (Summer I) + 4 credits (Summer II) = 8 total
  • Financial aid: Does not cover tuition and fees
  • HCCC covers balances up to the cost of 7 credits only
  • Remaining balance exceeds the limit
  • Student pays: balance related to 1 credit

What does standard tuition and fees mean?

Standard tuition and fees include in-county and out-of-county tuition, and the following fees: Student Life, General Service, Registration, and Technology. All academic deadlines still apply, and students are financially responsible for any additional fees, such as add/drop fees, lab fees, etc. Students who officially or unofficially withdraw from the College after the add/drop period remain financially responsible for all tuition and fees. This includes the return of any unearned financial aid in accordance with federal and state regulations, as well as repayment of any book voucher funds that were spent. Failure to complete the official withdrawal process or failure to attend classes may result in an unofficial withdrawal, which can carry additional financial consequences.

For the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees, please click here.

What else is there to know?

HCCC offers flexible course formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online options, are available.

If you are eligible for free summer credits, register as you normally would.

Adjustments to your tuition will be done automatically.
Adjustments will not happen until August/September 2026 when all financial aid is finalized.

Eligible students are financially responsible for any credits beyond the 7-credit limit in the Summer 2026 terms.
Funding is contingent upon class attendance. Students who never attend class are not eligible for funding.

Summer 2026 Session Dates

Summer I (Online A): May 26, 2026 – July 7, 2026
Summer I: May 26, 2026 – July 1, 2026
Summer I (Online B): July 13, 2026 – August 23, 2026
Summer II: July 15, 2026 – August 20, 2026

5 Reasons to Take Advantage of Free Summer Classes at HCCC

1. Save Money – With tuition and fees covered, you can earn college credits at no cost.
2. Graduate Sooner – Stay on track or even get ahead in your program.
3. Stay Focused – Maintain momentum in your major, preventing delays in graduation.
4. Flexible Scheduling – Take advantage of in-person, hybrid, or online options that fit your summer plans.
5. Boost Your GPA – Improve your academic standing or retake a required course.

How to Enroll


Follow these steps to secure your free summer courses:
1. Check Your Eligibility – Ensure you're enrolled in a degree or credential program at HCCC and in good financial standing.
2. Browse Available Courses – Find courses within your major that fit your schedule.
3. Register for Up to 7 Credits – Select classes in Summer I, Summer II, or both!
4. Wait for your bill to be corrected by August/September 2026. Check for Updates on your Student Finance portal.


Did you know?

  • HCCC Students who attempt summer classes between their first and second years are 4 times more likely to complete a credential within three years, and 10 times more likely to complete a credential within two years.
  • HCCC Students who attempt summer classes are 68% more likely to persist to their second year.

Spots are limited—don’t wait! Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to earn free college credits and stay on track for graduation.

Questions? Come to Enrollment Services or contact us!


Contact Information

HCCC Enrollment Services

Journal Square Campus
70 Sip Avenue - First Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306

North Hudson Campus
4800 Kennedy Blvd
Union City, NJ 07087

(201) 714-7200 or text (201) 509-4222
admissionsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

You can also turn to these departments for specific questions: