“Free” community college.

USA Today reports:

Oregon Senate passes bill to offer free community college next year

Last week, Oregon legislators passed Senate Bill 81 — or, the “Oregon Promise” — to offer free community college to eligible in-state students.

According to CNN Money, qualified students must be Oregon residents and apply for state and federal grants first. In addition, students must apply to community college no more than six months after graduating and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5. They also have to pay $50 to the community college per term. The state will cover the remainder of their tuition under these conditions.

“Senate Bill 81 is an Oregon promise,” Sen. Mark Hass (D-Beaverton), chief advocate and architect of the bill, said in a news release. “We’re saying to our young people, if you finish high school, keep up your grades, and stay out of trouble, we promise to provide you with an opportunity to reach the middle class on your own.”

The bill will allot $10 million to at least 10,000 prospective college students, and give them the chance to go to college without accumulating student loan debt. Part-time students are also given the ability to get prorated grant amounts.

Under the program, students in college must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled at least part-time while they’re receiving state assistance.