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College Launches Smart Start, Offering A Tuition-Free First Year For Cambria County Students

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the launch of the Smart Start Promise Program (Smart Start), a transformative pilot initiative that enables recent Cambria County high school graduates to begin their college education with minimal to no personal expenses.

This program covers all tuition and comprehensive fees for up to 30 college credits during a student’s first year, ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for local communities. Students may apply their funding toward any approved degree or certificate program, with the flexibility to take classes in-person or online.

Comprehensive fees are mandatory charges that colleges require from all students. These fees cover a wide range of non-academic services, student activities, and campus infrastructure. Smart Start now covers these costs for participants.

Students are still responsible for purchasing their own textbooks, classroom supplies, and any applicable course fees. The total cost for these items will vary depending on the student’s class load.

Smart Start acts as a last-dollar scholarship, reducing the need for students to take out loans for their initial year of study. By removing financial barriers, Penn Highlands aims to reduce student debt, improve local labor force participation, and encourage young talent to remain in the region.

“Since Cambria County sponsors Penn Highlands, local residents already benefit from the most affordable college tuition in the region,” said Dr. Steve Nunez, College President. “We are grateful to the Cambria County Commissioners for that longstanding commitment to affordability and access. Smart Start takes that commitment even further, ensuring that recent Cambria County high school graduates willing to do the work can complete their first year of college nearly free, without crippling student debt. Smart Start is a shared promise to our community that cost should never stand in the way of opportunity and hope.”

To qualify, applicants must be recent high school graduates who meet Cambria County residency requirements and enroll in at least six credits during the immediate fall or spring semester after their high school graduation. Other requirements include completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applying for state grants, and seeking at least one external scholarship.

Once accepted, Smart Start participants receive academic and financial aid advising to better prepare for classes.

Smart Start is the result of strong collaboration between community partners and public leaders committed to expanding educational access and opportunity. The program is supported in part by a philanthropic investment from the 1889 Foundation, by the leadership of Representative Jim Rigby, who helped secure funding for Smart Start, and by Senator Wayne Langerholc, whose longstanding support and advocacy continue to benefit the College and its students.

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to review the full eligibility requirements and begin the application process to secure their tuition-free first year.

Contact the Admissions Office at 814.262.6446 or admissions@pennhighlands.edu for additional information.