CSEA Free College Programs

Free for CSEA members and their family members. CSEA is proud to offer free college to members and their families for no out-of-pocket costs for tuition, books, and fees. You and/or any family members are eligible to attend. There is no limit to the number of family members who can enroll, and family members do not need to be your dependents or living with you to be eligible.

CSEA Free Associate Degree Program

is offered in partnership with Eastern Gateway Community College

CSEA Free Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program and Free Teaching Credential Program

is offered in partnership with Central State University and Franklin University. Various degree programs are offered including an option to earn a teaching credential.

Ready to Get Started?

It’s easy, take a look at the Getting Started Checklist document for step by step instructions.

“I felt like I certainly wouldn’t be able to pursue education beyond this if I didn’t take this step into CSEA’s Free College Program, and what a rewarding journey it has been. I would recommend this program to others in a heartbeat.”
- Guaren Long, Member, Snowline Unified CSEA Chapter 278

CSEA Free Associate Degree Program

This program offers over 30 online degree programs to choose from. Earn an Associate degree or take courses for professional growth or personal enrichment without earning a degree at no cost* for tuition, books, and fees. Be sure to check your CSEA contract to determine if you have salary enhancements for professional growth.

*Note, there are five programs that do have costs of approximately $1,000 or less due to the specialized materials required: Medical Coding, Medical Scribe Specialist, Health Information, Information Technology, and Fire Science.

CSEA Free Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program and Free Teaching Credential Program

In partnership with Central State University and Franklin University

Complete a bachelor’s degree online from an accredited university at no cost for tuition, books, and fees. Currently there are six degree programs to choose from, two of which include a teaching credential program.

  1. Bachelor of Science in Education – Educational Studies
  2. Bachelor of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education Teaching License (California Multiple Subject Credential)
  3. Bachelor of Science in Education – Intervention Specialist Mild/Moderate (California Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Teaching Credential)
  4. Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Leadership
  5. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  6. Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts/Social Science

Obtain Your California Teaching Credential at No-Cost!

As part of the bachelor degree completion program in Education, the student can do their student teaching in California and obtain their Ohio Resident Educator license equivalent to either a California Multiple Subject Credential or Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate). See this Frequently Asked Questions document for all the details.

“In my high school senior yearbook my future career was to be a teacher. After 18 years as a paraprofessional aide that career is finally becoming true. I feel fortunate because the CSEA No-Cost Program has given me the opportunity to achieve my dream. As a 47 year old adult I want everyone to know it is never too late!”
- Shelly Smith, Paraeducator, Madera Unified School District (CSEA Chapter 169