Lakeland recognizes that prior balances may present a challenge to return and meet educational goals. If you are a former student who owes a balance to Lakeland Community College or to one of the other seven participating institutions,* you may be eligible for assistance in returning to school.
Students must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below in order to participate in Lakeland's College Comeback program. Lakeland will forgive up to $1,500 ($750 a semester/term payable after completion of current term) toward balance held by Lakeland and any Attorney General fees dating back no more than five years (beginning with fall 2017).
To be eligible for this program, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Account balance dating back no later than fall 2017
- Degree/certificate seeking at Lakeland
- Not enrolled in the previous fall or spring semester at Lakeland
- Meet with a Lakeland academic counselor to map or revise an academic pathway
- Discuss a financial plan with an enrollment operations staff member
- Signed Lakeland College Comeback Agreement form with an enrollment operations staff member
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at time of application
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for current aid year must be on file at the college
Student Agreement:
- Pay for the current term in full
- Must earn 6 credit hours toward certificate/degree in the first semester back (or minimum credits to earn certificate/degree)
- Complete all enrolled course work in good academic standing (at least 6 credit hours)
The Ohio College Comeback Compact is a collaboration of eight public universities and community colleges in northeast Ohio* to help students who left college without a degree continue their education.
This program is open to eligible students who previously attended any of the eight participating institutions below, have been out of college at least a year, maintained a 2.0 cumulative GPA before they left, and owe the institution $5,000 or less. Find more information and to check your eligibility here.
*Participating Colleges: Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Stark State College, The University of Akron and Youngstown State University.
