First Class Program—Your Ticket to a Free
College Credit Course
Start on Your Path to Possibilities
Thanks to the First Class program, you can choose and take your first college credit course ever—for free. While this offer is available primarily to Philadelphia residents, even nonresidents receive a valuable tuition credit.
- You must work for an organization that belongs to any of these co-sponsoring agencies: African-American Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- This must be the first college credit course you have ever taken.
Whether you want to earn a degree, advance your career or pursue an interest, the First Class program helps you find your educational path. Gain computer skills you can use on the job. Unleash your creative talent with a course in music or art. Get an introduction to history, psychology, business or new technologies.
Large Course Selection, Convenient Locations
The College offers hundreds of courses over its 70 degree and certificate programs in the arts, business, health care, science and technology, humanities, and social and human services. Check out a full list here.
How the Program Works
All First Class participants receive a tuition credit for the first course enrolled in, based on the Philadelphia residency per-credit tuition cost. The tuition credit also includes the per-credit technology fee and the general College fee.
- Any nonresident tuition costs and a nonresident capital fee if they live outside of Philadelphia
- Course fees for laboratory costs, clinical instruction costs or additional instruction hours
- Course fees for any Distance Education
For a complete breakdown of program costs, please review the First Class application form.
Program Registration
To take part in First Class, choose a course from our listings, complete the application form, attach appropriate payment, and then send or deliver it as directed. For payment information, call the College Cashier’s Office at 215-751-8135.
Q. Is the First Class Program open to non-Philadelphia residents?
A. Yes. However, non-Philadelphia residents will be responsible for nonresident tuition costs above the tuition credit plus a nonresident capital fee.
Q. Can I participate if I have already taken a college course?
A. No, unless it was noncredit.
Q. Is there an application fee?
A. No, the application fee is waived.
Q. If additional payment is required, can I use my employer tuition reimbursement?
A. Please check with your employer for information.
Q. What kind of course can I take?
A. Subject to availability, as a non-matriculating student you may enroll in one credit course, other than English or math, without taking the College’s placement test.
Q. Where can I find a complete course schedule?
A. Search for courses using the College’s Course Finder.
Q. Where are classes held?
A. Classes are held at our Main Campus, 1700 Spring Garden Street and at our three Regional Centers in Northeast, Northwest and West Philadelphia.
Q. When do I need to register?
A. You should send in all registration materials at least two weeks before the class starts.
Q. What are my options after I complete my selected course?
A. Your completed course credits can be used to pursue a program of study at Community College of Philadelphia or can be transferred to another college or university. However, you are under no obligation to do either.