UCU Tuition-Free Pathway

Your Union Education. Tuition-Free.

A tuition-free pathway for students at participating Kentucky high schools.

Union Commonwealth University is committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable for students in the communities we call home. Through the UCU Tuition-Free Pathway, eligible graduates from participating high schools can attend Union tuition-free, giving them the opportunity to earn a college degree close to home without the burden of tuition costs.


The UCU Tuition-Free Pathway provides eligible students from six local high schools in Knox and Bell counties with a tuition-free pathway to Union Commonwealth University.

Participating Schools

Knox County

  • Barbourville Independent High School
  • Knox Central High School
  • Lynn Camp High School


Bell County

  • Bell County High School
  • Middlesboro Independent High School
  • Pineville Independent High School



Who's Eligible?

You may qualify for the Tuition-Free Pathway if you:

  • Are a graduating senior or graduate of a participating high school.
  • Are a first-time, full-time undergraduate student.
  • Apply to and are admitted to Union Commonwealth University.
  • File the FAFSA each year using Union's school code 001988.
  • Maintain good academic standing at Union.


What's Covered?

  • Tuition: 100% covered (up to 8 semesters) + comprehensive fee


What is not covered:

  • Room and board, student fees, books, certain lab or class fees associated with specific majors, or personal expenses.


Admissions Requirements

  • High School Diploma
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA


Application Deadline

  • Priority Deadline: November 1, 2026
  • Applications submitted after November 1 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happens after I apply to Union?

    The admissions team will review your application and your local admissions counselor will follow up with you directly. 

  • If tuition is free, what happens to my scholarships and financial aid?

    The Knox County Pathway model is designed to ensure students can attend Union tuition-free by utilizing a last dollar scholarship approach. This means that all external scholarships, federal aid, and state grants a student receives are first applied toward tuition. Union then covers the remaining balance, eliminating out of pocket tuition costs for eligible students.

  • Can I live on campus if I’m in the program?

    Yes, students are welcome to live on campus; however, housing and meal costs are not included in the tuition-free pathway and would be the responsibility of the student and their family.


    If you are interested in living on campus, please be sure to let your admissions counselor know.

  • Is the program renewable each semester/year at Union?

    Yes. The UCU Tuition-Free Pathway is designed to provide eligible students with up to four years (eight semesters) of tuition-free education, as long as they remain full-time, complete the FAFSA each year, and maintain good academic standing. Because the pathway is a last-dollar scholarship, eligible federal and other financial aid is applied toward tuition before pathway funds. Renewal is contingent upon the continued availability of applicable federal and other financial aid programs and the student’s continued eligibility for the pathway. Changes to federal financial aid programs or eligibility requirements outside of UCU’s control could affect pathway eligibility or funding.


  • What happens if I apply after the deadline?

    Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed individually and considered as space and funding allow.

Local Graduates Thriving at Union

Meet current Union students who graduated from Barbourville Independent, Knox Central, or Lynn Camp High School and are making the most of their college experience at Union.

"I chose Union for the same sense of family, community, and unwavering support as Lynn Camp had always given me.” 




-Kaylan Brown, Lynn Camp High School Class of 2018


"The Knox Tuition Pathway is life-changing for students and families in our community, including us. It is so special, and we are thankful for this opportunity. At Union, you are more than just a number; you are truly seen, valued, and supported by the entire campus and community."



-Madalyn & Makayla Taylor, Barbourville High School Class of 2026



"Union offers an incredible opportunity for local students to receive a quality education while also experiencing college life, all without having to leave home. Union is truly a cornerstone of our community, and I’m proud to be a part of it."


-Regan Messer, Barbourville High School Class of 2024


"I chose Union Commonwealth University to show kids in Knox County that staying home for college can be a good thing!! Remaining local all while getting the college experience is the best of both worlds! 



-Ava Ledford, Knox Central High School Class of 2024