Another community is joining Union Commonwealth University’s growing Tuition-Free Pathway.

Union announced Tuesday that eligible graduates of Clay County High School will have the opportunity to attend Union tuition-free beginning in fall 2027, expanding the university’s initiative to a third county in just over a year.

Union President Dr. DJ Washington and members of the university’s admissions team traveled to Clay County High School Friday to share the announcement with students and talk about what the opportunity could mean for their futures.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our graduating seniors at Clay County High School. Union’s offer of eight semesters of tuition-free education has the potential to open doors for students and families who may have thought a college education was financially out of reach,” William Sexton, Superintendent of Clay County Public Schools. “We are excited about this opportunity and grateful to Union for investing in the future of our students. Opportunities like this can truly change lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

The announcement comes just weeks after Union expanded the Tuition-Free Pathway to three Bell County high schools. The initiative began in September 2025 with three Knox County high schools.

What began as a single-county initiative has now grown into a regional effort, giving more students in the communities surrounding Union a pathway to earn a college degree without the financial burden of tuition.

“We want students throughout our region to know that Union is here for them,” said Dr. Washington. “Bringing the pathway to Clay County is another step in our commitment to the students and families who make up the communities we serve. We are excited to welcome these students into the Union family and help them build a future close to home.”

The impact of the program was evident during its first year in Knox County. Of the 256 students who qualified for the pathway, 151 received the scholarship and 85 ultimately enrolled at Union Commonwealth University. Among those students were 78 general students, contributing to the largest number of Knox County students enrolled at Union in the university’s history.

The success of the program also helped contribute to Union’s largest incoming freshman class on record.

“Every student who gains access to this opportunity represents another family that can look at college a little differently,” added James Becknell, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment. “We’ve seen students and families respond to the Tuition-Free Pathway because it makes the possibility of a college education feel more attainable. Expanding into Clay County allows us to continue that work and reach even more students who may not have considered Union an option.”

Through the Tuition-Free Pathway, eligible students can have 100% of their eligible tuition and comprehensive fee covered for up to eight semesters. The program is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning federal and other applicable financial aid is applied first, with the pathway covering remaining eligible tuition and comprehensive fee costs.

The scholarship does not cover room and board, books, personal expenses or certain student, course and laboratory fees.

Students graduating in May 2027 from Red Bird Christian School and Oneida Baptist Institute are also encouraged to apply to Union Commonwealth University. Students who are eligible for federal financial aid, complete the FAFSA and meet the program’s other requirements may be considered for the Tuition-Free Pathway on a case-by-case basis. Students and families can speak with a member of the Union admissions team by emailing admissions@unionky.edu to learn more about eligibility and the application process.

The priority application deadline is Nov. 1, 2026.

Students and families can learn more about the UCU Tuition-Free Pathway and apply at www.unionky.edu/tuitionfree.