Following the success of its Tuition-Free Pathway in Knox County, Union Commonwealth University is expanding the initiative to Bell County, creating a new tuition-free pathway to Union for eligible graduates of the three Bell County high schools.

Union President Dr. D.J. Washington and members of the university's admissions team visited Bell County High School, Middlesboro Independent High School and Pineville Independent High School Friday morning to share the news directly with students.

Beginning with the Class of 2027, eligible graduating seniors from all three schools will have the opportunity to attend Union tuition-free beginning in fall 2027.

The expansion follows a successful first year of the Tuition-Free Pathway in Knox County. Of the 256 Knox County students who qualified for the program, 151 received the scholarship and 85 ultimately enrolled at Union Commonwealth University. That represents the largest number of Knox County students enrolled at Union in the university's history, including 78 general students. The pathway also contributed to Union's largest incoming freshman class on record.

The results demonstrated the impact of removing financial barriers for local students and provided a strong foundation for Union to expand the opportunity to additional communities in the region.

“We started the Tuition-Free Pathway, because we believe that talented students in our own backyard deserve a clear and affordable pathway to a college degree. After its first year, the results have confirmed that belief,” said Dr. DJ Washington, President of Union Commonwealth University. “More local students are choosing Union, and we are seeing firsthand the difference that opportunity can make for students and families. Launching this program in Bell County is our commitment to strengthening the region and making sure more local students can find their place at Union.”

“Because of the Tuition-Free Pathway, we saw how removing financial barriers can change the way students think about what is possible after high school. Expanding the pathway to Bell County allows us to bring that same opportunity to even more students in the communities surrounding Union,” added James Becknell, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment.

The Tuition-Free Pathway was introduced in September 2025 to provide qualifying Knox County students with a tuition-free pathway to Union. The program is designed to make a Union education more accessible while giving local students the opportunity to earn a college degree close to home and without taking on tuition-related debt.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students and our community. By removing the financial barriers that can often stand between a student and a college education, this partnership opens a door that could change the trajectory of so many young lives,” said Brian Crawford, Superintendent of Bell County School District. “Our students now have the opportunity to stay close to home, receive a quality college education, and begin their future without the burden of tuition. We are incredibly grateful for this investment in our students and excited about what it means for the future of our community.”

“For our students, having the opportunity to pursue a college education close to home can make a life-changing difference. It can remove barriers and turn a dream that once felt out of reach into a reality. It allows them to continue learning, growing, and building their futures while remaining connected to the families, schools, and community that helped shape who they are,” said Bill Jones, Superintendent of Middlesboro Independent Schools.  “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Union and their commitment to investing in Middlesboro students. Together, we are creating opportunities that can change the trajectory of a student’s life and, ultimately, strengthen our entire community.”

“Providing our 2027 graduates with a tuition-free pathway to Union Commonwealth University is an incredible opportunity for the students and families of Pineville Independent. This partnership is a clear investment in our local students and a reflection of Union Commonwealth University’s belief in their potential. Removing the financial barrier of tuition can open doors to higher education that might otherwise be out of reach for some of our graduates,” said Russell Thompson, Superintendent of Pineville Independent Schools. “We are excited about what this opportunity means for our students and for our community. By investing in our young people and helping them build their skills and talents close to home, we are growing the local workforce, strengthening our communities, and creating a better future for our families.”

Through the Tuition-Free Pathway, eligible students can have 100% of their eligible tuition and comprehensive fee covered for up to eight semesters. As a last-dollar scholarship, the pathway works alongside federal and other financial aid, with those resources applied first.

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



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.