3. What is a college promise program?

When a college promises to exist for at least four years after a student enrolls.
When a college promises to ask graduates, in perpetuity, for donations equal to or more than the amount the graduate already paid in tuition and fees.
A program—of which there are currently about 280 nationwide—that offers free tuition or other financial support to eligible students within a particular state or region.

4. What is the difference between tuition-free programs and debt-free programs?

Tuition-free means students are free to pay tuition. Debt-free means they are free not to worry about debt.
Both programs imply that students won't be asked about outstanding tuition or debt on most tests or other class assignments.
Tuition-free programs cover the price of tuition; debt-free programs do not require students to apply for loans.

5. What do first dollar, middle dollar and last dollar refer to?

What students and their families will spend on college.
The three levels of financial literacy courses most college now offer.
The three main types of free-college awards.

Before we reveal the answers, here is some more food-for-free-college thought, with a global perspective: NPR recently considered what the U.S. might learn from Chile's free college program.

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Can you pass this quiz about free college?

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