Financial Aid / Scholarships

College Comeback Programs

Lakeland recognizes that prior balances may present a challenge to return and meet educational goals. If you are a former student who owes a balance to Lakeland Community College or to one of the institutions* below, you may be eligile for assistance in returning to school.

Students must meet the participation eligibility requirements below to participate in Lakeland's College Comeback program. Lakeland will forgive up to $1,500 ($750 a semester/term payable after completion of current term) toward balance held by Lakeland and any Attorney General fees dating back no more than five years.

• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at Lakeland at time of enrolling in program
• Eligible semester/term to participate

• Debt owed to Lakeland dates back no more than 5 years
• Debt forgiven by Lakeland is up to $1,500 ($750 semester/term)
• Degree or certificate seeking at Lakeland
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for current aid year on file at Lakeland
• Enroll in and successfully complete at least 6 credit hours in first semester back at Lakeland (or minimum credits to earn degree or certificate); complete all enrolled course work in good academic standing (at least 6 credit hours)

• Schedule meeting with Lakeland academic counselor to map or revise academic pathway to earning degree or certificate and to determine course schedule
• Schedule meeting with Enrollment Operations staff member; FAFSA for current aid year must be on file at the college before meeting can be scheduled
  • Requirements of program and qualifying activities are discussed (i.e., balance owed, how debt is forgiven and financial plan to pay charges for current semester)
  • Student will be registered for classes previously discussed with Lakeland academic counselor
  • Complete and sign Lakeland College Comeback Agreement Form

The Ohio College Comeback Compact is a collaboration of eight public universities and community colleges in northeast Ohio* to help students who left college without a degree continue their education.

This program is open to eligible students who previously attended any of the eight participating institutions below, have been out of college at least a year, maintained a 2.0 cumulative GPA before they left, and owe the institution $5,000 or less. Find more information and to check your eligibility here.

*Participating Colleges: Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Stark State College, The University of Akron and Youngstown State University.