U-Pass Eligibility

Who is eligible for a U-Pass?

According to the agreement between the CTA and Columbia College, the CTA U-Pass is available each semester to Full-Time Undergraduate and Graduate students.

Remember, ONLY Full-Time students are eligible for a U-Pass. Full-Time status is defined as 12 credit hours or more for Undergraduates, and 9 credit hours or more for Graduate students. If you drop below Full-Time status, your card will be deactivated and the term Code 57 will appear on the train or bus farebox. 

Part-Time students are NOT eligible nor are they assessed the fee.

Why do I have to be Full-Time to be eligible for a U-Pass?

The CTA requires that students must be Full-Time to participate in the program.  Only Full-Time students are awarded a U-Pass, to be eligible for this benefit a student must be charged for Full-Time tuition and fees.

Students who do not meet these requirements are not assessed Full-Time tuition and fees, and are not assessed the U-Pass Transportation Fee. 

Am I eligible for a U-Pass if I am a Full-Time student but not taking all of my credit hours at Columbia College?

No.  You must be a registered as a Full-Time student at Columbia College, which does not include any course work outside this college. There are no inter-university U-Pass programs.

What if I pickup my U-Pass, but then drop a course and fall below Full-Time status?

After the add/drop period each semester, we send an updated list of eligible students to the CTA. If you have fallen below Full-Time status during the add/drop period, your name will not be on this list, and CTA will deactivate your U-Pass. The U-Pass fee assessment will then be credited to your account.