Launched in 2016 by the San Diego Community District, the San Diego Promise aims to eliminate financial barriers to community college education. Qualified students at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, including those transitioning from the College of Continuing Education, can access a free education. Promise also offers grants for textbooks and supplies to support students in need. The program cultivates a supportive learning community to promote academic success. Funded by the state of California and generous donors, it has grown from serving 186 students to over 7,000 each year, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all.
Enrollment Fees | Eligible students receive up to two years of: free tuition (Per-Unit Fee) and health fees.
California residents pay $46 per unit, plus the $21.00 Student Health Fee.
Book Grant | Eligible students can receive book grants for up to two years.
Book grants help cover the cost of textbooks and other educational materials needed for their courses.
Promise Counseling Faculty
Promise Classified Professionals
Promise Project Assistants and Mentors
Promise Administrators and Coordinators
Applicants will NOT be admitted into the San Diego Promise Program if they |
| Enrolled, earned, attempted, or have ANY postsecondary experience.
(POST High School graduation or completion of high school equivalency (HiSET, GED))
| Previously earned a degree, completed training, or received a certificate from a postsecondary educational institution. (POST High School graduation or completion of high school equivalency (HiSET, GED))
| Previously admitted or enrolled in the San Diego Promise at the San Diego Community College District.
Exceptions |
Students who earned or attempted college credits or post-secondary awards earned before graduation from High School graduation or Equivalent completion ARE STILL still be eligible for The San Diego Promise Program.
| Students MUST have enrolled in a previous semester or term post-high school graduation or equivalent completion at the San Diego Community College District.
| Applicants will NOT be admitted into the San Diego Promise Program if they:
Enrolled, earned, attempted, or have ANY post-secondary experience during the following terms or semesters:
| Previously earned a degree, completed training, or received a certificate from a postsecondary educational institution. (POST High School graduation or completion of high school equivalency (HiSET, GED))
Students previously admitted or enrolled in the San Diego Promise at the San Diego Community College District is NOT eligible.
Exceptions | Students who enrolled in courses at the San Diego College of Continuing Education ARE STILL eligible.
Student Must Identify As |
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Alumni or recent Graduate.
LGBTQIA+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other.
A veteran of the U.S Armed Forces:
The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged.
Undocumented Student:
An undocumented student is a foreign national who: (1) entered the United States without inspection or with fraudulent documents; (2) entered legally as a non-immigrant but then violated the terms of his or her status and remained in the United States without authorization; (3) has Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (“DACA”) status or has previously had DACA; or (4) is otherwise currently in the process of legalizing.
Justice Involved:
Any individual who has at any time served a custody sentence in any adult or juvenile federal, state, or local detention facility; or in any alternative custody program such as home detention.
Foster Youth:
Be a current or former foster youth in California whose dependency was established or continued by a court of competent jurisdiction, including a tribal court.
Applicants will NOT be admitted into the San Diego Promise Program if they |
| Previously earned a degree, completed training, or received a certificate from a postsecondary educational institution. (POST High School graduation or completion of high school equivalency (HiSET, GED))
Students previously admitted or enrolled in the San Diego Promise at the San Diego Community College District is NOT eligible.
Financial Aid Application |
Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act application (CADAA) and be received by the San Diego Community College District.
California Resident |
Classified as a California Resident by the San Diego Community College District.
High School or Equivalency Completion |
High school diploma or High School equivalency with completion year and received received by the San Diego Community College District.
12 Units or Full Time Equivalent for enrolling semester |
Students must be enrolled in 12 units for the semester they are enrolling for San Diego Promise or have submitted a:
Submit a San Diego Promise Request form: