More students than ever before are now eligible for the San Diego Promise, which offers a free community college education at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges. Registration opens January 9 for the 2023-24 academic year.
The San Diego Promise offers up to two years of free college tuition and health fees, grants for books and instructional supplies to students who demonstrate financial need, and support for all students to promote academic success.
Based on state funding and private grants, the San Diego Promise was limited to students attending college for the first time. This year, California has expanded eligibility to allow previous students who have not been enrolled for three or more semesters (summer not included) to receive the Promise grant. Eligibility includes being registered in 12 credit units each semester and not earned a bachelor’s degree.
Students attending the San Diego College of Continuing Education, the district’s noncredit division, are now eligible to apply to the Promise and enroll at San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar Colleges.
Last year, the San Diego Community College District had a record-breaking interest in the San Diego Promise, with 2,349 students enrolling in the Fall 2022 semester. Another 1,400 students were attending college in their second year of the Promise program.
Students accepted into the San Diego Promise must attend an orientation, sign a Promise contract, maintain a 2.0 college GPA, meet with a counselor each semester, and complete a comprehensive education plan.
Special populations of students, including veterans, undocumented students, foster youth, and the formerly incarcerated, are encouraged to apply for the San Diego Promise. Applications are currently being accepted from high school students who are graduating in December and wish to enroll for the spring semester starting January 30. For more information, visit sdccd.edu/promise.
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