What is College Promise?
College Promise programs are designed to make college more affordable for students. Silicon Valley currently has six (6) community colleges with College Promise programs. More information about College Promise programs in California is available on the College Promise Project website.
Finding the One for You
Each College Promise program looks a bit different, but all six have the following in common:
- Programs provide support for two years.
- Students must take at 12 units per semester (fewer if you qualify for the Disabled Students Programs and Services - DSPS).
- Students must submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application prior to their program participation.
There are some important differences about each program:
- Each program provides different financial, academic, and other resources to support students
- Each program has different eligibility requirements to join the program.
- Some programs are open to all students who qualify at the community college. Other programs allow a limited number of students to participate each year.
Get Started
Answer some questions below to find the programs you may qualify for. You can also skip the questions and compare all programs.
Note: Even if you answer no to a question, you still might qualify for a program.
1. Are you a veteran who has never attended college?
2. Did you graduate high school more than 9 months ago?
3. Did you finish your GED after Fall 2020?
4. Are you a first-time college student?
Note: Have you only taken dual enrollment and/or summer courses? If so, some programs will still consider you a first-time college student. Have you registered for classes before but did not take classes? If so, you will need to contact the program directly. They need to tell you if you would be considered a first-time college student.
5. Do you plan to enroll in college full-time or part-time?
Note: Full-time is at least 12 units per semester or quarter. De Anza and Foothill College are on the quarter system. The rest of the community colleges are on the semester system.
6. Are you a resident of Santa Clara County or eligible for resident exception - AB 540?
7. Will you start college the summer or fall after your high school graduation?
8. Will you start college the winter or spring after your high school graduation?
Not Eligible, Yet
Unfortunately, students must enroll in community college to qualify. You can still compare Silicon Valley's College Promise Programs. It could help you decide on a program later when you're ready to enroll.
Remember, community colleges are open to students with a high school diploma, GED, HSE, or the equivalent. However, each community college may also choose to enroll students who do not have a high school diploma, GED, HSE, or the equivalent. If you don't have one of those, please contact the college's enrollment office to learn more about your enrollment options.
Here are some ways you can earn a high school diploma:
- San José Public Library’s Career Online High School Program
- Opportunity Youth Academy
- San José Conservation Corps and Charter School
- An adult education program:
Learn how to apply to each community college in Silicon Valley:
7. Are you a resident of California (or eligible for resident exception - AB 540) but not Santa Clara County?
8. Will you start college the summer or fall after your high school graduation?
9. Will you start college the winter or spring after your high school graduation?
Not Eligible, Yet
Unfortunately, students must enroll in community college to qualify. You can still compare Silicon Valley's College Promise Programs. It could help you decide on a program later when you're ready to enroll.
Remember, community colleges are open to students with a high school diploma, GED, HSE, or the equivalent. However, each community college may also choose to enroll students who do not have a high school diploma, GED, HSE, or the equivalent. If you don't have one of those, please contact the college's enrollment office to learn more about your enrollment options.
Here are some ways you can earn a high school diploma:
- San José Public Library’s Career Online High School Program
- Opportunity Youth Academy
- San José Conservation Corps and Charter School
- An adult education program:
Learn how to apply to each community college in Silicon Valley:
Not Eligible
Unfortunately, you need to be California resident or qualify for the AB 540 resident exception. There might be other financial support options available to you. These California College Promise Programs are not. We encourage you to contact your local community college’s financial aid or enrollment office. They can help you explore more options.
Learn more about each of Silicon Valley's College Promise Programs:
Possibly Not Eligible
Unfortunately, only full-time students qualify for these programs. We encourage you to learn more by comparing all schools. You can also contact the programs directly. They can tell you if you can still apply for a College Promise program. For example, if you qualify for disability services, you could still apply, even if you take fewer than 12 units per semester or quarter.
Learn more about each of Silicon Valley's College Promise Programs:
Possibly Not Eligible
Unfortunately, you may not qualify for these programs. We encourage you to learn more by comparing all schools. You can also contact programs directly. They can tell you if your situation would allow you to still apply for a College Promise program or other types of financial aid.
Learn more about each of Silicon Valley's College Promise Programs: