The San Diego Promise
Receive up to two years of free tuition or a book grant with the San Diego Promise. The San Diego Promise is a two-year completion program for eligible students that offers a number of benefits to support you in your introduction to college. The San Diego Promise is not based on need or merit. Receive access to a peer mentor, specialized counseling and guidance support, and additional campus engagement opportunities.
Join our Promise Canvas Shell for Announcements and Updates!
Spring Semester Closures
- Monday, January 19th, 2026
- Thursday, January 29 (from 8am-1pm)
- Friday, February 13th & Monday, February 16th, 2026
- Friday, April 3rd, 2026
- Monday, May 25th, 2026
Apply for the San Diego Promise
Review the eligibility requirements to determine whether you qualify for free tuition and support as a Promise student.
The Fall 2026 Promise application is now open! Learn more here.
Important dates:
| mySDCCD Registration Date and Time is viewable in the portal and emailed |
April 15, 2026 |
| Class Schedule Posted Online | April 20, 2026 |
| Registration for classes by appointment begins | May 4, 2026 |
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Open registration |
May 26, 2026 |
| Start of Fall 2026 semester | August 17, 2026 |
| Priority deadline to fulfill admission requirements | May 22, 2026 |
Determine Your Eligibility
To qualify for the San Diego Promise program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Track #1
- First time (to any) college student.
Track #2
- Returning SDCCD students who have not enrolled in courses for the last three or more consecutive semesters (not including summer).
Track #3
- Identify with one of the following groups:
- Foster Youth Student
- Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces
- Formerly Incarcerated Student
- Undocumented Student
- College of Continuing Education
- LGBTQIA+
- Must be a California resident or AB 540 eligible
- Completed high school diploma or high school equivalency
Students who completed college courses in high school are eligible for the San Diego Promise Program.
View the Program Requirements
See the requirements for each Promise cohort:
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Complete a financial aid application to maintain your Promise status for Year 2 |
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Enroll in at least 12 units during the Fall and Spring semester or Full-time equivalency - approved DSPS Waiver or |
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Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA |
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Meet with a Promise or general counselor once per semester or Create a comprehensive education plan by the end of your Spring semester |
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Attend one Mesa College event per semester & complete the Campus Engagement form |
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Complete a mid-semester Progress Report form each semester |
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| Sign up for the Year One Mailing List |
Access Canvas Promise
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Complete a financial aid application |
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Enroll in at least 12 units during the Fall and Spring semester or Full-time equivalency by submitting either DSPS Waiver or |
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Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA |
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Attend one Mesa College event per semester & complete the Campus Engagement form |
