Frequently Asked Questions

Complete by August 31st for the Fall Semester

Get Ahead! Stay Ahead!

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligible students must complete the following requirements by the semester deadline:

FIRST-TIME college student

CALIFORNIA RESIDENT (or AB540)

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CA DREAM ACT application

COLLEGE APPLICATION
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
EDUCATION PLAN
Click here to complete online: Grossmont and/or Cuyamaca.
(How-To Video).

FULL-TIME attendance (at least 12 units)

Disclaimers

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees (student health, representation, and Cuyamaca construction fee).
Books, supplies, parking permits, and other class fees are not included.

Become a College Scholar

Apply Now To Grossmont College Apply Now To Cuyumaca College

The Pledge

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise is our commitment to offering world-class education for first-time college students who can benefit from college and career training. The Promise is an educational pathway for students to attend college and prepare for a 21st-century career.

OUR Pledge

Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges pledge to ...

SUPPORT you in understanding and navigating your college and career journey
ASSIST you in preparing for college and career training:
- College and financial aid applications
- Orientation, placement/assessment, and education plan
- Clear pathways to jobs and university transfer, as well as career advancement
COMMIT to helping you succeed in meeting your goals
PROVIDE free tuition and mandatory fees for your first academic year of college when you meet eligibility requirements

YOUR Pledge

I pledge to ...

TAKE CHARGE of my future with the college’s help
GET READY to attend college and do the following:
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application
- Complete the college onboarding process:
  - Application
  - Placeement/Assessment
  - Orientation
  - Education Plan
ATTEND Grossmont or Cuyamaca College full-time (at least 12 college units per semester)
COMMIT to my college success:
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher and full-time status to remain eligible
- Actively participate in college events
- Make steady progress on my education plan
- Ask for the help I need to fulfill my goals

I pledge to be successful to the best of my abilities and understand the expectations of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise. I will ultimately earn and complete an associate degree, workforce certificate, and/or meet university transfer requirements. I will seek help from the college when I need support with my college and career pathway.

[wpforms id="229" title="false" description="false"]

BENEFITS

What is the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
The Promise is an opportunity for first-time students who are CA residents attending full-time to attend college tuition-free for up to 2 years. The Promise helps students become career and transfer ready, providing seamless guidance and financial support through the completion of their academic and career development goals.
What are the benefits of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
The Promise covers up to 2 years of tuition and mandatory student fees at Grossmont and Cuyamaca College. The colleges will provide support and assistance throughout the required onboarding process, which includes the college application, student orientation, assessments, and an education plan. In addition, help is available when applying for financial aid. By taking advantage of all the services and support available at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, you are provided an environment in which to thrive.Student Services - Cuyamaca College Student Services - Grossmont Colleges
What is covered under the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
The Promise program covers tuition and mandatory student fees for fall and spring semesters.
* $46 per Unit
* $20 State-mandated Health Fee (Summer $17)
* $1 Student Representation Fee
* $5 Student Center Construction Fee (Cuyamaca College)
What does the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise NOT pay for?
Students are responsible for paying for books, supplies, parking permits, and any course fees. Additional financial support may be available through financial aid for eligible students.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

What are the requirements of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
1st SEMESTER ELIGIBILITY:
First-time college students who are CA Residents (or AB 540) must complete the following requirements:
· College application
· New student orientation
· Education Plan
· Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid ) or California Dream Act application
· Enroll and attend full-time (at least 12 units)

2nd SEMESTER ELIGIBLITY
· Complete 12 units in Fall semester and enroll in at least 12 units in the Spring semester

2nd YEAR ELIGIBILITY:
· Complete 12 units in the Spring semester
· Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
· Complete the FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application for the new school year
· Enroll in at least 12 units in the Fall semester
What is the deadline to apply for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Semester deadlines are two (2) weeks after the first day of the semester, dates are posted on MyCollegePromise.net website. Students must meet eligibility criteria and complete all requirements by the posted deadline to be eligible.
Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise
Can I begin spring semester and receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Yes, students meeting the Promise eligibility requirements will have tuition and mandatory fees covered for the Spring semester (including winter intercession).
Yeat two of the Promise is available to students meeting the following eligibility requirements:
· Complete 12 units in the Spring semester
· Earn at least a 2.0 GPA
· Complete the FAFSA (orCA Dream Act Application) for the new school year
· Enroll in at least 12 units in the Fall semester
Does the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise cover summer classes?
No. Tuition and mandatory fees for summer classes are not included in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise. Enrollment in summer classes does not impact eligibility for the Promise in fall, but costs are the responsibility of the student.
Does the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise include winter intercession?
Yes, Promise scholars who have met the eligibility requirements in fall qualify to have their intercession tuition and mandatory fees paid for intercession courses.
Do I need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application to be eligible for the Promise?
Yes, although the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise is not based upon financial need, the State requires all students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act.
Please note: completion of the FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application is one of the eligibility requirements to receive a second year of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise.Cuyamaca College FAFSA & Dream Act Workshops Grossmont College FAFSA & Dream Act Workshops FAFSA CA Dream Act application
Does the full-time requirement of 12 units apply if I am a student with disabilities?
Students with disabilities should make an appointment with their respective disability office for evaulation of a reduced course load if not able to meet the 12-unit eligiblity reqiuirement. Disabled Students Programs and Services (at Cuyamaca College) or Accessibility Resource Center (at Grossmont College). Disabled Students Programs and Services - Cuyamaca College Accessibility Resource Center - Grossmont College
If I received the Promise in Fall, what do I have to do to be eligible for Spring?
· Complete 12 units in Fall semester and enroll in at least 12 units in the Spring semester

PROCESS AND TIMELINE

When will I be notified if I’m eligible to receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Students are notified of eligibility, via email, one week after the deadline.
During the review process, students will NOT be dropped for non-payment.
When will I be awarded the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Approximately one (1) week after the semester deadline., based on the following two (2) payment options:
* PAID: Credit/debit cards will be automatically reimbursed,
Other payment reimbursements need to be set up through Bank Mobile
* NOT PAID: Tuition and mandatory fees will be automatically applied to the student account.
Bank Mobile
Where can I find out more information about the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
If you have more questions, please contact the Promise team at 619-644-7033 or mycollegepromise@gcccd.edu.