Frequently Asked Questions

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Eligibility & Requirements

As a first-time college student, you'll need to take these steps to receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise:

Be a first-time college student (includes dual enrollment or concurrent high school students) and a California resident or AB540 eligible

Review and sign the Promise Pledge

Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA or California Dream Act application

Complete the college onboarding process at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College: Application, Orientation, Assessment, and Education Plan. For additional assistance, watch this video to help you complete the online orientation and abbreviated education plan.

Attend as a full-time student at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College (At least 12 credit units per semester)

Maintain a 2.0 college grade point average or higher to remain eligible

Disclaimers

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise covers tuition (enrollment) fees and mandatory fees (student health, representation, and Cuyamaca construction fee). Books, supplies, parking permits, and other class fees are not included, although additional financial support may be available through financial aid for eligible students. If you start in the spring semester, only spring fees will be covered.

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The Pledge

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise is our commitment to offer a 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. By providing my contact information, I authorize Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District representatives to contact me.

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 of First-Year Enrollment Fees
* $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?
First-time college students, including students who earned college units while still in high school; and those who are California Residents or AB 540 are eligible upon completing the following requirements:
· Sign and submit the Promise Pledge electronically or download the form
· Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA or California Dream Act application
· Complete the college onboarding process at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College:
> College application
> Student online orientation
> Placement/Assessment
> Education Plan
· Enroll and attend as a full-time (at least 12 units)
· Continue full-time status to remain eligible for following semester, and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and complete the FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application for next year to be eligible for a second year.
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.
*Please note 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. 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). If students maintain eligibility requirements (complete 12-units, minimum 2.0 GPA, new FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application for next year, and enroll full-time in fall) they will be eligible for a second year.
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?
Students must attain a 2.0 GPA or higher and maintain full-time status in fall to remain eligible for tuition and mandatory student fees to be covered in spring.

PROCESS AND TIMELINE

When will I be notified if I’m eligible to receive the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Students will be sent an email notification regarding their eligibility determination six (6) weeks after the semester begins. During the review process, you will NOT be dropped for non-payment.
When will I be awarded the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise?
Students who are eligible will have tuition (enrollment) and mandatory fees applied automatically to their accounts based on the following options:
* Paid, pending refund: Credit/debit cards will be refunded during the monthly automatic reimbursement process, all other payment reimbursements need to be set up through Bank Mobile
* Not paid, pending payment: Tuition and mandatory fees will be automatically applied on the account.
Check your account in WebAdvisor for any remaining balances not covered by the program.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.