College of San Mateo Promise Scholars is a degree- and certificate-completion program for first-time California residents seeking a credential. The college currently lists Spring 2027 applications as open. Its package includes tuition support for the first two years and possible third-year funding for some students, alongside individualized counseling and academic planning.
The published benefit list includes tuition and fees for the first and second years, up to $750 for books, priority registration, help with a Student Education Plan, workshops, and a $50 monthly participation incentive. Students should not assume everyone receives an identical payment: the college requires counselor meetings, full-time enrollment, and a FAFSA or Dream Act application each spring.
Apply to College of San Mateo first; once admitted, sign in to WebSMART and complete the Promise Scholars application. The published minimum is 12 units in fall and spring, along with regular counseling, workshops, career assessment, and a renewed FAFSA/CADAA each spring. The program lists csmpromise@smccd.edu and College Center, Building 10, Room 370 for questions.
Tuition support is tied to progress and participation and does not necessarily cover transportation, housing, meals, or every material. The Spring 2027 application is open at the time of this review, but space may be limited and each term can close. Confirm that the form remains available in WebSMART before planning your schedule.
Read the program profile and the official FAFSA application guide; ask the college to confirm your individual package.
To compare this award with another college offer, ask for an itemized estimate: covered tuition and fees, other grants applied first, and the balance you would still owe. Keep confirmation of every form, and when the program requires it, submit the FAFSA or CADAA for the correct academic year. An advertised maximum or the phrase “free tuition” does not automatically include books, housing, transportation, or terms the program excludes.
Promise Scholars Program — College of San Mateo.
Promise Scholars — program catalog — College of San Mateo.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Local programs change cohorts, funding, eligibility, and calendars; a closed cycle is not an open application. Confirm your situation and the current application with the program and the college financial-aid office.
The program and college financial-aid office confirm eligibility, covered balance, and dates; a published maximum does not guarantee an award.
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Promise Scholars Program — College of San Mateo
College of San Mateo Promise Scholars is a degree- and certificate-completion program for first-time California residents seeking a credential. The college currently lists Spring 2027 applications as open. Its package includes tuition support for the first two years and possible third-year funding for some students, alongside individualized counseling and academic planning. The published benefit list includes tuition and fees for the first and second years, up to $750 for boo
Local college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College of San Mateo · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College of San Mateo · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
College of San Mateo · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Promise Scholars Program — College of San Mateo ↗
Primary source
College of San Mateo · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.