The San Diego Promise at the San Diego Community College District helps students at City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges start or resume college. For Spring 2027, the district’s official application page says applications opened October 7, 2026, and close February 8, 2027, at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. The program profile explains covered costs and the three eligibility tracks. Applying alone does not secure a place: admission depends on completing the requirements while capacity remains.
For admitted students, the program may cover up to two years of per-unit enrollment fees and health fees; it also offers book and course-material grants to students with demonstrated financial need. It does not cover the additional US$84-per-unit bachelor’s fee for district bachelor’s classes. It is not a promise to pay rent, transportation, food, or other personal costs. Before accepting classes, ask the financial-aid office for a written breakdown of covered charges and your remaining balance.
The district lists three tracks: first-time college students after high-school completion; returning SDCCD students who have been away for three main semesters; and designated groups that include LGBTQIA+ students, veterans, current or former foster youth, undocumented students, justice-involved students, and current or recent graduates of the College of Continuing Education. Each track has exclusions. For example, the first generally excludes post-high-school college experience, while the third limits prior units and excludes students who already earned a degree or previously participated in Promise.
To finish the process, first apply for admission to San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar College, then submit the Promise application. The district must receive your 2026–27 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), classify you as a California resident, have your high-school diploma or equivalency on file, and confirm enrollment in 12 units for the term unless a reduced load is approved. Spring 2027 applications are open, but the district may stop admitting students once capacity is reached. Applying early gives time to resolve missing records, though it does not guarantee admission.
After applying, check both your personal email and your @student.sdccd.edu account: staff first review track eligibility and then admission requirements, and decisions arrive through those channels. If a disability or serious circumstance means you need fewer than 12 units, ask about the relevant waiver or petition before registering. Counseling numbers: City College, 619-388-3540; Mesa, 619-388-2672; Miramar, 619-388-7840. The official program also offers information sessions with interpretation. Confirm in the portal that Spring 2027 is still accepting applications and save confirmation of every submission.
San Diego Promise — San Diego Community College District.
Apply to the San Diego Promise Program — San Diego Community College District.
Promise Petitions and Requests — San Diego Community College District.
Informational guide based on official sources checked on October 12, 2026. Eligibility, deadlines, and amounts may change; confirm the current round with the institution before submitting documents.
The spring application remains open, but capacity may fill. Check your track requirements and complete admission and FAFSA or CADAA as well.
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San Diego Promise Program — San Diego Community College District
3375 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108
The program may cover up to two years of per-unit enrollment and health fees at City, Mesa, or Miramar, plus need-based book grants. It does not cover the extra bachelor’s-class fee or guarantee housing, transportation, or other costs. Three eligibility tracks have different exclusions; students need FAFSA or CADAA, California resident classification, and 12 units or an approved reduced load.
Public community-college tuition and student-support program
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
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San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Diego Promise Program — San Diego Community College District ↗
Primary source
San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Diego Promise Program — San Diego Community College District ↗
Primary source
San Diego Community College District · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.