SJCC operates the San José Promise and Milpitas Promise pathways. Its requirements page calls for first-time college status and Santa Clara County residency, admission and program applications, Summer Bridge, a learning community, and a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. The Milpitas Extension describes tuition, textbooks, and academic support for MUSD graduates; confirm with the program which cohort and benefit package applies to your school.
To remain in the program, SJCC requires at least 12 units each semester, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, regular meetings with an assigned counselor, and required orientations and workshops. This is a structured support model, not merely a payment promise; specific benefits may vary by pathway and cohort. The page does not publish one universal dollar amount, so do not interpret “Promise” as full coverage of every college cost.
First apply for admission to San José City College, then submit the Promise application. File FAFSA or CADAA with the college listed, plan to attend Summer Bridge, and monitor your student email for learning-community, workshop, and counseling dates. The published program contact is promiseprograms@sjcc.edu.
Public information confirms requirements and support, but does not set one award amount, single deadline, or identical package for everyone. Request a written estimate for tuition, books, and fees before enrolling; county residence does not replace program approval or state and federal aid review.
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.
San José & Milpitas Promise Programs — San José City College.
Milpitas Extension — San José City College.
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.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
San José & Milpitas Promise Programs — San José City College
SJCC operates the San José Promise and Milpitas Promise pathways. Its requirements page calls for first-time college status and Santa Clara County residency, admission and program applications, Summer Bridge, a learning community, and a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. The Milpitas Extension describes tuition, textbooks, and academic support for MUSD graduates; confirm with the program which cohort and benefit package applies to your school. To remain in the program
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
San José City College · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San José City College · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
San José City College · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San José & Milpitas Promise Programs — San José City College ↗
Primary source
San José City College · 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.