SAC Promise, coordinated through the Santa Ana Partnership, supports first-time students who enter Santa Ana College directly after graduating from a California high school or adult school with a diploma, GED, or HiSET and qualify for in-state fees. The page describes possible free tuition for the first and second years for continuing students who meet requirements, plus book assistance. It is not an automatic award based solely on living in Santa Ana.
The pathway combines required Promise orientation, FAFSA or Dream Act, at least 12 units in fall and spring, a counselor appointment, and a four-semester education plan. The page also mentions a guaranteed-admission pathway to CSU Fullerton; review the pledge, major eligibility, and transfer conditions separately because a guaranteed pathway does not replace receiving-campus requirements.
Contact the SAC Promise Center in S-107, at sacpromise@sac.edu or 714-564-6072, and join the interest list for summer orientations. Then complete the pledge, submit the financial-aid application, and schedule counseling through the University Transfer Center. If you cannot file FAFSA/CADAA, ask about the alternative California Community College Promise Grant application mentioned on the page.
The program depends on continued participation and enrollment at the college; confirm which costs are excluded before registering, and do not treat book assistance as a guaranteed fixed amount. The office lists Monday–Thursday hours of 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and Friday hours until 12:30 p.m., subject to the college calendar.
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.
Santa Ana College Promise Program — Santa Ana College.
Santa Ana Promise Center — Santa Ana 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.
Santa Ana College Promise
SAC Promise, coordinated through the Santa Ana Partnership, supports first-time students who enter Santa Ana College directly after graduating from a California high school or adult school with a diploma, GED, or HiSET and qualify for in-state fees. The page describes possible free tuition for the first and second years for continuing students who meet requirements, plus book assistance. It is not an automatic award based solely on living in Santa Ana. The pathway combines re
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
Santa Ana College · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Santa Ana 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
Santa Ana 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
Santa Ana 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.