Saddleback College Promise Program
Saddleback Promise provides up to two years of tuition support to eligible first-time college students. The page says the program is separate from the California College Promise Grant and that students may use both if eligible. For Fall 2026, the checklist recommended completing priority steps by May 1; the college may review later applications, but students who wait may need to pay upfront and receive reimbursement only if later accepted. For the 2026–27 cohort, the FAQ list
About Saddleback College Promise Program
Saddleback Promise provides up to two years of tuition support to eligible first-time college students. The page says the program is separate from the California College Promise Grant and that students may use both if eligible. For Fall 2026, the checklist recommended completing priority steps by May 1; the college may review later applications, but students who wait may need to pay upfront and receive reimbursement only if later accepted.
For the 2026–27 cohort, the FAQ lists fall and spring tuition/enrollment fees and up to $300 toward textbooks or access codes through the college bookstore. It does not cover summer, parking permits, noncredit study, or programs under 16 units. The usual load is 12 units in fall and spring, including an approved English or math course; a DSPS accommodation may allow a reduced load.
Apply to Saddleback for fall, complete the 2026–27 FAFSA or CADAA and the MySite pre-registration checklist, enroll in at least 12 units including approved English or math, and check your To-Do List. Dual-enrollment students may still count as first-time for this program; confirm your record with Promise if you earned college credits before graduation.
Book support is a nontransferable credit and cannot be cashed out. If you apply after the priority date, processing may come too late to avoid an upfront payment. Confirm your enrollment status before counting a waitlisted class; the FAQ excludes waitlisted, dropped, or withdrawn courses from the unit total.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Saddleback Promise provides up to two years of tuition support to eligible first-time college students. The page says the program is separate from the California College Promise Grant and that students may use both if eligible. For Fall 2026, the checklist recommended completing priority steps by May 1; the college may review later applications, but students who wait may need to pay upfront and receive reimbursement only if later accepted. For the 2026–27 cohort, the FAQ lists fall and spring tuition/enrollment fees and up to $300 toward textbooks or access codes through the college bookstore. It does not cover summer, parking permits, noncredit study, or programs under 16 units. The usual load is 12 units in fall and spring, including an approved English or math course; a DSPS accommodation may allow a reduced load.
How to apply or get help: Apply to Saddleback for fall, complete the 2026–27 FAFSA or CADAA and the MySite pre-registration checklist, enroll in at least 12 units including approved English or math, and check your To-Do List. Dual-enrollment students may still count as first-time for this program; confirm your record with Promise if you earned college credits before graduation. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Local college-aid program