San Diego Promise Program — San Diego Community College District
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.
About San Diego Promise Program — San Diego Community College District
San Diego Promise is the local program of the San Diego Community College District for students at City, Mesa, and Miramar. Alongside eligible fees, the district offers books and course materials to students who demonstrate financial need and provides counselors and support staff. It serves community-college students; it is not a scholarship for every California college or an unrestricted cash award for all costs.
Support may include up to two years of per-unit enrollment fees and health fees. District bachelor’s classes carry an additional US$84-per-unit fee that Promise does not pay; transportation, food, rent, and materials outside the book grant should not be assumed covered. Build your budget using the campus’s official fee breakdown and a conversation with its financial-aid office.
The program has three tracks: students new to any college after high school, former SDCCD students returning after three main semesters away, and designated populations such as veterans, LGBTQIA+ students, foster youth, undocumented students, justice-involved students, and College of Continuing Education students. Exclusions differ by track. The district reviews post-high-school enrollment and prior Promise participation, so “new” does not simply mean new to a campus.
For Spring 2027, applications opened October 7, 2026, and the posted deadline is February 8, 2027, at 4 p.m. PT. First apply to City, Mesa, or Miramar, then complete Promise. The district also requires received FAFSA or CADAA, California resident classification, a high-school diploma or equivalent, and generally 12 units. Applying does not guarantee a spot: admission depends on eligibility and remaining capacity.
After applying, check email and mySDCCD regularly because incomplete admission records or a missing FAFSA can delay review. If disability or exceptional circumstances require a lighter course load, ask about a waiver or petition with campus support. Counseling numbers are City 619-388-3540, Mesa 619-388-2672, and Miramar 619-388-7840. The program page offers information sessions with interpretation.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: The Spring 2027 application is open through February 8, 2027, at 4 p.m. PT, or until capacity is reached. Counseling: City 619-388-3540; Mesa 619-388-2672; Miramar 619-388-7840. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Public community-college tuition and student-support program