Promise Scholars Program — College of San Mateo
College of San Mateo Promise Scholars is a degree- and certificate-completion program for first-time California residents seeking a credential. The college currently lists Spring 2027 applications as open. Its package includes tuition support for the first two years and possible third-year funding for some students, alongside individualized counseling and academic planning. The published benefit list includes tuition and fees for the first and second years, up to $750 for boo
About Promise Scholars Program — College of San Mateo
College of San Mateo Promise Scholars is a degree- and certificate-completion program for first-time California residents seeking a credential. The college currently lists Spring 2027 applications as open. Its package includes tuition support for the first two years and possible third-year funding for some students, alongside individualized counseling and academic planning.
The published benefit list includes tuition and fees for the first and second years, up to $750 for books, priority registration, help with a Student Education Plan, workshops, and a $50 monthly participation incentive. Students should not assume everyone receives an identical payment: the college requires counselor meetings, full-time enrollment, and a FAFSA or Dream Act application each spring.
Apply to College of San Mateo first; once admitted, sign in to WebSMART and complete the Promise Scholars application. The published minimum is 12 units in fall and spring, along with regular counseling, workshops, career assessment, and a renewed FAFSA/CADAA each spring. The program lists csmpromise@smccd.edu and College Center, Building 10, Room 370 for questions.
Tuition support is tied to progress and participation and does not necessarily cover transportation, housing, meals, or every material. The Spring 2027 application is open at the time of this review, but space may be limited and each term can close. Confirm that the form remains available in WebSMART before planning your schedule.
Who it serves and what it can cover: College of San Mateo Promise Scholars is a degree- and certificate-completion program for first-time California residents seeking a credential. The college currently lists Spring 2027 applications as open. Its package includes tuition support for the first two years and possible third-year funding for some students, alongside individualized counseling and academic planning. The published benefit list includes tuition and fees for the first and second years, up to $750 for books, priority registration, help with a Student Education Plan, workshops, and a $50 monthly participation incentive. Students should not assume everyone receives an identical payment: the college requires counselor meetings, full-time enrollment, and a FAFSA or Dream Act application each spring.
How to apply or get help: Apply to College of San Mateo first; once admitted, sign in to WebSMART and complete the Promise Scholars application. The published minimum is 12 units in fall and spring, along with regular counseling, workshops, career assessment, and a renewed FAFSA/CADAA each spring. The program lists csmpromise@smccd.edu and College Center, Building 10, Room 370 for questions. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Local college-aid program