Frequently Asked Questions


About the San Diego Promise Program

What is the San Diego Promise Program? 

The San Diego Promise provides qualified students at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges with a free community college education for up to two years, book grants to those who demonstrate financial need, and engages all students in a learning community promoting academic success.

Who is eligible for the San Diego Promise Program?
Pathway #1
First time to any college student. (Students who completed college courses while in high school are eligible for the San Diego Promise.
Pathway #2 
Returning SDCCD students who have not enrolled in courses for three or more semesters (not including summer). Applicants will not be admitted if they enrolled, earned, attempted or have any postsecondary experience outside of the SDCCD.
Pathway #3

Students from the following populations may also qualify:

  • Current or former foster youth
  • Veteran of U.S Armed Forces
  • Justice-involved
  • Undocumented
  • San Diego College of Continuing Education Alumni
  • LGBTQIA+
Who oversees the San Diego Promise Program?
The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) administers the San Diego Promise, and each college (City/Mesa/Miramar) manages the San Diego Promise cohort on their campus.
How do I know if I have been accepted into the San Diego Promise Program? 

We recommend that you confirm your San Diego Promise status by contacting our office directly. Email us at sdpromisemesa@sdccd.edu and make sure to include your full name and 10-digit student IDnumber.

What is the CCPG (California College Promise Grant)?

The San Diego Promise and the CCPG are two separate programs. San Diego Promise (referred to often as "Promise Program") is not a financial aid program.

The California College Promise Grant, CCPG, is a source of funding based on financial need and information submitted in the FAFSA or CADAA. Questions regarding CCPG should be directed to the Financial Aid office. Students who are CCPG-eligible receive a book grant from the San Diego Promise program since their enrollment fees are covered through the CCPG waiver.

San Diego Promise Program Benefits 

What does the San Diego Promise Program provide?

If a student does not receive the CCPG, then the San Diego Promise Program covers enrollment fees and student health fee during Fall and Spring semesters for up to two years. If a student enrolls in the San Diego Promise Program and receives CCPG in their financial aid award to cover enrollment fees, then the San Diego Promise Program will provide a book grant instead. 

Other benefits include: 

Individualized counseling guidance and support to help you complete your educational goals

Access to Peer Mentors and campus engagement opportunities. 

Is the San Diego Promise a need-based program?

No. All students who meet the eligibility requirements and complete the steps to enroll by the deadline will be admitted. There is no income requirement to participate in the San Diego Promise Program. 

Does the San Diego Promise pay for textbooks?

Students who are CCPG-eligible receive a book grant from the San Diego Promise Program. The San Diego Promise Program provides enrollment fees OR a book grant to each Promise student, not both. 

What are the San Diego Promise Program requirements?

San Diego Promise Orientation 

  • In-person, during a scheduled event usually held during Summer or Winter CRUISE
  • Otherwise, students may review slides and presentation in Canvas then respond with three takeaways
  • Visit the link to complete the Promise Orientation

Enroll in a minimum of 12 units each semester

Maintain a 2.0 college GPA 

Meet with a counselor each semester

Complete a comprehensive education plan by the end of your second semester

Resubmit your Financial Aid Application by the start of your 2nd year in San Diego Promise

  • Free Application For Student Aid or CA Dream Act Application

Submit the following reports during Fall and Spring Semesters:

  • Mid-semester Progress Report
  • Campus Engagement 

View Promise Checklist https://bit.ly/PromiseChecklist Links to an external site.

What If I cannot enroll in 12 Units during Fall and/or Spring Semester?

Students with DSPS Waiver of Full-Time Status Requirement form may submit their DSPS Waiver Links to an external site. electronically and remain eligible while enrolled in less than 12 units.

Students with extenuating circumstances who are unable to enroll in 12 units may submit an Appeal for Reduced Units Load. Links to an external site.

Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the SDCCD (District) San Diego Promise Office. For instructions on submitting these appeals, visit our Promise Canvas page.

  • Make sure to click, "Join this Course" at the top right to receive announcements
What happens if I am still taking classes at Mesa College after two  years?

San Diego Promise is a two-year program that is based on the academic year.  If you started this fall, then San Diego Promise covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026. 

If a student starts the program in the spring, or takes a semester off, the clock keeps ticking and the program ends after the end of the second academic year.  However, if a student is receiving the CCPG (California Promise Grant), that program does not have the same time restrictions that the San Diego Promise does. Contact the Mesa Financial Aid Office with any questions about the CCPG. 

Can I take courses the summer after I graduate from high school?  

Students may take summer courses within SDCCD (summer right after high school graduation) and remain eligible. Summer courses outside of SDCCD (Mesa, City, or Miramar College) will disqualify incoming students from the program. 

Are summer courses covered by the San Diego Promise Program?

Summer courses are not typically covered by the San Diego Promise program so students must pay out of pocket (if no other financial aid is received). The only exception is if a student is enrolled in 12 units during the summer (which is uncommon, as summer is an accelerated term with a heavy workload). Students with a DSPS Waiver of Full-Time Status Requirement may also have summer enrollment and student health fees covered by the Promise program. For San Diego Promise students who also receive financial aid, we recommend speaking with the Financial Aid Office to see if summer courses are covered. Promise book grants are not available for the Summer term. 

How do I change my San Diego Promise campus to Mesa College?

Your San Diego Promise campus matches your Campus of Record through Financial Aid. When your Campus of Record is officially changed, your Promise campus will be automatically updated. Please check with the Financial Aid office first before changing your Campus of Record.

Once I have finished my first year in San Diego Promise, how do I transition to Year Two?

Students who have completed Year One do not need to apply for Year Two. Students will automatically continue as long as they:

  1. Submit a Free Application for Student Aid FAFSA or California Dream Act Application or CADAA (must be done once per year)
  2. Make sure to add Mesa College to your FAFSA or CADAA
  3. Enroll in a minimum of 12 units for Fall and Spring semesters or submit one of the following:
  • DSPS Waiver (Disability Support Program and Services)
  • Reduced Units Appeal (Extenuating Circumstances)

Either appeal or waiver must be approved by District and on file by deadline. Contact SDPromiseMesa@sdccd.edu for deadline.

If I don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on File, can I still apply to the San Diego Promise Program? 

Students who would like to be considered for Promise must fill out either a CADAA or FAFSA Links to an external site.

Fill out a California Dream Act Application if:

  • You are not eligible to file the FAFSA
  • You are undocumented with California residency status AB540 

 CADAA will determine if a student is eligible for state financial aid, institutional aid, and other sources of aid such as grants, scholarships, and loans

Fill out a Free Application for Student Aid if:

  • Would like to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, grants scholarships, work-study funds, and loans

Undocumented, AB540, DACA recipient, or mixed status students are eligible to apply to Promise and may submit a CADAA. If you are experiencing immigration issues, please reach out to the Dreamer Resource Center. Links to an external site.

How do I meet with a Promise Counselor? What if I  usually see a different counselor?

Our Promise Counseling Team is available to meet with you during reserved times each week, however, you may meet with any counselor in Counseling Links to an external site..

To schedule a 30-minute meeting with a Promise counselor via Zoom, sign up on the SD MesaCollege Zoom Counseling Google form https://bit.ly/PromiseZoomSessions Links to an external site.
Throughout the semester, we have dedicated counselors to assist with academic advising and selecting classes during scheduled Promise events.Check Announcements in the San Diego Promise Canvas page and look for notifications in your student and personal email.
If you part of the following, you may meet with a counselor from that specific office: Extended Opportunities Program & Services (EOPS) Links to an external site., PRIDE Links to an external site.
 How does a Book Grant work? What if I don't need textbooks?

Students who qualify for a San Diego Promise Book Grant will receive an email from the District Promise Office notifying them that their book grant is available at the campus bookstore to purchase books and supplies either on campus or online. Before selecting your books at City, Mesa, or Miramar Book Store, check with the cashier to confirm you are on their list. There is a deadline to use this grant. Any unused portion will be disbursed after the book grant account closes by check or direct deposit. Students must be in good standing (enrolled in 12 units or have a DSPS waiver/Reduced Units appeal on file) to receive a disbursement.

I'm unable to take 12 units this semester. What are my options?

Students may submit one of the following:

Must submit each academic year!

How do I submit the mid-term Progress Report?

To ensure students are on-track academically, students are required to submit a progress report mid-semester. This self-assessment allows students to evaluate their current grades so if support is needed,we can direct students to appropriate resources. Students need to submit this once each fall and springsemester. 

Spring 2025 Progress Report will be available in mid-March.

What Is the Campus Engagement requirement?

Studies show that students who are engaged on their college campus are more likely to be satisfied with their college experience. Students may attend any in-person or virtual event. Anything counts! Students may submit a photo of the event attended or provide a summary of the event. 

 Submit Your Campus Engagement

Wondering what Is happening on campus? Connect with us! 
San Diego Promise Newsletter 

You can opt in to receive our Mesa Promise Newsletter which is dedicated to Mesa Promise students. The newsletter contains information on workshops, events, giveaways, and more!

Year 1 Newsletter Mailing List Opt-In Links to an external site.

Year 2 Newsletter Mailing List Opt-In Links to an external site.