The Saddleback College Promise Program pays for up to two years of tuition support for eligible, first-time college students.
The Saddleback College Promise Program operates independently from the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), allowing students to benefit from both. Note that eligibility criteria differ for each. For CCPG requirements, please refer to the Saddleback College Financial Aid page.
If you have questions about eligibility or the requirements you must complete to be part of the Full-Time Promise Program, please email SCpromise@saddleback.edu.
Fall 2026 Information
Prospective Promise Program students must meet all eligibility and acceptance requirements by the first day of the semester they intend to start at Saddleback College. Eligible first year students are encouraged to complete the Promise To-Do List by May 1, 2026 to ensure that they can register for fall classes without submitting payment.
Full-Time Promise Program
To be eligible for the Full-Time Promise Program, students must be:
- First-time college students
- The Full-Time Promise Program is for students who have never attended college. Students who have taken college classes before high school graduation are still eligible for the Full-Time Promise Program, this includes Dual/Concurrent enrolled students, Special Admit students, and non-credit/high school equivalency students.
- California Residents or students eligible for AB 540
- Undocumented student can apply for an in-state tuition waiver if they meet the AB-540 minimum requirements. Submit an AB 540 Affidavit.
- Saddleback College students
- Saddleback College must be listed as "College of Record"
- Enrolled full-time
- 12 units is considered full-time enrollment, including a transfer level math and English.
- Students with appropriate DSPS accommodation may be allowed to enroll in fewer than 12 units.
- Students may take English one semester and Math the second semester, as both must be completed in the first year to continue in year two.
Regardless of family income, the Full-Time Promise Program will cover the following costs for two consecutive years, (summer terms are not included) for:
- Registration fees:
- $46/unit enrollment fee
- Student Health fee
- Student representation fee
- Associated Student Body (ASB) stamp
- Material fees charged during registration
Eligible students who complete the following steps before the first day of the semester will be accepted into the Full-Time Promise Program.
- Apply to Saddleback for the fall 2026 term.
- Students with active applications (e.g. concurrently enrolled high school students) do not have to reapply.
- Submit a 2026 – 2027 Financial Aid Application.
- Complete the pre-registration requirements.
- Enroll as a full-time student (12 or more units).
- Including a transfer level math and transfer level English.
- Completing a transfer level math and transfer level English in the first year is a requirement for students to continue to year two.
- For year two eligibility requirements, please visit our FAQ Page.
- Including a transfer level math and transfer level English.
Contact
Promise Program
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.