Saddleback College Promise Program frequently asked questions for Promise Program applicants and current Promise students.

The Saddleback College Promise Program supports eligible first-time college students by helping cover the cost of their first two years of college at Saddleback College.

The Promise Program is intended to help students start strong, enroll full-time, complete key first-year courses, and stay on track towards associate degree, transfer, or other approved educational goal.

A student may be considered for the Saddleback College Promise Program if they meet all of the following:

  1. First-Time College Student
    • The student must be a first-time college student after high school.
    • Students who took college classes while still in high school, including Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, or Special Admit courses, may still be considered first-time college students for Promise purposes.
  2. California Resident or In-State Tuition Eligible 
    • The student must be a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition through AB540 or another approved residency waiver.
  3. Saddleback College as College of Record
    • The student must identify Saddleback College as their College of Record.
  4. Full-Time Enrollment
    • The student must enroll in at least 12 units for fall and spring, including approved English and approved Math courses. Enrollment in math or English is required for students to be accepted, and both one math and one English must be completed by the end of spring semester for students to continue in the second year.
    • Approved English courses: ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000 Honors, ENGL C1000 + ENG 201 Support, ENGL C1001, ENGL C1001Honors, ENG 70, and ENG 2.
    • Approved Math courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000 + MATH 210 Support, MATH 2, MATH 8, MATH 11, MATH 14, MATH 103, MATH 124, MATH 124 + MATH 224 Support, MATH C2210, MATH C2210 Honors, MATH C2220, MATH 3C, MATH 24, MATH 26, BUS 10, and PSYC 44.
    • Waitlisted units do not count toward the 12-unit requirement.
    • Students with verified disabilities may request a Promise Reduced Courseload accommodation through DSPS. Only DSPS can approve this accommodation.
  5. Financial Aid Application Required
    • The student must submit the appropriate financial aid application:
      • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or
      • California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
    • The Financial Aid Office supports students with FAFSA, Dream Act, Pell Grant, CCPG, and related financial aid questions.
    • A financial aid application must be on file each year a student plans to participate in the Promise Program.
    • Financial aid applications open in October and must be turned in before May 1 for consideration for the following fall.
      • For example: 2027-28 Financial aid applications will open in October 2026, and must be on file with Saddleback College before May 1, 2027, for first and second year students planning on attending in Fall 2027.

Required Fall 2026 Steps

To be considered for the Promise Program, students should complete the following:

  1. Apply to Saddleback College for Fall 2026.
  2. Submit a 2026–2027 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to Saddleback College.
  3. Complete the Pre-Registration Checklist in MySite, including:
    • New Student Orientation
    • Math and English Placement
    • Student Advisement
    • First Semester Plan
  4. Enroll in at least 12 units for Fall 2026.
  5. Enroll in an approved English or approved math course.

Required Fall 2027 Steps

To be considered for the Promise Program, students should complete the following:

  1. Apply to Saddleback College for Fall 2027
  2. Submit a 2027–2028 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to Saddleback College.
  3. Complete the Pre-Registration Checklist in MySite, including:
    • New Student Orientation
    • Math and English Placement
    • Student Advisement
    • First Semester Plan
  4. Enroll in at least 12 units for Fall 2027
  5. Enroll in an approved English or approved math course.

Priority deadline: May 1, 2026

Students who complete the required Promise steps by the priority deadline are more likely to have their Promise prepayment processed before fall payment deadlines.

Students may still be reviewed after May 1, but they should not wait to enroll. Students must register for classes before the Promise Program can fully review their account for program acceptance.

Students applying after the May 1 deadline will need to pay for their classes up front. If a student is accepted after paying, they can be reimbursed for the eligible term they are accepted to participate in.

For Eligible Fall 2026–Spring 2027 students, the Promise Program will cover:

  • Fall and spring enrollment/tuition fees for eligible students
  • Up to $300 in textbook support at the College Bookstore

The Promise Program does not cover:

  • Summer classes
  • Nonresident tuition
  • Occupational Skill Awards, Noncredit Programs, or Certificates under 16 units
  • Classes outside Saddleback College that are not approved for Promise payment
  • Costs for students who do not meet eligibility requirements
  • Parking permits
    • Students who are eligible for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) fee waiver may have their parking permits covered by financial aid. The CCPG fee waiver is separate from the Promise Program and questions about the fee waiver can be answered by the staff in the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office.

Eligible Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Promise students can receive up to $300 in support for required textbooks and access codes offered through the College Bookstore. Eligible students will receive notification to their student email with instructions on how to utilize their credits after they are activated.

College Bookstore Credits funds are not rolled over to future semesters and cannot be cashed out directly to the student. Make sure to complete your purchases before your credit expires each to take full advantage of the funds available to you.

Students who are enrolled in an Irvine Valley Course can request their textbook by emailing sm8549@bncollege.com. Please ensure to list your Student ID, First and Last Name, Course Name, Course Number, Course Section, Title of Book Needed, and ISBN/Author/Edition when submitting your requests.

Students who need extra support with textbooks, course materials, food, or other basic needs are encouraged to explore the other campus support programs such as:


Eligibility for each program must be met and are not guaranteed.

To be considered for a second year of Promise support, students must:

  1. Complete at least 24 units by the end of Spring 2027.
    • Ideally, 12 units in the fall and 12 units in the spring will equal 24 total units completed before the summer semester.
    • Students who are behind in units are expected to pay out of pocket during the summer semester to get back on track for reconsideration for their second year.
    • Students will approved reduced courseload accommodations with DSPS will have their total units adjusted. For example, if a student is given a 6-9 unit reduced courseload accommodation, then they must complete at least 12 units by the end of spring to remain in good standing.
  2. Successfully complete both one approved English course and one approved math course by the end of Spring 2027 with satisfactory grades (C or better).
    • AP Scores may count if they satisfy the graduation requirement for approved educational goals.
    • AP Scores must be approved by an academic counselor in writing and provided to the Promise Program for review.
    • If the AP Scores allow the student to advance quicker to required higher level math or English, then the student is still expected to enroll in their required math and English courses regardless of if the AP Score waives the prerequisite to enroll.
    • Students who are behind in their math and English requirements are expected to pay out of pocket during the summer semester to get back on track for reconsideration for their second year.
    • Reduced courseload accommodations from DSPS do not waive the math and English completion requirement. Reduced courseloads are approved to allow students in DSPS to focus on their math and English requirements.
  3. Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
    • Cumulative GPA means total GPA for each semester attended on a student’s transcript.
  4. Maintain good academic standing and avoid academic or progress notice.
    • Students will be placed on Academic Notice if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 after having attempted 12 or more cumulative units within the district.
    • Students who complete less than 50% of their enrollments after having attempted 12 or more cumulative units will be placed on Progress Notice.
  5. Continue to meet Promise eligibility requirements, such as having a valid financial aid application on file for each academic year.


Students who are not on track should meet with Counseling Services as soon as possible so they can review options, summer catch-up planning, or possible next steps.

Promise students are expected to make progress in English and math during their first year of college.

General guidance:

  • If English and math are required for the student’s educational goal to graduate, the student is expected to complete both one approved English and one approved math with satisfactory grades of a C or better by the end of spring.
  • If the AP Scores allow the student to advance quicker to required higher level math or English, then the student is still expected to enroll in their required math and English courses regardless of if the AP Score waives the prerequisite to enroll.
  • If a student is not sure which English or math course to take, please schedule an appointment with Counseling Services for assistance.
  • Approved English courses for the Promise Program include: ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000 Honors, ENGL C1000 + ENG 201 Support, ENGL C1001, ENGL C1001Honors, ENG 70, and ENG 2.
  • Approved Math courses for the Promise Program include: STAT C1000, STAT C1000 + MATH 210 Support, MATH 2, MATH 8, MATH 11, MATH 14, MATH 103, MATH 124, MATH 124 + MATH 224 Support, MATH C2210, MATH C2210 Honors, MATH C2220, MATH 3C, MATH 24, MATH 26, BUS 10, and PSYC 44.
  • If a student believes they have already met all English and math requirements before starting at Saddleback College, they must meet with an academic counselor for review. The academic counselor must submit the approval request, including an explanation of why no additional English or math coursework is required, to the Promise Program team at scpromise@saddleback.edu. Once the request is reviewed, the student will be notified by email whether the request has been approved or not approved.

Students with disabilities may contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) Office to ask about a Reduced Courseload accommodation for the Promise Program.

Only DSPS can review and approve a Reduced Courseload accommodation. Promise cannot approve it directly. Please contact DSPS as early as possible so your enrollment can be reviewed before payment or eligibility deadlines.

DSPS contact:

The Saddleback College Promise Program does not cover summer classes.

Summer can be a great way to get ahead or catch up, but Promise does not cover summer enrollment. Students are responsible for summer tuition and fees. Financial aid or CCPG may still apply depending on the student’s eligibility, so students can contact the Financial Aid Office for help reviewing options.

Students must submit a financial aid application for the correct academic year.

  • For Fall 2026–Spring 2027, students should submit the 2026–2027 FAFSA or CADAA.
  • For Fall 2027–Spring 2028, students should submit the 2027–2028 FAFSA or CADAA.

Financial aid applications can take time to sync to the student account. Please make sure Saddleback College is listed on your FAFSA or CADAA. If your application still does not appear, contact the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office for help.

Saddleback College Financial Aid Office:

The California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver (also known as CCPG) and the Saddleback College Promise Program are not the same program.

  • The CCPG fee waiver is a state financial aid program that may waive enrollment fees for eligible California residents or AB540 students, based on family income.
  • The Promise Program is a Saddleback College program with its own requirements, including first-time college status, full-time enrollment, College of Record, financial aid application, and yearly progress requirements.
    • The Promise Program does not accept or process CCPG Applications. Please send CCPG Applications to scfinaid@saddleback.edu


A student may qualify for one, both, or neither. The Promise Program operates independently from CCPG fee waiver, and the eligibility criteria for each differ. For questions about the CCPG fee waiver, please contact the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office.

  • Whether a student has been accepted or if they are eligible
  • Their specific Promise status
  • Why Promise payment was added or removed
  • Whether they met the 12-unit requirement
  • Whether a class counts toward Promise
  • A second-year eligibility review
  • Special circumstances
  • Promise payment timing

Promise Program contact:

Admissions and Records

  • College ID cards 
  • College of Record requests
  • Name changes
  • Registration records (transcripts, verification letters, etc.)
  • Residency reclassification
  • SSN corrections or submissions
  • Student status (active or inactive)


Contact:

Financial Aid Office

  • FAFSA or CADAA questions or concerns
  • CCPG fee waiver
  • Pell Grant
  • Financial aid processing
  • Missing or unmatched financial aid applications


Contact

Counseling Services

  • Course selection
  • First Semester Plan
  • Student Educational Plan
  • English/math placement questions
  • Major or transfer planning
  • Educational goal questions


Contact

DSPS

  • Disability accommodations
  • Reduced Courseload accommodation
  • Alternate media or support services


Contact

•    Phone: (949) 582-4885 
•    Email: scdsps@saddleback.edu

Basic Needs Center

  • Basic needs support
  • Clothing
  • Food
  • Hygiene products
  • Textbook support resources for students with financial eligibility


Contact

How do I join the Promise Program?

To be considered for the Saddleback College Promise Program, you should apply to Saddleback College for Fall 2026, submit a 2026–2027 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, complete your Pre-Registration Checklist in MySite, and enroll in at least 12 units for Fall 2026, including either an approved English or approved math course.

Do I have to be full-time?

Yes. Promise students are expected to enroll in at least 12 units in fall and spring. Waitlisted classes do not count toward the 12-unit requirement. Dropped or withdrawn classes also do not count towards the 12-unit requirement. Students with verified disabilities may contact DSPS to ask about a Reduced Courseload accommodation.

Does Promise cover summer?

No. Promise covers fall and spring only. Summer classes are the student’s responsibility, though students may contact Financial Aid to ask whether other aid may apply.

Does Promise cover textbooks?

For Fall 2026, Promise students can expect one year of textbook coverage only for required textbook or access codes issued through the College Bookstore. Students who need extra help with textbooks or basic needs should contact the Basic Needs Center, EOPS/CARE/NextUp, Financial Aid, Veterans Office, or look for Zero Textbook Cost classes.

Do I need FAFSA or CADAA if my family does not qualify for financial aid?

Yes. A financial aid application is required for Promise consideration. Students should submit either the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for the correct academic year prior to the start of the fall semester.

I took college classes in high school. Am I still eligible?

Possibly, yes. Students who took college classes while still in high school, such as Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, or Special Admit classes, may still be considered first-time college students for Promise purposes.

I took college classes after high school. Am I eligible?

Unfortunately, students who attended college after high school are no longer considered first-time college students for the Promise Program, even if the credits are not transferable. The student should contact the Promise Program so staff can review their situation.

Can my parent ask about my Promise status?

For student privacy, account-specific information can only be shared with the student through their college email or through approved college processes. Parents and family members can receive general Promise information, but students should contact Promise directly from their Saddleback student email for account-specific questions.

What happens if I drop below 12 units?

'Dropping below 12 units may affect Promise eligibility and payment. Students should contact Promise Program before dropping or withdrawing from a course to check if doing so will remove them from the program. Students should also check with Counseling services before dropping a class for help on how to stay on track for their educational goal.

What if I am not ready for transfer-level or college-level English or math?

Students should meet with a counselor to discuss their math and English requirements. Promise Program students are expected to make progress toward approved English and math courses during their first year if they would like to be covered in their second year.

I will not maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and/or I will not complete the minimum number of units in my first year. Will I be removed from the Promise Program?

Students may be removed from the Promise Program when they:

  • Did not maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or are placed on Academic or Progress Pause
  • Did not complete the minimum number of units at the end of their first year with satisfactory grades of C or better
  • Did not complete both one approved math and one approved English in their first year with satisfactory grades of C or better
  • Did not complete a financial aid application for Saddleback College for each academic year (due May 1 for each academic year)

Students may regain eligibility for the Promise Program through counselor approval and/or successful completion of summer classes (at their own expense) with satisfactory grades of C or better. Students must work with an academic counselor to ensure all AP scores and approved educational goals are properly on the student account to ensure students are on track for their eligibility requirements and ensure that their counselor provides written email directly to the Promise Program for our review.

AP scores may meet a student’s prerequisite, but students are still expected to complete their higher-level math and English in their first year. Only Promise Program employees can confirm if a requirement is approved or has been waived.

If a student has not received written approval by the Promise Program to their student email, then the requirement has not been met or approved.

Students can submit a Promise Program Special Request form for review, but approval is not guaranteed and can take up to 4-weeks to process.

Can undocumented students join the Promise Program?

Yes, undocumented students who submit the CA Dream Act Application and are eligible for AB 540 Resident Status Exception can join the Promise Program. An undocumented student Promise Program must still meet the other eligibility requirements for the Full-Time Promise Program to join, i.e. be a first-time college student, enroll full-time, etc.

How and when will I know that I have been accepted into the Promise Program?

The Promise Program sends regular eligibility updates to prospective Promise students during the spring semester. Once a student meets all our acceptance requirements, they are sent a welcome email.

Official acceptance emails for the Full-Time Promise Program are typically sent out in May and June, following fall registration. This timing allows the program to confirm a student's full-time enrollment status and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.

To qualify as a Full-Time Promise student, students must be enrolled in a full-time course load, which means at least 12 units (or DSPS approved reduced courseload), including an approved math or English, as well as all other applicable programmatic requirements.

Does the Promise Program pay for the parking permit?

No, the Promise Program does not pay for the college parking permit. Students must purchase a parking permit to be able to park on campus.

Some students may receive different forms of financial aid that make the parking pass free.

I received something called the California College Promise Grant. Does this mean I am also in the Saddleback College Promise Program?

Students can qualify for both the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) and the Saddleback College Promise Program. Although similar in name, the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) and the Saddleback College Promise Program are two distinct programs that require a Financial Aid Application.

The CCPG, previously known as the Board of Governor's (BOG) Fee Waiver, is financial aid granted upon completion of a financial aid application. It covers enrollment fees (currently $46/unit) and parking fees, but does not cover textbook vouchers, health fees, or student activities fees.
To join the Full-Time Promise Program, students must complete a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application) and fulfill other eligibility/acceptance criteria.

I plan to be a part-time student. Can I still participate in the Promise Program?

To be eligible for the Full-Time Promise Program, you must be enrolled in 12 units or more to be eligible. Only students who receive accommodations through DSPS are eligible to enroll in less than 12 units and receive Full-Time Promise Program benefits.

I don’t think my family will qualify for financial aid. Would I still be able to join the Promise Program?

Yes, the Full-Time Promise Program accepts students regardless of financial aid eligibility. To join, students must submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application and have it received by Saddleback College (school code: 008918) before classes begin.

Can the two-year Promise Program timer be extended?

No, the Promise Program cannot be extended beyond a student’s first two academic years. The program is designed to support students during their initial two years of college only, and this timeframe cannot be paused or lengthened. The timer begins the moment a student enrolls in classes after graduating high school.

Students may take an approved gap semester or enroll under a reduced course load accommodation; however, the two-year eligibility window continues to move forward during that time. After the two years have passed, students can still receive support through other services on campus and are encouraged to continue applying for financial aid to explore additional funding options.

Will the Promise Program Pay for my ASB Stamp?

Yes! Eligible students in the Promise Program ASB Stamps will be covered. Students who opt out of the ASB Stamp and Student Representation Fee will notice a negative -$19 balance on their account after the Promise Program pays. To opt back in, please notify the Student Payment Office so they can add the charge back so eligible students can receive their ASB student benefits.