• First-time college student*
• California resident (or AB-540 eligible)

*Students who took college courses while in high school will still be considered first-time college students and eligible for The Promise. Please complete a High School Change of Status Form
(Grossmont | Cuyamaca) and submit it to the Admissions & Records Department.

Students who have not attended college before and are CA residents (or AB540 eligible) are eligible to complete the FOUR (4) requirements by the semester deadline (two weeks after the start of the semester) to receive free tuition and mandatory fees. Students must complete the requirements below in their first semester of attendance to be eligible for additional semesters.

1. Orientation
2. Education Plan
3. Financial Aid Application

FAFSA (U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens)

How-To Video

or

CA Dream Act (Eligible undocumented students)

 

How-To Video

 

SUBMIT EARLY! Please allow at least 3-4 weeks for the documents to be submitted, for Financial Aid Form to be processed.

4. Full-time (12 units)

First-time Students at Grossmont College have an additional resource of the Via Rápida First-Year Experience (FYE) program

CHECK IT OUT...

Via Rápida First-Year Experience (FYE) program is a student support program that helps guide first-time college students throughout their first year at Grossmont College by providing numerous benefits and services. FYE students will receive benefits such as priority registration, peer mentoring, exclusive counseling access, and a summer welcome session known as Griffin Experience. All first-time college students who submit a FAFSA or the Dream Act (or are intending to) are welcome to apply! Visit the Website for more information and email your questions to Grossmont.ViaRapida@gcccd.edu. The application links are below:

Application: Via Rápida FYE Application | Aplicación del Programa Via Rápida FYE

After meeting the first semester Promise requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment to persist to the next semester. This is the completion of at least 12 units (not withdrawal below 12 units). Students with an approved unit accommodation for a reduced course load must complete at least 6 units.

Promise students in the Spring semester, who completed 12 units and maintained at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, are eligible to persist for review in the Fall semester. To receive The Promise in the Fall, these students must complete a new Financial Aid Application for the new Academic Year and enroll full-time by the Fall semester deadline.

Students are encouraged to check their email. The Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise Team
(mycollegepromise@gcccd.edu) Sends frequent emails, regarding eligibility requirements, persistence requirements, payment, and notification of acceptance or denial.

Enroll and complete 12 units each semester (6 units with an approved unit accommodation for a reduced course load).

1. Complete 12 units in the Spring semester (6 units with an approved unit accommodation for a reduced course load).
2. At least a 2.0 cumulative GPA in the first year.
3. Enroll in at least 12 units by the Fall semester deadline.
4. Complete a new Financial Aid Application by the Fall semester deadline.

FAFSA  (U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens) | How-To Video

or

CA Dream Act (Eligible undocumented students) | How-To Video

SUBMIT EARLY! Please allow at least 3-4 weeks for the documents to be submitted, for Financial Aid Form to be processed.