Free Community College in California: How the California College Promise Works
Starting college in California? You may not have to pay enrollment fees for two years. Here's how the California College Promise works.
College costs money. Except, in California, the first two years at a community college don't have to. If you're finishing high school, helping someone who is, or thinking about going back after time away, here's what the free tuition program is called, who it's for, and how to turn it into a bachelor's degree if that's your goal.
Not in California? Many states and cities have similar programs. Jump to the end of this post for tips on finding one near you.
$0 enrollment fees
for up to two years at a California community college
Any age
if you're starting college for the first time, full time
2 guaranteed routes
to transfer to a Cal State or UC
What is the California College Promise?
With the California College Promise, first-time, full-time college students don't have to pay enrollment fees at a California community college for up to two years. A 2017 state law (AB 19) created one free year, and a 2019 law (AB 2) added a second. You'll often see it under a local name, like the Los Angeles College Promise. And it isn't just for recent grads of California public high schools. If you're starting college for the first time, at any age, you may qualify. Keep in mind: each college runs the Promise a little differently. Some add perks like book grants, transit passes, or a free laptop. Health, materials, and other campus fees generally aren't covered.
Who qualifies
First-time student
You're starting college for the first time and don't already have a degree. College classes you took in high school usually don't count against you.
Diploma or GED
You have a high school diploma or the equivalent, like a GED, from any school.
Full time
You enroll in 12 or more units each semester.
FAFSA or CADAA
You submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
California resident
You're a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition under AB 540.
Keep in mind
Some local Promise programs add their own requirements, like attending a high school in that college's district. Check with the college you plan to attend.
How to get it
1
Fill out your financial aid application.
Submit the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. This unlocks almost every kind of aid.
2
Apply to your community college.
Pick the college you want to attend and complete its application.
3
Sign up for the Promise.
Some colleges enroll you automatically, some have a separate form.
4
Register full time and make a plan.
Sign up for 12+ units and meet with a counselor to build an education plan.
5
Stay on track.
Colleges usually expect a 2.0 GPA and continued full-time enrollment. Keep in mind: some programs, including LA's, cover fall and spring only, not winter or summer sessions.
From community college to a university
Two free years can cover the first half of a bachelor's degree. California has two main guaranteed routes to a bachelor degree: the Associate Degree for Transfer(ADT) for Cal State and the Transfer Admission Guarantee(TAG) for UC.
To a Cal State: the ADT
Earn 60 transferable units with at least a 2.0 GPA, and you're guaranteed admission to the CSU system (not a specific campus). You can then finish your bachelor's in 60 more units. It also guarantees admission at several private California colleges and select HBCUs.
To a UC: the TAG
Guarantees admission to one of six UCs: Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, or Santa Cruz. You pick one campus, meet its requirements, and apply in September. About two-thirds of UC transfer students get in even without a TAG.
Pro tip
Meet with your college's transfer center in your first semester, not your last. They'll help you pick the right classes for either route.
Not in California? How to find options in your state
Ready for your next step?
Free tuition is a great start, but the program you choose matters more than the price tag. Get started with Match Me and we'll help you find training and a career path that fit your goals, so those two years at community college take you somewhere you actually want to go.