Beginning with Fall 2024, Norco College will provide up to two years of FREE tuition to all first-time full-time college students who meet the eligibility requirements below!
How Does the PROMISE Program Work?
First-time college students who enroll full-time (12+ units in Fall/Spring required, 6+ units in Winter/Summer optional) will receive a waiver for all enrollment fees at $46/unit after completing a financial aid application.
Based on the results of the completed financial aid application, each student will participate in either the state program (CCPG) or our college program (NCPP):
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
Most students qualify for this state program which is administered through the Student Financial Services office as a form of financial aid. Continued eligibility is based on annual financial aid determination and maintaining good academic standing. The CCPG has more flexibility for students than our local program (for example, it allows students to enroll part-time and can be granted for more than two years), so students who receive the CCPG will not need to participate in the Norco College Promise Program.
The Norco College Promise Program
Students who do not qualify for the state’s CCPG program above will automatically be included in our local program, but they must fulfill the eligibility criteria outlined below (i.e., be a first-time student, apply for financial aid, enroll full-time, have CA residency, etc.).
For either program, students are responsible for the costs of books, supplies, materials fees, and any other non-tuition fees. (Note: many financial aid recipients receive additional funds to cover educational expenses like these in addition to receiving the CCPG.)
How Do I Participate in the Promise Program?
Step 1 - Apply to Norco College
- Complete and submit the Norco College application.
- If you apply elsewhere in the district, be sure to change Norco College to your "home" college.
Step 2 - Apply for Financial Aid
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every year and complete all required documentation. (There are no income requirements to participate, but a financial aid application is required to determine eligibility for the CCPG.)
- The Norco College school code is 041761 for the FAFSA and 04176100 for the CADAA.
Step 3 - Enroll in Classes Full-time
- Must enroll in 12 units or more for the Fall & Spring semesters. Enrollment in Winter and Summer is optional, but tuition fees will be covered by the Promise Program for any students who enroll in the full-time equivalent of 6+ units in Winter and Summer. (Note: students with certified full-time equivalent status from the Disability Resource Center will also be eligible for the Norco College Promise Program.)
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher.
Step 4 - Meet with a Counselor for a Comprehensive Student Education Plan
- Must complete a comprehensive student education plan by the end of your first semester. (Click here to reserve a counseling appointment to create your education plan.)
Eligibility for the Norco College Promise Program
- Must be a first-time college student who has never attended college. (Note: excludes prior concurrent/dual enrollment while in high school and the summer before your first fall semester.)
- Must enroll in 12 units or more for the Fall & Spring semesters. Enrollment in Winter and Summer is optional, but tuition fees will be covered by the Promise Program for any students who enroll in the full-time equivalent of 6+ units in Winter and Summer. (Note: students with certified full-time equivalent status from the Disability Resource Center will also be eligible for the Norco College Promise Program.)
- Must be a California resident or from an eligible exempt group (i.e. AB 540 or California military dependent).
- Must identify Norco College as your "home" college.
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Must complete a comprehensive student education plan by the end of your first semester. (Click here to reserve a counseling appointment to create your education plan.)
Fall 2023 Cohort
Students who joined the Norco College Promise Program in Fall 2023 enrolled in a previous version of the program that will continue through Spring 2025. This version of the program covers the $46/unit enrollment fee for the Fall and Spring semesters, plus the Student Services fee, Health Services fee, and Transportation fee.
Remember, to participate in Year Two of the program and have your fees waived, you must submit a new financial aid application for the 2024-2025 year, maintain a 2.0 GPA and CA Residency, and continue to enroll full-time (12+ units).
Beginning with the Fall 2024 cohort of new students, the Norco College Promise Program only covers the $46/unit enrollment fee.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are no longer required for the Norco College Promise Program. Instead, all eligible students will automatically be awarded either the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waiver if they receive financial aid OR the Norco College Promise Program waiver if they meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
Students who receive the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) will be notified as soon as Student Financial Services processes their application for financial aid. Those who do not qualify for the CCPG will automatically be screened for eligibility for the Norco College Promise Program after the last day to add full-term classes in September. To ensure that your fees are waived, make sure you have completed all of the eligibility items listed above. Feel free to reach out to us at NorcoPromise@norcocollege.edu with any questions about your eligibility.