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MiraCosta Promise Grant

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The MiraCosta Promise offers two years of free college to qualifying students.

How Do I Qualify?

To apply to the program, eligible students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a CA Dream Act Application and apply to MiraCosta College. Students who complete the eligibility requirements listed below will be automatically considered for the MiraCosta Promise and will be notified by email and their award message on SURF.

What are the eligibility requirements for "The Promise"?

In order to be eligible for the MiraCosta Promise, a participant must:

  • Be a First-Time/Full-Time (FT/FT) college student (students who attend summer classes prior to their first semester or who were dual/concurrently enrolled while in high school will still count as first-time in college).
  • Complete an Admissions application to attend MiraCosta College.
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by your first semester.
    • List MiraCosta's Federal School Code (001239) on your financial aid application.
    • You must reapply for financial aid each year before the fall semester begins.
  • Enroll in 12 units or more each semester.
  • Be a resident of the state of California for tuition purposes (or be AB 540 eligible).
  • Maintain good academic standing (complete more than 50% of classes with a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher)

*The MiraCosta Promise waives tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters only; summer courses are not eligible for the MiraCosta Promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for “The Promise”?

To apply for Promise, students must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), and apply to MiraCosta College. Students who complete the eligibility requirements listed below will be automatically considered for the MiraCosta Promise and will be notified by email and their award message on SURF.

What are the eligibility requirements?

In order to be eligible for the MiraCosta Promise, a participant must:

How can I use my MiraCosta Promise book voucher?
When your book voucher is ready to be used, you will receive an email from the MiraCosta bookstore. You can use your book voucher in person or on the bookstore's website. 

In person:
To use your book voucher in person, you will need a photo ID (Surf ID, a state ID, official government issued ID) and your student ID number at the cash register. If you do not have a photo ID, you can log into your Surf ID at the cash register.

Online:
Please click here for instructions on how to use your book voucher online.
How do I know if I am a California Resident?

When you submit your online application through CCCApply, the system will make a preliminary residency determination for you based on your responses to the questions.

If there is a question about whether or not you qualify to be classified as a resident for tuition purposes the Office of Admissions and Records will contact you for further information.

The residency rules as established by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations require (among other things) a one-year physical presence in the state of California prior to the first day of the semester, combined with one year of evidence of intent and ability to establish residency in California. Students may be required to present evidence regarding their residency. Some exceptions and limitations to the residency requirement exist; please call the Admissions and Records Office at 760.795.6620 or 760.634.7870 if you have questions about residency requirements.

What is AB540?
Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) is a California State Law that allows students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition fees at any UC, CSU, or California Community College, regardless of immigration status. Undocumented individuals, T and U visa holders, U.S. citizens, and lawfully present immigrants that meet eligibility criteria can apply. Individuals with international student visas, visitor visas, or other “non-immigrant” statuses are not eligible to apply. For more information, please visit the UPRISE webpage.
How do I complete the California Dream Act Application?
If you are not eligible to submit a FAFSA due to your citizenship status, but meet the AB540 residency standards, please complete the California Dream Act Application. This application will determine your eligibility for the California College Promise Grant and Cal Grant. 
Am I eligible if I don't attend MiraCosta College directly after high school?
Yes. At this point in time, the MiraCosta Promise is available to any First-Time/Full-Time college student, regardless of where they live in California. FT/FT students are students that have no prior postsecondary experience* attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level.
What financial resources are available to students apart from the Promise?

Scholarships

The MiraCosta College Foundation supports many scholarships throughout the fall and spring semesters. A majority of the scholarships are for continuing MiraCosta College students, but there are also scholarships for MiraCosta College students transferring to 4-year institutions and for graduating high school seniors planning to enroll at MiraCosta College in the fall. Visit the Scholarships for more details.


Pell Grant & FSEOG

Federal Pell Grant - Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students who meet the financial, academic, and eligibility requirements. Your Pell Grant award is based on your enrollment status as of MiraCosta College’s add/drop deadline for each term. Pell Grant awards will be recalculated based upon this enrollment status and your award letter will be updated. To apply, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - FSEOG funds will be disbursed to Pell-eligible students, who have the greatest need, until funds are exhausted. You must be enrolled in at least six (6) units to receive FSEOG funds. To apply, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Cal Grant A, B & C

Cal Grant A, B, and C are available to undergraduate students who meet the financial, academic, and eligibility requirements, and apply on time. Cal Grant B and C are the only programs offered at MiraCosta College. The award amount will be based on your enrollment status as of MiraCosta College’s add/drop deadline for each term. To apply, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application.

California Chaffee Grant for Foster Youth

Chaffee Grants are available to students who are or were in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18, as a dependent or ward of the court. Students must complete a FAFSA, or California Dream Act Application, and a Chaffee Grant application to determine eligibility. Students may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6.0 units). To be considered for a California Chaffee Grant, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program offers part-time, on-campus, jobs to eligible financial aid applicants. For more information, contact the MiraCosta College Career Center.

Federal Direct Loans

Students may be eligible for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Direct Loan through the Federal Government. However, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely necessary. Take the time now to ask questions and make the right decision about borrowing money to pay for school. The MiraCosta Financial Aid Office does not participate in certifying alternative/private education bank loans or Parent Plus loans.

How do I complete orientation?

Log into SURF and complete Spartan Prep, your online orientation that will introduce you to college terminology, academic programs, and student support services, along with planning tools that will help students succeed at MiraCosta College.  

Also, sign-up for Spartan Start, your on-campus (presently offered via zoom) orientation session where you begin to navigate the campus, learn about social and academic resources, and connect with new people for a great start to your college career.