Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the basis for the Santa Ana College Promise Program?

Santa Ana College (SAC) Promise is an initiative of the Santa Ana Partnership and has expanded to serve all first-time freshmen. The goal of the program is to support students who would like to attain a certificate, AA degree and/or transfer to a four-year university by providing free tuition for your first-year studies. Additionally, SAUSD graduates receive guaranteed admission to CSU Fullerton.

What are the benefits of the SAC Promise Program?

The SAC Promise Program offers benefits to students who graduate from an SAUSD high school and/or are First Year Freshmen. To view benefits and requirements, please view our webpages below:
- SAUSD Graduate Information
- First Year Freshmen
The primary difference between benefits for SAUSD graduates and First Year Freshmen is eligibility for the transfer guarantee. SAUSD graduates are eligible for transfer guarantees to CSUF.

Which Promise am I a part of?

SAUSD Graduate- Any student who graduated from an approved SAUSD high school between 2017-2021 and enrolled at Santa Ana College directly out of high school. Note: Benefits and requirements vary per freshman & continuing SAC Promise students.
First Year Freshmen- Any student who is attending Santa Ana College directly after graduating from a California high school and is eligible for in state tuition. Click here for more information regarding in state tuition and residency guidelines.

How is this program different from other similar programs in the region?

Guaranteed first year of tuition for up to 12-15 units during the fall and spring are covered for incoming students completing their pre-transfer studies at SAC.
Transfer mentors who graduated from local high schools will guide students at critical points in their journey toward a four-year university.
Padres Promotores de Educación, The Santa Ana Partnership’s parent outreach and empowerment arm, will provide an initial orientation and annual workshops for the parents of all participating students to ensure they understand how the pathway works at every stage of their student’s education.
One-Stop Higher Education Centers at some SAUSD high schools, staffed with full-time Higher Education Specialists, provide a secondary launch pad for all students interested in opting into the Santa Ana Pledge.
Early Decision, a special college enrollment process at SAC, will allow all program participants to sign up for college classes during the spring semester of their senior year in high school.
Guaranteed transfer admission to CSU and UC campuses. Elgible students who meet GPA minimum requirements are guaranteed admission to CSU Fullerton and UC Irvine (some degree restrictions apply).
The unique features of this program are that it provides all participating students with:

What are the steps to sign up?

Complete a SAC Application
Attend a SAC Promise Orientation. Sign up for the SAC Promise interest list or contact us to register for the next orientation.
Complete the SAC Promise Pledge (SAUSD Graduates only)
Meet with a counselor to create a four-semester education plan.
Enroll into and maintain a minimum of 12 units in the Fall and Spring semesters for tuition purposes.
Enroll in a Counseling 100 Course or Equivalent (More information will be provided during orientation)
If you meet the SAUSD Graduate or First Year Freshmen qualifications, the steps are as follows:

Which fees does the SAC Promise cover?

The cost of attendance (tuition for up to 15 units) is covered during fall and spring. All students are required to pay a health fee of $19/semester, a representation fee of $2/semester, and any materials fees associated with the courses they choose.
Summer and spring intersession enrollment will only be covered if a student is eligible for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG). SAC Promise eligible students who do not qualify for CCPG would only have the fall and spring semesters covered.

If I paid my fees already and qualify for the program, can I get a refund?

Yes, you will need to confirm with the Financial Aid Office that you have received the grant. Afterwards, connect with the Cashier’s Office to process your reimbursement

What is the difference between the financial aid provided by SAC Promise and the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)?

The CCPG (formerly known as the BOG Waiver) is an alternative form of financial aid that also covers enrollment fees for qualifying students. The primary difference between the CCPG and SAC Promise tuition benefits is that the CCPG is granted based on income. SAC Promise tuition benefits are granted based on program eligibility listed above.

Can I receive the SAC Promise award if I am already getting other financial aid awards?

Yes. Receiving the SAC Promise award and/or CCPG will not affect your eligibility for other forms of financial aid.