Video: What is the California College Promise or BOG Fee Waiver?
California College Promise Grant
(Board of Governors Fee Waiver)
The "California College Promise Grant" is the new name for what used to be called the Board of Governors (or BOG) Fee Waiver. This program waives enrollment fees for eligible community college students. But you must show academic progress to maintain your eligibility (see below).
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) fee waiver only covers your enrollment fees. (The De Anza College Promise is a separate program with additional benefits, although in some cases the two programs may overlap.) There are other campus resources to help with the purchase of books and supplies; these may require a separate application.
Requirements to Qualify
You may be eligible for this program if you are a California resident or an undocumented student who is exempt from nonresident fees under AB540, and if one of the following is true
- You have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application AND you have unmet need of $1104 or greater.
- You or your family are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/CalWORKs or Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP) or General Assistance AND you have submitted a paper CCPG application and proof that you are currently receiving one of the above listed benefits.
- Your family income for the base year (the tax year prior to the academic year for which you are applying) was no more than 150% of the federal poverty level AND you have submitted an online or paper CCPG Application and provided the necessary income information on the application. See the maximum income amounts listed here:
- You have documentation from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, California National Guard Adjutant General, California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board or other public agency that confirms you are eligible for a dependent's fee waiver AND you have submitted a paper CCPG application and a copy of the documentation.
How to Apply
You can apply online through OpenCCCapply or download a form that you can print out:
But the best way to apply is by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or – if you are undocumented – a CADAA (California Dream Act Application). By submitting the FAFSA or CADAA, you will be considered for all types of financial aid for which you are eligible.
If you qualify for a fee waiver at either college in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, it will be honored by the other. However, this is not an automatic process and will require a review by the Financial Aid Office at the college you’re attending. If you receive the waiver at one school and plan to attend classes at the other, please contact the Financial Aid Office at both schools.
Maintaining Eligibility
Important: You must reapply for this program before each academic year (July 1-June 30).
In addition, you must show satisfactory academic progress to maintain eligibility. That means you must
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive quarters (fall, winter or spring), you may become ineligible.
- Complete more than 50 percent of your coursework. If the cumulative number of units you complete is not more than 50 percent in two consecutive quarters (fall, winter or spring), you may become ineligible.
You will be notified within 30 days after the end of the quarter if you are being placed on either academic (GPA) or progress (course completion) probation. Your notification will include the information that a second term of probation will result in loss of fee waiver eligibility. After the second consecutive term of probation, you may lose eligibility for the fee waiver at your next registration opportunity.
If you lose eligibility for the fee waiver, there are a few ways that you can have it reinstated:
- Improve your GPA or Course Completion measures to meet the academic and progress standards
- File a successful appeal based on extenuating circumstances or significant academic improvement
- Don’t attend your school district for two consecutive primary terms (fall/winter/spring quarters)
The appeals process for extenuating circumstances will consider
- Verified accidents, illness or other circumstances beyond your control
- Changes in economic situation
- Evidence of inability to obtain essential support services
- Special consideration factors for CalWorks, EOPS, DSPS and veterans
- Disability accommodations not received in a timely manner
Foster youth and former foster youth (age 25 or younger) are not subject to loss of the fee waiver under these regulations.
If you are placed on probation: You can take steps to restore your status. Many support services are available at De Anza. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact one of the offices listed below:
Terms and Conditions
Please note: Each type of financial aid has important terms and conditions that you must follow. See this page for details.
