De Anza College Promise

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With the De Anza College Promise, beginning in fall 2026, eligible first-time students can receive:

• One year (three quarters) free tuition 
• FREE transportation with the VTA SmartPass

at the college that’s always Tops in Transfer!

(Different rules and benefits apply for students who entered De Anza  before fall 2026 — see below for details.)

Here's How It Works

We’ve made it simple to qualify, with no separate application required. (See the steps below.) The program is open to California residents or those exempted from nonresident tuition — including students with AB 540 status. To qualify, you must

• Be a first-time college student
• Plan to attend full time — you must take at least 12 units per quarter and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible
• File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application by June 15 and list De Anza College on the application
• Apply and enroll in fall quarter — this opportunity only happens once an academic year!

You may also qualify for additional tuition coverage through other financial aid programs, such as the  California College Promise Grant fee waiver.

• When you submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), your financial aid award will list all the aid  for which you are eligible.

For information and personal assistance, contact a Promise Counselor in the Office of Outreach at 408.864.8327 or outreach@deanza.edu. 

Here's How to Apply

Here is what you need to know about how to apply, check your benefits AND maintain your eligibility.

• Step 1: Submit your FAFSA or CADAA by June 15

  Remember to list De Anza College on your application. And remember you need to re-submit every year.

• Step 2: Apply for admission

  You must apply if you haven’t already been admitted to De Anza. You must be a California resident (or qualify for AB 540 status) AND a first-time college student, in your first or second year, to be eligible for the De Anza College Promise. 

• Step 3: Register for at least 12 units

  You must remain enrolled in at least 12 units each quarter, except summer, to be considered "full time" and to maintain your eligibility for the De Anza College Promise.*

  The Promise award will cover up to 15 units per quarter. You are responsible for the cost of any additional units. (Different conditions may apply to students admitted into the Promise program before spring 2023.)

  However, you may also qualify for additional tuition coverage through other financial aid programs, such as the California College Promise Grant fee waiver. When you submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, your financial aid award will list all the aid for which you are eligible.

  *Students with a disability accommodation may be able to satisfy the eligibility requirement by taking a minimum of six units. Contact the Disability Support Services office to learn more.

• Step 4: Check your Financial Aid award 

  Your award will be posted in the Financial Aid section on MyPortal. Depending on your circumstances, you may not see your Promise award – or you may only see a partial award – before you register for classes. You should see a notification about the rest of your award within a few days after you register.

• Step 5: Be patient . . .

  Depending on your circumstances, we may not be able to process all of your Promise award until the third week of the quarter. At that point, the De Anza College Promise will pay off your fees and you should no longer see a balance due on your student account in MyPortal.

  • You won’t be dropped from classes for unpaid fees, provided those fees are covered by the De Anza College Promise and you remain enrolled in at least 12 units.* 
  • If you've already paid your tuition and fees, and you qualify for a Promise award, you should receive a refund by late October. 

   

  *Students with a disability accommodation may be able to satisfy the eligibility requirement by taking a minimum of six units. Contact the Disability Support Services office to learn more.

• Step 6: Maintain your eligibility

  Remember that you must

  • Remain enrolled in at least 12 units each quarter, except summer, and
  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA

   

  to remain eligible for the De Anza College Promise.

  Students with a disability accommodation may be able to satisfy the eligibility requirement by taking a minimum of six units. Contact the Disability Support Services office to learn more.

• Any questions? Here's where to find assistance

  For questions about

  • Financial aid awards or payments: Contact the Financial Aid Office by emailing FinancialAid@deanza.edu or calling 408.864.8718
  • Academics (classes, majors, certificates or degrees) or support services available for students: Contact a Promise Counselor by emailing outreach@deanza.edu or calling 408.864.8327

For Students Who Enrolled in Spring 2026 or Prior

For students who enrolled in spring 2026 or prior, the last quarter covered by the program will be spring 2027. 

• The program will provide:  
  Free tuition and fees for up to two academic years — up to 15 units per quarter for fall, winter and spring. Promise benefits will not apply to summer session. 
• FREE transportation with the VTA SmartPass

You may also qualify for additional tuition coverage through other financial aid programs, such as the California College Promise Grant fee waiver.

When you submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, your financial aid award will list all the aid for which you are eligible.

Eligibility: For students who enter the program in winter 2024 or later, you must maintain full-time student status and a GPA of at least 2.0 to remain eligible for Promise benefits for the full length of the award.