Beginning in fall 2019, the North Orange Promise Program will expand to include a tuition-free college experience for all first-time, full-time college students attending Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education.
The North Orange Promise pilot program was launched with nearly 1,800 students in the fall of 2018, serving graduates of the Anaheim Union High School District. The success of this pilot created the demand and a model for the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) to expand the number of incoming eligible students in 2019.
"We are so delighted to be able to offer a tuition-free year of college to all first-time students who qualify," said NOCCCD Chancellor Cheryl Marshall, Ed.D. "With the hard work of our staff and faculty, any student without prior college experience has the opportunity to collect this support. That means potential students from any high school, any age, and any income bracket will be able to participate in the North Orange Promise Program."
NOCCCD, which includes Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education, serves over 85,000 students from 12 local cities. Over 70% of our students are not able to afford college and must apply for some type of financial aid. The North Orange Promise intends to lower income barriers to ensure that the benefits of college attendance remain available to students of all backgrounds.
Under the program, students who meet eligibility requirements will receive one year of their education completely free of tuition and health fees. Students must be:
Once accepted into the North Orange Promise Program, students (at a minimum) must:
The North Orange Promise is a last-dollar scholarship program, which means it meets funding needs remaining after federal and state aid programs and private scholarships have been applied. The program will cover students' credit fees, comparable to tuition, which are paid on every unit for which the student registers. Funding will be provided to each individual student for one academic year.