North Orange Promise Program
The North Orange Promise program offers first-time college students two years of free tuition at either of our District’s credit campuses: Fullerton College or Cypress College.
The Promise program is a commitment to help dedicated, determined students achieve their educational goals on time by giving them the support they need, financially as well as through counseling, priority registration, mentoring, tutoring, and additional student services. Whether a student’s goal is to achieve degrees, certifications, or a 4-year university transfer, North Orange Promise can help.
To participate in the Promise program, students must be high school graduates enrolling in college full time and for the first time. Look below for a full list of eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply.
Additional Information about the North Orange Promise
The North Orange Promise began in the Fall of 2018 as a pilot program that allowed graduates from schools in the Anaheim Union High School District to attend Fullerton College and Cypress College tuition free for one year. In Fall of 2019 the program expanded, becoming accessible for all first-time, full-time California residents attending Fullerton College and Cypress College.
Beginning with the Fall 2020 semester the program grew again, and now offers two years of tuition-free education to all eligible students.
Requirements for students new to the North Orange Promise program:
- First-time college student: Applicants should not have previously earned college credit at any institution AFTER high school graduation. College courses that were taken while in high school, as part of a dual enrollment program, are the only exception.
- Full-time college student: New students are required to maintain 12 or more units each semester and earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater.
High school graduate: Students must submit proof of graduation including transcripts from high school, North Orange Continuing Education, or an equivalent institution. - Complete Financial Aid application: There’s no income requirement for the Promise, but applicants are required to apply for financial aid. The Promise will cover any remaining costs. Financial aid applications must be filed both years of participation. Students may submit either a Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CDAA).
- Residency requirements: This program is offered for students who meet the California residency requirements or are eligible for exception through the AB 540 application.
Students continuing in the program for their second year should:
- Have continual enrollment (no semester breaks). This applies to Fall and Spring semesters not Summer or Winter.
- Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater.
- Continue sustaining a full-time course load of 12 units or greater each semester.
- Complete the required financial aid application for the new award year.
Prospective students who have completed their first year of college as Promise students at another California Community College are eligible to apply and receive second year tuition at Cypress College or Fullerton College. The same criteria (above) apply.
New students should first apply for admission to either Cypress or Fullerton College. After your application has been successfully submitted, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to set up an account in the student portal (MyGateway).
Once you’re logged in to the portal, complete and submit the North Orange Promise Student Agreement and Application online. The Agreement outlines the programs requirements and expectations. If technical issues or a delay in admission prevent online submission, you can print hard copies of the forms from the links below and submit them until the issue is resolved. PDF Links in English and Spanish:
Our Colleges' Promise
Visit Cypress College and Fullerton College's Promise pages for more information about their individual programs and resources.
