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Foothill College Promise

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I apply?

  • Complete the Foothill College application 
  • Complete a FAFSA or Dream Act Application (students do not have to qualify for aid to be eligible). IMPORTANT: You must renew your financial aid application for each new academic year.
  • Enroll full-time (minimum of 12 units*) during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. *Students with disabilities who are approved for a reduced course load by the Disability Resource Center and take at least 6 units are eligible for Foothill College Promise.

Q. What are the requirements?

  • Never attended college (summer enrollments and high school dual enrollments are not disqualifying); and
  • Enroll in 12+ units* during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. *Students with disabilities who are approved for a reduced course load by the Disability Resource Center and take at least 6 units are eligible for Foothill College Promise; and
  • Complete a FAFSA or Dream Act Application. IMPORTANT: You must renew your financial aid application for each new academic year; and
  • Qualify for in-state tuition rates, including via the AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Fee exemption

Once you meet all the requirements, you will automatically qualify for the Foothill College Promise. You'll receive email notification a few weeks before the start of the quarter.

Q. I participated in Foothill College Early College Promise while in high school. Am I eligible for Foothill College Promise?

Yes! Students who previously participated in Foothill College Early College Promise will receive the same benefits of the Early College Promise if enrolled full-time at Foothill College and otherwise meet all other applicable program requirements.

Q. I took college classes in high school. Am I eligible for Foothill College Promise?

Yes! Foothill College Promise is open to all first-time, full-time students. Taking college courses in high school or during the Foothill College summer session immediately after graduating from high school does not disqualify you

Q. What does the program cost?

Foothill College Promise program is FREE for all first-time, full-time students taking at least 12 units at Foothill College. Tuition and fees are covered. 

Q. How do I know if I’m in the Foothill Promise Program?

Once you meet all of the requirements for the program, you will automatically qualify. You should receive email notification that you are in the program a few weeks before the start of each quarter (Fall, Winter and Spring).

Q. If I don't enroll full-time for a quarter, will I lose my eligibility for Foothill Promise?

No! While you won't receive the Foothill Promise benefits for the quarter you're not enrolled full-time, you won't lose your eligibility for the following quarters.

Q. What if taking a full-time course load is unrealistic for me because of a disability?

Some students with documented disabilities may be eligible for a reduced course load (i.e., enroll in less than 12 units) while maintaining full-time status and other reasonable accommodations. Please make an appointment with a Disability Resource Center counselor to discuss your needs and request an accommodation.

Q. What if I don't pass all my classes?

Students in Foothill College Promise can use all the student support services available, including counseling and tutoring. If you do not pass your classes, please meet with a counselor to help you get back on track. As long as you remain enrolled in 12 units, you are eligible for the Foothill College Promise.

Q. Can I participate in Foothill College Promise if I start in winter or spring quarter?

Yes! If you enroll for the first time full-time at Foothill College in the winter, you are eligible for Foothill College Promise for the winter and spring quarters, and then the academic year that immediately follows. If you enroll for the first time full-time in spring, you will receive Foothill College Promise benefits for the spring quarter, and then the academic year that immediately follows.

Q: Is it possible to start the Foothill College Promise Program during the summer?

No. The Foothill Promise Program is only offered during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters.

Q: When can Foothill Promise students expect to see their tuition and fees waived?

The Foothill Promise tuition and fee waivers are usually added to students' accounts within 1-2 weeks from the time of enrollment (Fall, Winter and Spring quarters).

Q: Do I have to pay for my tuition and fees out of pocket and then ask for reimbursement through the Foothill Promise Program?

No. If you meet the qualifications for the Foothill Promise Program, you do not need to pay for your tuition and fees out of pocket because they will be covered by the program.

If you don't see that your tuition and fees have been covered by Foothill Promise within 1-2 weeks from the time you enroll, though, please contact the Foothill Financial Aid Office.

Q: Does Foothill Promise cover textbooks?

The program covers required textbooks for Foothill Promise students who meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Are a verified current or former foster youth; or
  2. Are an active member of one of the following Foothill Learning Communities:

Q: If I qualify for textbook coverage through Foothill Promise and purchase my textbooks from an outside seller, such as Amazon, can I get reimbursed from the Foothill Promise Program?

No. The Foothill Promise Program only covers required textbooks purchased through the Foothill Bookstore. *Note: See "Q: Does Foothill Promise cover textbooks? " above to learn if you meet the criteria to receive textbook coverage through the program.

Q: What is the difference between the Foothill Promise and the California College Promise?

Foothill Promise is only for first-time college students, requires full-time enrollment* (12+ units) for Fall, Winter and Spring quarters (*Only 6+ units is required for students with reduced course load authorizations.), is NOT need-based, and covers all tuition and basic student fees that are not covered by other programs. Foothill Promise students who meet specific criteria will also get their required textbooks covered. For information about textbook coverage, see "Q: Does Foothill Promise cover textbooks? " above.

California College Promise is open to students no matter how many years they’ve attended college, has no unit requirement, is need-based, covers tuition only, and provides a discount on the quarterly parking permit.

Students can receive both the Foothill Promise and the California College Promise.

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