Is Community College Free in California in 2025?

With the cost of tuition rising each year, it’s become harder to afford an education at a four-year college or university, which can be very discouraging for ambitious students. Community college can be a great way to achieve your educational goals without the risk of accruing a lot of student debt.

In fact, California's community college system is set up to support students in their pursuit of higher education by offering a sort of “tuition-free” program for their students. However, it's important to understand the parameters of these programs. So, before you start applying for community colleges in Cali, let me clear the air!

This article is going to explain how you can attend a California community college for free. Here at Bold.org, we are a trusted resource for students trying to navigate college life, which includes community college! Today, I will discuss:

• The California Promise Program
• The California Promise Grant
• Differences between these programs
• Transferring from community college to university

I know how important getting your education is, but I want you to have all the facts first. Let’s get into it.

Looking for more financial aid sources? Sign up for a Bold.org account and apply for scholarships today!

What Does “Free” Community College Mean in California?

According to the California Community Colleges, over two million students attend two-year schools in California, and one million of these students do not pay for their tuition. This is primarily because of the California Promise Program and the California Promise Grant. So, while students can attend a California community college tuition-free, not every student is given that opportunity.

Please note: Not all community colleges are affiliated with the Promise Program or offer the Promise Grant.

When lawmakers approved the California Promise Program in 2017, it was coined as “free.” However, like anything else, there are stipulations and requirements that need to be met for colleges to waive tuition.

 Let me explain.

California Promise Program

The California College Promise program is partnered with California Community Colleges (CCC) to make college more affordable to first-time, full-time students.

To qualify, students must be:

• First-time students
• California residents
• Low-income students
• Pell Grant eligible
• First-generation student
• From underrepresented communities
• Attend an approved academic program/major
• Pledge to two or four-year commitment

Through the Promise program, students receive aid, priority registration, academic advising, and the chance to enter the workforce sooner.

However, it’s important to note that not all CCCs that receive this funding will apply it to student fees. Some schools choose to move the funding through other avenues like student support services and providing grants for students who need to cover childcare, transportation, and other college expenses.

Students will also need to meet with their advisors regularly and create an enrollment plan they will adhere to. This includes completing 30 credits within the academic year, including summer terms. Some community colleges may have their own requirements for this program, so be sure to check with your school for more details.

How to Apply for the California Promise Program

Applying for the California Promise Program is easy. Here’s how you do it:

• Search for a CCC partnered with the California Promise Program using the community college locator
• Make sure you qualify for the Promise Program
• Fill out the application

For more financial aid, check out our guide on how to get scholarships for community colleges and apply for funding today!

California College Promise Grant

The California College Promise Grant covers the cost of community college fees for low-income California residents. No matter the number of credits taken, this grant is available and does not have a maximum annual or yearly cutoff. California community college students are also eligible for this grant even if they are not first-year students.

Here's how it works:

• The grant waives up to $46 per unit in enrollment fees (12 units x $46 = $552 per semester)
• Students must submit proof of low-income economic status after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Dependent students may qualify if their parents meet the financial need requirement

How to Apply for the California Promise Grant 

To apply for the California Promise Grant, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility 
2. Complete the FAFSA to confirm financial need
3. Fill out the application

You should have your or your legal guardian’s tax information on hand for the application to avoid delays.

California Community Colleges with the California Promise Grant Program

In order to find community colleges that might give you free tuition, look for schools active within the California Promise Grant program. Community colleges are considered active if they:

• Provide direct financial support to students
• Have eligibility criteria rather than subjective admissions processes
• Intend to continue the program over time

Below is the list of some of the community colleges in California that are active with the CPG program:

• Berkeley City College
• Cypress College
• Foothill College
• Lake Tahoe Community College
• Las Positas College
• Sacramento City College
• San Diego City College
• San Diego Mesa College
• Santa Ana College
• Santa Barbara City College
• Santiago Canyon College
• Skyline College
• Solano Community College
• Southwestern College
• Ventura College
• West Valley College

Be sure to check with the CCC for the complete list of ALL community colleges active with the California Promise program!

How to Attend Community College for Free in California

Attending community college for free in California is possible through a combination of state programs, financial aid, and local initiatives. You can also browse our full range of scholarships and apply for money today!

Here are some key points that can allow you to enjoy a free college experience:

1. Apply for Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA to determine eligibility for state and federal aid
2. Enroll in the California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Enroll for the program as soon as possible to ensure you qualify to receive the CCPG to cover your tuition fees.
3. Take Advantage of Local Promise Programs: Check if your community college is active with local Promise Programs that offer free tuition.
4. Explore Scholarships: Always look for scholarships available to cover additional costs like textbooks and living expenses.

Related: Best Community Colleges in California

Transferring from Community College to University

Transferring from a community college to a university in California under the California Promise Program is a great way to ensure a smooth transition into a four-year college or university. The California Promise Program offers benefits to eligible students transferring from California community colleges to participating California State University (CSU) campuses.

1. Eligibility

• You must be a California resident and have completed at least 12 units at a California community college.
• Maintain a GPA that meets the minimum GPA required for the CSU campus (usually between 2.0–2.5, but some campuses or programs may require higher GPAs).
• You must intend to complete a bachelor’s degree on a CSU campus

2. Application Process

• First, you’ll need to apply for transfer admission to a participating CSU campus. Some campuses may have specific deadlines or additional steps. If you’re aiming for a specific CSU campus, you may want to check if they have any transfer admission agreements or requirements that align with the Promise Program.

3. Planning for Transfer

• Make sure you're completing the required general education courses to ensure they will transfer and are meeting the course requirements for your intended major, which may vary by CSU campus and program.
• Make sure you are aware of the CSU system transfer application deadlines around the fall (for spring admission) or in the spring (for fall admission).

4. Active CSU Campuses

• The California Promise Program is available at most CSU campuses, but some may have specific requirements or different offerings, so it’s worth checking the individual school’s website or contacting their admissions office for details.

If you're considering a specific CSU campus or have any questions regarding transfer requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisors for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Community College Tuition in California

How much does community college cost in California?

Community college in California is one of the most affordable options for higher education. Between applying for financial aid and the California College Promise Grant, which covers $46 per unit (12 units x $46 = $552 per semester), and other resources, students are able to attend community college for little to no cost for tuition. However, the California College Promise Program does not guarantee that all funds from the program are applied to costs for books, fees, and living expenses through certain colleges. With the Promise Grant, students have the opportunity to get their tuition waived. 

Who qualifies for free community college in California?

Attending community college for free in California is possible through a combination of state programs, financial aid, and local initiatives.

Students eligible to attend community college for free in California must:

• Be California residents 
• Demonstrate financial need through FAFSA
• Be committed for two or four years at a community college active with the program
• And enrolled in a program/major (i.e., Engineering, Business, etc.) approved through the Promise program

Students also have other financial aid sources like Pell Grants and other local scholarships that can help cover additional expenses. For additional financial resources, check out hundreds of exclusive scholarships on Bold.org.

What California community colleges are active with the California Promise Program?

To see the full list of colleges active with the California Promise Program, please visit the CCC website, but to list a few, Berkeley City College, Butte College, Cabrillo College, Mendocino College, MiraCosta College, West Valley College, Woodland Community College, and Yuba College are all schools currently active with the CCPG.

If you’re looking for more resources on how to get financial support, head over to Bold.org to use their scholarship search feature and apply for scholarships today.