AB-19 California College Promise
Columbia College is participating in the California College Promise/AB 19 - Offering Free Tuition for two years.
Who is eligible:
All first-time college students (including students who earned college units while still in high school) and returning community college students who meet the following criteria:
- Filed a FAFSA or CADAA every year
- Submit all documents on your " Document Request Notice" and your financial aid file be complete
- Must be a California resident or AB540 resident
- Enrolled in 12 or more units each semester at Columbia College, including summer. Reduced unit requirement available for students meeting specific criteria under AB2
- Not eligible for California College Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver)
- Continuing students have not earned a post secondary degree (AA/AS, BA/BS, or MA/MS)
- Returning students have not earned a certificate or degree (AA/AS, BA/BS, or MA/MS)
How can I apply?
The Columbia College Financial Aid Office is working on automatically awarding students who meet eligibility criteria automatically. If you were not awarded, and believe you are eligible for the award, submit the Columbia College Promise Request Form. Make sure to attached supporting documentation if you are eligible under AB2.
Columbia College Eligibility Deadlines
Students MUST apply for June 15, 2025 for refunds for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Is this program free for all students? Yes, this program is not awarded on the basis of financial need.
What is covered?
Type of Cost Does AB-19 Cover?
Enrollment fees ($46 per unit) .......Yes
Health Fee......................................No
Rep Fee..........................................No
Center Fee......................................No
Material Fee....................................No
FAQ's
How will tuition be paid?
Students' fees will be waived once their eligibility is determined. No direct cash disbursements will occur.
Reimbursement: If you paid your fees prior to receiving an award, you will receive a refund within 3-4 weeks after receiving an award. Once your account has been credited, you may request a refund via Etrieve Central. Remember to check your student email for your CC Promise award. For questions regarding your refund, reach out to the Business Office at (209) 588-5114.
Can students get their tuition waived if they take more than 12 units?
Yes
How long is this program good for?
The Ab-19 California Promise Program is valid for two years. Students who qualified for the first year may qualify for a second year, as long as students meet the eligibility requirements for both years.
How are mid-year high school graduates, who begin college enrollment in the Spring handled, with regards to free tuition?
The student may receive this fee waiver only during two award years. Therefore, the student could attend for Spring of the first award year, and then only for Summer, Fall and Spring of the second award year.
Can a student receive the AB-19 California Promise Program if they are waitlisted for some or all courses?
No, students need to be actively enrolled in 12 or more units each semester. Waitlisted courses are not considered actively enrolled. We encourage students to meet with a counselor to identify open courses to add, or pay your balance to avoid being dropped for nonpayment.
Can students earn a degree mid-year and still be eligible for this grant?
No, once the degree has been issued/awarded the student will no longer be eligible for the grant. For example, if a student earns their degree at the end of the fall term, student will not be eligible for Spring or any future term.
