Southwestern College Promise

The Southwestern College Promise Program permits up to two years (excluding summer terms) of enrollment fees to be waived for eligible college students. This program is funded by California State Assembly Bill 19/2 and has limited funding.  SWC Promise is considered a "last dollar" fee waiver program. In the event a student is eligible for the enrollment fee waiver via the FAFSA or Dream Act application, students will be granted the appropriate award. 

SWC Promise applications will be reviewed and considered on a first come, first serve basis, and is contingent on state allocation.

Free Tuition for Two Continuous Years

If you are enrolling in college and meet the eligibility criteria below, you may qualify for free tuition for two continuous years at Southwestern College (Fall and Spring semesters only).

Eligibility Criteria

• Complete a FAFSA/Dream Act application for both the first and second year of program participation.
• Be a California resident or from an eligible exempt group (i.e. AB 540 or California military dependent).
• Maintain a 2.0 grade point average for courses taken during the period of program participation.
• Must have and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Enroll in a minimum of 12 for-credit units in each fall and spring terms (unless eligible DSPS accommodation). DSPS students enrolled in less than full time (12+ units) may be eligible for the SWC Promise. IMPORTANT: student must provide documentation from DSPS regarding enrollment level. All units need to be added by our Admissions Census dates:
  
  Freeze date for Summer 2023: June 22, 2023

How to Apply

1. Apply to SWC via CCCApply from the Apply & Register page.
2. Complete a FAFSA or DREAM Act application (SCHOOL CODE 001294)
   Visit the Apply for Financial Aid page to learn more.
3. Enroll in a minimum of 12 for-credit units for the fall term
4. The SWC Financial Aid Office will automatically award SWC Promise through the FAFSA and Dream Act applications. Review of eligibility will begin by end of June (there is no longer a separate application).

(MUST HAVE SWC STUDENT ID to access)  If you cannot get into the application link, you will need to completely logout of Google and then open the form link to login with MySWC.

Support Services for Your Success

Southwestern College offers a variety of services, including child care, the Jag Kitchen food pantry, learning communities, such as First-Year Experience (FYE), Umoja, Bayan and Puente, and the PowerStudy Program, which embeds tutors in certain classes. You can find out more information at the SWC Cares webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)