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The Cuesta Promise

The Cuesta Promise logo

The Cuesta Promise is a scholarship program that provides San Luis Obispo County high school graduates with two consecutive years of fee-free enrollment at Cuesta College, beginning in the summer or fall term immediately following graduation.

Eligibility Requirements  
To qualify for The Cuesta Promise, students must:

  • Graduate from a San Luis Obispo County high school, earn a GED, or complete a HiSET and enroll at Cuesta College in the summer or fall term immediately following graduation or completion  
  • Be a California resident or AB 540–eligible student
  • Complete all required application steps and meet published deadlines  

Eligibility Exceptions  
In limited circumstances, students who do not meet one or more of The Cuesta Promise eligibility requirements may request an exception through The Cuesta Promise appeal process. Approval of appeals is not guaranteed.  
  
What The Cuesta Promise Covers
The Cuesta Promise covers the following fees:  

  • Enrollment fee ($46 per unit)  
  • Health fee  
  • ASCC Student ID Card  
  • Student Center  
  • Student body and representation fees

Academic and Participation Requirements  
To maintain eligibility for The Cuesta Promise, students must:  

  • Complete more than 50% of units attempted each academic year  
  • Maintain a 2.00 GPA or higher  
  • Enroll in consecutive fall and spring semesters  
  • Meet any required orientation or education planning requirements  

Steps to Apply for The Cuesta Promise

Read the FAQs for details on how to apply

Task Date(s)
Submit your Cuesta College Fall 2026 Admissions Application

  • Students enrolling in the Summer term immediately upon graduation must complete the admissions application no later than June 1. 
 10/1/25 - 8/1/26

10/1/25 - 6/1/26

Submit the Cuesta College General Scholarship Application (Optional)

  • Students who complete this application may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities. Application deadline: March 2, 2026.
 10/1/26 - 3/2/26

Complete the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

*Students can still apply for financial aid using the 2026-27 FAFSA or CADAA after The Cuesta Promise deadline

 10/1/25 - 8/1/26*

Complete the Cuesta College online orientation. (Optional) 
Note: To qualify for a priority registration status, completion of the orientation is required.

 10/1/25 - 8/1/26

Check your residency classification with Admissions and Registration

(The Cuesta Promise will pay fees for students that are a California Resident or AB540 student)

 10/1/25 - 8/1/26

Register for your classes

 5/1/26 - 8/1/26

 

Promise Day

The Cuesta Promise stallPromise Day invites San Luis Obispo County high school seniors to the San Luis Obispo campus each fall to explore Cuesta College's academic programs and student support services. Attendees can also learn about The Cuesta Promise, which provides eligible students with two consecutive years of fee-free enrollment at Cuesta College.

High schools interested in attending may contact outreach@cuesta.edu or call (805) 592-9030.

Launched in 2015 with generous support from the Charles and Leeta Dovica Family Trust, The Cuesta Promise initially provided one year of fee-free enrollment to eligible students. Since then, the program has expanded to offer two years of fee-free college through continued community and donor investments, along with state support through the California College Promise Grant and Assembly Bill 19. To date, The Cuesta Promise has helped more than 10,000 local students access higher education without the burden of tuition costs.