Cuesta Promise Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Cuesta Promise, students must complete all required application materials by August 1. Requests for Consideration will not be accepted for applications or other requirements completed after the August 1 deadline.

In addition, to be eligible for The Cuesta Promise, students must:
  • Have a high school diploma or the equivalent (as determined by the Cuesta College Enrollment Services) dated between July 1 and June 30 of the applicable year.
  • Have a high school diploma from a San Luis Obispo Community College District Service Area high school,continuation school, charter school, alternative school, independent study, home school, youth academy or other eligible educational institution, as determined by the Cuesta College Enrollment Services.
  • Have been a permanent resident of the San Luis Obispo Community College District service area at the time of high school graduation or completion of an equivalent credential.
  • Be a California resident or qualify for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption

    Home school students may need to submit a Cuesta Promise Request for Consideration if their school is not automatically recognized as eligible in the College's system. Cuesta Promise Request for Consideration Form.

    Eligibility for the Second Year of Cuesta Promise
    At the completion of their first year of Cuesta Promise, students must:

  • Have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on courses taken during the first year of receiving The Cuesta Promise.
  • Have successfully completed more than 50% of all units/credits attempted with a grade of D or better.

    Students who do not meet these requirements due to extenuating circumstances may submit a Cuesta Promise Request for Consideration Form. The request must explain the extenuating circumstances and include supporting documentation demonstrating how those circumstances prevented the student from meeting the minimum academic requirements.