California College Promise Grant (Fee Waiver)

California Community Colleges

The California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver) is a program that provides assistance to cover community college enrollment fees. To be eligible, you must be a California resident or  AB 540 eligible and must qualify under one of the following conditions of award A, B or C.

Applying for the 2025-2026 California College Promise Grant

The 2025-2026 application covers Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026

Submit your California College Promise Grant to finaid@cerritos.edu     

Last day to apply is August 14, 2026

Applying for the 2024-2025 California College Promise Grant

The 2024-2025 application covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025

Submit your California College Promise Grant to finaid@cerritos.edu    

Last day to apply is August 15, 2025

Important Notice: Check how to avoid losing your Fee Waiver

Loss of Fee Waiver:  Success Matters - Important Notice for California College Promise Grant Students


Types of California College Promise Grant Awards

You or your parents must currently be receiving AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or SSI/SSP (Supplemental Social Security Income/State Supplementary Program) or General Assistance/General Relief, or you are a disabled veteran or a dependent of a deceased or disabled veteran as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Effective January 1, 2022, students who are a surviving spouse or surviving child of a deceased person who meet all of the following requirements:

  1. The deceased person was a California resident.
  2. The deceased person was a licensed physician or nurse employed by, or under contract with, a health facility regulated and licensed by the State Department of Public Health to provide medical services or a first responder employed to provide emergency services as described in Section 8562 of the Government Code.
  3. The deceased person died of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency.

Eligibility also includes:

The surviving spouse or child was a resident of California during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency.

Documentation that the student's household annual income (including the parent's income for dependent students) does not exceed the maximum Cal Grant A income and asset ceilings, as set forth in Section 69432.7.

You meet the following income standards:

You have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application and have "financial need."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the California College Promise Grant

It covers all enrollment fees. It does not cover the health fee, student activity fee, lab/materials fee, and/or parking. Also, the Promise Grant eligible students get a discount on the parking fee.

  • The 2024-2025 application covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.
  • The 2023-2024 application covers Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024.

You must reapply every year.

Yes, you can apply as long as you are determined to be either a California resident or an AB 540 student by the Admissions and Records Office.

The fee waiver will adjust for any changes in enrollment.

If you come in person, we can process it immediately. If you place it in the drop-box or fax it in, and it is completed correctly, it may take a few days

As soon as possible, preferably before you enroll in classes.

You should complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov to see if you are eligible for grants in addition to the Promise Grant. If you only want your fees waived, then complete the Promise Grant application. If you complete the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will award you a Promise Grant if you are eligible.

Yes, you must apply for a refunds in the Admissions and Records Office.

  • 2024-2025 August 15, 2025
  • 2023-2024 August 09, 2024

For further information please contact the Financial Aid office at (562) 860-2451 ext. 2397 or e-mail us.