RCC Promise Program
A Promise For What is to Become
Education opens doors, minds, and possibilities. The Promise Program helps current-year high school graduates and first-time nontraditional college students remove barriers to pursuing an education and career goals by making it affordable.
The program covers two years of tuition. The program supports students seeking a certificate of completion or the requirements needed to earn an associate degree or transfer. Additionally, the Promise Program provides additional support with textbook vouchers, counseling, and mentoring.
Students must be enrolled as a full-time student to participate in the Promise Program. Students who hold to their promise of enrolling full-time receive free tuition (even if you are not eligible for financial aid), priority registration, support for textbooks, and a dedicated support community. Certain restrictions apply.
Contact Us
Location: MLK Building, Lobby 202
Phone: (951) 328-3820
Email: The.Promise@rcc.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday | 8 am - 4:30 pm
The Promise Program at RCC 2026 Video - (Important for Students Applying to the Fall 2026 Cohort)
Want more information about the Promise Program?
Learn how easy it is to receive an invitation to participate in the program.
Explore all of the benefits that the Promise Program has to offer.
Do you need guidance and support with your individual situation, if so this is the place for you?
Invitation to Promise
Students who are hoping to be invited into The Promise Program must meet the following criteria:
- Current Graduate: Must graduate from a local California high school in the 2025-2026 academic year.
- First-Time Student: You have never attended college after high school. Note: College classes taken while still in high school (Dual Enrollment) do not disqualify you!
- Residency: Be a California resident or have eligible AB540/ Dream Act status.
Ready to get started?
Review the Promise Checklist (Updated) using the eligibility checklist to ensure you're up-to-date.
Benefits
- Tuition and Student Services fees will be covered each term after the 10th week of Fall and Spring semesters, and 4th week of Winter and Summer sessions. Students will not be dropped from their courses for non-payment. Promise students are discouraged from paying any outstanding balances during this time. If payment is made, a reimbursement will be issued, but the time frame for a reimbursement can be lengthy and is not recommended.
- Students who have committed to the STEM or Health Related Sciences (Nursing) will receive an additional year of tuition and Fee support only!
Tuition & Fees covered by the Promise Program:
Student tuition $46.0 per unit.
Student Health Fee: Fall / Spring $20.00 - Winter/ Summer $17.00
Student Service Fee: Fall/ Spring $30.00- Winter/ Summer $10.00
Transportation Fee: $5.50 over 6 units / $5.00 6 units and under
Fees NOT covered by the Promise Program:
- Parking Fees
- Audit Fees
- Materials Fees
- First Aid/ CPR Fees
- Art fees
- Transcripts
For more information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page.
- Book and supply voucher of $250 will be provided Fall and Spring semesters Only to students who stay in compliance with the program requirements.
- The book voucher can only be used in the RCC Bookstore to purchase the required textbooks and eligible supplies.
- Students will be required to provide a photo ID and class schedule at the time of purchase.
- The book voucher will cover book rentals charges; however, the student will need to provide a credit card at the time of purchase.
- The book voucher will not cover rental fees associated with damage, late charges, or non-returned items
- Priority registration is provided each term to students who maintain compliance with program requirements.
- Priority registration dates are limited to 3 days. Promise priority provides access to Riverside City College classes only.
- If the student misses their priority registration period, they must wait until their normal registration date to enroll in classes.
- Classes are not guaranteed after priority registration. However, it is the student’s responsibility to enroll in the required units, prior to the start of each term.
Each student who successfully completes the promise program will be eligible to receive a Promise Program Sash to wear at their graduation ceremony.
Your Student Success Team
Do you need guidance and support with your individual situation, if so this is the place for you? As a participant of the Promise Program you will have a dedicated student success team of counselors, advisors and peer mentors. This team will be connected to your program of study and located in the corresponding engagement center to support you through your educational journey.
- Advanced Technical Arts and Trades, Business, Information Systems and Technology, and Education and Teacher Preparation Engagement Center
- Fine and Performing Arts Engagement Center
- Languages and Humanities / Social and Behavioral Sciences Engagement Center
- Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center
- STEM Engagement Center
Policies and Procedures
- Complete the Promise Eligibility Checklist.
- Watch the Promise Program at RCC in 2026 Video
- Secure your Summer Experience ticket via Eventbrite and attend one Summer Experience session (4-day session).
- Enroll full-time: 12+ units in Fall/Spring, 3 units in Winter/Summer.
- Sign the Promise Agreement. Enrollment is not complete until the Promise Agreement is signed.
- Check your RCC student email regularly for program updates.
- Maintain 12+ units in Fall/Spring and 3 units in Winter/Summer.
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA each term.
- Attend the 4-day Summer Experience prior to the first Fall term.
- Maintain and update your Student Educational Plan (SEP) each academic year.
- Submit FAFSA or DREAM application annually by February/March.
- Complete 30 units per academic year.
- Complete two Promise-approved activities during both Fall and Spring semesters.
Progress is reviewed each semester. Students who do not meet eligibility requirements may lose services.
Students must update their SEP with an RCC counselor each academic year. Plans must reflect current major and course enrollment and be submitted via the Promise Canvas Shell.
Submitting your SEP is required to stay eligible. Watch the video or follow the steps below to upload your SEP correctly:
- Go to the Promise Canvas Page.
- Locate your cohort submission tab.
- Ensure your SEP has an official counselor signature.
- Submit your plan under the SEP Submission tab.
The Promise Program encourages all students to meet with their advisor and counselor first. There is a conditional one-time appeal if you do not maintain a 2.5+ GPA or 12+ units.
You get two academic years. STEM or pre-Nursing students receive a third year of paid tuition and fees (no book voucher in the 3rd year).
Do not pay any outstanding balances for tuition or fees. These are covered after the 10th week of the semester. Students will not be dropped for non-payment.
