Golden Promise Program

YOU CAN AFFORD COLLEGE!

GWC’s Golden Promise Program provides students with ZERO COSTS!

Golden West College is committed to the success of its students and wants to help them accelerate their education to start their career or transfer to a four-year institution within the two-year timeframe. The Golden Promise Program (GPP) provides eligible students free tuition, complimentary parking passes, waives other fees, and offers a textbook stipend. The program is currently offered to eligible students for up to two academic years as long as funding is available.

Eligibility Criteria

ALL Golden Promise Program recipients must meet the following:

Enrolled full-time (12+ units) [majority units are required at GWC]
California Resident or AB540 Residency
Completed a FAFSA or Dream Act Application [Must have ALL financial aid paperwork completed]
Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) [Returning & Continuing students]
BankMobile account created and refund preference selected.

Eligible Students

I. First time college students

Has not attended GWC or any other institution as a college student.
Not eligible for any type of financial aid.

Eligible to receive:

Free tuition
Free textbook stipend
Additional course fees waived
Free parking pass (if applicable)

II. Returning Golden Promise Program recipients from the 2021-2022 school year (max two years of GPP).

Must have been awarded the GPP for both semesters for the 2021-22 school year.
Semesters must be taken consecutively
Must continue to meet all requirements in Eligibility Criteria.

Eligible to receive:

Free tuition
Free textbook stipend
Additional course fees waived
Free parking pass (if applicable)

III. Students who are receiving the California College Promise Grant (fee waiver) but are not receiving any other grants.

Must meet all requirements in Eligibility Criteria.
Must not have received the Golden Promise Program in prior academic years.

Eligible to receive:

Free textbook stipend
Additional course fees waived
Free parking pass (if applicable)

Additional Fund Information

All tuition and fees will be posted to student accounts after census.
Award eligibility letter with additional instructions and information will be sent to your student email once you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Students MUST have a BankMobile account setup and have selected their refund preference.
- Students can access the link to set up their preferences through their MyGWC account. Once logged in, the link can be accessed on the GWC Home tab.
Eligible students do not have to pay their fees out of pocket; a hold can be placed on their account that prevents them from being dropped for non-payment, while the award is being processed. Students with this hold will be notified via student email. However, eligible students who paid their fees in advance, will receive a refund.

Have additional questions? Email gwcfreetuition@gwc.cccd.edu
Remember to include your student ID number for a faster turnaround.

Golden Promise FAQs