Mesa College Promise

Mesa College Promise

2 years tuition covered at MCC

Mesa College Promise - Logo

The Mesa College Promise is a commitment from the City of Mesa to its residents that all eligible students can attend Mesa Community College for two years with Arizona resident tuition and registration fees fully funded1. The Mesa College Promise provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs but who have not received enough federal student aid (FAFSA) funds or other scholarship resources to completely cover the cost of tuition.

  • Applications for Fall 2026 are now open.
  • The priority deadline for applications is May 22, 2026.
  • The final deadline for applications is June 22, 2026.

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Added College Funds

Eligible Mesa residents who demonstrated financial need by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or have other scholarships but not enough to completely cover all tuition and fees can receive added financial help thanks to a partnership between the City of Mesa and MCC.

Assigned Academic Advisor

Each student accepted into the Mesa College Promise has their own Academic Advisor while at MCC.

Program Resources for Students

In addition to customized Mesa College Promise experiences, a welcome celebration plus advising, students receive all the traditional free MCC services such as tutoring, counseling, parking, transportation discounts and the food pantry.

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Students walking along a path.

The Mesa Thunderbird Completion Commitment

As a Mesa College Promise scholar, you receive personalized support while attending MCC. Mesa College Promise benefits include:

  • Financial support covering the cost of Arizona resident tuition and fees1
  • A $250 stipend each semester for up to two years to use for books, transportation, or other educational expenses
  • Support by MCC team members to complete FAFSA, scholarship applications, and MCC enrollment
  • New Student Orientation experience to prepare you for your first semester at MCC
  • An assigned MCC advisor to provide academic and personal support
  • Access to workshops, boot camps, tutoring, counseling, and other great services
  • Volunteer and internship opportunities

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Eligibility Requirements

Recent High School Graduates

City of Mesa residents who meet the following criteria are eligible for the Mesa College Promise:

  • Graduated high school after January 1, 2021 from a public, private, charter, or home school, in or adjacent to the city of Mesa
  • Earned a 2.0 or higher cumulative high school GPA
  • Demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA completion
  • Enroll at Mesa Community College the semester after high school graduation. Students must be enrolling at MCC for the first time, and must enroll full time (12 or more credit hours) in an eligible degree or certificate program. Those who have already attended MCC for any period after high school are not eligible in this category.

Returning Adult Learners

City of Mesa residents who meet the following criteria are eligible for the Mesa College Promise:

  • 25 years of age or older at the time of application (effective Fall 2025)
  • City of Mesa resident
  • Earned a high school diploma or GED
  • Demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA completion
  • Have not earned a college degree
  • Enroll at Mesa Community College in a minimum of 6 credit hours as a degree or certificate seeking student, in an eligible program of study

Eligibility requirements are subject to change.

A student standing outside on the Southern and Dobson campus.

What is Meant by Demonstrated Financial Need?

The Mesa College Promise is a need-based program2 that provides financial support to eligible students after financial aid and scholarships have been awarded to cover any remaining tuition and fees.

All Promise students are required to submit a FAFSA3. After submitting the FAFSA, students may be asked to provide supporting documentation to confirm eligibility for funding.

Receive assistance with completing the FAFSA by reaching out to your Mesa College Promise Advisor or the Financial Aid Office.

How Do I Apply for the Mesa College Promise Program?

  1. Complete the admissions process at MCC
  2. Submit the Mesa College Promise application in the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarship Manager
  3. Connect with a Mesa College Promise Advisor
  4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  5. Register for classes and complete all enrollment tasks in your Student Center

Frequently Asked Questions

If a student lives in the City of Mesa but attends a high school in Gilbert, Queen Creek, or another neighboring city, are they still eligible?

Yes, a student must be a resident of the City of Mesa, but may have attended neighboring city high schools, charter, private, or were home schooled.

Are students who complete their GED instead of graduating from high school eligible?

Yes, a City of Mesa resident who earns their GED or enrolled in GED programs affiliated with the City of Mesa or one of the public school districts in Mesa may be eligible.

Does a student with DACA status qualify for the Promise Program?

Yes, however the Mesa College Promise only covers the cost of Maricopa County resident tuition. Please contact your program advisor for details.

What is meant by demonstrated financial need?

Applicants for the Mesa College Promise must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All Promise students are required to submit a FAFSA3. After submitting the FAFSA, students may be asked to provide supporting documentation to confirm eligibility for funding.

Can recent high school graduates defer their enrollment at MCC if a medical leave of absence is approved or if a student will be participating in a religious mission?

Yes, students can apply for deferred enrollment with appropriate documentation. Prior approval is required — please contact your program advisor for details.

What if a student can’t meet the minimum enrollment requirements or finish in two years?

Each student's academic advisor will work with the student to develop a personalized education plan. Exceptions to minimum enrollment requirements may be approved under special circumstances, when it is in the best interest of the student. Funding past two years, or a maximum of six semesters, depends on available scholarship funds.

What are the requirements for continued participation in the Mesa College Promise?

  1. Meet with an MCC Academic Advisor each semester to plan for courses and connect to resources.
  2. Enroll in minimum required credit hours in a Financial Aid eligible program each semester.
  3. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress: 2.0 GPA and Progress completion rate of 67% of attempted courses, not to exceed 150% of required credits for program of study.
  4. Complete the FAFSA renewal process each year.
  5. Maintain good standing with MCC Student Code of Conduct.
  6. Maintain continuous enrollment (unless a leave of absence is pre-approved).

Partnership

The Mesa College Promise is a public-private partnership with funding coming from the City of Mesa and Mesa businesses and philanthropists. Funds raised will be administered through the Maricopa County Community College District Foundation.

City of Mesa Arizona Logo
Mesa Community College logo

1 The amount awarded is adjusted each academic year based on the Arizona resident tuition and fees for that year, as well as available funding. Funds will vary annually, depending on availability and applicant prioritization. Eligible College Promise Students who do not qualify for Arizona resident tuition are funded at the Arizona resident rate and may need to pay additional tuition based on their residency status.

2 Mesa College Promise is a last dollar financial award.

3 Students do not need to meet the FAFSA eligibility requirement of a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen in order to be considered for the Promise Program.