2 years tuition and fees covered at MCC
The Mesa College Promise is a commitment from the City of Mesa to its residents that all eligible graduating Mesa high school students can attend Mesa Community College for two years with Arizona resident tuition and fees fully funded. The Mesa College Promise provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs but who have not received enough Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds or other scholarships to completely cover the cost of college.
FAFSA + Scholarships + Mesa College Promise = Fully Funded MCC
- Applications will be accepted starting March 1, 2023 for Fall 2023.
- The priority deadline for applications is May 15, 2023.
- The final deadline for applications is July 15, 2023.
Added College Funds
Graduating Mesa high school seniors who qualify for FAFSA funding and additional scholarships but not enough to completely cover all tuition and fees can receive the 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 a special Mesa College Promise orientation plus advising, students receive all the traditional free MCC services such as tutoring, counseling, parking, transportation discounts and the food pantry.
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 fees (up to $2,070 per year for two years*)
- Participation in an iPad loan program during your first two years at MCC
- A $250 stipend each semester for up to two years to use for books, transportation, or other educational expenses
- Support during high school by MCC team members to complete FAFSA, scholarship applications, and MCC enrollment
- The Mesa College Promise 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 in Mesa businesses
*The amount awarded is adjusted each academic year based on the Arizona resident tuition and fees for that year. 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.
Eligibility Requirements
City of Mesa residents who meet the following criteria are eligible for the Mesa College Promise:
- Graduating in 2021, 2022 or 2023 from a public, private, charter school, home schooled, or GED in or adjacent to the city of Mesa
- Earning a 2.0 or higher cumulative high school GPA
- Demonstrating financial need based on FAFSA completion
- Enrolling at Mesa Community College the semester after high school graduation as a full-time (12 or more credit hours), degree or certificate seeking student
If you meet these requirements, get ready to experience a seamless transition from high school to Mesa Community College.
What is meant by Demonstrated Financial Need?
The Mesa College Promise is a need-based program 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 FAFSA*. After submitting the FAFSA, students receive a Student Aid Report that includes an Estimated Family Contribution.
Demonstrated Financial Need is defined by the Promise Program as:
Estimated Family Contribution Index on the FAFSA Student Aid Report of $10,000 or less.
Receive assistance with completing the FAFSA by reaching out to your Mesa College Promise Advisor. Most students who are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch programs will qualify for the Mesa College Promise.
*Note: 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.
How does a student apply for the Mesa College Promise program?
- Connect with a Mesa College Promise Advisor
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Complete the admissions process at MCC
- Submit the Mesa College Promise application in the Maricopa Community Colleges Scholarship Manager
- Register for 12 or more credits
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Applicants for the Mesa College Promise must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All students who complete the FAFSA receive a student aid report. If the report indicates an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) index of 10,000 or less, OR an Adjusted Gross Family Income of $45,000 or less, the student will be considered for the Mesa College Promise.
- Can students defer their enrollment at MCC if they are participating in a mission, internship, or other program that prevents them from immediately enrolling at MCC after high school graduation?
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Yes, students can apply for deferred admission. December high school graduates can begin in January or August after high school graduation.
- What if a student can’t enroll full time (12 or more credit hours) or finish in two years?
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Each student's academic advisor will work with the student to develop a personalized education plan. Less than full-time enrollment or an extension of the program beyond two years may be approved under special circumstances, when it is in the best interest of the student. Funding past two years, or eight semesters, depends on available scholarship funds.
- What are the requirements for continued participation in the Mesa College Promise?
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- Meet with an MCC Academic Advisor each semester to plan for courses and connect to resources.
- Enroll in 12 or more credit hours (approximately four classes) in a Financial Aid eligible program each semester.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress: 2.0 GPA and completion of 67% of attempted courses.
- Complete the FAFSA renewal process each year.
- Maintain good standing with MCC Student Code of Conduct.
- 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.
