Cuesta Promise
The Cuesta College Promise is a scholarship program available to all San Luis Obispo County high school graduates. The Promise offers all local graduates, including undocumented students who come straight to Cuesta College following their graduation; two years of attendance fee-free (two consecutive Fall, Summer, and Spring semesters). The Cuesta Promise will pay fees for students that are California residents or AB540 students.
Steps for the Cuesta Promise
Read the FAQs for details on how to apply
| Task | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Submit your Cuesta College Fall 2026 admissions application | October 1, 2025 - August 1, 2026 |
|
Submit your scholarship application (Apply by priority deadline, April 2nd, 2026, to be considered for additional scholarships) |
October 1, 2025 - August 1, 2026 |
|
Complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA or the Dream Act |
October 1, 2025 - August 1, 2026* |
|
Complete the Cuesta College online orientation |
October 1, 2025 - August 1, 2026 |
|
Check your residency classification with Admissions and Registration (The Cuesta Promise will pay fees for students that are a California Resident or AB540 student) |
October 1, 2025 - August 1, 2026 |
|
Register for your classes |
May 2026 - August 1, 2026 |
Promise Day
Promise Day invites San Luis Obispo County high school seniors to our San Luis Obispo
campus on Thursday Oct. 23, 2025. Students will have the opportunity to learn about
Cuesta College's programs. Most importantly, attendees will learn about the Promise
Scholarship, which guarantees two fee-free full years of college to all recently graduated
high school students.
High schools interested in attending, contact us @ outreach@cuesta.edu or (805) 592-9030 or complete this form.
The Cuesta Promise is the result of a private donation of more than $8 million to the Cuesta College Foundation from the Charles and Leeta Dovica Family Trust, who requested the funds be used for scholarships. The scholarship endowment, created in the fall of 2013, currently saves students an average of $1,400 in their first year at Cuesta College.