The Rancho Cordova Promise offers Rancho Cordova residents who graduate from high school between 2022 and 2024 the opportunity to attend their first two years of college fee-free (while taking six to 18 units per semester for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years). The program includes residents who are veterans, whether they are new or continuing students. Rancho Cordova Promise is funded by the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund, a ½-cent local sales tax measure approved by Rancho Cordova citizens in November 2014 that provides locally-controlled funds for local priorities. The Rancho Cordova Promise is a member of the Northern California College Promise Coalition.
To qualify for the Rancho Cordova Promise program, you need to meet all of the following requirements:
- Live in Rancho Cordova. Check if your address falls under Rancho Cordova's jurisdiction using Sacramento County's online map tool. You may be asked to provide official proof of residency.
- Have graduated from high school or obtained a GED between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024. (The high school does not need to be located in Rancho Cordova.)
- Complete either the FAFSA or CADAA for the current academic year.
- Enroll in at least six (6) units for the Fall 2024 semester at Folsom Lake College, the Rancho Cordova Center, or the El Dorado Center.
- Maintain eligibility by passing at least six (6) units with a grade of "C" or better each semester.
The program is open to Rancho Cordova residents who are veterans (whether they are new or continuing students). If you took courses through a Dual Enrollment/Early College program during high school, don't worry – they won't affect your eligibility for the Rancho Cordova Promise.
Each Rancho Cordova Promise student will be awarded up to $886 for up to four semesters, which includes:
- Tuition/enrollment fee of $46 per unit (as determined by the California Legislature) for 18 units maximum
- $20 health services fee
- $2 student representation fee
- $36 universal transit pass (UTP) fee (based on a load of 12 or more units)
Based on financial need as determined by FAFSA or CADAA, eligible students will receive one of the following:
RC Promise Grant/Fee Waiver
(With current FAFSA/CADAA – without Financial Need)
- Coverage of tuition/enrollment fees (up to 18 units)
RC Promise Payment/Disbursement
(With current FAFSA/CADAA – with Financial Need)
- A grant equal to the cost of the number of units in which you have enrolled (up to 18 units)
- Funds will be distributed through BankMobile Disbursements, which is how Folsom Lake College disburses financial aid monies to you.
Students must pass at least six (6) units with a grade of "C" or better to receive funding for the subsequent semester (maximum of $886 per semester).
Application Period
2024-2025 Rancho Cordova Promise applications will be accepted from November 1, 2023, to August 1, 2024.
Steps to Apply
- Apply to Folsom Lake College online through CCCApply.
- After you receive a student ID number, submit the Rancho Cordova Promise application online.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are not a US citizen or permanent US resident, then you should fill out the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA.
After you submit your college application, Rancho Cordova Promise application, and financial aid application, you will get a confirmation message sent to your preferred email address notifying you of your Rancho Cordova Promise eligibility.
Contact
For questions regarding the Rancho Cordova Promise only, please contact:
Kathy Guzzi
Admissions & Records
Email: guzzik@flc.losrios.edu
Phone: (916) 361-6337