Education · Imperial County
Imperial Valley College Promise Program Serves 420 Students Since Fall 2025 Launch
Ten years after community colleges in San Diego and Imperial counties launched tuition-coverage Promise programs, more than 76,000 students have benefited regionally, according to the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association. Imperial Valley College launched its Promise program in fall 2025, waiving tuition and fees for 420 students over two years, with inaugural cohort members earning associate degrees and transferring to four-year universities by spring 2026. A Lightcast analysis estimates the San Diego Promise alumni alone generated over $1 billion in combined economic impact. Eligibility requires full-time enrollment (12+ units), a 2.0 GPA, an annual FAFSA or California Dream Act application, and a signed success agreement; access has expanded to include former foster youth, veterans, returning students, and formerly incarcerated individuals.