College Promise
The College of Alameda Promise Program includes our promise services and programming for Peralta (Oakland) Promise and Alameda Promise. The program provides free tuition for a year (possible second year meeting program requirements), book stipends, priority registration, and dedicated counseling for eligible students. The program is open to first-time, full-time college students who seek to complete a certificate, degree, and/or plan to transfer to a four-year university.
Mission and Goals
The College of Alameda Promise Program aims to:
- Increase the percentage of high school graduates entering college in the cities of Alameda and Oakland
- Strengthen students’ access to career pathways and preparation to join the workforce in Alameda and the surrounding areas
- Deepen the connection between College of Alameda and its home community
Prospective Students
- Our application for the Fall 2026 cohort will open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026
How Do I Apply?
- Step 1: Apply to College of Alameda
- Step 2: Complete the required Student Support Services (orientation, placement counseling). Further details of this step will be provided to you after you complete the OpenCCC application.
- Step 3: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CoA’s school code is 006720)
- Step 4: Apply for the Alameda Promise Program by August 28, 2026
College Promise Eligibility
Interested applicants must:
- Complete an Alameda Promise Application
- Follow the CoA Enrollment Steps
- First-time college student
- Enroll in 12 units per semester (fall and spring) at COA
- Graduate from Alameda Unified School District
- Graduate from Oakland Unified School District
- Submit a FAFSA or Cal Dream Act application and include COA (006720)
- Attend a Promise Orientation
CoA Promise Program Benefits:
- Free Tuition for the first 2 Years
- Priority Registration
- Book Stipend (Amount Varies)
- Designated Counseling (Make Counseling Appointment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there exceptions to the 12 units for students?
If you are enrolled in Student Accessibility Services (SAS), you will need to have an exception from a SAS professional to take fewer than the mandatory 12 units.
I’m not eligible to submit a FAFSA or Cal Dream Act application. Can I still join the College of Alameda College Promise Program?
Eligibility is not required. However, you must fill out the FAFSA and/or CA Dream Act application to begin the process.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The application period for the Fall 2026 cohort will close Friday, August 28, 2026.
I graduated from high school a couple years ago and never attended college. Am I eligible for College Promise?
No. College Promise is for high school graduates enrolling in CoA in the fall immediately after their high school graduation.
I graduated from a Charter high school. Am I eligible?
The CoA College Promise currently only serves Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).
I'm enrolled in 15 units. Will the College Promise Program cover all units or just 12 units?
Once accepted as a CoA College Promise student, all units will be covered.
I have a total of 12 units in the Peralta Community College District. How many units do I need to enroll in at College of Alameda to be eligible for the College Promise program?
Students need to be enrolled full-time (12 units) at College of Alameda to be eligible for the CoA College Promise Program.
Contact Information
Cynthia Lopez
Dual Enrollment/Promise/General Counselor
clopez@peralta.edu
(510) 956-4931
A Building
Cynthia Haro
College Promise/High School Transition Counselor
charo@peralta.edu
(510) 831-0485
A Building, Rm A135