Community college Promise programs across San Diego and Imperial counties have helped more than 76,000 students access higher education over the past decade, including 16,201 students at MiraCosta College.
The milestone celebrates 10 years of regional efforts to make college more affordable and accessible. Since the first local Promise program launched in 2016, participating colleges have helped students pursue degrees, transfer to universities, and prepare for careers.
MiraCosta College launched its Promise program in 2018, providing eligible first-time college students with up to two years of free tuition and mandatory fees, along with assistance for textbooks. Through the 2025–26 academic year, 16,201 students have benefited from tuition and fee waivers at MiraCosta.
For Sabrya Mosely, a graduate of Oceanside High School, the MiraCosta Promise helped make college a more affordable option. As she considered her next steps after high school, learning that she could attend MiraCosta without paying tuition made the decision easier.
"It wasn't that hard of a decision to make," Mosely said. "It was kind of a no-brainer."
Her experience reflects the broader goal of Promise programs: removing financial barriers so students can focus on their education and future.
The regional effort began with the San Diego Community College District in 2016, followed by Palomar College in 2017, MiraCosta College and the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in 2018, Southwestern College in 2019, and Imperial Valley College in 2025.
Together, these programs have expanded access to higher education across the region, helping thousands of students take the next step toward their academic and career goals.
