South Bay Promise
The South Bay Promise applications for Spring & Fall 2024 are now available.
What We Promise
Your future looks more promising than ever with the South Bay Promise.If you’re a first-time, full-time college student we’ll waive your first and second year enrollment fees. The South Bay Promise does not waive Non-Resident Tuition (Per-unit fee for students who aren't California residents). Please note, if you're granted an AB 540 exemption, the South Bay Promise will waive your first and second year fees.
You’ll also get personalized services and counseling to make sure you graduate in two years with the degree you need.
- Enrollment fees paid for the first two years (up to 30 units) – a savings of $1,110 or more!
- Priority registration your first semester.
- Access to English and math courses in your first year.
- Participation in a Student Support & Success Program.
- Personalized Support & Success Program orientations.
- Borrow a Surface Go Laptop via Laptop Loan thanks to our Foundation.
3000+
Students Enrolled$1,100+
Enrollment fees saved12
Student Support & Success ProgramsGetting Started
ALL first-time, full-time college students
- Regardless of high school / GED completion year
- Regardless of city of residence in California
- Apply for financial aid, though financial need is not a requirement.
- Students who complete steps 1 - 6 under steps to apply by April 1, 2025
- Students who are planning to enroll full-time for the Fall and Spring semesters
- The South Bay Promise only covers in-state tuition. Please see Residency
To have your enrollment fees waived the second year you must:
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- 1. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
- 2. Complete at least 24 units after the spring semester (18 units if you are registered with the Special Resource Center (SRC) at El Camino College.
- 3. Renew or submit a valid FAFSA or California Dream Act application each academic year.
(Please note, any corrections or updates to the student’s FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, need to be made before the start of the spring or fall semester (whichever is your 1st semester of college), to ensure that verifiable financial aid information is available at El Camino College. If the South Bay Promise cannot verify the student's financial aid information, the student's enrollment fees will not be paid for by the South Bay Promise and the student will no longer be eligible for the program).
Email: [email protected] or call (310) 660-6464.
Join us to hear more about what South Bay Promise has to offer and the necessary steps to receive two free years of enrollment fees. Most sessions are held virtually via Zoom.
Info Sessions will renew in 2025.
Approved Programs
Get a head start and reach out to these programs by clicking the links below - they'll help you work through
the application process, eligibility reviews, and upcoming information sessions.
- Athletics
- BSS/SEA Pathway
- Computer Science Pathway
- Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
- First Year Experience (FYE)
- Honors Transfer Program (HTP)
- MANA Program
- Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
- Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN)
- Puente Program
- Special Resource Center (SRC)
- Umoja-Project Success
- TEACH El Camino - Is unavailable for the Fall And Spring 2024 terms.
Information Session
Join us for a virtual information sessions.
Info for Students
Find out what the South Bay Promise Program can do for you as a first-time college student.
Info for Parents
Learn about the benefits of the South Bay Promise program for your student.
Be a Community Partner
Invest in the future of our students by supporting the South Bay Promise program.
Sign Up for Information
Want to learn more about ECC? Fill out our Prospective Student Form and a friendly staff member will reach out to help!
Submit Prospective Student FormQuestions?