Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canyons Promise at College of the Canyons?

Canyons Promise is an academic student success program. Built upon the fundamentals of a first-year experience program, Canyons Promise is invested in student success. We focus on the transitional needs of first-time college students, while providing financial assistance. We are dedicated to expanding student resources by removing obstacles and barriers to student services that often inhibit student access to higher education.

How does Canyons Promise work and who qualifies?

Canyons Promise is for students who meet the eligibility/qualifications below:

First-time college student
California Resident or qualify for AB-540 residency status (non-resident tuition fees)
Complete a Financial Aid application each year – Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) **
Complete a Canyons Promise Application
Complete all new student steps listed on COC’s New Student Checklist
Plan to enroll as a full-time student, a minimum of 12 units* (fall and spring semesters only)

*Full-time unit exemption can only be made for students approved for a reduced course load accommodation through the Academic Accommodation Center.

**Students that apply to Canyons Promise will be evaluated for eligibility and qualifications. Eligibility and acceptance will be based on funding availability.

All interested students will be encouraged to apply.

Can I still sign up for the 2025-2026 Canyons Promise cohort?

No. Our 2025-2026 Canyons Promise cohort is closed and not accepting any additional students. Canyons Promise admits new cohorts of students every fall semester. Students looking to apply mid-year, between their first and second years at COC, or transfer from another College Promise Program will not be eligible for Canyons Promise.

When will the fall 2026 Canyons Promise application period open?

Information about our fall 2026 cohort will be available in early 2026.

When do I need to complete my FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application(CADAA)?

The FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application for 2026/2027 opens on December 1, 2025.

We encourage students to complete their FAFSA or CA Dream Act as soon as the application period opens as the processing time can be lengthy.

Completing the FAFSA or CA Dream Act is a state mandate to participate in Canyons Promise. All Canyons Promise students must have a current and complete FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application on file with the college each year they hope to be part of Canyons Promise. Otherwise, they cannot be part of the program.

I applied for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), is that the same as FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)?

No. They are different.

The FAFSA and CADAA are umbrella applications which look at both state and federal financial aid eligibility. Eligibility for CCPG is automatically reviewed with completion of one of these applications.

While there is a stand-alone CCPG application, for Canyons Promise, the FAFSA or CADAA must be completed by all students. If students only complete the CCPG application, they will not be considered for Canyons Promise.

I never received an email from the college after I applied.

The College of the Canyons Admissions Acceptance email will be sent to whatever email was provided on your CCC Apply account. Please check your spam folders and search your email for the subject line: College of the Canyons Admissions Acceptance. If you still cannot find it, please contact Admissions and Records so they can assist you with your college application (661-362-3281).

When applying to COC, it is recommended students use their own personal email account (not their high school email or a parent email).

I took college courses while I was still in high school, am I still eligible for Canyons Promise?

Yes. Taking college courses prior to graduating high school does not hinder you from being eligible for Canyons Promise. In fact, those units may help you complete your goal faster. Conversely, if you received substandard grades, or withdrew from any of those classes, they will automatically appear on your COC transcript and may have an adverse effect on your GPA and standing with the college.

What courses will I need to take during the fall?

Students will create their own unique schedule of classes based on their major and prior academic coursework. Each student's fall semester will look different. New students will have the opportunity to meet with Promise counselors to receive assistance creating their academic plan during their Promise Summer Orientation.

It is recommended that students begin their math and English courses during their first year, along with major prep and general education courses. Additionally, a counseling course can be beneficial to new students. If a student is undecided, we recommend taking Counseling-110 (Career-Life Planning), or if a student would like to learn about tools to be successful in college, we recommend taking Counseling-150 (Student Success).

I'm planning to take AP exams this spring, how do I receive credit for those courses?

If you are taking AP exams and pass the exam with a 3 or higher, you may earn credit for courses here at COC. When AP scores are ready and available, students need to submit the official scores to Admissions and Records to receive course credits. Students may request official AP scores on the College Board website. All students still need to complete the math and English assessment for placement. A student's AP exam and score may fulfill the math and/or English course requirements.

Students should meet with Counseling once their scores are received to understand what credit they will receive and to ensure the classes they are taking are accurate.