Apply to FYE

Requirements & Eligibility

• Be a first-time college student (college classes taken in high school are approved) OR
• Be a returning community college students enrolled full-time who is in good academic standing and has not attempted 60 or more units. A returning community college student is defined as having been absent from any higher education enrollment for two or more consecutive primary semesters/quarters.
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Must complete LACC orientation available on your student portal or with the Welcome Center
• Must be enrolled in at least 12 units for Fall and Spring semesters (possibly less if approved by Office of Special Services)
• Must meet with an FYE counselor AND a Success Coach once per semester
• Attend a mandatory Summer Bridge transition program
• Participate in special FYE events and socials
• Be a California resident or eligible for in-state tuition (see AB 540)
• Complete either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application (students do not need to qualify for or receive financial aid, but must to submit an application)
• Review eligibility rules and common questions on the LA College Promise website: 

Note: Some exceptions to requirements may apply, including for students with a disability who participate in the OSS program. Please meet with an FYE counselor for more details.

Requirements & Eligibility FAQ

• Are students who previously attended a 4-year college or university eligible as a returning student?
  • No. Students must be continuing community college students.  They must be returning from previous enrollment in a community college. 
• Do courses taken as non-credit count against a student's eligibility for the program?
  • No. Classes taken through non-credit at any community college or adult school do not count against a student’s eligibility.
• Are students who took courses for credit at an out-of-state or international 4-year college or university eligible?
  • No. Students who took credit-bearing coursework at any 4-year college or university, regardless of location, are ineligible. 
• A student took college coursework several years (or decades) ago. Are they eligible?
  • No. Any credit-bearing college coursework from a 4-year college or university, regardless of how long ago earned, makes a student ineligible.