SBCC Promise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

What educational expenses does the SBCC Promise cover?

The SBCC Promise covers the cost of enrollment fees (“tuition”), other required fees, required

books, and required supplies for up to two years. “Required supplies” includes all course-required

materials, such as equipment for nursing, culinary arts, and other programs. All books and supplies

must be purchased at the SBCC campus bookstore. Some programs offer free rentals provided by

the SBCC Promise, such as equipment for marine diving, photography, and other courses.

programs.

Are there any academic or Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements?

There is no GPA requirement set for initial eligibility for the SBCC Promise; however, all current

students must remain in good academic standing as defined by Santa Barbara City College during

their time as an SBCC Promise student. You will be removed from the SBCC Promise if you are

academically disqualified by the college.

Definitions:

Academic Probation: A student who has attempted a total of at least 12 graded units, as

shown by the official college transcript, shall be placed on academic probation if the student

has earned an accumulated grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 in all graded units at Santa

SBCC FOUNDATION • 721 Cli Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 (A-202) • sbccfoundation.org

Do SBCC Promise students get priority registration?

Continuing Promise eligible students who are not on academic or progress probation for

two consecutive terms or have not earned 100 or more degree-applicable units have priority

registration. SBCC Admissions and Records notifies students of their registration dates by posting

the date and time in the student’s Pipeline account two weeks prior to the start of Priority

Registration.

Can I stay in the SBCC Promise beyond two years?

The SBCC Promise is intended to support students who attend SBCC as full-time students

uninterrupted for two years. Although we recognize the need for more than two years of support

Are summer sessions covered by the SBCC Promise?

Summer sessions are optional terms, but they are covered by the SBCC Promise for students

who choose to enroll in summer sessions immediately following their Spring Semesters as SBCC

Promise students. The summer sessions immediately after high school graduation, however, are not

covered by the SBCC Promise.

Are study abroad fees covered by the SBCC Promise?

The program cost for study abroad is not covered by the SBCC Promise. However, the SBCC

Promise covers the cost of enrollment and required fees, required books, and required supplies

that can be utilized on the study abroad programs and which are not included in the study abroad

program cost.

graduation date. You will need to submit an SBCC Promise eligibility appeal to verify your eligibility.

Am I eligible for the SBCC Promise if I recently graduated from adult high school, completed

a GED program, or passed the CHSPE (California High School Proficiency Exam) in the SBCC

district?

Yes, you are eligible for the SBCC Promise as long as you complete high school or the equivalent

within the SBCC district and enroll at SBCC in the Fall or Spring semester immediately following

your high school graduation or passage of the CHSPE. Your application to SBCC and your official

transcript should note the date of your high school completion or the equivalent. You will need to

submit an SBCC Promise eligibility appeal to confirm your eligibility.

Am I eligible for the SBCC Promise if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

International students with a visa type F or J are not eligible for residency, and therefore are

not eligible for the SBCC Promise.

For SBCC Promise purposes, if a student has a visa type that allows them to establish U.S.

residency after one year, then they are eligible for the SBCC Promise.

Am I eligible for the SBCC Promise if I plan to enroll at SBCC more than one year from my high

school graduation or the equivalent?

You may be eligible based on your extenuating circumstances. You will need to have graduated

from a local high school or the equivalent within the SBCC District Area, and you will need to

submit an SBCC Promise eligibility appeal to review your eligibility.

Am I eligible for the SBCC Promise if I was recently released from the California criminal

determine your eligibility.

Am I eligible for the SBCC Promise if I choose to enter into military service immediately after

high school?

You may be eligible if you plan to enroll at SBCC within twelve (12) months of completion of your

military service. You will need to have graduated from a local high school or the equivalent within

the SBCC District Area, and you will need to submit an SBCC Promise eligibility appeal to verify

your eligibility. In addition, you will need to submit documentation verifying your military service

terms.

Am I still eligible for the SBCC Promise if I experience a leave of absence due to illness or

other circumstances?