What is the Oxnard College Promise?
The Oxnard College Promise (The OC Promise) extends the opportunity of a college education to first-time college students by waiving tuition fees and placing them in various support programs the first-year. OC Promise encompasses multiple programs generously supported through a combination of State funds (California College Promise Grant and the California Promise) and private donors through the Oxnard College Foundation. Starting fall 2018, Oxnard College will launch a second year Promise that will waive tuition fees for eligible students who completed the first year of college.
What are the descriptions of the first-year Promise initiatives at Oxnard College?
New college students will be eligible for one of the following Promise initiatives at Oxnard College that waives tuition fees the first year of college funded by the State of California: California College Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver). California residents and students with AB 540 status may apply for a California College Promise Grant by submitting a California College Promise Grant application, an E-California College Promise Grant Application or by completing a FAFSA application. California College Promise Grants begin in the fall semester of each academic year and must be renewed every year. There is an income criteria to receive the California College Promise Grant. California College Promise waives tuition fees for one academic year for first-time students who are enrolled in 12 or more semester units or the equivalent at the college and complete and submit either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or a California Dream Act application. There is no income criteria for the California College Promise.
What is the description of the second year Promise at Oxnard College (15-to-Finish)?
The Oxnard College Foundation sponsors the 15-to-Finish. This initiative will waive the tuition fees for eligible students. Eligibility consist of the following: students must complete their first-year of college with 30 units or more with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Oxnard College will waive the tuition fees for second-year students with the condition that they enroll in 15 units or more each semester. There is no income criteria for this program. The goal is to encourage students to complete their educational goals within 2-3 years. As part of the program, Oxnard College requires students to complete a comprehensive educational plan with a counselor and apply for either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act.
What if a student did not attend an Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD)?
First-year students who did not attend OUHSD are eligible for the OC Promise and 15 to Finish. First-time students must enroll in 12 units or more.
Does Oxnard College pay for courses at other colleges?
Oxnard College will only pay for classes taken at Oxnard College. However, students who are eligible for the California College Promise Grant (formerly BOGW) can have courses waived at Ventura and Moorpark College. This program has an income criteria for eligibility.
Is there a GPA requirement for the first year of the Promise Program?
No, there is no GPA requirement for first-year students of the Promise Program.
What is the minimum GPA for the second year of the Promise (15-to-Finish)?
Students who wish to receive funding for the second year of the Promise (15-to-Finish) must have a 2.5 GPA or higher for courses completed the first year of college.
Does the OC Promise pay for other fees?
Students must pay for parking (optional), student activities, health fee, and student representation fees. The student is also responsible for instructional books. However, Oxnard College offers lending libraries.
If a student applies for the 1st year, does he/she have to reapply for the 2nd year?
Currently, students are not required to reapply for the 2nd year to qualify for 15 to Finish. The OC Foundation and OC Financial Aid will identify eligible students; provide a notification of eligibility via email/phone.
Are only OC students eligible for the 15-to-Finish?
Open to students who complete a first-year of college or university with 30 units or more and a 2.5 GPA or higher. Oxnard College will review applications on a "Case by Case" basis to determine eligibility.
Does Oxnard College continue to pay for courses after the second year if the student’s program of study exceeds 60 units?
Oxnard College will only waive courses the two years (primary terms, fall and spring) for students enrolled in California Promise and 15-to-Finish. However, students who are eligible for the California College Promise Grant (formerly BOGW) can have courses waived past the two years.
If an incoming student took Oxnard College courses while in high school, are these courses applicable towards eligibility for 15-to-Finish for the second year?
Yes, Oxnard College will use college courses taken while in high school toward the completion of 30 units for the first-year of college. Granted, the course work must be a 2.5 or higher.
Are AB 540 and DACA students eligible for the OC Promise?
AB 540 and Deferred Action for Early Arrival (DACA) students are eligible for the OC Promise and 15-to-Finish.
Do students still need to apply for financial aid?
All new and continuing students are required to apply for the FAFSA or Dream Act application.
Are summer courses included in the 30-unit eligibility requirement for the 15 to Finish?
Yes, the college considers summer courses for eligibility for 15 to Finish.