Pirates' Promise Program

Eligibility Criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

• What if I qualify for California College Promise Grant fee waiver (formerly known as BOG)?

  ​The California College Promise Grant is a financial aid assistance program that covers community college enrollment fees. If you are a CCPG recipient, you may be eligible for additional resources through one of the following programs:

  Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)/CARE: For more information contact the EOPS Office at (714) 432-5817 or visit their office in Watson Hall 443.

  Student Equity: For more information contact the Student Equity Office at (714) 432-6847 or visit their office in Watson Hall 205.

  OCC Cares: For more information contact the OCC Cares Office at (714) 714-7769.

• What costs are covered by the Pirates' Promise Program?
  This program will cover your first year of enrollment fees for 12 or more units ($46/unit), health and college service fees ($49) and textbook support. 
• I already paid for my tuition, do I receive a refund?
  For qualifying students who have already paid their tuition, a credit will apply to their account by the second week of the semester, once we have confirmed a GPA of 2.0 or better and a minimum enrollment of 12 or more. For qualifying students who have not paid their tuition you will continue to see a balance until the second week of the semester once a tuition waiver is placed onto your account.
• What happens if I drop below a 2.0 GPA in a semester?
  Students are encouraged to reach out to a Pirates’ Promise Specialist or counselor if they are experiencing academic challenges throughout the semester. Dropping under the 2.0 GPA requirement can affect participation in the program during the following semester. 
• What happens if I drop below mandatory units in a semester?
  The goal of the program is to help you complete your program in a timely manner. If you think you may drop below mandatory units please see a Pirates' Promise Specialist or counselor.  Not fulfilling the eligibility requirements in a semester can affect participation in the program during the following semester. If you drop your classes prior to the refund deadline, you will not receive credit for the fall semester through this program.
• Is Pirates’ Promise restricted to local high schools in the college’s service area?
  No, we do not have a restriction on high school service areas. All students who are first time college students and satisfy California residency requirements are encouraged to apply to the Pirates' Promise Program. 
• I am a DSPS student and I have been recommended to enroll in less than 12 units?
  ​Students who receive an accommodation letter through DSPS for less than 12 units can continue to participate in the program. Contact Promise Staff to submit required documentation. However, the program benefits are only for two years and will not be extended.​
• If I have any early college credit, am I eligible to apply for Pirates' Promise?

  Yes, as long as you didn’t attend any other college after you graduated from high school.

• If I attended Orange Coast College during the Summer session as a first-time student, am I eligible for Pirates' Promise Program for the Fall semester?

  Yes, as long as you meet all of the eligibility criteria and Summer was your first term of enrollment.

• Does Pirates' Promise also cover summer tuition?
  Enrollment in summer sessions is recommended for students, but the program does not cover the enrollment fees.
• Will I be eligible if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

  All OCC students who meet the program criteria and meet California residency requirements, including AB 540, are eligible regardless of their citizenship status. 

• How do I enroll as a full-time student at Orange Coast College?
  The first step is to apply to the college as a first time college student. After your application has been processed, complete the online orientation on MyCoast and make an appointment to meet with Counselor to plan your semester. Don’t forget to apply for Financial Aid. For more information about enrolling, visit OCC's Freshmen Priority Registration.
• How will I know the status of my application for the program?
  All applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Applicants will receive a communication from a program specialist within 5-7 business days to their OCC school designated email. 
• Who do I speak to if I have other questions?

  ​For more information about Pirates' Promise Program, contact the Student Equity Office at (714) 432-6847 or freetuition@occ.cccd.edu.

  For more information regarding submitting a FAFSA or California Dream Act, contact the Financial Aid Office at (714) 432-5508 or occfinaid@occ.cccd.edu.

  For more information regarding enrolling at OCC, contact the Enrollment Center at (714) 432-5072 or arinfo@occ.cccd.edu.