Free Tuition Programs

These programs require the completion of a financial aid application and don’t require anything to be paid back. To see if you qualify, submit your financial aid application right away!

9200+ DVC students received free tuition* in 2020-21! 


California College Promise Grant 

  • Free tuition. 
  • Awarded based on financial need. 
  • Full or part-time enrollment. 

The California College Promise Grant waives per unit enrollment fees.


First Time + Full Time = Free Tuition (FT3)  

  • Free tuition. 
  • Awarded based on completion status & GPA. 
  • Full-time enrollment. 
  • First-time students. 

For students who do not meet the requirements for the California College Promise Grant, FT3 offers fee reimbursement for first-time, full-time students.  

To apply, complete the FT3 pledge

Must: have never attended college after high school, enroll in a minimum of 12 units**, complete an educational plan, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.


CalVet Fee Waiver

  • Free tuition.
  • Awarded to eligible veteran dependents.

If you believe you qualify for the CalVet Fee Waiver, contact your county veterans services office to obtain an eligibility confirmation letter to submit to our financial aid office for processing. The letter can also be submitted directly to Phoebe Keesey, financial aid liaison to student veterans, and their spouses and dependents.


DVC will not share personal financial aid information with any federal agencies or authorities. 

* California College Promise Grant, FT3 & CalVet programs 

**9 units for approved DSS students