MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
Mesa Community College has started accepting online applications through June 22 for the Mesa College Promise program for the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful program launched in 2021 as a public and private partnership involving the City of Mesa, Mesa Community College (MCC) and the corporate sector covers two years of tuition and fees at MCC for eligible 2026 Mesa high school graduates and eligible adults who are 25 years or older.
"With the support of our local business community, the Mesa College Promise has been a resource for connecting Mesa residents to higher education and career growth opportunities," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "As someone who benefited from education at MCC, I appreciate the transformative impact education can have on a person's future. Together, we're building a stronger workforce for tomorrow."
Current high school students residing in Mesa who are on target to earn a high school diploma from a public, private, charter, online or home school, including recipients of a state-accredited GED, are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and apply for the program to attend MCC. Graduates who earned their diploma or GED after Jan. 1, 2021 are also eligible to apply.
The program provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs who have not received enough FAFSA funds or other scholarships to cover the total cost of college. Eligibility includes a 2.0 or better high school GPA, Mesa residency and a commitment to taking at least 12 credit hours per semester.
Adults 25 and older who are Mesa residents are eligible to apply by meeting the following requirements:
•Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA completion and supporting documentation
•Earned a high school diploma or GED
•Not previously attended college or some college/no degree
•Enrolling at MCC with a minimum of 6 credits as a degree or certificate-seeking student in an eligible program of study
"The Mesa College Promise program was created to make higher education more accessible to Mesa residents, and we're here to support them every step of the way," said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. "I encourage community members to apply and experience how education opens doors and changes lives for the better."
One of the first Promise Programs in the state, Mesa College Promise welcomed the first group of 88 students to MCC in the Fall 2021 semester; 201 students in Fall 2022; 216 students in Fall 2023; 301 Promise students, including 54 adult learners, in Fall 2024 and 361 new students, including 63 adult learners, in Fall 2025. The 2024-2025 academic year was the first time adults were eligible to apply. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college.
Full details and the application link are available at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.