Santa Clara University is expanding a financial aid pledge for California students, raising the family income limit to $150,000 a year.
Beginning in fall 2027, admitted first-year students from California whose families earn $150,000 a year or less will receive aid covering 100% of their demonstrated need for tuition, fees, housing and food, according to the university's description of its expanded Promise program. Need is measured after the family's expected contribution, as calculated through the CSS Profile financial aid form.
Admitted California transfer students who meet the same income limit will be guaranteed at least $35,000 in scholarships and grants, with more possible depending on a family's circumstances.
Who qualifies
The university says the income cutoff applies to families with "typical assets." Santa Clara's financial aid director, Cindy Tirado, told NBC Bay Area that eligible families also need assets worth less than $120,000, and that final eligibility will be determined using the student's federal financial aid application, the FAFSA.
There is no separate application. Students apply to Santa Clara, file their financial aid forms, and if they qualify, the Promise aid appears in their financial aid offer, the university says. The first-year award renews each year.
NBC Bay Area described the program as a free college education for qualifying students. The university's own description says the aid covers full demonstrated need after the expected family contribution.