SAN MARCOS — A significant boost in one-time funding will allow Palomar College to double the number of students eligible for free tuition.
The college’s Promise Program received a $3.8 million investment from redevelopment agency funds for the 2026-27 academic year, which will give up to 3,500 students free tuition and textbook financial assistance for up to two years. Last year, 1,700 students qualified for the program, although typically more students apply than funds can cover, according to Julie Bandy, Palomar College’s Public Affairs officer.
The program also receives annual state and local support and will close this gap to support more students than ever in the program’s history, she said. Tuition for a full-time student is $1,354, but does not include living expenses, Bandy said.
