The Channel Islands Tuition Promise ensures that eligible California residents entering Cal State Channel Islands in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 will have their tuition and mandatory fees fully covered through grants, scholarships, and other non-loan financial aid.
Who is Eligible for the Channel Islands Tuition Promise?
The Channel Islands Tuition Promise is here for students who’ve worked hard to get to this point—and for families who want college to be within reach. This guarantee is open to California residents, who will join CSUCI as first-year or transfer Dolphins in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
If you complete your FAFSA, demonstrate financial need through your Student Aid Index (SAI) and income level, and enroll full-time, you may qualify to have your tuition and mandatory fees fully covered.
The Tuition Promise provides support for up to four years for first-year students and two years for transfer students with continuous full-time enrollment. Our goal is simple: if you’re ready to pursue your future at CSUCI, we’re ready to help reduce financial barriers.
Request more information about the Channel Islands Tuition Promise.
What Costs Are Covered by the Channel Islands Tuition Promise?
The Channel Islands Tuition Promise covers gaps in tuition and mandatory campus fees after your financial aid is applied, ensuring that eligible students can attend CSUCI without paying out of pocket for their basic tuition charges. Tuition and mandatory fees are covered through grants and scholarships from federal, state, and CSUCI sources—no loans are used to meet this commitment.
What’s not included:
These are standard education expenses that vary by student and are not covered by
the guarantee:
- Housing and dining
- Books, supplies, and course materials
- Any differential or professional program fees (if applicable)
- Transportation and parking
- Health Insurance
- Personal expenses
Students may qualify for additional financial aid to help cover these expenses, depending on their FAFSA results.
How do I Qualify for the Channel Islands Tuition Promise?
Step 1: Apply to CSUCI by the priority admission deadline of March 2
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA by March 2
Step 3: Receive your aid package and guarantee confirmation
Step 4: Secure your spot at Cal State Channel Islands by May 1
You do not need to apply separately for the Channel Islands Tuition Promise. You will automatically be assessed based on the information on your admissions and financial aid applications.
Program Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Tuition Promise Program, students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a newly admitted student enrolling for the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 term
- Be a California resident or otherwise qualify for in-state tuition
- Be an undergraduate student pursuing their first bachelor’s degree
- Be enrolled full time (12 or more units per semester)
- Submit a FAFSA by the March 2, 2026 priority deadline
- Submit an enrollment confirmation by May 1, 2026
- Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $5,000 or less as determined by the FAFSA
- Be awarded a Federal Pell Grant
Request more information about Cal State Channel Islands and the Tuition Promise by completing this form.
