Programs in states and local “promise programs” that are designed to make college more affordable and accessible. They typically cover the cost of tuition and fees for eligible students, with the goal of ensuring that higher education is attainable without the burden of unmanageable debt. Programs vary in their design. Some have merit or income requirements; others provide additional support for stipend for books and other expenses. There are currently more than 400 state and local “promise programs” across the nation.

The College Promise movement has gained momentum across the U.S. in the past decade. These programs typically commit to fund a college education and provide student supports for eligible students on their path to earning a college degree, postsecondary certificate, credits that transfer to a 4-year university, or competencies needed for success in college, career, and community. There are intermediaries such as the non-profit College Promise that supports programs like these. The Catalog of Local and State College Promise Programs outlines  key features of these programs, including eligibility requirements, the colleges involved, support services provided, and whether fulltime attendance is required to receive the Promise.

Each state or local Promise Program has different features; for example:

• Since 2015, Tennessee has covered full tuition and fees for any high school graduate who wishes to attend a state-funded two-year college under its Tennessee Promise initiative.
• The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act (2020, 2021) makes college tuition-free for most New Mexicans. The program includes both recent high school graduates and returning adult learners; accommodates part-time students; includes career training certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees; and covers summer courses. In addition to covering full tuition and fees at in-state public colleges and universities, the scholarship lets students stack federal aid such as Pell Grants, local scholarships, and private scholarships so that they can use these funds to pay for books, materials, housing, food, transportation, childcare and other college costs.
• Vermont launched the 802 Opportunity grant in 2021. The program initially offered free tuition at the Community College of Vermont for students from families with an annual household income under $50,000. In 2023, legislators voted to expand eligibility for the scholarship, to cover those with incomes up to $75,000.
• Michigan established The Michigan Reconnect program in 2021 to offer free community college tuition for adults 25 and older with no college credentials.
• Connecticut offers the Pledge to Advance Connecticut, or PACT, that applies to first-time community college students taking at least 6 college credits.
• In 2024, Pikes Peak State College (Colorado) launched First Nations Promise, for Native students who attend Pikes Peak State. The program is designed for members of federally recognized American Indian tribes residing in El Paso, Teller, or Elbert counties. The funding can be applied to direct costs like tuition and student fees. Academic coaches will work closely with First Nations Promise scholars to offer resources that support students in their time at the college.