Program is for eligible 2026 Mesa high school graduates and adults 25 and older

Mesa, AZ – 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. 

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Media contacts:
City of Mesa: Kevin Christopher, kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov, 480-644-4699 
MCC: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.