Coastal Bend Promise Program

The Coastal Bend Promise is a new initiative at Coastal Bend College that provides up to three years (six consecutive fall/spring semesters) of tuition and fees for eligible students.

The program uses a last-dollar model to help students with tuition and fees:

•  Financial Aid is applied first
• Scholarships and other awards are then applied
• The Coastal Bend Promise then covers any remaining balance on tuition and fees

 The Promise Program will not cover the following expenses:

• Course and program related supplies (i.e. scrubs, equipment, books, etc.)
• Housing
• Meals
• Transportation

To qualify for the Coastal Bend Promise Program, students must:

•  Be a Texas Resident with residency in Bee, Atascosa, Jim Wells, or Kleberg County
• Be one of the following:
  • 2026 high school graduate from an eligible county school district
  • 2026 GED recipient
  • Current dual credit student completing their program in 2026
  • Adult learner (age 25+) with 12 or fewer transferable college credits

 Additional Eligibility Requirements

•  Be TSI complete in Mathematics
• Maintain full-time enrollment each fall and spring semester
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Maintain Good Academic Standing with 2.0 GPA

The Coastal Bend Promise aims to:

• Expand college access and affordability for residents of Bee, Atascosa, Jim Wells, and Kleberg Counties
• Improve degree completion rates within three years
• Strengthen the regional workforce with skilled graduates
• Reduce the student debt burden for first-time college students
• Build stronger community partnerships and investment in local talent

Step 1: Apply for Admission to Coastal Bend College

Step 2: Complete the 26-27 FAFSA

Step 3: Submit the Coastal Bend Promise Program Application

Step 4: Meet with your assigned Pathways Navigator to develop your academic plan

Step 5: Enroll in at least 12 credit hours each semester

Step 6: Attend the mandatory Coastal Bend Promise Orientation

 As part of the Admission Application, please make sure to submit:

• Official High school transcript or GED certificate
• Official College transcript (if applicable)
• TSI Test Scores
• Bacterial Meningitis vaccination record (if applicable)

Program Participation

 As a Coastal Bend Promise Scholar, you will:

Meet with an assigned Pathways Navigator each semester for academic planning and support

• Complete your FAFSA each year
• Attend workshops that will support you as a student
• Use the library resources and tutoring services to ensure success

Coastal Bend Promise Scholars receive:

• Dedicated Pathways Navigator for academic advising and support
• Registration support to stay on track toward graduation
• Access to tutoring and academic success workshops
• Career exploration
• Peer mentoring
• Financial Literacy workshops
• Transfer planning support for students continuing to four-year institutions

· Application Opens: April 1, 2026

· Priority Deadline: June 1, 2026

· Final Deadline: July 15, 2026

· Orientation Sessions: TBA

Will the program pay for developmental courses? Yes, the program will pay for developmental courses. Make sure to speak with your Pathways Navigator to ensure you stay on track toward graduation.

Can I work while in the program? Yes. Many students work part-time. Work study opportunities may also be available to work on campus. We encourage you to balance work and academics to maintain satisfactory progress.

 What happens if I drop below 12 credit hours? To remain a Coastal Bend Promise Scholar, students are expected to stay enrolled full time. If your enrollment drops below 12 hours, you may be removed from the program and lose program benefits. An appeal process will be available for students with extenuating circumstances.

Does the Promise Program cover summer classes? No, at this time, the Promise Program covers Fall and Spring semesters only.

What if I receive other scholarships? The Coastal Bend Promise is last-dollar, any scholarships or grants you are awarded will be applied first toward tuition and fees. Promise funding then covers any remaining tuition and fees.

What is a “last-dollar scholarship?” A “last-dollar scholarship” is awarded after all financial aid, grants, and scholarships have been applied. Any remaining balance is paid by the Coastal Bend Promise.

Can I change my major? Yes, but you must work with your Pathways Navigator to ensure you can still complete your degree within the three-year timeframe.

If I do not qualify for Financial Aid, am I still eligible for the Promise Program? Yes, the Coastal Bend Promise Program is not based on financial need. Any student who meets eligibility requirements may be eligible for the program.

What is a Promise to Promise Program? The Promise to Promise Program allows Coastal Bend College graduates to attend a partner college that offers baccalaureate degrees tuition free. Coastal Bend Promise will cover tuition and fees at the partner institution for the online program.