Promise Program

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM

The Indian River State College Promise program offers qualifying graduates the opportunity to obtain a tuition-free Associate degree, making higher education accessible to all. There are no family income requirements, and outstanding high school grades are not a prerequisite. The Promise does require a commitment to a full-time course load at Indian River State College, empowering students to focus entirely on their educational aspirations without the burden of tuition costs.

The Indian River State College Promise is an exceptional last-dollar tuition assistance program sponsored by the Indian River State College Foundation, supported by generous donations from philanthropists and investment proceeds. Although the Indian River State College Promise Program has no cash value, it has made a significant impact since its launch in 2022, providing thousands of local students with valuable pathways to higher education. Seize this opportunity today!

Promise Commitment Opens January 14, 2025

IRSC promise program shirt

PROMISE PROGRAM VIRTUAL INFORMATION WEBINARS:

Join us to learn about the Promise Program in a friendly and welcoming environment! This is a great opportunity to gain valuable information and ask any questions you might have. Let’s work together to take the next steps toward your bright future with the Indian River State College Promise Program. We can’t wait to see you there and support your journey!

Learn More

PROMISE INFORMATION SESSIONS (Recorded)

Date: December 12, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM EST - 7:30 PM EST

Recording link:

Recorded Promise Information Sessions - Dec 12

HOW TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROMISE PROGRAM:

- - Graduate from an Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, or St. Lucie County public or charter high school in 2025, approved private schools or be an in-district approved homeschool 2025 graduate;
    - Meet all Promise deadlines (below); and
    - Be a U.S. citizen eligible for in-state tuition or a non-U.S. Citizen eligible for in-state tuition.

REQUIRED STEPS TO QUALIFY:

1. 1. Apply to Indian River State College Application for admission – to a AA, AS or AAS degree for Fall 2025 (receive IRSC ID #) Apply Now
    1. Complete residency (Complete Florida Residency Workday Inbox)
  2. Promise Information Sessions – Webinars
    1. Be ready to sign the promise commitment – attend a promise info session.
    2. December 12 @ 6 PM, January 9 @ 6 PM, Feb. 19 @ 6 PM.
    3. Register

1. 1. Complete the IRSC Promise Commitment– opens January 14 - The link will activate on January 14.
  2. *PERT/ACT/ SAT Entrance exam required for Private and home school.
    - *Home school & private school students are required to complete placement testing on the PERT, ACT, SAT, Classic Learning Test or use any of the approved alternative placement measures to meet the placement testing requirement. Students are responsible for having official testing records sent to Indian River State College. Placement scores expire two years after the testing date, and are no longer valid for placement purposes. For more details on placement testing and approved alternative placement measures, please see the link below. https://irsc.edu/admissions/pert-test.html
  3. Complete the 2025-26 FAFSA - FAFSA at studentaid.gov
  4. Attend registration night for minimum 12 credits: Register
    1. 1. Monday, June 9 Health Science
      2. Wednesday, June 11 Education
      3. Thursday, June 12 Workforce/Advanced Tech
      4. Monday, June 16 Business
      5. Tuesday, June 17 Public Service
      6. Wednesday, June 18 Math/Science/Humanities
  5. Register for Fall 2025 courses, minimum 12 credits
    1. Register for the Fall New Student Orientation (Registration to open soon)
    2. Submit Your Official High School Transcripts by July 14, 2025

For assistance or more information email promise@irsc.edu.

man is signing the promise program

CONTINUING PROMISE STUDENTS

The Promise program will be renewed for students who:

- - Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress;
  - Enroll full-time in the fall term (at least 12 credits), the spring term (at least 12 credits), and the summer term (at least 6 credits); and
  - Renew their FAFSA by July 31 (school code 001493).

PROMISE PROGRAM STUDENT TESTAMONIAL

Veronica Rodriguez of Indian River County completed half of the coursework necessary for her Associate in Arts Degree in the Health Science track while dual-enrolled at IRSC during high school. She used the Promise program to finish up her degree and graduated in fall 2023. “I wanted to go to college, but I was worried about all the financial aspects of it. That’s a big burden people carry, and I know that’s a reason why people don’t go to college,” she said. “I don’t have to go far. I felt safe going to IRSC, versus going out-of-state or going to a different city.”

PROMISE PROGRAM PEP RALLIES

Experience the Spirit of the Promise Program Transforming Communities and Igniting Hope!

PROMISE PROGRAM FAQ's

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a $20 application fee to apply to IRSC. There is no fee to pledge to the Promise Program.

Are there any other costs apart from tuition for the Promise Program?

The Promise Program covers tuition only. There are additional costs you should budget for, including books, supplies, transportation, rent, and food.  Examples of fees you could be responsible for include distance learning fees, lab fees, and other special fees. 

For more information on Indian River State College fees, visit http://irsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Catalog/Services-to-Students/Pay-for-Classes-Fees. 

Do students have to take the P.E.R.T.?

Students graduating from a Florida public high school in 2024 are exempt from the P.E.R.T. per SB1720—but are strongly encouraged—to complete placement testing to ensure success. 

Does the Promise apply to career-training (non-degree) certificates?

Several IRSC programs allow you to earn industry certifications as you progress toward your degree. These include A.S. and A.A.S. programs in trades such as Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology; Automotive Service Management Technology; Building Construction Technology; Criminal Justice Technology; and Fire Science Technology. You must be enrolled full-time in an Associate Degree program to be part of the IRSC Promise Program. 

View IRSC Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science Degree programs at https://irsc.edu/programs/associate-in-science-degree-programs.html. 

Does the Promise apply to vocational programs or certificates?

Not yet. Initially, the Promise applies to A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. programs, but we will evaluate the program for expansion.

If I complete the pledge to the Promise Program by the deadline but don’t enroll for classes in the Fall 2024 semester, can I still be in the Promise Program?

No, students must complete all admissions requirements by May 24, 2024, and all registration requirements by July 29, 2024, to participate in Promise 2024.

Can I sign up for more than 12 credit hours in my first term?

Yes. Students must register for at least 12 credit hours to remain at full-time status, but they may take up to 18 credits per term should they wish to complete their Associate Degree faster. 

Can I start taking classes in summer as part of the Promise Program?

You may take classes in the summer term after your senior year; however, Promise funding will not begin until the Fall 2024 term.

How many Promise program participants are projected to continue on for a four-year degree afterward?

That is unknown at this time. However, data show that once a student steps on the escalator of higher education, they will continue. We are confident that the opportunity to earn a tuition-paid Associate Degree at IRSC can inspire an educational awakening that will continue throughout one’s life. 

Will the program be extended to underclassmen?

We will continue to evaluate the program for next year to make expansion plans.

What if I was placed on SAP failed status during dual enrollment?

Incoming Promise students placed on SAP suspension during dual enrollment will receive a one-term automatic warning as an opportunity to meet the SAP standards.

Is there a minimum high school GPA to apply? 

The Promise program requires that you graduate in 2024 from a public or public charter high school in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee or St. Lucie county or be an eligible in-district homeschool graduate. Students must meet the minimum 2.0 GPA required for high school graduation.   

Are private school students eligible for the Promise? 

Yes. Approved Private Schools.

Are homeschooled students eligible for the Promise?

Yes, eligible 2024 in-district homeschool graduates are eligible for the Promise Program. 

What's an eligible homeschool graduate?

In-district 2024 homeschool students need to provide an IRSC Homeschool Affidavit Form + School District Letter acknowledging the establishment or termination of their home education program. 

Students homeschooled through a private school are considered private school students, not homeschoolers and are not eligible for the IRSC Promise Program.  

Are Dual Enrollment students eligible for the Promise? 

Yes. Any student that is a 2024 graduate from an in-district public or public charter high school or an eligible 2024 in-district homeschool graduate, regardless of incoming credit, can pledge to the IRSC Promise program. 

Are G.E.D.® students eligible for the Promise?

G.E.D.® students are not yet eligible for the IRSC Promise program. We will continue to evaluate the program for next year to make expansion plans.  

We encourage G.E.D.® students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation Scholarships for assistance with funding.

Are DACA students eligible for the Promise?

DACA students can pledge to the Promise Program, and we will work with each student individually to determine if they are eligible for the Promise. 

Are Florida Virtual School students eligible for the Promise? 

No. Only graduates of public and public charter high schools in Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, and St Lucie counties or eligible in-district homeschool graduates are eligible.  

We encourage Florida Virtual School graduates to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation Scholarships for assistance with funding.

Do students have to be Florida Residents to qualify for the Promise?

Yes. Students must be Florida residents, specifically residents of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties, for tuition purposes or have a documented High School Waiver to qualify for the Promise. 

Are undocumented students eligible for the Promise?

Undocumented students can pledge to the Promise Program if they’ve gone to school in Florida for their 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-grade years continuously. We will work with each student individually to determine if they are eligible for the Promise. 

What if I am not a U.S. citizen eligible for in-state tuition or a non-U.S. Citizen eligible for in-state tuition?

Please email promise@irsc.edu for further information.

If I already have Florida Pre-paid, can I still be eligible for the Promise?

The IRSC Promise Program allows families with 529 plans, like Florida Prepaid, to stretch their investments even further. Those seeking to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree after completing an IRSC Associate Degree tuition-free can apply pre-paid balances toward that next educational milestone. Unused Florida Pre-Paid monies may also be returned to you; see www.myfloridaprepaid.com for details. 

Am I still eligible for the Promise if I already have Bright Futures or scholarships?

The Promise will apply to any tuition balance after funds from Bright Futures or scholarships have been applied.

What if I complete an A.A. concurrent with 2024 high school graduation and want to pursue an A.S. at IRSC?

In this case, you would qualify for the Promise program to complete an A.S. Degree.

Am I eligible if I'm part of the 2024 graduating class but finished classes early in December? 

Yes, any student who completes high school during the 2023-24 academic year is part of the 2024 graduating class and is eligible for the Promise. 

Do students have to demonstrate financial need or be first generation students to qualify? 

No, the Promise is not based on need, however Promise students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. 

What if a student needs fewer than 12 credits to complete an Associate Degree in fall 2024?

Promise will cover credits up to the completion of the Associate Degree.

If I pay for the tuition for my summer classes after my senior year, can I still be eligible for the Promise Program for the Fall semester?

Yes, if you cover the cost of tuition for your summer classes you are eligible to participate in the Promise Program for the Fall term. 

Are IRSC student-athletes eligible for the Promise Program?

Student-athletes receiving the Promise Program award are subject to additional grade point average (GPA) requirements per NJCAA and FCSAA rules and regulations. The eligibility to maintain the financial benefit of the Promise Program and continue to compete under NJCAA and FCSAA guidelines is contingent upon maintaining the standards outlined by these governing bodies. The IRSC Athletic Director will monitor the determination of eligibility at Indian River State College. Anyone with questions should contact the Athletic Department for more information.

What do I need to do to stay eligible for the Promise Program?

- - Promise students must enroll full-time in the fall term (at least 12 credits), the spring term (at least 12 credits), and the summer term (at least 6 credits).
  - Promise students must adhere to the Indian River State College Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which will be reviewed and calculated at the end of each term.

Promise students must renew the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024–25 academic year by July 29, 2024.

What happens if it takes me more than 60 credits to get my degree? Will the Promise cover my tuition? 

You will not be eligible to receive Promise funding once you have attempted more than 150% of the normal credits required for your associate degree or certificate program. For example, a student who is registered as an A.A. degree-seeking student has a normal credit expectation of 60 credit hours. Therefore the A.A. student may receive aid only up to 90 credit hours (60 hours times 150%).

What happens if I fail a class, but maintain the required GPA? Will the Promise be taken away?  

- - No, as long as students maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and enroll full-time each term, they will remain in the Promise Program. 
  - Promise students whose cumulative GPA and/or cumulative completion rate fall below the standards of SAP will be placed on one term of warning for the following term.

Promise students that do not meet both the required cumulative GPA and cumulative completion rate at the end of their “warning” term will no longer be eligible for Promise funding.

Is there a minimum GPA required?

Promise students must maintain a certain cumulative grade point average (GPA) dependent upon the number of credit hours they have attempted towards their current degree.

Minimum Attempted Credit Hours	Maximum Attempted Credit Hours	Minimum GPA
0	15	1.50
16	30	1.70
31	999	2.0

What is last dollar funding?

The last dollar means the Promise will cover any tuition costs after financial aid and scholarships have been applied.

Is the Promise program considered to be a type of educational grant?

The Promise Program is not a grant or scholarship. It is a tuition-paid program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation and funded through generous donor philanthropy and unrestricted investment proceeds.

If I get financial aid, does the IRSC Promise still apply to me?

We encourage students to apply for financial aid as it may cover the cost of fees and books. The Promise will cover any tuition balance not covered by financial aid or scholarships.

If I don’t qualify for Financial Aid or Scholarships will the Promise Program cover my tuition?

Yes, the Promise Program will cover the cost of tuition for a student who doesn’t qualify for Financial Aid or Scholarships.

If I fail/withdraw from a class will the Promise Program keep covering my tuition?

Yes, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress.

If I get financial aid or scholarships, can I get cashback for the Promise Program?

No, the Promise Program is last-dollar funding, meaning it will cover any tuition cost after financial aid and scholarships have been applied. Financial aid students may be eligible for additional funds to cover education-related expenses; see the financial aid office for details. There is no cash value to the Promise Program.

What if I have additional course and program fees that need to be paid and I can’t pay the total payment by the deadline?

All students are eligible to enroll on our Nelnet Tuition Payment Plan. This plan lets you pay your remaining fees through a monthly payment plan, making college more affordable. It is simple to enroll and can be done through this link: https://mycollegepaymentplan.com/irsc/

What if I am not eligible for the Promise Program?

Students not eligible for the Promise Program should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation Scholarships for assistance with funding. 

For help contact your Student Success Coach or call us at 772-462-4772.

Promise Program

Details

Eligibility

Funding