FORT PIERCE, FL (June 15, 2026) — The clock is ticking for 2026 high school graduates in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Indian River State College (The River) is calling on all eligible students to act now. The Promise Program deadline is July 13, 2026 — and it comes fast.
The Promise Program covers two full years of in-state tuition for eligible 2026 graduates or until an associate degree is complete, whichever comes first. Students can earn an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is open to students from public, charter, approved private, and in-district homeschool programs in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Best of all, there are no GPA or income requirements to qualify.
The Process Takes Time — Start Today
Many students don’t realize that there are several important steps after submitting their application at Indian River State College. First, students must submit the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as required Florida residency documents. Next, they must request for their official high school transcripts to be sent. Finally, they must register for at least 12 credit hours in the Fall 2026 semester.
Each step can take days or weeks to process, so students who wait too long will not finish in time. To allow time for gathering all documents and completing registration, students should start today — or no later than July 1.
To qualify for Fall 2026 funding, students must complete all steps before July 13:
- Apply for the Fall 2026 term at irsc.edu and select “Yes” when prompted for the Promise Program in the application
- Submit the 2026–2027 FAFSA at studentaid.gov and select for results to be sent to Indian River State College (school code: 001493)
- Submit Florida residency documents
- Send official high school transcripts
- Register for a minimum of 12 credit hours in Fall 2026
- Attend New Student Orientation August 13 – 14
Your Future Starts Now
The Promise Program offers more than a tuition-free associate degree — it is a launchpad. Students can earn an associate degree close to home and build a career debt-free. However, none of that is possible without taking action today.
Made Possible by Our Community
Last year, donors helped thousands of local young people pursue their dreams tuition-free. The Indian River State College Foundation makes it all possible. Through donor generosity, the Foundation funds this last-dollar scholarship and removes the single biggest barrier to higher education. Every dollar invested in Promise strengthens families, builds the local workforce, and shapes the future of the Treasure Coast region. To learn more or support the Promise Program, visit giving.irsc.edu.
Get Started
For more information and FAQs, visit irsc.edu/admissions/promise. A recorded information session is available to view online for students and families. For further questions, email promise@irsc.edu or call (772) 462-4772 (toll-free: 1-866-792-4772).
