The city-funded program helps eligible recent high school graduates, GED recipients and U.S. military veterans cover college expenses while attending Folsom Lake College. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Cordova residents who are planning to attend Folsom Lake College may be eligible for financial assistance through the Rancho Cordova College Promise program, which is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year.

The city-funded program helps eligible recent high school graduates, GED recipients and U.S. military veterans cover college expenses while attending Folsom Lake College, the Rancho Cordova Center or the El Dorado Center. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1.

Qualified students may receive up to $886 per semester for as many as four semesters, depending on eligibility and available funding. Assistance may be used to help cover enrollment fees, health services fees, student representation fees, Universal Transit Pass fees and other eligible educational costs.

To qualify, applicants must live in Rancho Cordova and either have graduated from high school or earned a GED between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, or be a U.S. military veteran. Participants must enroll in at least six units at Folsom Lake College or one of its educational centers, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, or the California Dream Act Application, known as CADAA, and demonstrate unmet financial need. Students must also successfully complete at least six units with a grade of C or better each semester to remain eligible for the program.

Applicants are not required to have attended a high school in Rancho Cordova, but they must be current city residents.

Students interested in applying must first complete an application for admission to Folsom Lake College through opencccapply.net/gateway/apply?cccMisCode=234. After receiving a student identification number from the college, applicants may submit the Rancho Cordova College Promise application. Completion of the FAFSA or CADAA is also required.

The Rancho Cordova College Promise is part of the city's ongoing effort to expand access to higher education and support residents pursuing college and career goals.

For more information about eligibility requirements and the application process, visit https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/home.