In the fall of 2025, Del Mar College will offer a tuition and fee waiver for eligible students willing to commit to full-time studies. The “Freedom to Dream” pilot program, approved by the college’s board of regents, aims to make higher education more accessible by removing financial barriers.
The initiative is open to first-time college students, including recent high school graduates and adult learners, who reside within the Del Mar College taxing district. To qualify, students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and complete their program within three academic years.
Encouraging Full-Time Enrollment
The primary goal of the “Freedom to Dream” program is to encourage students to pursue a full-time course load. By doing so, the college hopes to accelerate degree completion rates and increase the number of students earning associate degrees or certificates. The financial relief is significant, with the average cost of 12 credit hours currently at $1,417 for in-district students.
Eligible students include high school graduates from the Class of 2025 and adult learners with fewer than 12 earned credit hours. However, those who participated in dual-credit programs in high school remain eligible regardless of their accumulated credits.
Support Beyond Tuition
Beyond the tuition waiver, students in the program can access various support services. These include academic advising, tutoring, career development, mental health counseling, and veteran services. The program does not cover non-credit continuing education courses, ensuring its focus remains on degree and certificate programs.
College President Mark Escamilla described the program as one of the most historic policy changes approved by the board. “This is a transformative opportunity that can change the educational landscape of our community,” he stated.
Program Timeline and Application Process
The “Freedom to Dream” program is set to begin with the fall 2025 cohort. While currently planned for a single cohort, the college may extend the program based on its success.
Eligible students can begin applying on April 1, with the deadline set for August 1. All qualified applicants will be admitted into the program. More details can be found at delmar.edu/freedom.
Can Students Use Other Financial Aid?
Yes, students in the tuition waiver program can still apply for financial aid and scholarships. The college classifies the initiative as a “first-in” program, which covers tuition and fees first. Students can then use additional scholarships or grants, such as Pell Grants, for other expenses, including housing, meals, and childcare.
Del Mar College’s student financial wellness survey in 2021 revealed that 56% of students experienced housing insecurity, 25% faced food insecurity, and 69% worried about affording their education. This program, in combination with other financial aid options, aims to alleviate these economic pressures.
Funding and Financial Impact
The program is financially viable due to changes in Texas’ community college funding model, which now allocates funds based on student success outcomes. Del Mar College will receive $3,500 for each associate degree completion and an equal amount if a student transfers to a four-year university. Certificate completions will cost $1,750, while licensure and Occupational Skills Awards will generate $1,000 each.
The Del Mar College Foundation has also pledged $1 million to support the program’s first two years. The college also expects to receive approximately $930,000 from state funding tied to dual-credit program successes.
Expected Enrollment and Future Expansion
The college anticipates enrolling around 586 students in the first year, including 416 associate degree students and 170 certificate students. Financial projections indicate that even if fewer students complete their programs, the program will generate more funding than it costs.
Del Mar College is already assessing expansion possibilities based on enrollment trends. The “Freedom to Dream” program could become a long-term solution for students seeking affordable education and a pathway to a brighter future.