Program Eligibility
Incoming Students
To be eligible for Irvine Valley Promise, students must:
- Be a first-time college student*
- Be a California resident or eligible for residency waiver (AB540)
- Identify Irvine Valley College as "College of Record"
- Complete Steps to Become an IVC Student
- Enrolled in at least 12 units (full-time)
* No prior college attendance at IVC or any other institution. Dual/Concurrent enrollment students, Special Admit students, and other high school students who took college classes while still in high school are still eligible for the Irvine Valley Promise program.
To be accepted, complete the below steps to become an IVC student:
- Apply to IVC for Fall 2026 at ivc.edu/apply
- Complete Pre-Registration (Matriculation)
→ Guided Self Placement**
→ Orientation
→ Advisement
→ First Semester Plan - Submit 2026-2027 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
(Student must select IVC Code: 025395) Register for Classes
(12 units minimum. Waitlisted classes do not count toward the 12 unit minimum. Login to MySite for assigned registration dates.)**High school transcripts are highly encouraged to be submitted for placement consideration.
Maintaining Eligibility
Current Students
To maintain Irvine Valley Promise eligibility, students must:
- Maintain Irvine Valley College as “College of Record”
- Submit a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application) for both award years
- Remain enrolled in at least 12 units for fall and spring semesters
- Complete one 45-minute counseling appointment with an IVC Counselor each semester
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
Appeal Process for Current IVC Students
Current IVC students removed from the Irvine Valley Promise program may appeal for reconsideration. An appeal allows a student to address any circumstance(s) for their failure to meet Promise program requirements. For more information, visit Appeal Process.