What is the Gateway Promise program?
The Promise program will fill the gap between financial aid received and the cost of Gateway tuition and fees (students are responsible for the cost of books and course materials not covered by financial aid.)
The Gateway Promise is targeted to high school seniors in the Gateway district who graduate on time and meet academic and family income level requirements. It is a multi-year commitment by the college to ensure that all tuition and fee costs are covered for eligible participants for three years (six semesters.) This comprehensive program places unique requirements on students to be enrolled in, and graduate from, their chosen program.
Additionally, the Gateway Promise program includes a Summer Bridge college readiness program, academic planning support, job readiness and career planning workshops, international and/or service learning projects and case management.
Does the Gateway Promise cover the cost of books or living expenses?
No, the Gateway Promise program is limited to program tuition and fee costs (not covered by financial aid) for full-time enrollment during three consecutive academic years (six semesters). Please visit your program’s webpage for updated program tuition and fees. Courses must be part of the declared program curriculum. The Promise scholarship for tuition and fee coverage is a maximum of $10,500.
What about financial aid?
The Gateway Promise program requires students to apply for and utilize federal and state grants. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the application deadline during their senior year and be a U.S. citizen, a national or a permanent resident of the United States (Note: Students who do not fall into one of these categories cannot receive Financial Aid.)
Promise support is calculated after federal and state grants are applied, but before loans, federal work study and non-tuition scholarships.
Are all Gateway programs eligible for the Gateway Promise program?
While most Gateway programs are eligible, some programs, such as the Law Enforcement Academy, are not eligible. Please review eligible programs here.
Who is eligible for the Gateway Promise Program?
Please review the Promise Program eligibility requirements page for details on program eligibility.
What is SAI (Student Aid Index)?
All college students are expected to contribute towards their education costs. How much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation — and is what is called your Student Aid Index (SAI).
Your SAI is a measure of your family's financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. The SAI is used to determine the amount of financial aid that you are eligible for.
The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your SAI. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula. Your family size, age of older parent, family business information, and the number of family members who will attend college during the year are also considered.
Your family will receive communication through the mail from FAFSA indicating your SAI amount.
Your SAI is not the amount of money you or your family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive.
What do students have to do to continue in the program?
- Participate in the required Summer Bridge program before their first semester at Gateway
- Develop an academic plan (guided by Gateway)
- Maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits)
- Maintain 2.0 program GPA
- Attend academic success, career planning and job readiness workshops
- Participate in an international education project, service learning project, student club or as a student worker
- Reapply for financial aid each year
What if I don’t qualify for the Gateway Promise?
Gateway welcomes all students to attend the college. With tuition half that of state universities and one-third that of private colleges, Gateway is a high value education option. Look into our tuition payment plans and other scholarships through the Gateway Foundation for continuing students.
Does Gateway provide transportation to the required Promise events?
Busing is provided only during the Summer Bridge program. However, transportation can be arranged if it is a concern for a student. For more information, please contact gatewaypromise@gtc.edu.
