Eagle Promise Program

Earn Your Degree For Free HCC students and Swoop at Commencement

HCC's PROMISE 

If qualifying students' federal and state grants and scholarships don’t cover the cost of an eligible degree or certificate at HCC, Eagle Promise scholarship dollars will. Through the HCC Eagle Promise Program, qualifying students' tuition, fees and a book allowance of up to $500 are covered each semester! Eagle Promise students will also receive:

  • Support from financial coaches to help them complete their degree or certificate program debt-free.
  • Priority registration beginning the second semester of attendance.
  • Academic, career and transfer counseling to help them reach their career and educational goals.
  • Access to activities, support services and events to help them finish strong.

2026 APPLICATION

The 2026 Eagle Promise application is due September 30, 2026. Click here to start your application.

Qualifications

HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Graduate high school in Spring 2026
  • Have a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher. 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS 

  • Be a Texas resident who resides in an HCC taxing district. 
  • Once you apply to HCC, your residency will determine if you are an in-district student who resides in an HCC taxing district. Students must apply for admissions to HCC before Eagle Promise Program Application can be processed. If you haven't applied, please visit hccs.edu/apply.

FINANCIAL AID AND FINANCIAL NEED REQUIREMENTS

CREDIT HOURS AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 

  • Start classes for an eligible program the Fall semester after high school. All associate degree programs (AA, AS, AAT and AAS) and certificate programs over 30 credit hours are eligible.
  • Enroll in at least 9 semester credit hours for each Fall and Spring semesters by the Official Enrollment date.
    • There is no limit on credit hours to attend a Summer session. *Attendance in Summer sessions is optional.
  • Commit to complete an eligible certificate or degree program within 3-5 years at HCC. All associate degree programs (AA, AS, AAT and AAS) and certificate programs over 30 credit hours are eligible.

CREDIT HOURS AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 

  • Enroll in 9 or more credits by September 30 for the fall semester, and ensure that you enroll in 9 or more credits each fall and spring semester.
  • Attend fall and spring semesters, take 9 or more credits each semester, and have no breaks in enrollment until degree is completed (summer not counted as break). If you take a break from classes, the HCC Eagle Promise program will no longer be available. However, you can continue applying and receiving federal and state financial aid assistance as long as I meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and meet all other eligibility requirements. 
  • Remain in an eligible degree program. All associate degree programs (AA, AS, AAT ans AAS) and certificate programs over 30 credit hours are eligible.

 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Maintain an HCC cumulative grade point average of 2.3 or higher. *Any dual credit courses will be included in your cumulative GPA at HCC. 
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of each semester.

FINANCIAL AID AND FINANCIAL NEED REQUIREMENTS 

ADVISING AND STUDENT SUCCESS REQUIREMENTS 

  • Adhere to all college policies related to academic progress, financial aid and other requirements.
  • Abide by the attendance requirement of the college and its instructors, understanding that there are consequences for excessive absences and class tardiness.

RESIDENCY 

  • Continue residing in HCC taxing district. 

Steps to Apply

  • Review Eagle Promise qualifications above.
  • Submit a Houston City College admissions application.
  • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Undocumented students who are eligible for state financial aid funds should submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) – not the FAFSA.
  • Complete Eagle Promise application and commitment form.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your federal and state grants and scholarships don’t cover the cost of an eligible degree or certificate at HCC, Eagle Promise scholarship dollars will. Through the HCC Eagle Promise Program, your tuition, fees and a book allowance of up to $500 are covered each semester!

Once you apply to HCC, your residency will determine if you are an in-district student who resides in an HCC taxing district.

During peak times, it takes up to four weeks to process a financial aid award. The Eagle Promise program requires that you submit a FAFSA or TASFA, so students must allow enough time for processing of their application.

All associate degree programs (AA, AS, AAT ans AAS) and certificate programs over 30 credit hours are eligible.

Once you submit an Eagle Promise application, the financial aid department will communicate with you by using the email provided on your FAFSA or TAFSA application.

Yes, Eagle Promise Scholarship will cover your Summer or Mini-session courses. However, you are not required to take courses during Summer or Mini-sessions.

High school graduates who took dual credit courses are eligible, if they meet the other requirements. 

If you qualify for the program, you must maintain a 2.3 cumulative GPA. Your dual credit courses will be included in your cumulative GPA at HCC. 

Contact Us

Eagle Promise