29. May 2026

AlamoPROMISE: A Homeschool FAQ

The AlamoPROMISE program is a fantastic initiative designed to eliminate financial barriers by offering tuition-free attendance at any of the five Alamo Colleges (San Antonio College, St. Philip's College, Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, and Northeast Lakeview College).

While it originally launched primarily through participating local public high schools, homeschooled students in Bexar County are absolutely eligible to become AlamoPROMISE Scholars.

Here is a comprehensive FAQ and step-by-step guidance tailored specifically for homeschool families to navigate the application process

Does the AlamoPROMISE program cover homeschoolers?

Yes. The program explicitly includes students graduating from public, private, charter, and home school high school programs located within Bexar County.

What exactly does the program cover?

AlamoPROMISE is a "last-dollar" scholarship. This means it covers 100% of any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after your federal or state financial aid (like the Pell Grant) is applied. It can be used for up to three consecutive years (or 6 consecutive Fall/Spring semesters) to earn an Associate Degree, a workforce certificate, or transfer credits.

Note: It does not cover text books, supplies, or summer terms.

What are the core eligibility requirements for a homeschool student?

To qualify, the homeschooled student must:

1. Be a resident of Bexar County and complete their high school program locally.
2. Be a recent graduate (you must enroll in the matching Fall semester immediately following your high school graduation).
3. Be eligible to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid).

Is there a household income cap for AlamoPROMISE?

No. Unlike some financial aid programs, the core AlamoPROMISE program at the community college level does not have a strict household income cap to get your tuition covered. However, it does require you to submit your financial aid applications on time.

What are the "Promise-to-Promise" transfer options?

If you plan to transfer to a 4-year university afterward, your AlamoPROMISE status gives you a major advantage. Through partnerships like the UTSA Bold Promise or agreements with Texas A&M University-San Antonio, you can seamlessly transfer your Promise status to complete a Bachelor's degree tuition-free (though the 4-year universities do implement specific income caps, typically ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, and minimum GPA requirements).

Step-by-Step Guidance: How to Apply as a Homeschooler

Because homeschool programs don't have standard high school counselors automatically submitting paperwork, you will need to actively manage the timeline.

1.Submit the: Fall of Senior Year.

Visit the official AlamoPROMISE website and complete the digital Save Your Seat form. This signals your intent to join the program and locks in your consideration before funding buckets fill up.

2.Apply to an Alamo College via ApplyTexas: Recommended by Feb 28 Priority Date.

Create an account on ApplyTexas.org and submit an admission application to your preferred campus (e.g., Northwest Vista, San Antonio College). Apply as a Domestic Freshman and make sure to indicate you are homeschooled.

3.Submit the FAFSA or TASFA: Priority Deadline: Feb 28.

Complete your financial aid application for the upcoming academic year. Ensure you add your chosen Alamo College to the school receiving list. Even if you don't think you will qualify for federal grants, this step is mandatory to unlock the Promise "last-dollar" funding.

4.Submit a Notarized Homeschool Transcript: Spring / Upon Graduation.

The admissions office will require an official high school transcript. For homeschoolers, this transcript must be notarized by the parent/educator to verify graduation date, completed course credits, and GPA.

5.Complete the TSI Assessment & Orientation:Late Spring / Summer.

Log into your newly created ACES student portal. Complete the mandatory Test Prep module, then schedule and take the TSI Assessment (unless exempt via SAT/ACT scores) to ensure proper class placement. Finally, sign up for and attend the New Student Orientation.

Critical Reminders for Homeschool Parents

• The Priority Date is February 28: Students who submit their ApplyTexas and financial aid applications before February 28 are guaranteed a review for eligibility. Applications received after this date are processed strictly on a space-available basis.
• Maintain Continuous Enrollment: Once enrolled in the Fall, the student must remain enrolled full-time or part-time (it is highly recommended to average at least 9–12 credit hours per semester) for consecutive Fall and Spring semesters and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to keep the funding active.

You can learn more at the Alamo PROMISE website