Coconino Community College Expands Comet Promise, Offering One of Arizona’s Most Expansive Tuition Support Programs

Coconino Community College (CCC) has announced expanded eligibility guidelines for its Comet Promise program, a tuition support initiative designed to help more Coconino County residents access higher education. The program, which previously had more restrictive criteria, is now available to a broader range of students beginning with the Spring 2026 semester. With these updates, CCC is strengthening its commitment to educational access by offering one of the most expansive tuition support programs in Arizona.

“Coconino Community College is removing the financial barriers that keep too many people from pursuing or completing their education. By expanding the Comet Promise, we’re making it unmistakably clear: if you’re ready to put in the work, money won’t be the reason you can’t earn a certificate or degree. Whether you’re a recent high-school graduate, coming back for upskilling, or someone with some college and no degree, there’s a home for you at CCC,” said Dr. Eric Heiser, President and CEO of CCC.  “With this announcement there’s now a clear, affordable path to finish what you started and help strengthen the workforce of Northern Arizona.”

The expanded framework now better supports students with a household income of $65,000 or less who are either Coconino County residents or graduates of a Coconino County high school or GED program, whether they are new, continuing, or returning learners. The updated criteria also extend support to students who have been historically underserved, including, but not limited to, those facing housing insecurity, former foster youth, honorably discharged veterans using VA education benefits, and others with documented hardship circumstances.

CCC is also extending Comet Promise eligibility to part-time students taking six credits or more per semester, a distinction from most Promise programs, which typically require full-time enrollment.

“For too many students in our community, the desire to pursue education has always been there, but the opportunity has not,” said Tony Williams, Vice President of Student Services at CCC. “Expanding the Comet Promise allows us to better serve students who have real financial need and have historically fallen outside traditional aid models. This ensures that students who are ready to return, persist, and complete a certificate or degree are no longer left behind.”

Higher education remains one of the most powerful drivers of social and economic mobility. By expanding the Comet Promise, CCC is removing obstacles that have kept students from pursuing or completing a college credential. These updates are part of CCC’s ongoing commitment to increasing educational access and supporting the diverse needs of Coconino County residents.

For a complete list of the new eligibility guidelines, please visit www.coconino.edu/promise

Note: As a last‑dollar program, the Comet Promise covers any remaining in‑county tuition after federal, state, and institutional aid is applied. Eligible students may receive support for up to four consecutive fall/spring semesters if they meet ongoing eligibility and academic progress requirements.

Comet Promise awards are subject to annual funding availability and may be limited based on student demand.