The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver is a brand-new pilot program at Del Mar College, that covers your tuition and fees for up to three years. It uses "first dollar" funds, which means we apply the waiver first, before any financial aid or scholarships kick in. More money in your pocket to use for whatever else you need! We encourage you to apply for additional financial aid, scholarships, and grants, which can help with specific course-related fees, textbooks, and 3-peat fees. *

* A per semester credit hour fee will be charged if you are attempting a class for the third time. 

This program supports 2025 high school graduates or GED recipients, dual credit students from the class of 2025 regardless of the number of credits, or adult learners with 12 or fewer college credits. Eligible students must: 

• Reside within DMC’s taxing district, which includes specific areas served by Corpus Christi ISD, Calallen ISD, Flour Bluff ISD, Tuloso-Midway ISD, West Oso ISD, parts of London ISD and Robstown ISD.

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The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver is only available for students starting college in Fall 2025. If you plan to enroll for the first time in Spring 2026 or later, you will not be eligible for this program. 

Currently, the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver is only open to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who meet all other program requirements, including residency within the DMC taxing district. 

Yes. All college-level courses you’ve taken—including any summer 2025 enrollment— count toward the 12-credit limit for eligibility. To qualify for the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver, students must have 12 or fewer earned college credit hours at the time of entry. 

If you’ve completed more than 12 credit hours, you do not qualify for this program. There is no appeal process, but all applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for final eligibility.

Absolutely! Graduates with an OSA, certificate, or associate degree through a dual credit program by May 2025 are eligible to continue. Talk to your academic advisor to ensure you’re enrolled in the right courses for further education at DMC, transferring to a university, or joining one of our bachelor’s programs in Nursing or Organizational Management & Leadership. 

To maintain eligibility, students must: 

1. Live in the DMC taxing district. 
2. Enroll in a credit or certificate program such as AA, AS, AAS, Cert I/II, OSA. 
3. Enroll full-time (at least 12 semester hours). 
4. Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. 
5. Commit to no more than two major changes, with exceptions for stackable credentials. 
6. Meet twice per semester with an academic advisor. 
7. Take courses according to the degree plan. Courses outside the plan are at full cost. 
8. Cover costs for textbooks, lab fees, and specific program fees. 
9. Meet all program-specific admissions requirements including limited enrollment program requirements.
10. Attend student orientation. Register for orientation at delmar.edu/orientation.

Yes! If your degree plan requires developmental education courses, they are covered by the waiver. Be sure to work closely with your advisor so that all your courses align with your degree plan and count toward your eligibility. 

Start by filling out a Request for Information (RFI) form to check if you're eligible. Also, apply for FAFSA and don’t miss the DMC Foundation Scholarship deadline on April 30, 2025. 

• FAFSA Portal
• DMC Foundation Scholarship Application 

Confirm your residency by checking the District Map or complete a Request for Information (RFI) form to determine eligibility. The Admissions team will finalize your status during the Apply Texas application process.

Definitions

• In-District: You are considered in-district if you reside within the Del Mar College service area, regardless of property ownership. 
• Out-of-District: You are considered out-of-district if you reside outside the Del Mar College service area, regardless of property ownership within the service area. Eligibility for the program is based on your primary residence. 

You may change your major up to two times. There is an appeals process for dropping below full-time enrollment. Ongoing communication with academic advisors is crucial to navigate these changes and retain eligibility.

While focusing on one major is recommended, if you’re considering a double major, discuss it with your academic advisor to determine the best path. 

Absolutely! Mix and match 16-week, 8-week courses, and Maymester courses. Just keep your total credits at 12 or more per semester. Talking with your advisor is crucial to ensure you remain in good standing in the program.

You may qualify for various waivers; however, only one waiver can be applied per term. Talk to the Cashier’s office to figure out the best option for you. 

DMC offers extensive support through academic advising, financial aid, counseling, access services for accommodations, and various student services to assist you throughout your educational journey. 

You can appeal through the VP of Student Affairs. Cases are considered individually to provide the necessary support for academic success. 

For more info, visit the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver web page or contact the VP of Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@delmar.edu or call 361-698-2250.