South Bay-Based University Pledges Free 4-Year Tuition For Many Incoming Students

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Cal State Dominguez Hills announced March 24 that beginning with the fall 2026 semester, it would begin offering four years of free tuition for many new undergraduate students, and two years of free tuition for transfer students.

It's part of an initiative called the Toro Tuition Pledge (TTP), named after the Carson-based university's mascot, the Toro.

"While existing financial aid resources will cover most of the costs associated with the Toro Tuition Pledge, the university is directing available funds to ensure eligible students’ costs will be fully covered," the university explained in its announcement.

The TTP is being offered to California students who qualify for Pell grant awards or have an equivalent Student Aid Index. Students must also enroll in a full schedule of classes and maintain satisfactory academic progress, among other requirements.

The TTP covers tuition and mandatory fees, but does not cover housing, parking, textbooks, or other costs associated with enrollment.

To participate in the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a California resident or qualify for in-state tuition.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by April 15 and complete all requirements.
• Have a Student Aid Index of 10,000 or less. FAFSA filers must be receiving Pell. (Check your FAFSA or CADAA summary email to confirm your SAI.).

Due to differing requirements, students in programs offered by the College of Professional and Extended Education, including Organizational Leadership and Quality Assurance, are not included in the Toro Tuition Pledge, according to the university.

Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Toro Tuition Pledge website.

Complete details about the program are available on the Cal State Dominguez Hills website.