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Future Students, Welcome!

We couldn’t be more thrilled that you have chosen Palomar College to help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Here’s a checklist to help you begin a successful path at Palomar.

Haven’t chosen a path yet?

Explore them here

Let’s Get Started

Apply to Palomar College

The first step is to apply, and we’ve created a checklist for you here, so you know what to expect. It’s free and easy to apply. Start your application as soon as possible, even if you’re not sure what you want to study.

How to Apply

Take a Campus Tour

A virtual or walking tour of the San Marcos campus or one of our Education Centers is one way to learn about our state-of-the-art classrooms and labs and get more familiar with Palomar College. Our tours are comprehensive and include a visit to our learning resources and support services areas. Join us – we’re ready to set you up for success!

Learn About Campus Tours

Apply for Financial Aid

As soon as you get your welcome letter, we encourage you to apply for financial aid.

A large majority of our students qualify for some kind of financial aid, so even if you think you’re not a candidate, it is important to complete the application (called the FAFSA), just in case.

Explore Financial Aid Opportunities

Sign in to MyPalomar

A lot of the college resources you’ll need, including enrolling in the classes you want, are done through MyPalomar. Sign in as soon as you get your welcome letter explore the course schedule and get on your path.

Sign in to MyPalomar

Next Steps

A young woman looking at her phone, seated with her friend.

Set Up Your College Email

As a student, you’ll have your very own email address; this is where all of the important information will be delivered to you. You should check your Palomar email daily – or have it forwarded to your personal email.

Sign in to Your Email
The top level of the parking structure, featuring the solar covering.

Parking and Transportation

It’s much easier to get your digital parking pass before the first day of school. Get your parking permit by signing in to MyPalomar. The Sprinter train also stops conveniently across the street from the main campus in San Marcos. Check out the Sprinter map and schedule, and get a discounted transportation pass.

San Marcos Campus during the first week of school.

Explore Our Locations

We highly recommend you visit the location where you will have your classes before your first day to become familiar with where to park, how long it takes to walk from here to there, and find important landmarks, like the library, cafes, and bookstore.

Even better, sign up for a tour.

Dreamers

DACA

Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) allows undocumented immigrants an opportunity to work and not worry about deportation. Applications can be renewed every two years.

View Eligibility and Resources California Community Colleges Support Undocumented Students

AB 540 and California Dream Act

If you are an international student who attended high school in California and received a high school diploma or its equivalent, you may be exempt from non-resident tuition via AB 540, also called the California Dream Act.

Special Immigrant Visa Holders and Refugee Students

If you are a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder, refugee student, or T and U visa holder who settled in California upon entering the United States, check out this tuition exemption.

ALASS

The Association of Latinos and Allies for Student Success (ALASS) helps raise awareness of and advocate for the needs of our Latino student population, celebrates and promotes Latino successes and engages the College on related initiatives.

Dreamers Welcome! Palomar College Association of Latinos and Allies for Student Success. ALASS.

More Resources for New Students