This research study attempted to understand the implications of a last-dollar, free community college program, otherwise known as a College Promise Program, and its ability to provide educational access, academic success, and degree attainment for the neediest of students. Three research questions focused on the relationship between eligibility and the student's decision to enroll at the community college, attain an academic credential, and successfully transfer to a four-year college or university. The last research question looked for a difference in the cumulative Community College grade point average between eligible and ineligible Promise Scholarship students. The data suggested no statistically significant relationship between the student's eligibility and decision to enroll at the community college. In contrast, the data indicated a significant relationship in attaining an academic credential with eligible Promise Scholarship students earning a credential more than ineligible students. There was also a significant relationship in transfer to a four-year college or university, with ineligible Promise Scholarship students successfully transferring more than eligible students. Finally, the data suggested that ineligible Promise Scholarship students had a higher cumulative Community College GPA than eligible students. When the federal government, states, foundations, and other funders decide to develop Promise Programs, they need to account for the design of the program -- first-, middle-, last-dollar. These agents need to understand the program's desired outcomes, such as degree attainment, higher GPAs, and successful transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Understanding how the design impacts these outcomes can ensure a positive return on investment for taxpayers and other funders. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]