Free college programs have been around for some time, but they have proliferated in recent years, prompted by rising college costs, mounting student debt, and the United States' urgent need for a more educated workforce. But while these free college, or "promise" programs have the potential to make a higher education more affordable and accessible for more students, many programs are not doing enough to prioritize the students who struggle the most to pay. "A Promise Worth Keeping: An Updated Equity-Driven Framework for Free College Programs," updates the findings from the 2018 report on free college programs. This time around the authors reviewed 23 existing statewide policies with the updated framework, which considers whether a program: (1) Covers the full cost of going to college -- beyond tuition and fees -- for four or more years; (2) Helps students from low-income backgrounds defray their living expenses; (3) Is accessible to adult, returning and part-time students, as well as all undocumented and incarcerated students; (4) Attaches strings that discourage certain student groups from applying; and (5) Converts to a loan. Since the 2018 report on free college, the number of free college programs has grown: There are eight more active programs and four more proposed programs. However, free college programs still have a long way to go to make college affordable for all students from low-income backgrounds. The report highlights five steps policymakers can take to ensure they are using free college policies to advance equity in their states: (1) Include all students; (2) Go beyond tuition; (3) Make improvements over time; (4) Be transparent; and (5) Invest in student success. [For the 2018 report, "A Promise Fulfilled: A Framework for Equitable Free College Programs," see ED593325.]