Financial Aid

General Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet a number of eligibility criteria to demonstrate the right to public funding of their higher education.

Some eligibility conditions are confirmed through the application process by data base matches between the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies; other criteria must be documented and monitored by the school.

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Eligibility for Federal Student Aid

• Be a U.S citizen or an eligible noncitizen

• Have a Social Security Number

• Be enrolled or accepted into a degree-granting or eligible certificate program at a college or university participating in Federal Student Aid programs. Eligibility for financial aid REQUIRES current enrollment in BOTH an eligible Education Goal (Associate's Degree or Certificate of Achievement) AND an eligible Academic Program (major).

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in your academic program

• Have not completed a BA/BS degree (except for student loans)

• Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant

• Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes

• Show you are qualified to obtain a college education by: (1) having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or having passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE); or (2) completing a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law.

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Note: About "Ability to Benefit"

If you were enrolled in college prior to July 1, 2012, the federal regulations allow you to show you are qualified ("have the ability to benefit") for higher education by:

• Passing an approved Ability-to-Benefit test

• Completing six units applicable toward a degree or certificate with a minimum grade of "C"

Note: About "Undocumented" Students

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students who meet provisions of Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to apply for California state student aid, including Cal Grants and the California College Promise Grant (Fee Waiver) at community colleges. See AB 540 and the California Dream Act.

Questions? Please check with the Financial Aid Office.