To get financial aid, you must meet certain rules:
- Be in an approved program. You need to be working toward an associate degree, certificate, or transfer to a
four-year college. You should follow an Educational Plan and only take classes that
help you reach your goals.
- Keep your grades up. You must meet and keep Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Ask your counselor or
check the SAP Policy for more info.
- Have a high school diploma or GED. For federal financial aid you must finish high school or have the equivalent (like
a General Education Diploma or GED). Some state programs may be available without
high school equivalency.
- Not owe money. You can’t owe money back from any federal grants (like Pell Grants or SEOG), and
you can’t be defaulted on any federal student loans.
- Only be enrolled in college. You can’t get financial aid if you’re still in elementary, middle, or high school
while also taking college classes.
- Have financial need as defined by the federal government.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. You must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or be in the U.S. for a reason
other than just visiting. You might be asked to show proof, like an alien registration
card or a letter from immigration.
- If you're an eligible non-citizen, you may have to show proof of your legal status (Alien Registration Cards I-94,
I-155, I-688 or U.S. Immigration and Naturalization letter granting asylum, etc.).
- International/foreign students with an I-20 Visa can't get financial aid.
- You can contact the Financial Aid Office for more information on eligible immigration
statuses.
- Have a valid Social Security Number. You might be asked to show your Social Security Card.
These are the general eligibility requirements, but some financial aid programs might
have additional or different requirements that must be met in order to receive them.
If you are undocumented but qualify for AB 540, you may be able to get state financial
aid, like the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) or Cal Grant.
Visit the Dream Act page to learn more.
