Definition of Financial Need

Students are packaged for financial aid (given financial aid from several of the programs for which a student is eligible) based on the student's financial need. Financial need is determined by a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) (computed from information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as compared to IVC's Cost of Attendance (COA). Those who have a positive number remaining after the EFC is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance may qualify for some need-based aid sources.

To meet with federal regulations, IVC defines the neediest students as those whose EFC = $0.

Resources Included in Award Packaging

Financial aid packages are awarded as follows in this order: 

1. The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is awarded to those students who qualify for the program. To qualify to receive the CCPG, a student must have at least $1104 of financial need once the EFC is subtracted from COA.
2. The Pell Grant is awarded to students who meet the federal criteria as determined by EFC levels. The amounts of the award vary as the federal government determines.
3. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) funds are very limited and first awarded to Pell Grant eligible students with EFC = $0 to help ensure that the neediest students receive financial assistance. If there are SEOG funds available after all students with EFC = $0 have been awarded, then awards are given to students according to federal guidelines using $100 increments in EFCs. For an IVC student, the maximum SEOG award is $200 per semester ($400 per academic year).
4. Limited Federal Work-Study is offered next. IVC offers a maximum of $2500 per semester ($5000 per academic year) for eligible students who have indicated an interest in Federal Work-Study on the FAFSA. 

These are the only programs that IVC includes as part of a student's financial aid package initially. Please note that SEOG and Federal Work-Study funds are very limited and generally spent early in the awarding cycle.

Resources Not Included in Initial Award Packaging

Imperial Valley College may be informed from campus or external agencies regarding other financial aid programs requiring an adjustment to a student's aid package. These may include Cal Grant, Chafee Grant, Foundation Scholarship. other Off-Campus Scholarship, or AmeriCorps award. These aid sources when added may require that other aid originally offered be adjusted (i.e Federal Work-Study).

For more information, you can also visit our How to Read Your Award Letter page