Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
) next to the question to see a related video The Federal Pell Grant is money from the government that helps students pay for college. You don’t have to pay it back. How much you get depends on your family’s income and the information you put on your FAFSA form.
For the 2025–2026 school year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 if you take 12 or more units each semester. If you take fewer classes, you’ll get less money. You may also get extra Pell Grant money if you go to school during the summer.
You can only get Pell Grant money for up to 6 full-time years. Once you earn a bachelor’s
degree, you can’t get a Pell Grant anymore. You must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress rules to keep getting this grant..
The FSEOG is another grant from the federal government for students who have the most financial need and already receive the Pell Grant.
For 2025–2026, the maximum FSEOG award is $600 for resident students enrolled in 12 or more units. For non-residents enrolled in 12 or more units, the award amount is $3,000. If you take fewer than 12 units, your award will be smaller. You must take at least 6 units to get this grant.
There is limited money available, so apply early. If you don’t attend classes in the
fall, your FSEOG may be canceled.
Cal Grants are state-funded grants for California college students. You don’t have to pay them back. To apply, you must:
The main deadline is March 2, and there’s a second deadline for community college students on September 2.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of Cal Grants:
Cal Grant B
Most students can get up to $1,648 per year, but foster youth or students with children may qualify for an Access Award of up to $6,000.
In order to get a Cal Grant B you must meet all federal aid requirements and:
Cal Grant C
Most students can get up to $1,094 per year, but students with children may receive up to $4,000.
In order to get a Cal Grant C you must meet all federal aid requirements and:
Cal Grant A
For most students, awards are held for up to two academic years until they transfer to a college that charges tuition. However, students with children may be eligible to receive an Access Award of up to $6,000 per year while attending a community college.
To learn more, visit the California Student Aid Commission website.
If you get Cal Grant B or C, you may also get extra money through this grant. You can earn up to $8000 per year in this award. Here is a breakdown on the amounts:
In order to receive this award, you must meet Cal Grant requirements, have financial
need, and funds must be available.
This grant is for current or former foster youth to help pay for college or job training. You can get up to $5,000 per year. You must be taking at least 6 units to be eligible.
To apply, visit the California Student Aid Commission website or contact Alma Orozco at 760-355-6414.
Federal Work-Study lets you work part-time on or off campus to earn money as part of your financial
aid. For 2025-2026, the maximum award is $6,000. Funds are limited, so apply early.
This program helps Dream Act students with a Cal Grant B do community or volunteer service. Students must complete 150 hours per semester. You can get up to $1,500 per semester, for a total of $3,000 per year, for up to 8 semesters.
To learn more the California Student Aid Commission website.
Imperial Valley College does not take part in the Federal Student Loan Programs. Students who need a loan for school may be able to get one from private lenders (like banks or credit unions). However, Imperial Valley College does not support or suggest any specific private loan companies.
Before thinking about private loans, Imperial Valley College strongly recommends that students first apply for Federal grants and other help available through the Title IV HEA programs. If you go to another school that offers federal student loans, you may be able to get one there.
If a student decides to take out a private educational loan, the lender (loan company) must give them certain required information, also known as disclosures, under a law called Truth in Lending (15 U.S.C. 1638(e)).
Some private loan companies may ask the school to certify the loan. Imperial Valley College will not certify a private loan unless:
If a student needs help filling out a self-certification form (which some private lenders require), the Financial Aid Office at Imperial Valley College can help. Students can also get this form directly from the lender's website.