Student Aid Programs
Student Aid Programs
Student aid comes in many forms and from many sources. The U.S. Department of Education provides the bulk of student aid. Other sources of student aid come from the state, the school, and private organizations. To apply for federal and state aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Types of Federal student aid:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Work Study (FWS)
- William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loans)
- Subsidized Direct Loans
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans
- PLUS Loans (Parent Loans)
Types of State aid:
- Board of Governors’ Fee Waiver (BOGFW)
- Cal Grant
- California Chafee Grant
Grants
Grants, or gift aid, are student aid that generally does not need to be repaid (except in some cases when classes are dropped). Eligibility is generally based on financial need. Examples of grants aid are:
- Federal Pell Grant
- FSEOG
- Cal Grant
- Chafee Grant
Scholarships
Scholarships are student aid that does not need to be paid back. Eligibility is generally based on academic excellence, community service, athletic abilities, etc. Information and applications may be found at the following web-sites:
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study (FWS) allows students to earn money to meet educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. Jobs are typically available on campus, but positions may be available at select nonprofit locations. Students who are interested in FWS must submit a FAFSA, demonstrate financial need and attend a FWS orientation prior to starting a FWS job.
Direct Loans
Direct Loans are monies that are borrowed and must be repaid with interest. Funds will come from the U.S. Department of Education. Direct Loans should be used as a last resort to meet educational expenses.
Students who wish to borrow must submit a FAFSAand a Master Promissory Note.All students wishing to borrow are required to attend a Federal Student Loan Orientation each academic year.
Board of Governors’ Fee Waiver
Students who are California residents may be eligible to have their enrollment fees waived and receive a discount for parking. Students may apply for the BOGFW by submitting a FAFSA. Separate BOGFW application is available, but students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA.