General Eligibility Requirements

The general eligibility requirements for the Federal Student Aid Programs are as follows:

• Have financial need (except for Unsubsidized Stafford Loan). The financial aid office using the information from the FAFSA and cost of attendance determines financial need.
• Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate. Students who do not have either may pass an Ability to Benefit Test to meet this requirement. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, see the financial aid office.
• Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student. All AA/AS are eligible programs. Certificates that are a year long and have at least 16 units and are also eligible programs.
• Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen. Generally, you are an eligible non-citizen if you are a permanent resident, a conditional permanent resident.
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Meet satisfactory academic progress standards set by the financial aid office.
• Certify that you will use student aid for educational purposes
• Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant.
• If required, register with Selective Service (www.sss.gov ). Females do not have to register with the Selective Service.
• Have not been convicted for the sale or possession illegal drugs. The law suspends aid eligibility for students convicted under Federal or state law. The period of suspension varies depending on the number of convictions and type of offense (possession or sale). Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 for more details.

More information on federal student aid can be found at Students.gov or in The Student Guide available in the financial aid office.

The general requirements for Cal Grant A, B, and C:

• Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Must be a California resident
• Must attend a qualifying California college
• Not have already received a bachelor’s or professional degree
• Must have financial need. Financial need is determined by the financial aid office using the information on the FAFSA
• Must have family income and assets below the ceilings. The asset and income ceilings are determine by the California Student Aid Commission. The numbers are adjusted to family size and dependency status
• Must meet and maintain satisfactory academic progress standards set by the financial aid office
• Must be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
• Must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units)
• If required, must register with Selective Service (www.sss.gov ). Females do not have to register with the Selective Service.
• Must not owe a refund on any state or federal grant
• Must not be in default on any student loan

More information concerning Cal Grant and other programs offered through the California Student Aid Commission can be found in the Fund Your Future Workbook available in the financial aid office.

The general requirements for Board of Governors’ Fee Waiver (BOGFW)

If you are a California resident and need one of the following criteria:

• Have eligibility for other need based student aid (Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, etc.)
• Are currently receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Cal Works, Supplement Social Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance/General Relief payments.
• Fall within the income guidelines set by the Board of Governors’. The income guidelines are adjusted annually and are based on total income and family size.

Dependency Status

For the purpose of federal student aid, Step Three of the FAFSA determines a student’s dependency status. Dependent students are required to provide parental information.