“Financial aid” means any type of financial assistance provided to students to help cover the costs of higher education. This ranges from fee waivers to grants, or even work-study. Keep reading to fid out more about the types of financial aid that Contra Costa College offers.
Federal Student Aid Programs
The United States Department of Education is the largest provider of financial assistance for higher education in the country. Below, you will find information on the various programs they offer to students of Contra Costa College.
This is the single largest source of financial aid. Students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated financial need (as defined by the FAFSA), and meet all other eligibility requirements, may qualify to receive grant assistance. The amount of the Pell Grant will vary from student to student depending on the income information reported on the FAFSA. Learn more about it.
This additional grant is available to students who are eligible for the Pell Grant, demonstrate high financial need, and are enrolled at least half-time. Awarding is based on a first-come first-serve basis depending on availability of funds. Students who complete their FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline are given priority when awarding SEOG. Learn more about it.
FWS is a program designed to provide part-time jobs for students, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while also earning valuable work experience. Students who have FWS jobs work on-campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) in various departments, such as the Early Learning Center, Library, EOPS, Financial Aid, Athletics and Student Life. The best part? Your FWS job will always work around your school schedule!
To apply for FWS, simply complete your FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline and be sure to indicate interest in FWS. Awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis to students who apply the earliest, complete their financial aid files early, are enrolled at least half-time, and have demonstrated financial need.
The U.S. Department of Education offers low-interest loans to students to help cover educational expenses. Loans will never replace grant, work-study, or scholarship assistance, so students must utilize all other forms of financial assistance before applying for a loan. Although the interest rate is low on federal student loans, it is important to understand that loans are paid back with interest over time, so you will pay back more than what you received. For more information on federal student loans, including eligibility requirements and terms, visit studentloans.gov.
California State Aid Programs
The state of California offers aid programs to California residents, including undocumented residents, attending California colleges and universities who meet specific eligibility guidelines. Click here for more information on financial aid programs for undocumented students.
The CPG (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) waives enrollment fees at California Community Colleges for California residents who meet specific requirements. CPG recipients do not have to be enrolled in any minimum number of units, and applying is easy!
Simply submit the FAFSA or Dream Act Application and you will be automatically considered for CPG.
Cal Grant offers cash aid assistance to help pay for the costs of tuition, fees, and other expenses. Award amounts will vary based on the type of Cal Grant you receive and the type of institution you are attending.
To apply, you must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, plus the GPA Verification Form. Learn more about it.
If you are or were in foster care for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have not reached your 26th birthday, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year – and you don’t have to pay this money back!
To qualify, you must have your foster youth status established by the court and demonstrate financial need. You must also complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application in addition to the Chafee Grant application. For additional Chafee Grant information and to apply, visit www.chafee.csac.ca.gov.
The SSCG offers additional aid to encourage students who are already receiving Cal Grant B or C to attend full-time. Taking more classes will help you stay on track, earn your degree faster, and get you on the path to your dream career. The more classes you take, the more money you are eligible to receive: If you are enrolled in 12-14.99 units you can receive an additional $1,298 per semester, but if you enroll in 15 or more units, you can receive an additional $4,000 per semester.
To qualify you must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act Application and be a Cal Grant B or C recipient. Learn more about it.
Find Financial Aid Confusing? We don’t blame you!
We strongly encourage you to sign up for financial wellness counseling and learn about the different types of financial aid, grants, scholarships and self help funds available to students.