FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

GRANTS

Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not require repayment unless a refund is due.  It is recommended that applications be made early since funds are limited.  You must apply each year for grants.

Federal PELL Grant

Federal PELL Grant is used as the foundation for undergraduate student awards.  YOU MUST APPLY FOR A FEDERAL PELL GRANT in order to be considered for any type of Federal financial aid. Apply on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov You must be enrolled full-time (12 units per semester) to receive the maximum award.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office based on Financial Aid Application needs analysis.  Priority is given to PELL Grant recipients as per Federal regulations. Fund are limited so apply early.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)       

This grant assists Native American Students.  In order to qualify, you must be at lease one-fourth Native American, Eskimo or Aleut.  For further information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Cal Grants

Cal Grants are state-funded cash grants given to California college students to help pay for college expenses.  These awards do not have to be paid back.  You must:

1.       Be a California resident, and

2.       Not have a bachelor’s or professional degree (except for Cal Grant T), and

3.       File a completed FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification form by March 2 or September 2, and

4.       Not owe a refund on any state or federal grant or be in default on any student loan, and

5.       Have remaining financial need.

Community College students are eligible for Cal Grant A and B awards, Transfer Entitlement award, and/or Cal Grant C.

Cal Grant A: This grant is for students from low and middle income families.  The grant assists with tuition and fees at a four-year college or university.  If you are awarded a Cal Grant A, you will have your award placed on reserve for up to three years until you transfer.  The award is renewable. 

There are two types of Cal Grant A: an Entitlement and a Competitive award.

Entitlement Award: Every graduating high school senior who has a grade point average of at least 3.0, meets the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements, and applies before March 2^nd , is guaranteed this award.

Competitive Award: Other students who meet the basic Cal Grant eligibility requirements and who have at least a 3.0 GPA may compete for this award.  Selection is based on a composite score that takes into account a variety of factors such as family income, parent’s educational level, etc.

Cal Grant B: This grant is for high-potential students from disadvantaged or low-income families who otherwise would not be able to pursue a higher education.  For most first-year recipients, the award helps with living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation, but not tuition and fees.  If renewed after the first year, a Cal B can be used for tuition and fees.

There are two types of Cal Grant B: an Entitlement and a Competitive award.

Entitlement Award: Every graduating high school senior who has a GPA of at least 2.0, meets the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements, and applies on time, is guaranteed this award.

Competitive Award: Other students who meet the basic Cal Grant eligibility requirements and who have at least a 2.0 GPA may compete for this award.  Selection is based on a composite score that takes into account a variety of factors such as family income, parent’s educational level, etc.

California Community College Transfer Entitlement Award: This grant is either a Cal Grant A or B.  High school senior swho graduated after June 30, 2000, attend a California community college and then transfer to a 4-year school may be eligible for this award.  Eligible students must have at least 2.4 GPA, meet the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements, and be under 24 years of age as of December of the award year.

Cal Grant C: This grant helps vocationally oriented students acquire marketable job skills.  Full or part-time training must be for a least four months and lead to a recognized occupational goal; diploma, associate degree, license qualification, or certificate.  Cal Grant financial need criteria must also be met.

WORK STUDY PROGRAMS

Part-time work adds to the educational experience, and can be a valuable asset when seeking employment after graduation.  Priority is given to fulltime students who are in good academic standing and funds are limited, so apply early.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS FEE WAIVER PROGRAM
State law requires that students attending California Community Colleges pay an enrollment fee for classes. (In addition, out-of-state residents pay non-resident fees.)

However, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG) permits enrollment fees to be waived for California residents who meet certain financial criteria.  The waiver is based on your income, not on academic performance.

Eligibility: If you are a California resident, you will qualify for a BOG if one of the following statements describes your current status:

1.       You have already completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have been determined by the college to have financial need.

2.       You or your family is receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF/CALWORKS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplemental Program (SSP) or General Assistance.  You must file the BOG application.

3.       You have certification from the California Department of Veterans Affairs or the California National Guard Adjutant General that you are eligible for a dependent’s fee waiver.  You must file the BOG application.

4.       You meet the established income criteria.  You must file the BOG application.

Applicants will be required to provide supporting documents to complete the application process.

BOOK VOUCHERS

Two weeks prior to the first day of each semester the Financial Aid Office opens the Book Voucher request process.  These vouchers are available to students who have been awarded financial aid and wish to purchase books and other school related supplies.  The amount of the voucher will be   deducted from your first financial aid disbursement.  You must use the Book Voucher no later than the end of the second week of each term.  If you fail to start school or withdraw from your courses prior to the first disbursement, you will be required to repay 100% of the charges paid to the bookstore.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A significant number of scholarship opportunities exist for IVC students, on the local as well as regional and national levels.  For scholarship information visit the IVC website at imperial.edu or contact the IVC Foundation.