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Grants and Waiver Programs

The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federal grant program for college students. Funds are available for all eligible students. Awards are based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment status. There is a Federal Pell Grant lifetime limit of 12 full-time equivalent semesters. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract (see Satisfactory Academic Progress), only units from the courses on your contract will count toward your eligibility.

Watch short video: What is a Pell Grant?
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to the highest need students who also qualify for the maximum Pell Grant. Priority is given to full-time students. Funding is limited, and thus not all qualifying students will actually receive an award. The maximum award is $200 per semester. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract, only units from the courses on your contract will count toward your eligibility.

Watch short video: What is an FSEOG?

NEW: 2019-2020 Cal Grant | Student with Dependents

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) sent an email to students on December 10, 2019, providing instruction to certify that the student currently have a dependent under the age of 18 by July 1 of the award year and for whom they will provide more than half of their support between July 1 and June 30 of the award year. If you received that email, please follow the instructions on the email or below. 

  • Please log into your WG4S or Create an account - https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/
  • Go to the Cal Grant Main Menu and select "Confirmation of Eligibility" award, and make sure the first school listed is the school you plan to attend.
  • Answer the question on the WG4S screen regarding your dependent children, check the appropriate box for the Student Certification and submit.

Failure to complete the self-certification in a timely manner could delay the disbursement of your Cal Grant award for for any Aid Year (Student With Dependents).

Make sure you periodically visit WG4S, located at https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/ where you will find important Cal Grant and contact information.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers California residents three types of grant programs to assist students in paying college expenses. Cal Grant award amounts vary based on financial need, enrollment status, and the availability of state funds. Cal Grant award selections are based on data obtained from your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and submitted GPA (Grade Point Average) Verification form. The FAFSA and GPA Verification forms are available in the Financial Aid Office. Students must be in a minimum of 6 units, at the time of disbursement in order to receive a Cal Grant award. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract, only units from the courses on your contract will count toward your eligibility.

Each year, the deadline for applying for a new Entitlement or Competitive Cal Grant is March 2 (round one). AB 540 students must meet the March 2 deadline. Students who will be attending a community college have another opportunity to try for a new Competitive Cal Grant award by meeting the September 2 deadline (round two).

Entitlement Cal Grants are available to all graduating high school seniors or last year’s graduates who meet the GPA and family income and asset requirements and file their FAFSA or CADAA and verified high school GPA or test scores (or their high school submits their GPA information electronically) by the March 2nd deadline. Students who file a FAFSA and a GPA Verification form (or their school submits their GPA information electronically) by the March 2 deadline will be considered in the first round of the Competitive Cal Grant awarding process.

Students who file a FAFSA and GPA Verification form by the March 2 and/or September 2 deadline and are enrolled in a community college for the Fall semester will be considered in the second round of the Competitive Cal Grant awarding process. GPAs for GCC students who have completed at least 16 degree applicable units at GCC will be sent electronically to the California Student Aid Commission. All other students may need to have a GPA Verification form completed by their Academic Counselor and submitted by the deadline.

The three types of grants available are:

Cal Grant A (Entitlement Award)
Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 3.0 GPA, meets the family income and asset requirements, and applies before March 2nd may receive a Cal Grant A Entitlement award. Note: to be considered for an Entitlement award, the CA Student Aid Commission must receive your GPA Verification from your high school.

Cal Grant A (Competitive Award)

Other students who have at least a 3.0 high school GPA or 2.4 college GPA will be considered for a Cal Grant A Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite score that considers your family's income, parents' educational level, GPA, time out of high school, and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth. Awards are for assistance with tuition and fees at a UC, CSU, or private college, and can be used for up to 8 full-time semesters or the equivalent. Important: A Cal Grant A cannot be used while attending a community college, but will be held on reserve until you transfer to a university.

Cal Grant B (Entitlement Award)

Every graduating high school senior or last year’s graduate who meets the March 2 deadline, has at least a 2.0 GPA, and meets the family income and asset requirements, will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award. Important: For California Dream Act student eligibility, see below 'Financial Aid for AB540 Students'

Cal Grant B (Competitive Award)
Other students who have at least a 2.0 GPA will be considered for a Cal Grant B Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite score that considers your family's income, parents' educational level, GPA, time out of high school, and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth. In addition to providing assistance with tuition and fees at a UC, CSU, or private college, this award consists of a subsistence payment for books and supplies that you can receive while attending a community college. If you are a Cal Grant B recipient please create an account at WEBGRANTS 4 STUDENT to check award amount. A Cal Grant B can be used for up to 8 full-time semesters or the equivalent depending on college grade level.

Cal Grant C
To qualify for a Cal Grant C, you must be enrolled in an eligible occupational or technical degree or certificate program. Potential Cal Grant C applicants must complete a Cal Grant C Supplement form for further consideration. All students who are not awarded either a Cal Grant A or B and indicate on their FAFSA or CADAA that they will be enrolled in an occupational or technical program will be sent this form. Eligible applicants receive a subsistence award for books and supplies. If you are a Cal Grant C recipient please create an account at WEBGRANTS 4 STUDENT to check award amount and to completed the Supplement form on the website. A Cal Grant C can be used for up to 4 full-time semesters or the equivalent. Important: Funding for this award is contingent on the California State budget constraints.

Watch short video: What is a Cal Grant?

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) is a new financial aid program beginning with the 2018-19 academic year, for Cal Grant recipients attending a California community college full time. The purpose of the Student Success Completion Grant is to provide students with additional financial aid to help offset the total cost of community college attendance, and to encourage full time attendance and successful on-time completion.
Awarded Amount
Beginning 2022-2023 award year, the Student Success Completion Grant pays Cal Grant recipients enrolled in at least 12 but fewer than 15 semester units $1298 per semester ($2596 annually). Cal Grant recipients enrolled in 15 or more semester units receive $4,000 per semester ($8,000 annually).
Prior to the 2022-2023 award year, the Student Success Completion Grant pays Cal Grant recipients enrolled in at least 12 but fewer than 15 semester units $649 per semester ($1,298 annually). Cal Grant recipients enrolled in 15 or more semester units receive $2,000 per semester ($4,000 annually).
Awards are based on the availability of funds and may be reduced or cancelled, on a first come, first serve basis. 
 Eligibility Requirements
  • You must be eligible (awarded and be paid) for a Cal Grant B or C payment.

  • Students choosing to take a Leave of Absence for their Cal Grant will not be eligible to receive payment for the SSCG.

  • Must have unmet financial need.

  • You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards

  • Must be enrolled in 12+ units per semester.

  • Starting Aid Year 2022-2023

  • 12-14.99 units per semester = $1298

  • 15+ units per semester = $4000

  • Prior Years before 2022-2023

  • 12-14.99 units per semester = $649

  • 15+ units per semester = $2000

SSCG is awarded on a funds-available basis. Student who has received the maximum SSCG amount for fall and winter/spring ($4,000) have reached the maximum annual award for 15+ units of enrollment.

Students can be considered for an SSCG increase if the annual maximum award of $8,000 have not been reached. We will review the total combine completed units of prior summer, fall and winter/spring units (example for aid year 2022-2023: Summer 22, Fall 22, and Winter/Spring 23).  Students whose combine units of enrollment brings their annual unit total to 24-29 .99 may receive a payment increase amount that brings their SSCG annual award amount to $2,596. Students whose combine units of enrollment brings their annual unit total to 30+ units may receive a payment increase amount that brings their SSCG annual award amount to $8,000.

Special state grants of up to $5000 are awarded to students who are or were Foster Youth. To qualify, you must file the FAFSA form, be a current or former foster youth and not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year. The court must have established your dependency when you were between the ages of 16 and 19.

Important: KinGAP youth, adopted youth, guardian placement, and voluntary placement may not be eligible for the Chafee Grant, unless court dependency was established at any time between the ages of 16 and 19. The California Department of Social Services will verify your foster youth eligibility status.

Watch short video: What is a Chafee Grant?
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (formerly known as the Board of Governors fee waiver) is a California Community Colleges financial aid program for California residents that waives the enrollment fees for students. Any student enrolled in any number of units who meets the CCPG criteria may receive a CCPG. You only need to apply once each academic year. The application covers the semester you apply and any subsequent semesters in the school year. You may complete the GCC CCPG Application to determine if you qualify for CCPG A or CCPG B. If you do not qualify for CCPG A or CCPG B, the Financial Aid Office can use the results of your FAFSA to determine if you qualify for CCPG C.

CCPG A is awarded when the student or the student's parent receives TANF/CalWORKs or SSI or when the student receives General Relief benefits. You must provide a copy of a current benefit check or notification of eligibility. Students who qualify for CCPG A also are eligible for a discount on campus parking and their Health fee.

CCPG B is based on state mandated income ceilings.

CCPG C is available to students who do not meet the criteria for CCPG A or CCPG B. All students who demonstrate at least $1104 of financial need after filing the FAFSA form can be awarded a CCPG C. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for CCPG C consideration.

Watch short video: What is a California College Promise Grant?
The EOPS Office provides grants and book vouchers for students who qualify for this program. For additional information, contact the EOPS Office
On March 23, 2018, the President signed Public Law 115-141, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, which included an amendment to Section 473(b) of the Higher Education Act, authorizing the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship. Under this scholarship, beginning with the 2018-2019 award year, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made.
Eligibility
  • The student must be Pell-Eligible and have a Pell-Eligible EFC,
  • Be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent's or guardian's death,
  • For purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship, a public safety office is:
    • As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
    • A firefighter or police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event

The student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the student is Pell-Eligible and have a Pell-Eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student.

Documentation
  • A determination letter acknowledging eligibility for certain federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) program administered by the Department of Justice; or
  • A written letter of attestation or determination made by a state or local government official with supervisory or other relevant oversight authority of an individual who died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer as defined above; or
  • Documentation of the student qualifying for a state tuition or other state benefit accorded to the children or other family members of a public safety officer consistent with the definition of 42 U.S.C. 3796b, or fire police officer as noted above; or
  • Other documentation from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and occupation of the parent or guardian.

If you qualify for this Scholarship, please contact our office.

Financial Aid for AB540 Students

Students who graduated from a California high school but were not considered state residents because they were undocumented or had moved out of the state may be eligible to be classified as 'AB540' students and qualify for in-state tuition. This determination is made by the Admissions and Records Office. Under the recently passed California Dream Act, these students may also apply for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (formerly the BOG Fee Waiver) and Cal Grants.

AB540 students are eligible to apply for a CCPG. Students who have a Social Security number and file the federal FAFSA form are automatically considered for a CCPG. Students who do not have a Social Security number may file either the special AB540 California College Promise Grant Application available from the Financial Aid Office, or the California Dream Act Application at this website:

Cal Grant Program

AB540 students who graduated from a California high school after June 2013 may apply for an Entitlement Cal Grant for by completing the California Dream Act Application form at this website:

Visit the California Aid Commission's California Dream Act website at the links above for additional information including deadlines.  The deadline to submit a California Dream Act application for Cal Grant eligibility is typically March 2 of each year.

Work and Loan Programs

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs on campus for eligible students who chose to access the program. The advantages of a work-study job are the convenience of working on campus, the opportunity to become a part of the college community and a flexible work environment. Interested students should contact Student Employment Services for available jobs and work-study procedures. Federal Work Study funding is very limited and not all students with potential awards will be able to be placed in a Work Study job. Minimum number of units to be eligible for Federal Work Study is 6 units. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract, only units from the courses on your contract will count toward your eligibility.

Awards are based on unmet financial need. The actual amount earned depends on the number of hours worked and your wage rate. Federal Work Study awards will show as Offered until the Financial Aid Office receives confirmation from Job Placement that the student has been hired in an FWS program.

Watch short video: What is Federal Work Study?

 Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Student Loans Glendale Community College participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. This includes both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The federal government pays the interest for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loans while the student is in college or while the loan is in deferment. Interest begins accruing for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans as soon as the loan is taken out. All first time borrowers who are interested in applying for a student loan must attend an Entrance Loan Workshop offered by the Financial Aid Office as a requirement of receiving the loan. These workshops are held throughout the academic year and cover the following topics:

Financial aid process at Glendale Community College
Student eligibility requirements
Borrower rights and responsibilities
Delivery of loan funds to the student
Future borrowing and managing your debt
Obligations of loan repayment
Consequences of loan delinquency or default

Continuing borrowers who have borrowed loans at GCC or another institution are not required to complete the Entrance Loan. workshop.

Criteria: Loan eligibility is based on enrollment in an eligible degree program (this includes most of the programs offered at GCC), unmet need (for subsidized loans), and a complete financial aid file. Also, students must be enrolled in 6 or more units (half-time status) at the time of disbursement. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract, only units from the courses on your contract will count toward your eligibility.

Eligible loan amounts: Limits for student borrowing are based on grade level and unmet need for financial aid. Subsidized loans for first-year students are limited to $3,500 per academic year; second-year students are limited to $4,500 per academic year. Independent students may have additional unsubsidized loan eligibility up to $6000, depending upon grade level. Grade level determination is based upon your current academic record and Student Educational Plan.

Required application materials: The Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (to be completed online) and the Loan Request form must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office to complete the loan application process.

Deadlines:

Last day to submit loan applications for the academic year for each term is posted on the financial aid deadline and timeline page. Click here

Summer student loans are based on a Summer only Cost of Attendance and is considered a 'trailer' for each award year. Therefore, if you have used up all of your loan eligibility for that aid year, you will not be eligible for a student loan for that Summer. Click the link for the summer loan deadline.

150% Direct Subsidized Loan Limit: First-time borrowers are not eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans after 150% of the published length of the borrower's current educational program. This does not affect Unsubsidized Loans or PLUS loan eligibility.

Federal Direct PLUS (Parent) Loans
Glendale Community College participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. This includes Federal PLUS loans. These are loans that parents of dependent students may take in order to assist in paying for college costs. Click here for loan deadlines.

Criteria: Loan eligibility is based on students being enrolled in an eligible degree program (this includes most of the programs offered at GCC), unmet need (for subsidized loan), and a complete financial aid file. Also, students must be enrolled in 6 or more units (half-time status) at the time of disbursement. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract, only units from the courses on your contract will count toward your eligibility.

Eligible loan amounts:
Limits for parent, PLUS Loan, borrowing are limited to the student’s Cost of Attendance as calculated by the Financial Aid Office.

Required application materials: The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note, PLUS Entrance counseling and the PLUS Loan Request Form must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office.

For a complete explanation of our loan program and your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, please visit our financial aid consumer information page on student loans.

Watch short video: What is a Federal Direct Student Loan?
Students applying for a private loan may do so by contacting a private lending institution of their choice. Once the financial aid office is notified of the student’s request for a private loan, the student will be contacted by the financial aid office in order to ensure that all grants and waivers are made available to the student first, before loans are packaged.

Other Things You Need to Know

If you withdraw from all of your classes before you have completed 60% of the semester, you will be required to repay some or all of the financial aid you have received for that semester. Please see our calendar for important dates.

You must reapply for financial aid each year.

Grants are generally disbursed to you by check. Work-study funds must be earned and are paid according to your hourly rate of pay and the number of hours you work. All CCPG awards are waivers of your enrollment and, in the case of CCPG A, half of your health fees. CCPGs are only disbursed as cash if you have already paid these fees and are eligible for a refund from the College. More information on disbursement of financial aid is included on the “What Happens Next” page.

Carefully read GCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. You may lose eligibility if you do not successfully complete all of your courses, exceed the total number of units allowed for your degree/certificate/transfer program, or your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.

If your family's financial circumstances change during the year, contact the Financial Aid Office. In some cases we can adjust your application information and you may be eligible for additional funds.
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