Federal Financial Aid
All applicants of federal financial aid at FCC receive a copy of "The Student Guide" during their financial aid interview. "The Student Guide" is a booklet published annually by the U.S. Department of Education that explains each financial assistance program in detail, including ranges of dollar awards. It is considered to be an addendum to the enrollment agreement.
FCC has been certified by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the following programs:
Pell Grant
To be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, students must make application, prove U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, sign a free application for federal student aid, not owe a refund on a federal grant, not be in default on a federal loan and maintain satisfactory progress in school.
The Pell Grant distributes funds directly to eligible students. Eligibility is determined by a family contribution factor, the student aid index, cost of education, full or part-time status and whether the student attended school for a full academic year or less. Pell Grant award limits change every year and need not be repaid.
Cal Grant
The Cal Grant program is the largest financial aid program offered through the California Student Aid Commission. Students who are eligible may apply for the Cal Grant A, B or C. The monies granted are gift monies and do not have to be paid back. The application deadline for new and continuing students is March 2.
FSEOG
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need, with priority given to Pell Grant recipients. It does not have to be repaid. FSEOG is awarded each quarter to eligible students who generally receive one disbursement per academic year.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study program offers eligible students the opportunity to earn money to help pay for their education while gaining valuable work experience. Students awarded FWS earn salaries at an hourly rate that meets or exceeds federal minimum wage.
Subsidized Stafford Loan
The Subsidized Stafford Loan is a low-interest loan program available to students through eligible California lenders. The loans, obtained directly from private banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions, are guaranteed by Edfund, a service of the California Student Aid Commission and are insured by the federal government. The amount of the loan may not exceed the cost of education, less other aid available. To be eligible, the student must be a citizen or permanent resident alien of the United States and meet other eligibility requirements. Repayment of the loan begins six months after the student's last day of attendance.
Unsubsidized Stafford/PLUS Loans
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to independent students through eligible lenders. Students may borrow without credit requirements. This low interest loan begins repayment six months after the student's last day in school. The interest may be paid while the student is attending school. PLUS loans are credit worthy loans available to parents of dependent students. Unlike the Stafford Loans, the repayment begins 30 days after the PLUS Loan is disbursed.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
This is a loan program for Stafford and Plus Loans in which the U.S. Department of Education becomes the lender and guarantor. The criteria for eligibility and repayment is the same as the loans obtained through a private lender.
Veterans Administration (VA)
VA financial assistance is administered by the Department of Veterans Educational Benefits to eligible veterans of the armed services.
