Financial
Aid Focus
How Do
I Apply?
Find out all you need
to know about applying
for financial assistance
Tick Tock!
Learn about important
dead-lines in the financial aid cycle
Getting Help
Discover all of the resources
available to you to make the
financial aid process a breeze!
The
“Fine Print”
Rules and Regulations,
Rights and Responsibilities
The stuff you need to know
when you receive financial aid
Welcome
Dear student:
Welcome to Contra Costa College! Here at the Office of Financial Assistance, we understand that paying for college can be a huge challenge for many members of our community. Therefore, it is our mission to help you take advantage of the many financial resources that are available to you in order to make attaining a higher education at Contra Costa College accessible.
The financial aid process can be intimidating, but don’t let it scare you away from a quality education! We are here to help you, because your success as a student is important to everyone at Contra Costa College.
“Financial Aid Focus” is a publication that we hope will guide you through everything you need to know about financial assistance programs at Contra Costa College. In the following pages, you will learn how to apply for financial aid, important deadlines, types of financial aid, and other valuable information and resources.
Should you have any additional questions, concerns, or feedback, please visit our office in person. We welcome the opportunity to assist you in every way that we can! Sincerely,
Office of Financial Assistance Contra Costa College
2600 Mission Bell Drive San Pablo, CA 94806
Student Services Center, Room 102 Phone: (510) 215-6026
Phone Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:00AM – 3:00PM Fax: (510) 215-2810
Federal School Code: 001190 Dream Act School Code: 00119000
Online: www.contracosta.edu and click on the ‘Financial Aid’ button Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00AM – 4:30PM
First Wednesday of Each Month: 8:00AM – 6:00PM Friday: CLOSED
What’s
Inside
Key Dates . . . .3
Financial Aid 101 . . . .4
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid? . . . .6
California Dream Act/AB540 . . . .6
Cal Grants . . . .7
Additional Resources . . . .8
Knowledge is Power . . . .9
FAQs . . . .10
Financial Aid Lingo . . . .11
Social Media . . . .12
The cycle of financial aid has important
dates and deadlines. Knowing when
to begin the application process is
the first step toward understanding
the financial aid cycle.
December: It’s time to start thinking about applying for financial aid for the next academic year! Visit the Office of Financial Assistance to ask questions, obtain application worksheets, and find out what information you will need to have ready. Learn about the application process by logging on to www.studentaid.ed.gov (if you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) or www.csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp (if you are an AB540 student).
January: On January 1, students can begin applying for financial aid for the next academic year. You will need your income tax and other income information from the previous year to apply. If you are a dependent student, you will also need your parent(s) tax information from the previous year. We encourage all students to apply as early as possible! Log on to www.fafsa.gov to complete the FAFSA (if you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) or www.caldreamact.org (if you are an AB540 student).
March: The priority application filing deadline is March 2 each year. All students are encouraged to meet this deadline in order to be considered for the maximum amount of financial assistance! March 2 is also the Cal Grant deadline. To apply for the Cal Grant, you must submit your FAFSA or Dream Act Application AND your Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification Form. Please see page 7 for more information on the Cal Grant program. If you (or your parent) have yet to file taxes for the prior year before March 2, it is OK to use estimates! Just gather your W2s, last check stubs, or other proof of income. Just remember to go back and update your application once the taxes have been submitted to the IRS.
April–May: Keep a look out on your Contra Costa College email account (you should have set up your email account during the Admissions process). Some time between April and May, you will receive an email notification about the status of your financial aid file. Take note of whether any additional forms or documents are requested. For example, some students may have to submit copies of tax return information! The email will give you instructions on what you need to do to complete your financial aid file. If you don’t receive an email by the end of May, visit the Office of Financial Assistance in person, or give us a call, to inquire about the status of your financial aid file.
June–July: In order to receive your financial assistance in time for the start of the fall semester (if eligible), you must complete your financial aid file by mid-July. Exact deadlines can be found on our website by viewing the “Financial Aid Payment Calendar.” This means that you have submitted all required documents, forms, and other information requested by the Office of Financial Assistance. If you are unsure if your financial aid file is complete, we encourage you to visit the office in person, or give us a call, to inquire about the status of your financial aid file.
August: The fall semester begins! If you are eligible for financial assistance, and have completed your financial aid file by the published deadline date, you should expect to receive a financial aid disbursement during the first month of school. If you miss the documentation deadline, don’t worry! We disburse financial aid to eligible students throughout the academic year. Just be sure to complete your financial aid file as soon as possible. For additional disbursement dates, refer to the “Financial Aid Payment Calendar” available on our web site. September: For California Community College students only, there is a second Cal Grant opportunity on September 2 of each year. To apply for the Cal Grant, you must submit your FAFSA and your Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification Form. Please see page 7 for more information on the Cal Grant program.
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Tick
Tock!
Not sure what types of financial aid are available to you?
It’s time to get schooled on financial aid basics!
“Financial Aid” is a term used to describe any type of financial resource that is available to students to achieve a
college education. This can include fee waivers, grants, work-study, scholarships, or student loans. Financial aid
comes from a variety of sources including federal government, state government, or private funds. Your Award
Letter will tell you which types of aid you are eligible to receive. Read below to find out more about the different
types of financial aid that may be available to you!
Federal Financial Aid
Programs:
Federal Pell Grant: The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest grant program in the country. The amount of Federal Pell Grant that you are eligible for will depend on your financial need, your estimated cost of attendance, your enrollment status, and your Expected Family Contribution (for a glossary of financial aid terms, please refer to page 11). Awards can range from around $600 to over $5,700. Students can apply for the Federal Pell Grant year-round. You do not have to be enrolled full-time to qualify – some students may be enrolled in as little as one-half unit! Students must be U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens to qualify. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
The FSEOG is an additional grant available to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awarded students may receive up to $300 per semester. Funds are limited, so students who apply by the priority deadline of March 2 will be awarded first. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in order to qualify. To apply, simply complete the FAFSA.
Federal Work-Study (FWS): FWS is a program that provides job opportunities for students to earn money and employment skills while attending college. Students who are awarded FWS can work part-time, on-campus, in between their classes. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least half-time. Funds are limited, so students who apply by the priority deadline of March 2 will be awarded first. To apply, simply complete the FAFSA. If awarded, you will receive separate email instructions on available jobs, how to be placed in a job, and any additional forms you may need to complete. Award amounts may vary based on job placement.
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans: The U.S. Department of Education offers low-interest rate loans to eligible students to help cover the costs of college. Subsidized loans are available to students who demonstrate financial need, and the federal government pays the interest on the loan while you are enrolled at least half-time. On the other hand, unsubsidized loans are an option for students without financial need, but you are responsible for
paying all of the interest on the loan. To qualify, students must be enrolled at least half-time in units that are applicable toward an eligible program of study. The total amount you can borrow will be determined by the Office of Financial Assistance, based on your financial need, other financial aid awards, grade level, and dependency status. To apply for a loan, you must visit our office in person to be pre-screened. For more information, including loan amounts and loan processing, please visit our web site, or log on to www.studentloans.gov.
State Financial Aid
Programs:
Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG): Unlike a grant, the BOG is not a cash award, but will instead waive your registration fees at a California Community College. To qualify, you must be a California resident or an AB540-eligible student. Also, you must meet specific income eligibility requirements, or demonstrate a minimum amount of financial need on your FAFSA or Dream Act Application. To apply, simply submit your FAFSA or Dream Act Application online. Paper applications for the BOG are also available on our web site. Cal Grants: The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers Cal Grants to students who are California residents, who are enrolled at least half-time, and demonstrate financial need. To apply, students must submit their FAFSA/Dream Act Application and GPA Verification no later than March 2, for priority entitlement awards, or September 2 of each year. For more information on the different types of Cal Grants and award amounts, see page 7.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth: CSAC also offers grants to foster youth via the Chafee program. This program is designed for students who are current or former foster youth who have not reached their 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year. The California Department of Social Services will verify the student’s foster youth eligibility status. Awards are up to $5,000 per academic year! To apply, you must submit the FAFSA or Dream Act Application AND the Chafee Grant Application. For more information, log on to www.chafee.csac.ca.gov.
California Child Development Grant: CSAC also offers this need-based grant to students who plan to enroll at least half-time in coursework leading to a Child Development Permit for work in a licensed children’s center. For more information and to obtain an application, log on to www.csac.ca.gov. Application deadline is May 15 each year.
Law Enforcement Personnel
Dependents Grant: If you are a dependent or spouse of a law enforcement official who was killed or totally disabled in the line of duty, you may qualify for this award. Visit CSAC’s web site for application materials.
Private Financial Aid
Sources:
Contra Costa College Foundation: CCCF is a non-profit organization which collects private donations from local businesses, community members, alumni and other private sources, to offer as scholarships to students of Contra Costa College. Scholarship amounts vary by award, but can be up to $2,000. For more information on how to apply for CCCF scholarships, log on to www.contracosta. edu/scholarships.
Outside Donor Scholarships: Besides the scholarship awards offered by CCCF, we encourage students to seek other scholarship opportunities. But beware of scholarship scams! You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship, legitimate scholarships are never guaranteed, and you should never have to provide your banking or credit card information to apply for a scholarship. For a list of legitimate outside scholarship opportunities, check the outside scholarship listing often by logging on to www.contracosta.edu/scholarships/ outside-scholarships.
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
The application process can be confusing, but don’t get
discouraged! Follow these steps to make the process easy!
1 Fill out the FAFSA or Dream Act Application
If you are a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by logging on to www.fafsa.gov. If you are an undocumented AB540-eligible student, you should complete the Dream Act Application by logging on to www.caldreamact.org. Contra Costa College’s School Code is 001190.Need help filling out your application? Visit the Financial Aid Com-puter Lab, located in the Assessment Center in the Student Services Building. Financial Aid Advisors are available to provide one-on-one assistance through the online application process. Lab hours vary from week to week, so check out our web site for the most recent lab hours, or visit our office in person to get a list of lab hours.
2 Keep a close watch on your email inboxes!
After submitting your application, you will receive two notifications by email: one from the application processing center and one from Contra Costa College.
You will receive the first notification by email from the processing center within 2-4 business days. This notification will verify whether your application was successfully submitted, and may also provide you with an estimate of your financial aid eligibility. This email will be sent to the email address you listed on your financial aid application.
Next, your application will be transmitted to the schools you listed. Contra Costa College will email you regarding your financial aid status. This email will be sent to your school-assigned District email account within 2-4 weeks of the date you submitted your online application. If any additional information, forms, or documents are requested, respond as soon as possible! Didn’t get an email within 2-4 weeks? Do not hesitate to call or visit the office to check on the status of your financial aid file.
3 Receive your Award Letter Notification
Once your financial aid file is complete, you will receive an email from Contra Costa College to tell you that your Award Letter is now available. Your Award Letter will tell you the amounts and types of financial aid you are eligible for.
Your financial aid awards may include fee waivers, grants, work-study, and student loans. Review your Award Letter carefully!
4 Research other sources of financial assistance
Still need help meeting your college expenses? We encourage you to investigate other options to help you be successful at Contra Costa College!There are other sources of financial assistance beyond federal and state financial aid. Consider searching for scholarship opportunities, visit the EOPS (Extended Opportunities, Programs & Services) office, get help for a disability at the DSPS (Disabled Students Programs & Services) office, or talk to your counselor in the Counseling Department. We are all here to help you achieve your goals! For more information on other campus resources, please see page 8.
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors
Act (Dream Act) allows undocumented and nonresident
students who are AB540-eligible to apply for and receive
state-administered financial assistance programs at
California colleges and universities. The mission is to make
education beyond high school accessible to all Californians.
If you are an undocumented or nonresident student, read
below to discover what programs are available to you.
What is AB540 and how do I become eligible?
If you are an undocumented or nonresident student that meets all of the requirements below, you may be considered AB540-eligible to apply for state-funded financial aid:
1. Must have attended high school in California for three or more years, or have completed the equivalent of three or more years of high school credits at a California high school;
2. Must have graduated from a California high school, passed the California High School Proficiency Exam, or obtained a General Education Development (GED) Certificate;
3. Must be enrolled at a qualifying institution of higher education in the State of California, and;
4. Must file an affidavit with the college stating that you will file an application to legalize your immigration status as soon as you are eligible (if you do not already have lawful immigration status). Your AB540 status will be determined by the Admissions & Records Office. Please visit their office, located in the Student Services Center, for more information if you feel that you meet all of the above criteria.
Dream Act Application
If you meet all of the above criteria and your status as AB540-eligible has been determined, the next step is to complete the Dream Act Applcation. Log on to www.caldreamact.org to apply online. Applications become available in January every year with a deadline of March 2 each year. Need help completing your application? The Financial Aid Computer Lab is available in the Assessment Center in the Student Services Building. You can receive one-on-one help to apply online! Lab hours vary, so check our web site or visit our office for a listing of lab hours.
Cal Grant 101: Striking Gold
in the Golden State
The California Student Aid Commission administers
the Cal Grant program to help assist students with the cost
of attending college/university in the Golden State. Read on
to find out more about the various types of Cal Grants that
are available to you at Contra Costa College!
General Requirements:
To be considered for a Cal Grant award, a student must: 1. Be a California resident or AB540-eligible, and 2. Not have a bachelor’s or professional degree, and 3. File a completed FAFSA or Dream Act Application and
Cal Grant GPA Verification form by March 2 each year, and 4. Have at least $200 of financial need.
There are two types of Cal Grant awards offered at
Contra Costa College: Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C.
Also, there are “entitlement” and “competitive” award
cycles. Award amounts will vary by type and the student’s
enrollment status. Let’s examine these types!
Cal Grant B
This grant provides a living allowance and tuition and fee assistance to low-income students. It may be used at a community college or a university for up to four academic years. If the student transfers to a four-year university, the Cal Grant B award will be increased to help with tuition and fees.
Cal Grant B Entitlement Award:If you are a high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA and meets all income requirements, you are entitled to receive a Cal Grant award – but you must file your FAFSA/Dream Act Application and submit your GPA Verification no later than March 2 of your senior year of high school! Talk with your high school counselor to make sure your GPA is submitted.
Cal Grant B Competitive Award: Any other students who are not high school seniors, have at least a 2.0 GPA, and meet all income requirements are placed into the “competitive” cycle. Competitive awards are selected based on a composite score that takes into account your family income, parents’ educational level, GPA, and other factors submitted on your FAFSA. You must still apply by March 2 but, unlike the entitlement awards, you are not guaranteed to receive a Cal Grant.
Cal Grant C
The Cal Grant C is intended for students enrolled in a vocational program that leads to a recognized occupational goal. Students receiving a Cal Grant C must NOT plan to transfer to a four-year university. Additionally, students must meet specific income criteria to demonstrate financial need. If you are awarded a Cal Grant C, you will receive a Cal Grant C Supplement Application from CSAC, which must be completed and returned by May 15 of the award year.
California Community College Transfer
Entitlement Award
Students who attend a California Community College and then transfer to a four-year university may qualify for an additional Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award! If you graduated high school after June 30, 2000, you may be eligible for this award upon transfer to university. To qualify, you must have at least a 2.4 college GPA, meet the income requirements, and be under 28 years of age as of December 31 of the award year.
Besides the sources of financial assistance we have
already covered, there are more ways that you might be
able to cover your other expenses. These special programs
apply to specific groups of students, so be sure to check the
requirements to determine if you qualify.
Americorps: This program engages Americans across the country in public service at nonprofits, schools, and other public and community agencies across the country. Not only do participants earn valuable work skills, but they earn money for college. To find out more and get involved, log on to www.nationalservice.gov.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: If you are a veteran, or the dependent of a veteran, you may qualify for Veterans Educational Benefits, including the GI Bill. For more information, log on to www.benefits.va.gov.
Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Higher Education Grant Program: This grant is aimed at providing supplemental financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native college students. To be considered for this grant, the student must be a member of, or at least one-quarter degree blood descendant of, a recognized American Indian Tribe. Also, the student must have demonstrated financial need, as determined by the financial aid office of the college/university the student is attending. For more information, including applications, log on to www.bie.edu.
What if I still
need help?
Everyone at Contra Costa College
wants you to be successful in
completing your goals of a higher
education. If you need additional
help beyond financial assistance,
we encourage you to use the following
additional resources available
to you on campus!
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Office: The EOPS/CARE Office provides state-funded student support programs for educationally and economically disadvantaged students. The mission is to help these students succeed through personal, professional, and educational growth and achievement. Services include: academic, career, and personal counseling; priority registration; tutoring referrals;
workshops and EOPS Summer Academy; and financial assistance for parking permits, cap and gowns, and book support. The EOPS/CARE Office is located in the Student Services Center.
CalWORKs: California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids is a state-funded program designed to help individuals on public assistance find work, or become involved in activities that prepare them for work. The program offers welfare-to-work activities, such as employability assessments and job search assistance, in addition to cash assistance. The CalWORKs Office is located in the Student Services Center.
Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS): If you are a student with a disability, the DSPS Office can provide you with supportive services and accommodations to help you be successful at Contra Costa College. To participate, call the DSPS office at 510-215-3969 to schedule an appointment with a DSPS counseling staff member.
College Skills Center: Located in the Library, Room 121, the CSC offers free peer tutoring to all Contra Costa College
students. Tutors are available in numerous subject areas, including English and math, and are available on a walk-in, first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, there is a Campus-Wide Tutoring Program which offers tutoring services at various locations across the campus. To find out more about locations and times, email tutoring@ contracosta.edu to ask.
The Department of Student Life: Want to get involved with student government, clubs, or other campus activities? Look no further than Student Life! Social, cultural, and leadership activities will enhance your college experience. To find out more about the Associated Student Union, Student Clubs, Student Ambassadors, and other activities, visit the Student Life office in the AA Building, Room 109.
Counseling Center: Need help figuring out what classes you need? Or do you have personal questions that are affecting your schoolwork and would like help? Schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor to discuss your needs. The Counseling Center is located in the Student Services Center, or you may call 510-215-3934.
Uncovering Additional
Financial Resources
When you accept financial aid, it is
important that you are knowledgeable
about the rules and regulations of
financial aid programs, as well as
your rights and responsibilities as a
financial aid recipient.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): In compliance with federal regulations, students must meet specific academic requirements in order to maintain eligibility for most of the financial aid programs described thus far. This includes a minimum GPA, minimum rate of course completion, and maximum number of units. Students not meeting the minimum academic requirements become ineligible to receive financial assistance. This is called “suspension” status. Students on “suspension” may file an appeal if they have a demonstrated extenuating circumstance. All students are required to read and understand the SAP Policy upon acceptance of a financial aid disbursement. To read the SAP Policy in its entirety, please visit our web site and click on “Financial Aid Policies.”
Return of Financial Aid Funds
(Repayment): Because financial aid funds
are disbursed to a student under the promise that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance was awarded, any student who does not attend or satisfactorily complete the courses
for which they received a financial aid disbursement may be placed into repayment for all or a portion of the financial aid funds they received. Before dropping classes, we recommend that you consult with a financial aid advisor first, to determine how the dropped courses may affect your financial aid award.
Financial Aid Terms of Agreement: Upon acceptance of financial aid funds, the student must read and understand the Terms of Agreement. This document outlines the general requirements for all financial aid programs as well as award and disbursement information. This document is available on our web site by clicking on “Financial Aid Policies.”
Financial Aid Focus
Contact the Office of Financial Assistance with specific financial aid inquiries. Published 2015. Printed in USA. Copyright © 2015 CareerAmerica, LLC. All rights reserved. Content cannot be reproduced without permission.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this Guide. However, it has not been reviewed by the U.S. Dept. of Education. For official descriptions of state aid programs, please refer to the California Education Code.
Still have questions?
Tune in to CCC’s Financial Aid Online TV channel for easy-to-understand
video answers. Go to www.contracosta.edu and click on the ‘Financial Aid’ button.
Knowledge is Power!
Looking for more
knowledge? Log on!
For information on the California Community College system: www.icanaffordcollege.com For information on Selective Service Registration: www.sss.gov For more information on general financial aid: www.finaid.org To estimate how much financial aid you might qualify for:
What exactly is financial aid?
The term “financial aid” refers to any type of financial assistance that a student may receive that helps pay for the expenses of attending college or university. This may include fee waivers, grants, work-study, scholarships, or student loans.
What if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
Can I qualify?
Yes! Students who are U.S. Permanent Residents with a valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or Conditional Permanent Residents (I-551C), or those with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) showing the designation of Refugee, Asylum Granted, Parole or Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or those with an Immigrant Court document approving Asylum or the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, are eligible to apply for federal financial aid programs by completing the FAFSA. Students who are undocumented and AB540-eligible (see page 6 for more details) may apply for state financial aid programs by completing the Dream Act Application.
How do I apply?
Applying for financial aid is easy and FREE! If you are a U.S Citizen, or meet any of the non-citizen statuses described above, complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa. gov. If you are an undocumented, AB540-eligible student, complete the Dream Act Application online at www.caldreamact.org. To get one-on-one help, visit the Financial Aid Computer Lab in the Assessment Center in the Student Services Center building. Check our web site for computer lab hours.
How much money can I receive?
The amount of financial assistance that a student can receive is based on a number of factors, including income, household, dependency status, assets, and much more. Each type of financial aid has its own award amounts – for example, Pell Grant awards can be more than $5,700 per year – but the amount will vary based on each individual student’s information. Once your financial aid file is complete, you will receive an official Award Letter that will include your exact awards and amounts.
How do I receive the grant money
that I am eligible for?
If your financial aid awards exceed your institutional charges, you will receive a financial aid disbursement for the balance via check. Checks are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on file with Admissions & Records. Please make sure your address is correct at all times! Contact Admissions & Records to update your address if you move.
I received my Award Letter, but
I haven’t received any money.
Where’s my check?
Financial aid disbursement checks are mailed out according to a schedule. The date your check will be mailed depends on the date that you submitted all required forms/documents needed to complete your financial aid file. To determine when you can expect to receive your financial aid disbursement, please refer to the “Financial Aid Award Payment Calendar” available on our web site.
Award Letter: An electronic document that you receive from the Office of Financial Assistance via email that describes the types and amounts of financial assistance that you may qualify for. Award Letters are also available on your InSite Portal.
Cost of Attendance (COA): The estimated amount that you can expect it will cost you to attend college. This includes the cost of tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. This figure is used in connection with your Expected Family Contribution to determine your Financial Need. Dependent: A student who is considered dependent must report parental information on their financial aid application. For more information on dependency status, log on to www.studentaid.ed.gov. Dream Act Application: The application used to apply for state financial assistance programs if you are an undocumented or nonresident student who meets AB540 eligibility criteria.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The estimated amount that a student/the student’s family can contribute toward the educational costs, based on the information provided on the financial aid application. This figure is used to determine eligibility for need-based financial assistance programs.
Federal Work-Study (FWS): A federally funded program in which students are provided with opportunities to work on-campus, in between their classes to earn extra money to help cover college-related expenses. In the FWS program, students will also learn job skills. Funds are limited, so submit your FAFSA by March 2 each year for the best chance to receive an FWS award.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The
assistance programs. Complete this application between January 1 and March 2 each year if you are a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen. Special Circumstances: When a student/student’s family has had a drastic decrease in income or other financial situation, the student may file for special consideration. This may include the loss of a job, reduction in salary, death of an income-earner, or loss of a benefit. If any of these financial situations apply to you, visit the Office of Financial Assistance to schedule an appointment with your financial aid advisor. Student Aid Report (SAR): A document that you will receive after you have submitted your FAFSA/Dream Act Application online. This document summarizes the information you provided on your FAFSA/ Dream Act Application and includes your EFC. You should review your SAR to determine if you need to make any corrections to the information on your FAFSA/Dream Act Application.
Verification: Students who are selected for verification are required to submit additional documentation, such as tax return transcripts or verification forms, to the Office of Financial Assistance for review. A financial aid advisor will compare your documents against what you reported on your financial aid application to determine if any corrections need to be made. About one-third of all applications are selected for verification. If you need to submit any additional documents, you will be notified by email. Submit your documents right away to maximize your financial aid awards!
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): The definition of the aca-demic requirements that each student must maintain in order to con-tinue being eligible for financial assistance. This includes a minimum GPA requirement, progress requirement, and maximum timeframe. To review our SAP Policy in its entirety, please visit our web site.
Financial Aid Lingo
Pop Quiz!
Ready to test your knowledge of financial aid?
Take this quiz to find out how much you know
about financial aid at Contra Costa College!
1. On which date does the FAFSA for the next academic year become available?
a January 1
b March 2
c July 1
2. The web site to apply for financial aid is: a www .fafsa .gov
b www .caldreamact .org
c All of the above
3. Which of the following is NOT a federal financial assistance program?
a Federal Work-Study
b Board of Governors Fee Waiver
c Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans
4. The priority deadline to apply for Cal Grant is: a January 1
b March 2
c July 1
5. SAP stands for:
a Supplemental Application Program
b Standard Academic Process
c Satisfactory Academic Progress
Answer K ey
: 1) a, 2) c, 3) b, 4) b , 5) c
