Types of Financial Aid

Grants

This is a State program for California residents to assist in payment of enrollment fees at community colleges.  There are three ways to qualify for the Promise Grant:

  • You demonstrate financial need  OR

  • You or your family is receiving TANF/CalWorks (formerly AFDC), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or General Assistance/ General Relief  OR 

  • You / Your family meet(s) specific income standards based on family size.

  • The CCPG application is good for the entire academic year starting in the Summer term through the following Spring term. Students must​ reapply every academic year.

Cal Grant programs are available to California residents attending an eligible college in California.  The programs are administered by the California Student Aid Commission.  The annual application deadline is March 2.

  • Cal Grant A:  eligibility is based on financial need and GPA.  Assistance is provided to meet tuition and fee costs at four-year institutions.  Awards may be placed on "reserve" for community college recipients until transfer to a four-year institution.  Award amounts: $2,046 at CSU, $4,984 at UC, $9,708 at independent colleges.​​​
  • Cal Grant B:  eligibility is based on demonstration of substantial financial need.  Assistance is provided in meeting living expenses (i.e. books and supplies, housing and transportation).  The maximum award amount is $1,648 per year.
  • Cal Grant C:  assists eligible students enrolled in a vocational training program with related training expenses (i.e. equipment, books, supplies, etc.). The maximum awards amount is $1,094 per year. ​

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) is a financial aid award 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.

The Student Success Completion Grant pays Cal Grant recipients enrolled in at least 12 but fewer than 15 semester units $1,298 per semester. Cal Grant recipients enrolled in 15 or more semester units receive $4,000 per semester. Due to limited funding, Student Success Completion Grants (SSCG) are not guaranteed

This grant, which does not have to be repaid, is a federally funded program designed to be the foundation of financial aid for undergraduates who demonstrate need.  'The amount of the Pell Grant is base on the cost of attendance, the calculated family contribution, and the student's enrollment status.  At RSCCD, payments are twice each semester -once at the beginning of the term and then recalculated based on mid-term enrollment status.  Award amounts varied from $767 to $7,395. ​

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need--that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs)--and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG doesn't have to be paid back.

Federal grants consist of Pell Grant and the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Both grants are need-based, in most cases, they do not require repayment.  Awards range from $672 to $6,495 for Pell Grant and $400 for FSEOG.

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available for you to borrow to offset your tuition and assist you with any education-related expenses.  The loans are made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and are administered by the U.S. Department of Education.  Santa Ana College offers the following types of loans:​

 The amount awarded is based on your financial need.  Interest is waived by the federal government while you are enrolled at least half-time (6 units) or during eligible deferment periods.  To qualify for this loan, you must enroll at least half-time (6 units).  1st-year students may borrow up to $3,500 and 2nd-year students may borrow up to $4,500.  The current interest rate is fixed at 5.05%.

This loan is not based on your financial need. Interest is charged during all period, including the time you are in school, during the grace period, and during eligible deferment periods.  To qualify for this loan, you must enroll at least half-time (6 units).  Dependent students may borrow up to $2,000 and Independent students may borrow up to $6,000.  The current interest rate is fixed at 5.05%.​

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

A federally funded program that provides employment opportunities to students with financial need.  Students awarded FWS receive an allocation of funds to be earned through part-time jobs on campus.  FWS provides an excellent "learning process" through on-the-job training.  Maximum award amount at RSCCD is $3,000.  Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six units during periods of employment. ​

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.
 
FWS is a work programs for students that allows them to work on campus or off campus for a non-profit organization.  Students may  work up to 20 hours per week, usually at minimum wage or above. 

Your Federal Work-Study wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required.  Your total Federal Work-Study award depends on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level of your school.

Refer to the disbursement policies of the Rancho Santiago Community College District by clicking on the following link: RSCCD's Disbursement Policy.

California Dream Act Fact Sheet

The California Dream Act is a law that allows students who are not California residents to receive State financial aid if they meet the AB-540 criteria.

  • Attended a CA high school for 3+ years

  • Graduated from a CA high school or the equivalent

  • Enrolls in a public CA college or university

  • Undocumented students must file an affidavit with the institution stating that he/she has filed an application to legalize status or will file as soon as eligible.  This is done when the school determines AB-540 status.  If your residency status with Admissions & records is AB-540, you have already filed the affidavit.

  • If the student is a US citizen or eligible non-citizen but not CA resident – complete the FAFSA.
    FAF​SA​​

  •  If the student is not a US citizen or eligible non-citizen – complete Dream Act Application.
     Dream Act Application

  • U.S. permanent resident, with a Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card or "Green Card")

  •  Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)

  • Participating in the Deferred Action program does not make one an eligible non-citizen

  • Meet low-income standards based on household size.

  • ​A student can apply for the CCPG through the Dream Act application and FAFSA.

The Dream Act Application

FAF​SA

California Promise Grant Application

  • Meet Selective Service requirements

  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

  • Not owe a grant repayment or be in default on a student loan.

  • Not have earned a BA/BS degree

  • Not be incarcerated

  • Attend an eligible California school

  • Be enrolled at least half-time

  • High School GPA required (Entitlement)

  • Can apply for the Cal Grant through Dream Act application and FAFSA

    The Dream Act Application

    FAF​SA

Waiver for Surviving Spouse/Children

California state law provides for the surviving spouse and children of public law enforcement or public fire personnel killed in the line of duty to receive a waiver of all required tuition and fees at all California Community College, California State Universities, and University of California campuses.  Please contact the Santa Ana College Financial Aid Department if you qualify for this benefit.  Please review the conditions of eligibility below to determine if you qualify.

  1. He or she was a resident of California.

  2. He or she was employed by a public agency or was a contractor, or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency, or was a firefighter employed by the federal government whose duty assignment involved the performance of firefighting services in California.

  3. His or her principal duties consisted of active law enforcement service or active fire suppression and prevention. This waiver shall not apply to a person whose principal duties were clerical, even if he or she was subject to occasional call or was occasionally called upon to perform duties within the scope of active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention.

  4. He or she was killed in the performance of active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention duties, died as a result of an accident or an injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of his or her active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention duties, or died as a result of an industrial injury or illness arising out of and in the course of active law enforcement or fire suppression and prevention duties.

The student must first complete the FAFSA​ or California Dream Act (http://www.dream.csac.ca.gov/) and provide documentation that the student's annual income, including the value of any support received from a parent, does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant B award. ​