Grants & Financial Aid You Don't Have to Repay

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant awarded to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Unlike a loan, Pell Grant funds generally do not need to be repaid.

Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Award amounts may vary each academic year and are based on factors including:

• Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Cost of Attendance (COA)
• Enrollment intensity (number of units enrolled)
• Length of enrollment during the academic year
• Federal eligibility requirements

Students may only receive Federal Pell Grant funds from one institution at a time.

Enrollment and Pell Grant Eligibility

Your Pell Grant amount is based, in part, on your enrollment intensity. This means your award may change depending on the number of eligible units in which you are enrolled.

You do not have to be enrolled full-time to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Eligible students enrolled less than full-time, including students enrolled in fewer than 6 units, may qualify for a reduced Pell Grant award.

Only courses that apply toward your eligible program of study may be counted when determining federal financial aid eligibility.

Pell Recalculation Date

Ventura College establishes a Pell Recalculation Date (PRD) each semester. Your enrollment on this date is generally used to determine your Pell Grant enrollment intensity and award amount for the term.

Adding or dropping courses before the Pell Recalculation Date may change your Pell Grant eligibility or award amount.

Review Ventura College's Important Dates and Deadlines for the current Pell Recalculation Date.

Attendance Requirements

You must begin attendance in your courses to receive Federal Pell Grant funds for those classes.

If Ventura College cannot confirm that you began attendance in a course, your Pell Grant may be reduced and you may be required to repay financial aid you already received.

Withdrawing from or not completing your courses may also affect your current or future financial aid eligibility.

Lifetime Eligibility Limit

Federal regulations limit students to a maximum of 12 full-time semesters (or the equivalent) of Federal Pell Grant eligibility. This is commonly referred to as Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

Once you reach 600% LEU, you are no longer eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant funds.

You can review your Federal Pell Grant history and LEU at StudentAid.gov.

Bachelor's Degree Students

Students who have already earned a bachelor's or professional degree are generally not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

Students enrolled in Ventura College's bachelor's degree program may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if they have not previously earned a bachelor's or professional degree and meet all other federal eligibility requirements.

Maintaining Eligibility

To continue receiving Federal Pell Grant funds, you must continue to meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements, including:

• Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Remaining enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Enrolling in courses that apply toward your eligible program
• Meeting attendance requirements
• Remaining within the Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) limit

Federal Pell Grants generally do not need to be repaid. However, you may be required to repay some or all of your grant if you withdraw, do not begin attendance, receive funds for which you are not eligible, or experience another change that affects your eligibility.

Questions?

Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your Federal Pell Grant eligibility or award.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Unlike a loan, FSEOG funds generally do not need to be repaid.

Ventura College receives a limited amount of FSEOG funding each academic year. Because funds are limited, not all eligible students will receive an FSEOG award.

Who May Qualify?

Priority for FSEOG is given to students who:

• Demonstrate exceptional financial need;
• Are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant;
• Have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree;
• Are enrolled in an eligible program of study; and
• Meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply based on federal regulations and available funding.

How Do I Apply?

There is no separate application for FSEOG.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the applicable academic year and list Ventura College on your application.

Ventura College Title IV School Code: 001334

We encourage you to complete your FAFSA as early as possible. FSEOG funding is limited and is awarded to eligible students based on federal priority requirements and the availability of funds.

Important Information

• Receiving a Federal Pell Grant does not guarantee that you will receive FSEOG.
• FSEOG funding is limited and may not be available to every eligible student.
• Your award may be adjusted if your enrollment, eligibility, or other financial aid changes.
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and continue to meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
• FSEOG generally does not need to be repaid; however, you may be required to repay funds if you withdraw, do not begin attendance, or otherwise become ineligible.

Questions?

Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office if you have questions about FSEOG eligibility or your financial aid award.

Cal Grants are California state-funded grants awarded to eligible students by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Unlike loans, Cal Grants generally do not need to be repaid.

Depending on your eligibility and program of study, you may qualify for different types of Cal Grant awards.

How Do I Apply?

There is no separate Cal Grant application.

Complete one of the following for the applicable academic year:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Be sure to list Ventura College on your application so we can receive your financial aid information.

Ventura College Title IV School Code: 001334

You must also ensure that a verified Cal Grant GPA is submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by the applicable deadline. Many students have their GPA submitted electronically by their high school or college.

2026–2027 Application Deadlines

For the 2026–2027 academic year:

• March 2, 2026 – Priority deadline for California state financial aid.
• September 2, 2026 – California Community College students may still be considered for applicable Cal Grant opportunities.

Apply as early as possible. Meeting an application deadline does not guarantee an award, and some state financial aid programs have additional eligibility requirements.

Types of Cal Grants

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant A provides tuition and fee assistance for eligible students enrolled in qualifying bachelor's degree programs.

At Ventura College, eligible students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Career Education program may receive Cal Grant A.

For students enrolled in an associate degree or other eligible community college program, a Cal Grant A award may be held in reserve for use after transferring to an eligible four-year institution.

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B provides assistance to eligible students with financial need and may include an Access Award to help with educational and living expenses.

Students enrolled in Ventura College's bachelor's degree program may also be eligible for the applicable tuition and fee component of Cal Grant B.

Cal Grant C

Cal Grant C provides assistance to eligible students enrolled in qualifying career technical education (CTE) programs and may help with books, supplies, tools, and other educational expenses.

Maintaining Eligibility

To continue receiving a Cal Grant, you must continue to meet applicable state and institutional eligibility requirements, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requirements.

Changes to your enrollment, program of study, financial aid, or other eligibility information may affect your Cal Grant award.

How Do I Check My Cal Grant Status?

Use WebGrants 4 Students to:

• Check your Cal Grant application and award status
• Confirm or update your school of attendance
• Review requests for additional information
• View other California state financial aid information

Check Your Cal Grant Status – WebGrants 4 Students

You should also regularly check your MyVCCCD student portal and Ventura College email for financial aid updates.

Questions?

Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your Cal Grant eligibility or award.

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) provides additional state financial aid to eligible California Community College students who receive a qualifying Cal Grant and meet enrollment and other program requirements.

The SSCG is designed to support students enrolled full-time as they work toward completing their degree or certificate. Like the Cal Grant, SSCG funds generally do not need to be repaid.

There is no separate application for the SSCG. Ventura College determines eligibility based on your financial aid eligibility, Cal Grant eligibility, enrollment, and other program requirements.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for the SSCG if you:

• Receive a qualifying Cal Grant award;
• Are enrolled in the required number of eligible units;
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements; and
• Have remaining unmet financial need.

How Much Can I Receive?

Your SSCG award is based on the number of eligible units in which you are enrolled:

• 15 or more units: Up to $4,000 per semester ($8,000 annually)
• 12–14.99 units: Up to $1,298 per semester ($2,596 annually)

Your award may change if your enrollment or other eligibility information changes.

Current and Former Foster Youth

Eligible current and former foster youth enrolled in 12 or more eligible units may receive up to $5,250 per semester ($10,500 annually).

Students with an Academic Accommodation Plan

Eligible students registered with Ventura College's Educational Assistance Center (EAC) who are considered full-time at 9 or more units as part of an approved Academic Accommodation Plan may qualify for SSCG funding.

How Do I Apply?

There is no separate SSCG application.

To be considered:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the applicable academic year;
• Submit your application by the applicable California state financial aid deadline;
• Make sure a verified Cal Grant GPA is submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), if required;
• Qualify for an eligible Cal Grant award; and
• Meet applicable enrollment, financial need, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

Apply as early as possible. Ventura College will automatically determine your SSCG eligibility based on your Cal Grant eligibility, enrollment, financial need, and other program requirements.

Stay on Track Toward Your Goal

The SSCG is designed to support students who are making progress toward completing their educational goals.

Consider meeting with a Ventura College academic counselor to develop or review your Student Educational Plan (SEP). Your SEP can help you identify the courses you need for your degree or certificate and plan your enrollment each semester.

Taking 15 or more eligible units per semester, when appropriate for your educational plan and individual circumstances, may help you complete your program sooner and may also qualify you for a higher SSCG award.

Maintaining Eligibility

To continue receiving the SSCG, you must continue to meet applicable program requirements, including enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

Changes to your enrollment, financial need, Cal Grant eligibility, or other eligibility information may affect your SSCG award.

Questions?

Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your SSCG eligibility or award.

The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth provides financial assistance to eligible current and former foster youth attending college or career training.

Eligible students may receive up to $5,000 per academic year to help with educational and living expenses while attending school. Chafee Grant funds generally do not need to be repaid.

How Do I Apply?

The Chafee Grant has eligibility and application requirements that are separate from other state financial aid programs.

Ventura College works with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to verify eligible students' enrollment and financial need and to disburse Chafee Grant funds.

Visit our Foster Youth Financial Aid page to learn more about:

• Chafee Grant eligibility and application requirements
• Financial aid resources for current and former foster youth
• Additional grants and support available at Ventura College

Learn More About Financial Aid for Foster Youth

Questions?

Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your Chafee Grant or other financial aid available to current and former foster youth.

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a California state financial aid program that may provide additional financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in Ventura College's Bachelor of Science in Automotive Career Education program.

Who May Qualify?

To be considered for the Middle Class Scholarship at Ventura College, you must:

• Be enrolled in Ventura College's Bachelor of Science in Automotive Career Education program;
• Meet California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) eligibility requirements;
• Meet applicable income, asset, and financial need requirements;
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP); and
• Meet all other state financial aid eligibility requirements.

How Do I Apply?

There is no separate Middle Class Scholarship application.

Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the applicable academic year and list Ventura College on your application.

Ventura College Title IV School Code: 001334

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and Ventura College will use your financial aid application and other eligibility information to determine whether you may qualify.

How Is My Award Determined?

Middle Class Scholarship award amounts vary by student. Your eligibility and award amount may be affected by your cost of attendance, available resources, other financial aid, and state funding.

Because eligibility is determined after other financial aid is considered, your Middle Class Scholarship amount may change if your enrollment, financial aid, or other eligibility information changes.

How Can I Check My Status?

You can review your California state financial aid information through WebGrants 4 Students.

Students should also regularly check their MyVCCCD student portal and Ventura College email for financial aid updates and requests for additional information.

The Ventura College Student Emergency Grant (VCSEG) provides emergency financial assistance to eligible students experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to an unexpected emergency or crisis.

Eligibility, award amounts, and available funding may vary. Emergency grant funding is limited and is not guaranteed.

Visit our Student Emergency Grant page to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Learn More About the Ventura College Student Emergency Grant

Questions?

Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office if you have questions about emergency grant assistance.