Grants at Ventura College

Federal Pell Grant

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.

Lifetime Eligibility Limit

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

Once a student reaches 600% LEU, they are no longer eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant funds.

Students may review their LEU by visiting:

• StudentAid.gov

Important Information

• Pell Grant awards may be adjusted based on enrollment intensity and attendance in classes.
• Students must begin attendance in courses to receive Pell Grant funding for those classes.
• Federal Pell Grants generally do not need to be repaid unless a student withdraws from classes or becomes ineligible.
• Students must maintain eligibility requirements, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Questions?

Please contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office for assistance.

To get an FSEOG, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so your college can determine how much financial need you have.  Students who will receive Federal Pell Grants and have the most financial need will receive FSEOGs first.  The FSEOG does not need to be repaid.

The FSEOG program is administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school and is therefore called “campus-based” aid. Not all schools participate.  Check with your school's financial aid office to find out if the school offers the FSEOG.

Cal Grant

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.

Students may apply by completing either the:

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

Students must also ensure that a verified Cal Grant GPA is submitted to CSAC by the applicable deadline.

Application Deadlines

To be considered for most Cal Grant programs, students should submit their FAFSA or CADAA and ensure their GPA has been submitted to CSAC by the March 2 priority deadline.

Students who miss the March 2 deadline may still be considered for certain community college Cal Grant opportunities by meeting the September 2 deadline.

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.

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B provides assistance to eligible low-income students and may help with living expenses, books, supplies, and other educational costs. Beginning in the second year, Cal Grant B may also help cover tuition and fees at qualifying institutions.

Cal Grant C

Cal Grant C supports students enrolled in eligible career technical education or vocational programs.

Maintaining Eligibility

Students must continue to meet state and institutional eligibility requirements to remain eligible for Cal Grant funding, including:

• Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Maintaining eligible enrollment status
• Completing required coursework
• Meeting income and asset requirements established by CSAC

Under California law (AB 2248), students are encouraged to complete 15 units per semester, or 30 units per academic year, to stay on track for timely degree completion.

Check Your Cal Grant Status

Students may review their Cal Grant award status through:

• WebGrants for Students

Questions?

Please contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) is a California state-funded grant that provides additional financial assistance to eligible California community college students who receive a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C award and are enrolled full-time.

Students enrolled in 15 or more eligible units per semester may receive up to $8,000 annually in grant funding to assist with educational expenses such as books, supplies, transportation, food, housing, and other living costs.

Students enrolled in 12 to 14.99 units may qualify for a smaller annual award amount.

Current and former foster youth enrolled in 12 or more eligible units may receive increased award amounts, subject to eligibility requirements and availability of funds.

How does the Student Success Completion Grant work?

• The more units a student takes, the more financial aid they will be eligible to receive. In addition to the Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C, Cal Grant recipients can get an additional $1,298 if they are enrolled in at least 12 units, or $4,000 if they are enrolled in at least 15 units a semester.
• Like the Cal Grant, the Student Success Completion Grant is a form of financial aid that does not need to be paid back – it is free money for college.
• The Student Success Completion Grant helps students reach their academic goals faster by making college more affordable for students enrolled full-time. The additional grant money allows students to focus on earning their degree or certificate while helping to cover the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses. 

How Do Students Apply?

Students may be considered for the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) by:

• Completing either the:
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
• Meeting the California state priority deadline
• Ensuring a verified GPA is submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), if required
• Qualifying for a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C award
• Meeting all eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize eligibility for state and federal financial aid programs.

Students who miss the March 2 priority deadline may still qualify for certain Cal Grant opportunities by meeting the September 2 community college deadline.

Even if students do not qualify for SSCG or Cal Grant, they may still be eligible for other financial aid programs such as:

• Federal Pell Grant
• California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
• Federal Work-Study
• Student loans
• Other state and institutional aid programs

For additional financial aid information and application resources, visit:

• I Can Go to College

What else do students need to know?

• Full-time attendance means taking 12 units or more per semester at a California community college.  
• It is important to remember, to earn an associate degree in two years, students must take at least 15 units each semester. Students should schedule an appointment with an academic college counselor to set up a student education plan that fits their goals.  A student education plan will help students choose classes carefully and avoid taking unnecessary courses.
• The longer a student stays in college, the more money it will cost them in tuition, housing, and other education related expenses.  The goal of this grant is to help students avoid spending money on unnecessary costs by earning their degree faster, so they get their dream job and built their future.

The California CHAFEE Grant Program awards up to $5,000 annually to eligible foster youth and former foster youth to use for college courses or vocational school training. The Financial Aid Office certifies the student’s need and enrollment status on the CHAFEE website and disburses CHAFEE grants in accordance with the regulatory statutes of this program. Click here for more information on this grant and opportunities for foster youth.

The Ventura College Student Emergency Grant (VCSEG) and the Jordana Ybarr-Telias are grants to support students facing temporary financial hardship because of an emergency or crisis.

For more information and to see if you are eligible, please click here.