The Financial Aid Office administers a variety of federal and state grant programs to assist students with their education costs at Ventura College. To be considered for these grant programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ventura College must receive a valid FAFSA and any requested documentation by your last day of enrollment for the academic year to be considered for aid.
Grants available at Ventura College
Federal Pell Grant Program
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree.
Amounts can change yearly. The amount you get will depend on:
- your financial need,
- your cost of attendance,
- your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
- your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
You can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years). You’ll receive a notice if you’re getting close to your limit.
If you have any questions, contact the financial aid office.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG)
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 Grants
There are two types of Cal Grant B awards: Entitlement and Competitive.
Cal Grant B Entitlement Award
Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the financial and academic requirements, and files the FAFSA and GPA Verification form by the March 2nd deadline will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award.
Cal Grant B Competitive Award
Other eligible students who have at least a 2.0 GPA may apply for a Cal Grant B Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite score that takes into consideration your family’s income, assets, parents’ educational level, GPA, and other factors.
Cal Grant C
Cal Grant C is is a competitive grant award available to eligible students who are pursuing a vocational degree program. Cal Grant C recipients are selected by the California Student Aid Commission.
Cal Grant Eligibility
AB 2248 was signed into law September 26, 2018 regarding Cal Grant eligibility.
If you are eligible for and receiving a Cal Grant award, keep in mind that you need to take at least 15 semester units per Fall/Spring semester, or 30 semester units per academic year, in order to complete an associate's degree within two years at Ventura College. If you plan to transfer to a university, you need to take at least 15 semester units per Fall/Spring semester, or 30 semester units per academic year, to complete your bachelor's degree within four years. Cal Grant awards are limited to four academic years, except for students enrolled in an institutionally required five year undergraduate program or for students with bachelor's degrees admitted to and enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program.
Log in to the WebGrants for Students portal for more information regarding your Cal Grant eligibility status from the CA Student Aid Commission.
Student Success Completion Grant
Students can now receive up to $4,000 in free financial aid if they are enrolled full-time at a California community college and meet eligibility requirements. To determine eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is the Student Success Completion Grant?
- The new Student Success Completion Grant offers more financial aid to eligible California community college students who are recipients of a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C and are enrolled full-time. A full-time study load is 12 or more units per term.
- Students can now earn their associate degree faster with more financial aid through the Student Success Completion Grant, which offers up to $4,000 a year in free money to help cover the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses. The goal of the Student Success Completion Grant is to encourage students to enroll full-time, focus on their education and stay on track to complete their degree or certificate on time.
Who is eligible?
- Full-time students who are enrolled in at least 12 units and receive a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C, are eligible for the Student Success Completion Grant. If a student takes 15 units or more, the grant award can be as high as $4,000 ($2,000 a semester). Full-time students who completed a California Dream Act application and qualified for a Cal Grant are also eligible for the Student Success Completion Grant. All students must meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to be eligible for the Student Success Completion Grant. Students should check with the financial aid office to find out what is required for SAP at their college.
How does the Student Success Completion Grant work?
- Starting in the 2018-19 academic year, 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 replaces the Full-Time Student Success Grant and the California Completion Grant. Returning California community college students should not be alarmed by this change and should know this new grant offers a larger financial aid package.
- 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 can apply for the Student Success Completion Grant by:
- Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Application by March 2;
- Submitting their Grade Point Average (GPA) to the California Student Aid Commission for verification.
Students can visit icanaffordcollege.com for helpful information and tips on completing the FASFA and the California Dream Application.
- Students who miss the March 2 Cal Grant deadline may still be eligible for some financial assistance. To qualify for a competitive Cal Grant, students can complete their FAFSA up to September 2.
- California Dream Act students are not eligible for a competitive grant and must submit their application by the Cal Grant March 2 deadline in order to receive financial aid.
- The FAFSA and California Dream Application for the academic year 2019-2020 are available now and can be submitted immediately. And, it’s not too late to apply for the current academic year (2018-2019). Just be sure to fill out the 2018-2019 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application as soon as possibly to determine what you are quality for and get your financial aid in time to help you with expenses this year.
- If a student misses the deadline for the Cal Grant and the Student Success Completion Grant, they can always apply year-round for the California College Promise Grant (formerly the Board of Governors Fee Waiver) or Pell Grants or other types of state and federal aid to get their tuition fees waived.
- There are many forms of financial assistance available at the California community colleges. We encourage current and prospective students to visit icanaffordcollege.com to learn more about what is available and how to apply.
What else do students need to know?
- Full-time attendance means taking 12 units or more per semester at a California community college. Some colleges are on a quarter system, so students need to check with their college to see how much is available per quarter.
- 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 a college counselor in their Academic Advising department to set up an education plan that fits their goals. An education plan will help students choose classes carefully and avoid taking unnecessary courses.
- By 2020, it is estimated that 60 percent of all jobs will require a college degree. Students who earn a degree from a California community college will nearly double their earnings within three years. And, graduating from a community college will double an individual’s chance of finding a job.
- 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.
Chafee Grant Program
Ventura College Student Emergency Grant (VCSEG)
Requirements:
- Have a valid FAFSA or California Dream Act Application for academic year
- Must be classified as a resident of California or AB540 student, according to Admissions and Records
- Must have exhausted all financial aid options
- Be enrolled at least half-time (6 units or more)
- Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
- Provide documentation of emergency that has created financial hardship dated within a recent time frame
How do I apply? Complete and submit this form along with the required documentation to the Ventura College Financial Aid Office.
How much am I eligible to receive? VCSEG funds are limited and amount of grants vary based on emergency and student eligibility for determined need.
Can I receive this grant more than once? Eligible students may only receive one Ventura College Student Emergency Grant per academic year.
What documentation is required? Supporting documentation varies. (See application for list of required documentation)
If approved, how will I receive the money? Ventura College has partnered with BankMobile to deliver your financial aid refund. For more information about BankMobile, visit this link: http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/ This process may take between 7-21 days.
*Supporting documentation must be within 30 days of submitting this application.
**Limited Funds available and are not a guarantee.**
VC CARES Act Emergency Grant
The recently passed federal CARES Act includes funds for students to help with immediate needs related to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.
What is the CARES Act Emergency Grant?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund and sent money to schools to use for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.
How will the CARES Act Emergency Grant help VC students?
- Ventura College has been allocated $4,581,538, and has been certified with the U.S. Department of Education that $2,290,769 will go directly to students.
- Ventura College has distributed $344,000 to 344 students.
- The CARES Act Emergency Grant program has limited funding. Eligible students will be awarded grants as long as funds remain available.
- Funds will be disbursed as quickly as possible in order to provide students with the support they need to continue their educational pursuits.
Ventura College (VC) CARES Act Emergency Grant Guiding Ideals:
- Primary focus to support students whose lives and educational pathways have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak
- VC CARES Act Emergency Grants will assist students in continuing their education
- Students must meet VC CARES Act Emergency Grant requirements, including FAFSA completion, Title IV eligibility, and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards as established by the VCCCD.
Ventura College’s Plan for Distribution of VC CARES Act Emergency Grants:
- 15% of student allocated funds will be distributed to eligible students enrolled for Summer 2020.
- 85% of student allocated funds will be distributed to eligible students enrolled for Fall 2020.
VC CARES Act Emergency Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is exhausted.
Who is eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Grant?
Based on guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education for disbursement of CARES Act funds, students must meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid (Title IV Eligibility) AND must have been enrolled at least part-time for the semester.
- Student enrollment may be a combination of units within the VCCCD
- Summer 2020 grants will be awarded to eligible students enrolled in at least 6 units
- Fall 2020 grants will be awarded to eligible students enrolled in at least 12 units
- Ventura College must be the student’s Primary College
The Financial Aid Officer and/or staff will have the discretion to award VC CARES Act Grants to students who have received a VC Student Emergency Grant (VCSEG) or other related funding.
Are International and DACA students eligible to apply for VC CARES Act Emergency Grants?
Yes! ALL students who are enrolled and impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are now eligible to apply.
What is the VC CARES Act Emergency Grant for?
VC CARES Act Emergency Grants are intended to assist students with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, instructional materials, technology, health care, and child care).
How much is the VC CARES Act Emergency Grant?
At Ventura College, the VC CARES Act Emergency Grants will be a one-time payment of $1000 per eligible student. The VC CARES Act Emergency Grant program has limited funding. Eligible students will be awarded grants as long as funds remain available.
Will the VC CARES Act Emergency Grant affect my financial aid eligibility?
No, the VC CARES Act Emergency Grant does not affect any financial aid. It is a one-time grant that does not need to be repaid.
VC CARES Act Emergency Grant Distribution
FOR SUMMER 2020: VC CARES Act Emergency Grants will be awarded to eligible students who are enrolled in at least 6 units by July 10, 2020. Eligible students who are enrolled in less than 6 units will be considered for the grant after July 10, 2020 (if funds have not been exhausted). Eligible students will receive an email/text with information from the Financial Aid Office.
FOR FALL 2020: VC CARES Act Emergency Grants will be awarded to students who are enrolled in at least 12 units by September 4, 2020. Eligible students who are enrolled in 6-11.75 units will be considered for the grant after September 4, 2020 (if funds have not been exhausted). Eligible students will receive an email/text with information from the Financial Aid Office.
When will VC CARES Act Emergency Grant funds be available?
Funds will be disbursed as quickly as possible in order to provide students with the support they need to continue their educational pursuits. Ventura College anticipates disbursing funds in the coming weeks.
How Do I Apply for the VC CARES Act Emergency Grant?
If you are eligible, you will receive an email with information from the Financial Aid Office. In this email, you will see a short request form to fill out to receive this one-time grant opportunity. Grants will be awarded on first-come, first-serve basis to eligible students until funds are exhausted.
How will VC CARES Act Emergency Grants be disbursed?
Disbursements will be sent through BankMobile. If you have not set up your disbursement method with BankMobile, your disbursement may be delayed. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu if you need assistance selecting your disbursement method with BankMobile.
If I have other questions, what should I do?
Contact the Financial Aid Office at vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu or (805) 289-6369.