Student Loans

Ventura College is committed to promoting responsible borrowing and financial literacy. One measure of student loan repayment success is the Cohort Default Rate (CDR), which represents the percentage of federal student loan borrowers who enter repayment during a federal fiscal year and default within the federal monitoring period.

Ventura College Official Cohort Default Rates

What is a Cohort Default Rate?

The U.S. Department of Education calculates each institution's Cohort Default Rate (CDR) based on the percentage of federal student loan borrowers who enter repayment during a federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) and default within the federal monitoring period.

The CDR is one indicator of how successfully borrowers are managing repayment of their federal student loans.

If Ventura College's official Cohort Default Rate exceeds the national average, Ventura College will notify identified federal student loan borrowers, including Service Members and veterans, through their official Ventura College email and provide information about available loan repayment options and resources.

If you decide that you no longer need all or part of your Federal Direct Loan, you may request to cancel or reduce your loan.

Before Your Loan Is Disbursed

You may cancel all or part of your Federal Direct Loan at any time before the loan is disbursed by notifying the Ventura College Financial Aid Office.

After Your Loan Is Disbursed

If your loan has already been disbursed, you may still be able to reduce or cancel your loan using one of the options below.

Option 1: Submit a Financial Aid Revision Form

Ventura College establishes deadlines each term for students requesting to reduce or cancel a Federal Direct Loan after disbursement.

Complete the Financial Aid Revision Form

Option 2: Return Your Loan Funds Within 120 Days

Federal regulations allow borrowers to return all or part of a Federal Direct Loan within 120 days of the disbursement date.

If the funds are returned within this timeframe, no interest or loan fees will be charged on the amount returned.

For assistance with returning loan funds after disbursement, contact your federal loan servicer.

To locate your federal loan servicer, visit:

Federal Student Aid

Additional Information

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a federal student loan borrower, visit:

Understanding Federal Student Loans

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for a Federal Direct Loan is not guaranteed. Students must meet all federal financial aid eligibility requirements and Ventura College's institutional loan requirements.

To be considered for a Federal Direct Loan, students must:

• Complete the FAFSA and have a valid financial aid application on file.
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Be enrolled in and actively attending at least six (6) financial aid-eligible, degree-applicable units at the time of each loan disbursement.
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Complete Entrance Counseling (first-time borrowers).
• Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
• Use loan funds only for authorized educational expenses.

Ventura College may decline to certify or originate a Federal Direct Loan in accordance with federal regulations, including 34 CFR §685.301, and the College's published loan policies.

Maintaining Eligibility

To remain eligible for future loan disbursements, students must:

• Continue to meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Maintain enrollment in at least 6 eligible degree-applicable units.
• Meet federal repeat coursework requirements.
• Demonstrate attendance and participation in all enrolled courses, as required by federal financial aid regulations.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in the cancellation of future loan disbursements.

Your actual Federal Direct Loan eligibility is determined by several factors, including:

• Your grade level.
• Your dependency status.
• Your enrollment level.
• Your Cost of Attendance.
• Other financial aid received.
• Your remaining annual Federal Direct Loan eligibility.
• Applicable federal regulations.

Semester Loan Eligibility

Ventura College awards Federal Direct Loans by semester.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 award year, federal regulations require Ventura College to determine your semester loan eligibility based on your enrollment level at the time your loan is originated.

Students enrolled in 12 or more financial aid-eligible units are generally eligible to receive up to 50% of their annual Federal Direct Loan eligibility during that semester.

Students enrolled in 6 to 11 financial aid-eligible units may receive a prorated loan amount based on their enrollment.

Students enrolled in fewer than six (6) financial aid-eligible units are not eligible to receive a Federal Direct Loan.

Important

The percentages above represent the maximum semester loan eligibility based on your enrollment level. Your actual loan amount may be lower based on your:

• Cost of Attendance
• Student Aid Index (SAI) and financial need, when applicable
• Other financial aid received
• Remaining annual or aggregate loan eligibility
• Grade level
• Applicable federal regulations

If you borrow a Federal Direct Loan, you are responsible for repaying the loan plus any interest and applicable loan fees.

Understanding how interest and loan fees work can help you make informed borrowing decisions and estimate your future repayment costs.

Interest Rates

Federal Direct Loans have fixed interest rates, which means your interest rate will remain the same for the life of the loan.

Interest rates are established annually under federal law and apply to loans first disbursed between July 1 and June 30 of each award year.

Because interest rates change annually, Ventura College does not publish specific rates on this webpage.

For the current Federal Direct Loan interest rates, visit Federal Student Aid – Interest Rates and Fees.

Loan Fees

Most Federal Direct Loans include an origination fee, which is a percentage of the total loan amount.

The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement before the funds are released to you. As a result, the amount you receive will be slightly less than the amount you borrow.

Example:

• Loan Amount: $2,000
• Less Loan Fee
• Amount Disbursed: Slightly less than $2,000

You are responsible for repaying the full amount borrowed, not just the amount you receive after the loan fee is deducted.

Current loan fee percentages are available on Federal Student Aid – Interest Rates and Fees.

Estimate Your Loan Repayment

Before borrowing, we encourage you to estimate your future monthly loan payments using the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator.

The Loan Simulator can help you:

• Estimate monthly payments
• Compare repayment plans
• Estimate total interest paid
• Understand long-term borrowing costs

Helpful Resources

• Federal Student Aid – Interest Rates and Fees
• Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator
• Federal Student Aid – Repayment Information

Before requesting a Federal Direct Loan, complete the following steps:

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year.

Step 2: Complete All Required Financial Aid Items

Review your my.vcccd.edu student portal and complete any outstanding financial aid requirements.

Step 3: Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

You must meet Ventura College's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to be eligible for a Federal Direct Loan.

Step 4: Enroll at Least Half-Time

Be enrolled in and attending at least 6 eligible degree-applicable units in an eligible degree or certificate program.

Step 5: Complete Entrance Counseling

First-time Federal Direct Loan borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling through StudentAid.gov.

Step 6: Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Complete and electronically sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) through StudentAid.gov.

Step 7: Submit the Ventura College Federal Direct Loan Request Form

Complete and submit the Federal Direct Loan Request Form to the Ventura College Financial Aid Office for review.

Submitting the form does not guarantee loan approval. The Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility based on federal regulations and Ventura College loan policies.

Welcome Veterans

Thank you for your service!

Ventura College is honored to serve our veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and eligible dependents. We are committed to helping you understand and maximize the financial aid and educational benefits available to you.

In addition to VA Education Benefits, veterans and eligible students are encouraged to apply for federal and state financial aid. Military education benefits generally are not considered when determining eligibility for federal financial aid, so you may still qualify for grants, work-study, scholarships, and Federal Direct Loans.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
 

Financial Aid Assistance

Transitioning to college can be challenging, and Ventura College is here to support you every step of the way.

Financial aid assistance is available through both the Financial Aid Office and the Veterans Resource Center.

If you have questions about financial aid eligibility, VA education benefits, or available resources, please contact our Veterans Liaison.

Veterans Liaison

Micsin Martinez
Financial Aid Specialist / Veterans Liaison

Phone: (805) 289-6161

Email: micsin_martinez1@vcccd.edu

California College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents

If you are the spouse, child, or registered domestic partner of a qualifying veteran, you may be eligible for the California College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents.

Eligibility may include dependents of veterans who:

• Served during a qualifying period of military service
• Have a service-connected disability
• Died while on active duty
• Died as the result of a service-connected disability

Dependents of California National Guard members who were killed or permanently disabled while serving the State of California may also qualify for similar benefits.

Complete the California College Fee Waiver Application for Veteran Dependents

GI Bill® Education Benefits

The Veterans Resource Center can assist students using:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
• Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
• Other VA Education Benefit Programs

For more information, visit VA Education Benefits

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Financial Aid Programs Available to Veterans

Veterans and eligible dependents are encouraged to apply for all available financial aid programs. Depending on eligibility, students may qualify for:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
• Cal Grant
• Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
• Ventura College Foundation Scholarships
• Federal Work-Study
• Federal Direct Loans

Receiving VA education benefits does not automatically disqualify you from receiving other forms of financial aid.

Military Service and Federal Student Loan Deferment

If you have federal student loans and are called to active duty, you may qualify for a military deferment or forbearance, depending on your circumstances.

Contact your federal loan servicer to discuss your repayment options.

For more information, visit:

Federal Student Aid – Deferment and Forbearance

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Interest may continue to accrue on some federal student loans during periods of deferment or forbearance, depending on the loan type.

Helpful Resources

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Federal Student Aid

VA Education Benefits

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)

U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

To be eligible for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, both the parent borrower and the student must meet federal eligibility requirements.

Parent Eligibility

The parent borrower must:

• Be the student's biological or adoptive parent, or an eligible stepparent whose income is reported on the student's FAFSA.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Meet the federal credit requirements. Parents with an adverse credit history may still qualify by obtaining an endorser or documenting extenuating circumstances through the U.S. Department of Education.
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe an overpayment on a federal grant.

Note: Legal guardians, grandparents, foster parents, and other relatives are not eligible to borrow a Parent PLUS Loan unless they have legally adopted the student.

Student Eligibility

The student must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Be enrolled in and maintain at least 6 eligible degree-applicable units (half-time).
• Be classified as a dependent undergraduate student based on the FAFSA.
• Meet all general federal financial aid eligibility requirements.

For complete eligibility requirements, visit Federal Student Aid – Parent PLUS Loans.

If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office.

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan may be awarded up to the student's Cost of Attendance (COA) minus all other financial aid received.

The Ventura College Financial Aid Office will determine the maximum loan amount a parent may borrow based on the student's educational costs and financial aid eligibility.

Interest Rates

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans have a fixed interest rate that is established annually by federal law. The interest rate for your loan is determined by the date of the first loan disbursement and remains fixed for the life of the loan.

Loan Fees

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans are subject to a federal loan origination fee. This fee is deducted from each loan disbursement before the funds are released, so the amount received will be slightly less than the amount borrowed.

Repayment

Repayment generally begins after the loan has been fully disbursed. However, parents may request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. Interest continues to accrue during periods of deferment.

For the most current information regarding interest rates, loan fees, repayment options, and borrower benefits, visit:

Federal Student Aid – Parent PLUS Loans
Federal Student Aid – Interest Rates and Fees

How do I apply?

Parents who wish to borrow a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Complete the Direct PLUS Loan Application

Complete the Direct PLUS Loan Application through Federal Student Aid.

Step 2: Complete the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Complete and electronically sign the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Step 3: Submit the Ventura College Parent PLUS Loan Request Form

After completing the federal application and Master Promissory Note, submit the Ventura College Parent PLUS Loan Request Form to the Financial Aid Office for processing.

Important Information

• The student must be enrolled in and maintain at least 6 eligible degree-applicable units (half-time) throughout the loan period.
• Enrollment and eligibility are verified before each loan disbursement.
• Changes in enrollment or financial aid eligibility may reduce or cancel future loan disbursements.

If the Parent PLUS Loan Is Denied

If a parent is unable to obtain a Parent PLUS Loan because of the federal credit review, the dependent student may be eligible to receive additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds.

The Financial Aid Office will review the student's eligibility after receiving notification of the credit decision. Additional documentation may be requested, if necessary.

If you have questions about the Parent PLUS Loan application process, please contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office.

California Assembly Bill 721 (AB 721) requires Ventura College to inform students considering a private educational loan that Federal Direct Loans generally offer borrower benefits that private educational loans are not required to provide.

Before applying for a private educational loan, students should carefully consider the advantages of federal student loans, which may include:

• Fixed interest rates (for most federal student loans)
• Income-driven repayment plans for eligible borrowers
• Loan deferment and forbearance options
• Potential loan forgiveness programs for eligible borrowers
• Eligibility that is generally not based on the borrower's credit history or income for most federal student loans

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and review all available federal and state financial aid options before applying for a private educational loan.

Learn more about Federal Direct Loans and repayment options:

Federal Student Aid

Choosing how to pay for college is an important financial decision. Before borrowing, carefully compare your options to determine what best meets your educational and financial needs.

Ventura College strongly encourages students to maximize all available federal and state financial aid—including grants, scholarships, work-study, and Federal Direct Loans—before considering a private educational loan.

Federal student loans generally offer borrower protections and repayment benefits that private educational loans may not provide, including:

• Fixed interest rates (for most federal student loans)
• Income-driven repayment plans for eligible borrowers
• Loan deferment and forbearance options
• Potential loan forgiveness programs for eligible borrowers

Private educational loans are offered by individual lenders, and loan terms, interest rates, fees, repayment options, and borrower benefits vary by lender. Students should carefully compare lenders before borrowing.

For additional information about federal student loans and repayment options, visit Federal Student Aid

Follow these steps to apply for a private educational loan at Ventura College:

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid before applying for a private loan.

Ventura College Federal School Code: 001334

Step 2: Apply with a Private Lender

Apply for a private educational loan through the lender of your choice. Private loans are credit-based, and many lenders require a creditworthy cosigner.

Step 3: Meet Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for certification of a private educational loan, you must:

• Meet Ventura College's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Be enrolled in at least 6 eligible degree-applicable units in an eligible degree or certificate program during the requested loan period.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, as required by your lender.

Step 4: Submit the Ventura College Private Loan Request Form

Complete and submit the Ventura College Private Loan Request Form to the Financial Aid Office for loan certification. The Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility and certify the loan amount with your lender, if eligible.

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Step 5: Complete the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form

Federal law requires borrowers to complete a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form before a private educational loan can be finalized. Most lenders will provide this form as part of their loan application process.

Important

Private educational loans, when combined with all other financial aid and educational resources, cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA) as determined by Ventura College.

How much can I borrow?

The minimum private loan amount is generally $1,000, although minimum loan amounts may vary by lender.

The maximum amount you may borrow is your Cost of Attendance (COA) minus all other financial aid and educational resources received, including Federal Direct Loans. Ventura College cannot certify a private loan that exceeds your remaining eligibility.

What is the deadline to apply?

Private loan requests must be submitted by the published deadlines for the applicable academic year. Requests received after the deadline will not be processed.

Please refer to the Important Dates page on the Financial Aid website or contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Can I be denied for a private loan?

Yes. Private educational loans are credit-based, and approval is determined by the lender. If your application is denied, contact your lender to discuss available options, which may include applying with a creditworthy cosigner.

What is the enrollment requirement for a private loan?

Enrollment requirements vary by lender. However, most lenders require students to be enrolled at least half-time (6 eligible degree-applicable units) in an eligible degree or certificate program. Please check with your lender for their specific enrollment requirements.

How will I receive my private loan funds?

Once your lender sends the loan funds to Ventura College, the Financial Aid Office will process the disbursement. If you are eligible for a refund after tuition, fees, and any other authorized charges have been paid, any remaining loan funds will be issued according to Ventura College's student refund process.