Students who do not have a high school diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent may still qualify for federal financial aid through the Ability to Benefit (ATB) alternatives.
There are two ATB pathways, depending on when a student first enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution:
- Students who first enrolled before July 1, 2012 (whether or not they received financial aid) may become eligible for federal financial aid by meeting one of the federal ATB alternatives while enrolled in any eligible program.
- Students who first enrolled on or after July 1, 2012 may only qualify through the ATB alternatives if they are enrolled in an Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP).
Saddleback College Eligible Career Pathway Program
Saddleback College offers an approved Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP) in Software Specialist. This program allows students to work toward earning their high school equivalency through the HiSET program while simultaneously completing college coursework.
Students enrolled in the Software Specialist ECPP may become eligible for federal financial aid—including the Pell Grant, Direct Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)—after completing the ATB requirements and meeting all other federal financial aid eligibility criteria.
To qualify through the ECPP, students must:
- Be enrolled in the Software Specialist Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP).
- Be enrolled in the HiSET program.
- Complete a Comprehensive Education Plan with a counselor.
- Successfully complete six degree-applicable units.
- Submit a FAFSA and meet all other federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
Questions?
Students interested in the Software Specialist Eligible Career Pathway Program should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility and learn about the enrollment process.