Saddleback College provides several types of financial assistance to eligible students. Most forms of financial aid require financial need. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid each year, as financial circumstances can change from year to year. For more information on each type of financial aid available and eligibility requirements, click on the corresponding link.
NOTE: Remember, all outstanding tasks must be completed before any funds are disbursed. Click here to check your financial aid status.
State of California Grants (for eligible FAFSA and CADAA Applicants)
The CCPG allows eligible CADAA and FAFSA applicants who reside in California to waive the $46 per unit fee and a portion of the parking permit fee. There is no minimum number of units required and eligibility is based on your financial aid application. A student must complete the CADAA or FAFSA application for consideration of the CCPG fee waiver. If a student pays for their fees upfront and is eligible for the CCPG, they may request a refund by contacting the Student Payment Office.
Cal Grant is offered by the State of California and is open to California residents attending a college or university in California. The grant has an annual application deadline of March 2 for the following academic year and is based on need, income, and GPA. For California Community College students only, a second deadline of September 2nd has been established. Students must file a CADAA or FAFSA application and a GPA Verification prior to the deadline, in order to be considered.
Students attending a UC, CSU or CCC who have dependent children, receiving more than half of their support from you and who are under the age of 18, might be eligible to receive an access award of up to $6,000 for eligible Cal Grant B or up to $4000 for eligible Cal Grant C recipients. The award amounts will be prorated to be consistent with the students’ enrollment status: full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time. CADAA or FAFSA Application is required.
The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) provides additional funding for Cal Grant B or C recipients attending a California Community College full-time (12 units or more). Students will be automatically reviewed for eligibility if they meet the eligibility requirements. The SSCG provides students with an additional $2596 - $8000 annually depending on the number of units they enroll in. A student must complete a CADAA or FAFSA application to be considered.
The California Chafee Grant Program provides up to $5,000 annually in free money to foster youth and former foster youth to use for vocational school training or college courses. You don’t have to pay it back, and you can use the money for a number of things like childcare, transportation and rent! See link for more information on how to apply.
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) Students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service.
Federal Grants and Loans (for eligible FAFSA Applicants)
The Pell Grant is a federal grant to use towards educational expenses. Eligibility and award amounts are based on information received from your FAFSA application, and actual disbursements are based on the student's level of enrollment. For example, if a student is enrolled in 6 units (half-time), the student will only receive half of the Pell Grant they are eligible for. A student must complete the FAFSA to be considered.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to students with exceptional financial need, who are enrolled in at least 6-units (half-time). A student must complete the FAFSA and submit all required documents. Funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Federal Work-Study program allows students to earn a paycheck by working a part-time job on or off-campus while gaining valuable experience. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units (half-time) to be considered and it is awarded based on financial need. A student must complete the FAFSA, indicate they are interested in work-study, and submit all required documents. Eligible students will be notified via their student email address.
Loans are available to students in the form of subsidized (the student does NOT accrue interest while in school) and unsubsidized (the student does accrue interest while in school). A student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units (half-time). Loans are not awarded automatically, a student must request a loan. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered.
Additional Financial Resources and Support Programs
Scholarships are sources of free money for students to use towards educational expenses. Scholarships may be awarded based on financial need, grades, test scores, athletic ability, major, special talents, volunteer experience, or heritage. For more information on available scholarships, you may visit our scholarship website. When applying to scholarships not affiliated with Saddleback College, keep in mind scholarships should be free to apply for. If they ask for money to apply, it is likely a scam.
Do not overlook other campus programs that may offer other sources of assistance that may be available to you!