Students who are eligible for financial aid at College of the Desert may receive any of the following based on the student's eligibility:
Board of Governor's Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOG):
This is a state fee waiver program that was designed to provide educational assistance for eligible California residents attending a California community college by waiving the enrollment fees. Students can apply by completing the BOG Enrollment Fee Waiver application form and/or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Students may qualify for the BOG based on the receipt of certain forms of public assistance, by meeting specific income standards or by completing the FAFSA and having "financial need". This is the most accessible of the financial aid programs offered at College of the Desert.
Cal Grants A, B and C:
These state funded grants are available to California residents who apply by March 2nd for the next school year and qualify on the basis of merit, financial need and/or vocational program. This funding is limited. In addition to completing and filing a FAFSA, a separate application - commonly referred to as the "Cal Grant GPA Verification Form" - must also be submitted. If students have completed a certain number of units at a college, the school may submit this information on the student's behalf. Only Cal Grants B and C may be used at College of the Desert, but Cal Grant A may be used for future educational plans if you decide to transfer to a four-year college or university. If you missed the March 2nd filing deadline, you may still qualify by meeting the September 2nd deadline for community college students only. Visit the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Federal Pell Grant:
The Federal Pell Grant is free grant assistance that does not have to be repaid. These federal grants are available to assist students in meeting educational costs. Federal Pell Grants are targeted to students with high financial need. Even if you do not qualify for a Pell Grant, you may be eligible for other types of financial aid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
This grant is provided to eligible students with extremely high financial need. Unlike Federal Pell Grants, FSEOG funding is limited. College of the Desert receives a specified amount of FSEOG funds each school year. Once those funds are depleted, no additional awards can be made to students.
Federal Work-Study (FWS):
This program provides part-time work in order to earn money to help pay for educational costs for those students with financial need. The amount of a FWS award depends on the student's financial need, the amount of other financial aid being received and the availability of FWS funds at College of the Desert. Pay rates may vary, but will not be less than the current minimum wage.
Federal Stafford Loan:
This is a loan and must be repaid. Stafford Loans are low-interest loans made to undergraduate students attending accredited schools at least half-time (6 units or greater.) Eligible expenses for Stafford Loans include tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, and food and housing. A bank provides the principle (the amount you are approved to borrow). The Financial Aid Office does not recommend borrowing through this loan program while enrolled at the college due to the low costs to attend COD.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Scholarships:
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, financial need, major, or other criteria as specified by the donor(s) of each fund. The number and types of scholarship awards available, as well as the scholarship application procedures, may vary. Additional information can be obtained directly from the Financial Aid Office and on this website within "Scholarship Information."
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS):
Funded by the State of California, this program is restricted to low-income, educationally disadvantaged students and provides grants, books and counseling services to eligible students. Contact the EOPS Office directly for more information.
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE):
A California state-funded program designed to encourage single parents receiving TANF/CalWORKS to enroll at college that provides counseling, financial aid and child care assistance to eligible students. Contact the EOPS Office directly for more information.
Short Term Emergency Book Loans:
Available at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters to students who have established eligibility and are enrolled in a minimum of six units. These loans are available for the purchase of books and are repaid to the college by either financial aid or employment.
