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 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 the College of the Desert.
Federal Pell Grant:
The Federal Pell Grant is free grant assistance that does not have to be repaid. These 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 predetermined amount of FSEOG funds each school year. Once those funds are depleted, no additional awards can be made.
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. The funding is limited. In addition to filing a FAFSA, a separate application - referred to as the "Cal Grant GPA Verification Form" - may also be required. Only Cal Grants B and C may be used at College of the Desert, but Cal Grant A may be used for future educational objectives 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 a September 2nd deadline. Visit the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Federal Work-Study (FWS):
This program provides part-time work 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. Eligible expenses covered by Stafford Loans include tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, and living allowances. A bank provides the principle (the amount you are approved to borrow). The Financial Aid Office does not recommend borrowing through these loan programs 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 donors 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 may provide grants, books and counseling services to eligible students.
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE):
A California state-funded program designed to encourage single parents on TANF/CalWORKS to enroll at college and may provide counseling, financial aid and child care assistance to eligible students.
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 by either financial aid or employment.
