Eligibility Requirements for Federal Financial Aid

To be eligible for aid, a student must:

  • Apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Be a United States citizen, permanent resident or be an eligible non-citizen. Students who qualify for AB540 status are not eligible for federal aid but may be eligible for California state aid.

  • Be enrolled in an eligible education program for the purpose of obtaining an associate degree, certificate of achievement or completing requirements for transfer to another college. Please note, students that select Undecided/Undeclared as their program of study are not eligible for financial aid purposes.

  • Not owe a repayment of any Title IV grant and are not in default on any Title IV loan received for attendance at any institution.

  • Possesses a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Students who were enrolled in an eligible educational program of study before July 1, 2012 are grandfathered in to be considered Title IV eligible under either the ATB test or credit hour standards.

  • Demonstrate financial need. Financial need is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a school and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the standards set by COD.

  • Comply with Selective Service registration guidelines, if required. Federal law requires men ages 18 through 25 years of age be registered with the Selective Service System. Men must be registered before they can receive any federal or state financial aid (CPPG is the only form of financial aid not affected).

  • Not have been convicted for a federal or state drug charge for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid.

  • Not have earned a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree. However, students meeting eligibility requirements may receive a CPPG.


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