Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are the largest source of free money from the federal government for students with financial need:

• Pell grants are awarded to every undergraduate who qualifies and has not already earned a bachelor's degree.
• The grant provides over $6000, depending on your Student Aid Index (SAI), cost of attendance and whether you are attending full or part time.
• It can be used to pay for tuition, fees and living expenses at any qualifying college, including Cerro Coso Community College.
• You can receive only one Federal Pell Grant per term or period of enrollment, which can be used to attend one college at a time.

Summer Pell Grants

Summer Pell Grants are disbursed if the student has remaining Pell Grant entitlement AND the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress AND the student is enrolled. No funds will be disbursed until ALL students' academic progress has been evaluated. This will occur after all Spring grades have been posted.

Maximum Duration of Pell Eligibility (Lifetime Eligibility)

Federal financial aid regulations limit the amount of Pell Grant funds a student may receive to the equivalent of six years of full-time Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a full-time student may receive each year is equal to 100%, the six year equivalent is 600%.

The Department of Education keeps track of your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) by adding together the percentages of your Pell Grant scheduled awards that you received for each award year in your lifetime. If a student's LEU equals or exceeds 600%, the student is no longer eligible to receive Pell Grant funding at any institution. In addition, a student whose LEU is greater than 500% but less than 600% will receive a reduced Pell Grant award based on their percentage available. There is no appeal to this Federal regulation. This new Federal regulation will not affect eligibility for BOG Fee Waivers, Federal Work Study, Cal Grants, or Chafee Grants.

For information on how the Department of Education calculates the equivalent of six years visit Calculating Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used.

Students can log on to the StudentAid.gov using their Federal Student Aid ID (the same ID used when signing the FAFSA) to view their calculated LEU. The LEU will be found on the Financial Aid Review page.

Pell Enrollment Intensity

Starting the 24/25 aid year, the Pell Grant enrollment intensity is the percentage of a student's enrollment compared to a full-time course load. It's used to calculate the amount of a student's Pell Grant award. (Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage still applies)

Pell Intensity:

Units	Previous Enrollment	Enrollment Intensity %	Fall	Spring	Full Year
12+	Full-time	100	$3,698.00	$3,697.00	$7,395.00
11.5		96	$3,550.00	$3,549.00	$7,099.00
11		92	$3,402.00	$3,401.00	$6,803.00
10.5		88	$3,254.00	$3,254.00	$6,508.00
10		83	$3,069.00	$3,069.00	$6,138.00
9.5		79	$2,921.00	$2,921.00	$5,842.00
9	Three-quarter-time	75	$2,773.00	$2,773.00	$5,546.00
8.5		71	$2,625.00	$2,625.00	$5,250.00
8		67	$2,478.00	$2,477.00	$4,955.00
7.5		63	$2,330.00	$2,329.00	$4,659.00
7		58	$2,145.00	$2,144.00	$4,289.00
6.5		54	$1,997.00	$1,996.00	$3,993.00
6	Half-time	50	$1,849.00	$1,849.00	$3,698.00
5.5		46	$1,701.00	$1,701.00	$3,402.00
5		42	$1,553.00	$1,553.00	$3,106.00
4.5		38	$1,405.00	$1,405.00	$2,810.00
4		33	$1,220.00	$1,220.00	$2,440.00
3.5		29	$1,073.00	$1,072.00	$2,145.00
3		25	$925.00	$924.00	$1,849.00
2.5		21	$777.00	$776.00	$1,553.00
2		17	$629.00	$628.00	$1,257.00
1.5		13	$481.00	$480.00	$961.00
1		8	$296.00	$295.00	$591.00
0.5	Less-than-half-time	4	$148.00	$148.00	$296.00

Year-Round Pell (150% Pell Usage)

Pell Grants for Summer 2025

Starting the 24/25 academic year, If you were pell-eligible in Fall 2024 and/or spring 2025 you may qualify for Pell grant in the Summer of 2025. (Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage still applies)

Minimum Credits for Summer Pell Grant

If you received full-time Pell for fall and full-time Pell for spring, there are no longer minimum credits required to receive the Pell Grant for summer. You just need to be enrolled in at least one degree-applicable course!

Pell Grant Amount Depends on Enrollment

Your summer Pell Grant amount will depend on the number of credits you are registered in, as well as your Pell Lifetime Eligibility Units (LEU). The Pell Grant amount will be adjusted just prior to the release (disbursement) of your aid based on your enrollment level. Enrollment levels are defined in the following manner:

• 12+ credits = 100% of the semester Pell Grant amount
• 9-11 credits = 75% of the semester Pell Grant amount
• 6-8 credits = 50% of the semester Pell Grant amount

An example of how Year-Round Pell (YRP) works

A student with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $0 is eligible for $7,395 in Pell grant for the year, or $3,698 for the fall semester and $3,697 for the spring semester.

Under the YRP program, this student could receive additional Pell funding even if they take just one course for the summer semester.

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Federal Supplemental Grant (SEOG)

If you are an undergraduate with exceptional financial need, you may be eligible for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (Federal SEOG).

• The Federal SEOG provides up to a Max of $800 per aid year as an instate resident and Max $2000 for out of state resident students contribution, cost of attendance and whether you are attending full or part time.
• Priority consideration is given if you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
• Unlike the federal Pell Grant, funds are limited, so there is no guarantee you will receive one.

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Cal Grant Program

You still have time! The Cal Grant deadline is March 2, 2025. A GPA verification submission deadline is September 3, 2025. Complete your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application today!

Cal Grants are free money for college that you don't have to pay back. Depending on the Cal Grant you receive, the money can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food and even transportation costs to and from classes. You must submit your FAFSA or California Dream Application AND your verified Cal Grant GPA by the March 2. Students who miss the March 2nd deadline AND who plan to attend Cerro Coso in the fall, have until September 3rd to apply.

 

Cal Grant A or B Entitlement Grant for High School Seniors

Every high school senior who meets the academic and financial requirements may be eligible to receive a Cal Grant A or B Entitlement award:

• 3.0 GPA for Cal Grant A
• 2.0 GPA for Cal Grant B
• Meet the qualifying income and asset ceilings
• Apply by March 2nd of your senior year in high school or the year following graduation

In addition, eligible students have an opportunity to compete for 25,750 Cal Grant A or B Competitive awards. Of the awards set aside for competitive Cal Grant A and B, half are for community college students who apply by a second deadline of September 2.

Cal Grant A and B California Community College Transfer Entitlement Grant

High school seniors who go to a California Community College and then transfer to a qualifying baccalaureate-degree granting college may be eligible for a California Community College Transfer Entitlement (Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement). This award is either a Cal Grant A or B. To qualify, you must have at least a 2.4 community college GPA, meet the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements, be under 28 years of age as of December 31 of the award year and apply by March 2nd. You MUST transfer from a California Community College to a bachelor's degree-granting school in the award year for which the award is offered.

Cal Grant C

Students that are vocationally oriented, enrolled at least half-time in a course of study to acquire marketable job skills in a recognized occupational program, and fall within the established income and asset ceilings, and apply by the deadline may be eligible to receive a Cal Grant C award.

General Cal Grant Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Cal Grant, a student must:

• Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline;
• Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen or meet AB540 criteria for FAFSA;
• Be a California resident when you graduated from high school or meet AB540 criteria;
• Have a valid Social Security number or meet the AB540 criteria;
• Attend a qualifying California college;
• Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate, and not currently have a bachelor's or higher degree;
• Have financial need at your college;
• Have family income and assets below the established ceilings;
• Meet any minimum GPA requirement;
• Be attending school at least half time;
• Have registered with the US Selective Service, if required;
• Not owe a refund on any state or federal educational grant;
• Not have a delinquent or defaulted federal student loan;
• Not be incarcerated;
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

As a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C recipient, you have the following disbursement options prior to receiving payment:

1. You may elect to receive the full disbursement of your “Access” or “Book and Supplies” awards to use towards educational expenses. 
2. You may have it applied to any outstanding balances on your student account. 

By choosing the first option, you are responsible to resolve any account balances with Cerro Coso College. Please inform us of your decision by emailing cc_faid@cerrocoso.edu.

Please note: If you do not inform us of your decision prior to disbursement, your Cal Grant payment will be applied to any outstanding balances on your student account.

If you missed the March 2nd filing deadline, you may still qualify by meeting a September 2nd competitive Cal Grant deadline for California Community College students only. Manage your Cal Grant, at Web Grants 4 Students.

Your Cal Grant is automatically set up to first be applied to any balances or fees owed for the current academic year. Any remaining funds will then be disbursed to you. If your entire disbursement is used to cover your current balance, you will not receive a refund. Also, keep in mind that no more than $200 will be applied to a balance caused by a previous academic year.

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California College Promise Grant

What is the California College Promise Grant

For eligible California residents, the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) permits enrollment fees to be waived. (Assistance for the purchase of books and supplies must be applied for separately.)

The CCPG is available to California residents who meet eligibility requirements.

How to Qualify

To qualify for the CCPG under method A:

Students or their parent(s) must be currently receiving TANF/ Cal WORKS, SSI/SSP, General Assistance or have certification from the California Department of Veterans Affairs or the recipient. To receive a CCPG "A" the student is responsible for showing proof of his or her current benefits.

To qualify for the CCPG under method B:

Students and/or their parent(s) must meet household size and income state-assigned criteria.

To qualify for the CCPG under method C:

Students who do not qualify under methods A or B must do the following:

• Apply online at studentaid.gov
• Print out the confirmation page with your assigned (EFC) number.
• Submit confirmation page to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

The CCPG form is available below. Make sure to use the form for the correct academic year.

How to Remain Eligible

Once you've qualified for the CCPG, it is important to ensure that you are meeting the academic and progress standards in order to avoid losing eligibility.

Academic - Sustain a GPA of 2.0 or higher

If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two (2) consecutive primary terms (fall and spring semesters are primary terms AT CC) you may lose your fee waiver eligibility

Progress - Complete more than 50% of your coursework

If the cumulative number of courses you successfully complete falls below 50% in two (2) consecutive primary terms (fall and spring semesters are primary terms at CC) you may lose your fee waiver eligibility.

Combination of Academic and Progress Standards

Any combination of two consecutive terms of cumulative GPA below 2.0 and/or cumulative course completion less than 50% may result in loss of fee waiver eligibility.

You will be notified within 30 days of the end of each term if you are being placed on either Academic (GPA) and/or Progress (Course Completion) probation. Your notification will include the information that a second term of probation will result in loss of fee waiver eligibility. After the second consecutive term of probation, you may lose eligibility for the fee waiver at your next registration opportunity.

California College Promise Grant Applications (BOG/Fee Waiver)

To be considered for the CA College Promise Grant, complete the FAFSA or DREAM Act online through the following links:

• FAFSA
• DREAM Act

By completing the application, you could be eligible for additional grants.

California College Promise Grant Application

For eligible California residents, the California Community Colleges Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived. (Assistance for the purchase of books and supplies must be applied for separately.) If eligible, completing a 2025-2026 FAFSA or CADAA will apply the CCPG to your student account.

2025-2026 CC Promise Grant Application

Promise Grant application   Promise Grant application (Spanish)

2026-2027 CC Promise Grant Application

'26-27 Promise Grant application   '26-27 Promise Grant application (Spanish)

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Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) is a financial aid program for Cal Grant B and C recipients who are enrolled in at least 12 units per semester or 15 units per semester. (The award has two payment levels.) The Student Success Completion Grant pays full-time Cal Grant B or C recipients a maximum of $2,596 annually at $1,298 per semester. Full-time refers to students who are enrolled in and attend 12 through 14.99 units per term. A maximum of $8,000 annually at $4,000 per semester for eligible students who enroll and attend 15 units or more per term.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Cal Grant B or C recipient that received a full-time Cal Grant payment
• Must be enrolled full-time (12 units or more)
• Must be meeting Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Must have unmet need to receive the SSCG
• Funds are first-come, first-serve, and any award is dependent upon the college having SSCG grant funds available. In some cases, especially later in the academic year, a student may have eligibility based on the criteria above, but the college is unable to award the SSCG because all funds have been used.

The purpose of the SSCG grant is to provide students with additional financial aid to help offset the total cost of community college attendance, and to encourage full-time attendance and successful on-time completion.

 

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California Chafee Grant Program

The California Chafee Grant is available for current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. The Chafee Grant Program, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to the availability of federal funds each year. The California Chafee Grant Program may provide up to $4,500 per academic year of free money to foster youth and former foster youth to use for college courses or vocational school training. The student will receive an award based on their unmet financial need, up to the maximum award amount of $4,500.

 

To apply:

• You must be enrolled in an eligible college or vocational school
• You must be enrolled at least half time (6 units)
• You must be enrolled in a eligible course of study that is at least one year long
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• You were in California foster care between your 16^th and 18^th birthday
• You must not have reached your 26^th birthday as of July 1, of the award year

Two forms are needed to apply for the Chafee Grant:

• The California Chafee Grant Program Application
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

We recommend completing an Access Programs application for additional financial assistance through the NextUp Program.

After you apply,

• The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will verify your Independent Living Program (ILP) status.
• The financial aid office will determine your unmet financial need and financial aid eligibility.
• The California Student Aid Commission will review your FAFSA and your Chafee Grant Application.
• Then, the California Student Aid Commission will send you a letter notifying you of your award status.

Note that the amount of the Chafee Grant, when combined with a Pell Grant, may not exceed the student's cost of attendance.

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Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant (BIA)

The BIA Grant provides financial assistance to Native American students who enroll in full-time college programs. In order to qualify, a student must be at least one-fourth American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut. Those who believe that they qualify should contact the appropriate BIA area or agency office maintaining tribal records.

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