Student-Parent Information and Resources
( For currently enrolled students with dependents )
At Cerro Coso Community College, we strive to support all our students reach their full potential. Student-Parents at Cerro Coso can receive priority registration, take advantage of academic and career counseling, financial support, and join various student service programs across our campuses. In addition to these services, Cerro Coso also offers campus and community resources which are provided below.
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Cost of Attendance
Think of your Cost of Attendance (COA) as the starting point for figuring out how much financial help you might get for college. It is not the bill you have to pay, but more like an estimate of all the costs for the school year, like tuition, fees, housing, and personal stuff. We use this to decide how much aid you can get, but we cannot give you more than what the COA says you will need. So, while some costs are set (like tuition), others can change based on how you live while you are in college.
2025-2026 Cost of Attendance (COA)
In-State with Parents
You are classified as a California Resident and are living with your parents.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $1,380.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,089.00 |
| Food & Housing | $11,835.00 |
| Transportation | $1,818.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $4,140.00 |
| TOTAL | $20,262.00 |
In-State Off-Campus
You are classified as a California Resident and are living off campus without your parents.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $1,380.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,089.00 |
| Food & Housing | $24,219.00 |
| Transportation | $1,989.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $5,067.00 |
| TOTAL | $33,744.00 |
Out of State Away
You are not classified as a California Resident and are living off campus without your parents.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,460.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,089.00 |
| Food & Housing | $24,219.00 |
| Transportation | $1,989.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $5,067.00 |
| TOTAL | $43,824.00 |
Out of State at Home
You are not classified as a California Resident and are living with your parents.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,460.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,089.00 |
| Food & Housing | $11,835.00 |
| Transportation | $1,818.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $4,140.00 |
| TOTAL | $30,342.00 |
For more information or to request a COA update, visit the Cost of Attendance page.
IWV/Ridgecrest Campus
FAFSA
Colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine how much financial aid students are eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs can fill out a FAFSA. Students must apply for financial aid every year and submit any required documents to the financial aid office.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
CADAA
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students and other eligible non-citizens to apply for state and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and fee waivers, which do not need to be repaid, to help cover college costs, such as tuition and other educational expenses. To apply, complete the CADAA online, and be sure to submit any required documents to the financial aid office.
California Dream Act Application
Immigration Services and DACA Fee Assistance
CCPG
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.
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
FINISH LINE
The California Community Colleges Finish Line Scholars Program supports students to ensure they stay on track with their education and complete a degree, certificate, or transfer to a four year college or university.
The program is intended to help eliminate regional educational gaps through the distribution of emergency financial aid to students facing unexpected hardships and scholarships to students who are well on their way toward a finish line goal of transferring to a college or university or completing a certificate or degree.
Federal Work-Study Program at Cerro Coso
CHAFEE – California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
The California Chafee Grant Program is for current or former foster youth to cover college expenses or career and technical training. You don't have to pay this money back and can use it for things like childcare, transportation and rent. The Chafee Grant, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to availability of federal funds each year. Awards can be up to $5000 a year.
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
- Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).
- Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2506, starting with the 2017-18 award year, you can only receive your Chafee Grant if you attend a school that is either of the following:
- A qualifying institution that is eligible for participation in the Cal Grant Program.
- An institution that is not located in California with a three-year cohort default rate that is less than 15.5 percent and a graduation rate greater than 30 percent.
To apply, you must submit the California Chafee Grant Program Application in addition to the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Dependent Care Allowance
The Dependent Care Allowance can increase the amount of financial aid for which you’re eligible by including dependent care expenses, such as childcare, in your cost of attendance (COA) budget, making it easier to balance family responsibilities with your studies. To qualify, you must be enrolled in college, have a dependent, and complete the FAFSA and any other requested financial aid forms. The allowance covers dependent care costs while you attend classes, study, do field work or internships, commute, and more. Contact the financial aid office to learn more about this.
Federal Work-Study Program
Student Employment provides an opportunity to fund your education while obtaining entrance level job skills and experience that will assist you in obtaining employment outside of the campus. Various student employment opportunities exist at Cerro Coso in a variety of areas. Please contact the Financial Aid Office (760) 384-6221 or the CalWORKs program office at (760) 384-6219 to learn more about the student employment opportunities available to you. For information about job opportunities available to students outside of Cerro Coso, in the Indian Wells Valley area, visit our Career Center website.
Federal Work-Study Program at Cerro Coso
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
CARE (Cooperative Agencies for Resources in Education)
Cerro Coso Community College Basic Needs Center includes access to nutritious foods, mental and physical healthcare, technology, transportation, and more. Having one’s basic needs met has a direct impact on the academic performance, mental health, physical health, and holistic well-being of our students. Basic Needs Referral Form
Basic Needs funds are currently being assessed due to limited funding. Please be patient as we carefully review and assess each student’s needs in a timely manner.
Ridgecrest
- Larkspur Village | (760) 375-1942
- The Ridge Investors | (760) 375-3421
- Tehachapi
- Mulberry Villa Apartments | (661) 822-5620
Tehachapi
- Mulberry Villa Apartments | (661) 822-5620
California City
- California Terrace Apartments | (760) 373-2289
Mojave
- Park Palace | (661) 824-2116
Kern | Ridgecrest Regional Hospital website
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
1081 N China Lake Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: (760) 446-3551
TDD: (760) 446-7505
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal nonrefundable tax credit available to taxpayers who have children and meet certain requirements. To be eligible, your child must be under 17 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, and be listed as a dependent on your tax return. The credit can reduce your tax amount on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which could eliminate your tax bill altogether.
Senate Bill (SB) 201 (Chapter 72, Statutes of 2022), for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, allows eligible families to claim the new Foster Youth Tax Credit and expands the Young Child Tax Credit.
All County Information Notice ACIN I-87-22 Tax Year 2022
ESCC Bishop/Mammoth Campus
Resources for students in the Eastern Sierra (Bishop and Mammoth Lakes) service area
FAFSA
Colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine how much financial aid students are eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs can fill out a FAFSA. Students must apply for financial aid every year and submit any required documents to the financial aid office.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
CADAA
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students and other eligible non-citizens to apply for state and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and fee waivers, which do not need to be repaid, to help cover college costs, such as tuition and other educational expenses. To apply, complete the CADAA online, and be sure to submit any required documents to the financial aid office.
California Dream Act Application
Immigration Services and DACA Fee Assistance
CCPG
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.
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
FINISH LINE
The California Community Colleges Finish Line Scholars Program supports students to ensure they stay on track with their education and complete a degree, certificate, or transfer to a four year college or university.
The program is intended to help eliminate regional educational gaps through the distribution of emergency financial aid to students facing unexpected hardships and scholarships to students who are well on their way toward a finish line goal of transferring to a college or university or completing a certificate or degree.
Federal Work Study Program at Cerro Coso
CHAFEE – California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
The California Chafee Grant Program is for current or former foster youth to cover college expenses or career and technical training. You don't have to pay this money back and can use it for things like childcare, transportation and rent. The Chafee Grant, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to availability of federal funds each year. Awards can be up to $5000 a year.
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
- Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).
- Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2506, starting with the 2017-18 award year, you can only receive your Chafee Grant if you attend a school that is either of the following:
- A qualifying institution that is eligible for participation in the Cal Grant Program.
- An institution that is not located in California with a three-year cohort default rate that is less than 15.5 percent and a graduation rate greater than 30 percent.
To apply, you must submit the California Chafee Grant Program Application in addition to the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Dependent Care Allowance
The Dependent Care Allowance can increase the amount of financial aid for which you’re eligible by including dependent care expenses, such as childcare, in your cost of attendance (COA) budget, making it easier to balance family responsibilities with your studies. To qualify, you must be enrolled in college, have a dependent, and complete the FAFSA and any other requested financial aid forms. The allowance covers dependent care costs while you attend classes, study, do field work or internships, commute, and more. Contact the financial aid office to learn more about this.
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
CARE (Cooperative Agencies for Resources in Education)
Cerro Coso Community College Basic Needs Center includes access to nutritious foods, mental and physical healthcare, technology, transportation, and more. Having one’s basic needs met has a direct impact on the academic performance, mental health, physical health, and holistic well-being of our students. Basic Needs Referral Form
Basic Needs funds are currently being assessed due to limited funding. Please be patient as we carefully review and assess each student’s needs in a timely manner.
Inyo | Northern Inyo Hospital website
Northern Inyo Hospital
150 Pioneer Lane
Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 873-5811
Mono | Mammoth Hospital website
Mammoth Hospital
85 Sierra Park Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-3311
East Kern Center Resources
FAFSA
Colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine how much financial aid students are eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs can fill out a FAFSA. Students must apply for financial aid every year and submit any required documents to the financial aid office.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
CADAA
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students and other eligible non-citizens to apply for state and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and fee waivers, which do not need to be repaid, to help cover college costs, such as tuition and other educational expenses. To apply, complete the CADAA online, and be sure to submit any required documents to the financial aid office.
California Dream Act Application
Immigration Services and DACA Fee Assistance
CCPG
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.
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
FINISH LINE
The California Community Colleges Finish Line Scholars Program supports students to ensure they stay on track with their education and complete a degree, certificate, or transfer to a four year college or university.
The program is intended to help eliminate regional educational gaps through the distribution of emergency financial aid to students facing unexpected hardships and scholarships to students who are well on their way toward a finish line goal of transferring to a college or university or completing a certificate or degree.
Federal Work Study Program at Cerro Coso
CHAFEE – California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
The California Chafee Grant Program is for current or former foster youth to cover college expenses or career and technical training. You don't have to pay this money back and can use it for things like childcare, transportation and rent. The Chafee Grant, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to availability of federal funds each year. Awards can be up to $5000 a year.
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
- Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).
- Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2506, starting with the 2017-18 award year, you can only receive your Chafee Grant if you attend a school that is either of the following:
- A qualifying institution that is eligible for participation in the Cal Grant Program.
- An institution that is not located in California with a three-year cohort default rate that is less than 15.5 percent and a graduation rate greater than 30 percent.
To apply, you must submit the California Chafee Grant Program Application in addition to the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Dependent Care Allowance
The Dependent Care Allowance can increase the amount of financial aid for which you’re eligible by including dependent care expenses, such as childcare, in your cost of attendance (COA) budget, making it easier to balance family responsibilities with your studies. To qualify, you must be enrolled in college, have a dependent, and complete the FAFSA and any other requested financial aid forms. The allowance covers dependent care costs while you attend classes, study, do field work or internships, commute, and more. Contact the financial aid office to learn more about this.
Federal Work-Study Program
Student Employment provides an opportunity to fund your education while obtaining entrance level job skills and experience that will assist you in obtaining employment outside of the campus. Various student employment opportunities exist at Cerro Coso in a variety of areas. Please contact the Financial Aid Office (760) 384-6221 or the CalWORKs program office at (760) 384-6219 to learn more about the student employment opportunities available to you. For information about job opportunities available to students outside of Cerro Coso, in the Indian Wells Valley area, visit our Career Center website.
Federal Work-Study Program at Cerro Coso
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
CARE (Cooperative Agencies for Resources in Education)
Cerro Coso Community College Basic Needs Center includes access to nutritious foods, mental and physical healthcare, technology, transportation, and more. Having one’s basic needs met has a direct impact on the academic performance, mental health, physical health, and holistic well-being of our students. Basic Needs Referral Form
Basic Needs funds are currently being assessed due to limited funding. Please be patient as we carefully review and assess each student’s needs in a timely manner.
Low-Income Housing | Kern County Housing Resources
Tehachapi
- Mulberry Villa Apartments | (661) 822-5620
California City
- California Terrace Apartments | (760) 373-2289
- Park Palace | (661) 824-2116
California City | Cal City Clinic website
Cal City Clinic
9300 N Loop Blvd Ste A
California City, CA 93505
(760) 373-1785
Tehachapi | Adventist Health website
Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley
1100 Magellan Drive
Tehachapi, CA 93561
(661) 823-3000
Mojave | Adventist Health website
Adventist Health Medical Office - Mojave
2041 Belshaw Street
Mojave, CA 93501
(661) 824-4511
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal nonrefundable tax credit available to taxpayers who have children and meet certain requirements. To be eligible, your child must be under 17 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, and be listed as a dependent on your tax return. The credit can reduce your tax amount on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which could eliminate your tax bill altogether.
Senate Bill (SB) 201 (Chapter 72, Statutes of 2022), for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, allows eligible families to claim the new Foster Youth Tax Credit and expands the Young Child Tax Credit.
All County Information Notice ACIN I-87-22 Tax Year 2022
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