VIDEO - "A MINUTE TO LEARN IT - FEDERAL AID ELIGIBILITY"
VIDEO - HOW DO I KNOW IF I WILL QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Eligibility for Non-citizens
The Department of Education (DOE) will compare the information listed on your FAFSA with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to verify your citizenship status. If your citizenship status is not verified by DOE’s first match, your record will automatically be selected for a second verification by the DOE. If the second verification is not successful, you must submit verification of your citizenship to the Cuyamaca College Financial Aid Office no later than your last day of attendance. The Cuyamaca Financial Aid Office will submit your citizenship documents to the DHS within 10 business days and request verification of your citizenship status based on your current documentation.
AB1899
Requires students who are victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes who have been granted a specified status under federal law, to be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at the California State University and the California Community Colleges, and to be eligible to apply for, and participate in, all student financial aid programs and scholarships administered by a public Postsecondary educational institution or the State of California.
AB540 Students
Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) is a California state law that allows students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition fees at any UC, CSU, or California Community College.
Aid to Eligible Undocumented Students
Undocumented students who have attended and graduated from a California high school or have attained a GED are considered AB540 students who may qualify for assistance such as the community college fee waiver and Cal Grant.
California Dream Act Application
The California DREAM Act is a state legislation that will allow undocumented, AB540 students use the California Dream Act Online Application to apply
for and receive institutional financial aid in the public colleges and universities in California such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers and Cal Grant.
Aid to Foreign Students
Cuyamaca College is not able to assist foreign students with federal or state aid. To be eligible for federal or state aid, you must be a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible noncitizen.
High School Diploma/GED required for New Students
Students enrolling for the first time after July 1, 2012 must have a High School Diploma, GED, or a recognized state equivalent to be eligible for any federal financial aid. A student who does not possess a high school diploma, GED, or a recognized state equivalent can obtain a GED. Information on obtaining a GED can be found at the Grossmont Adult School website High School Diploma/High School Equivalency.
Drug Convictions
You cannot receive federal financial aid for a specified period if you have been convicted of an offense for the sale or possession of an illegal drug while receiving financial aid.
Convictions for possession:
- One conviction – ineligible for federal financial aid for one year from the date of conviction.
- Two convictions – ineligible for federal financial aid for two years from the date of the second conviction.
- Three or more convictions – ineligible for federal financial aid for an indefinite period of time.
Convictions for sale:
- One conviction – ineligible for federal financial aid for two years from the date of conviction.
- Two or more convictions – ineligible for federal financial aid for an indefinite period of time.
You may regain eligibility for federal financial aid the day after the period of ineligibility ends or you successfully complete a qualified drug rehabilitation program. If you are convicted of a drug offense during a time that you are receiving federal financial aid you must notify the financial aid office immediately.
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