Financial Aid/Scholarship

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For information on 2024-2025 FAFSA/CADAA please visit our FAFSA Simplification Webpage.

The San Diego Community College District provides millions in aid every year!

Aid is available and we encourage you to apply if you need assistance in meeting part of your educational costs. Financial aid in the form of grants, work-study and low interest loans is available to those who qualify.

SDCCD is made up of three distinct colleges – San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar, and students may attend classes at any of the three colleges through one application for admission. However, for government financial aid requirements, please note that students need to be enrolled in classes at the college where they are applying for financial aid.

Our goal is to assist you with your financial obligations so that you may maximize your educational opportunities. The Financial Aid Offices recognize that your situation is unique and your application is carefully analyzed with complete confidentiality regarding your personal financial information. All students are encouraged to visit our colleges and to speak with our financial aid staff.

Special information for students interested in bachelor's programs

Students enrolled in a bachelor's program at San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar must apply for the CCPG free waiver through the FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Per Education Code section 78042(c), students who wish to apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waiver must submit either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act application in lieu of completing the CCPG application.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The first step in applying for student aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college.  The FAFSA is used to determine which students get financial aid, and how much they will receive.

Apply Online

  • Go to the FAFSA website to apply at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out
  • Read what documents you may need when you apply
  • When applying, you will be asked to enter a school code to the college you wish to receive financial aid:

    Financial Aid offices

    City College Financial Aid
    Office A-270
    619-388-3501 
    619-388-3241 Fax
    cityaid@sdccd.edu

    Mesa College Financial Aid
    Office I4-107
    619-388-2817 
    619-388-2824 Fax
    mesaaid@sdccd.edu

    Miramar College Financial Aid
    Office K-312
    619-388-7864 
    619-388-7910 Fax
    miraaid@sdccd.edu

    Financial Aid Resources

    Satisfactory academic progress

    All students who receive federal financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards the completion of an eligible program of study. Financial aid eligibility is determined in compliance with federal regulations as well as institutional policies and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or other legally protected basis. 

    SDCCD Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy - Updated June 1, 2023

    Financial Aid Bulletin

    The SDCCD Financial Aid Bulletin is a general information brochure to help you learn about your options for Financial Aid. The Bulletin includes the following information:

    • Deadlines for Filing
    • Eligibility Requirements
    • How to Apply
    • Programs Available
    • How to Receive Your Funds
    • Repayment Calculation
    • Rules, Regulations, Student Rights and Responsibilities
    • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for financial aid recipients
    • Additional information

    Download the Financial Aid Bulletin or stop by your College Financial Aid Office to pick up a copy.

    Visit the Financial Aid section of your college website for more information and online resources.

    Return of Title IV (R2T4)

    Financial aid recipients who withdraw completely from all classes will have a Return of Title IV (R2T4) funds calculation completed. This calculation determines the student's percentage of completion at the time of withdrawal and the amount of institutional and/or Title IV debt owed by a student.

    The following guidelines and procedures reflect federal policy. If at any time these guidelines and procedures conflict with federal policy, then the colleges are to follow federal policy.

    Return of Title IV (R2T4) Standards

    Financial Aid Programs Available

    For more information about the financial aid programs available, review the Financial Aid Bulletin or visit your College Financial Aid Office.

    California College Promise Grant - CCPG

    The California state funded California College Promise Grant (CCPG) provides funds to help low income students pay the enrollment fee. Students may apply for the CCPG in one of two ways:

    The CCPG is for California residents only, as determined by your College Admissions Office. To determine if you qualify for the CCPG Waiver, review the Financial Aid Bulletin or contact your College Financial Aid Office.

    The CCPG only applies to enrollment fees. It does not pay the Health Fee or any other educational costs. If you need money to help with books, supplies, food, rent, transportation and other costs, please complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act application.

    Note: Under the provisions of AB 131, students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition under Education Code Section 68130.5 (AB 540) will become eligible to participate in the California College Promise Grant program as of January 1, 2013.

    Students who lost their CCPG eligibility due to academic performance may petition to have their eligibility restored if they have extenuating circumstances that resulted in the loss of their CCPG.  Please submit the Petition for Appeal of Enrollment Priority and/or Loss of CCPG with documentation.

    San Diego Promise Program

    The San Diego Promise Program offers:

    1. First Time, Full Time College Students, post-high school graduation,
    2. Returning SDCCD Students who have NOT enrolled in courses at the San Diego Community College District since the Spring 2023 semester, and,
    3. Students who identify as Veterans of the US Armed Forces, San Diego College of Continuing Education Students, Foster Youth, Justice Involved, and Undocumented Students the opportunity to receive up to two years of free tuition and health fees, Book grants for students with demonstrated financial need, and support from the San Diego Promise community of faculty, staff, supervisors, and administrations.

    Visit our San Diego Promise Website for a complete list of requirements and eligibility criteria for being admitted into the San Diego Promise. Applications close: Sunday, August 5, 2024, at 11:59 pm

    Additional Resources

    If you are looking for additional Financial Aid information, click on the links to the following sites.

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