Financial Aid

Financial Aid Department

The Financial Aid Department, located on the first floor of the Student Services building, is responsible for initiating, monitoring, and disbursing federal and state program funds. These funds are provided to students as grants, scholarships, employment, and loans. In addition to the general financial aid programs, the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is also available.

Comprehensive information on financial aid processes, eligibility, and deadlines is available on the Financial Aid Department webpage.

Financial aid is intended to help students cover the Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, transportation, and living expenses. Aid eligibility is based on financial need, which is determined by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI), calculated from the student’s financial aid application, from the COA.

To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year, as early as possible after October 1 to maximize eligibility. Citrus College’s FAFSA Title IV School Code is 001166.

AB540 students should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) beginning October 1 each year. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the state priority deadline is April 1, 2025. Students attending a California Community College should apply no later than September 2, 2025, to be considered for the most aid.

Federal Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for federal financial aid, students must meet all the following requirements:

Citizenship Status

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or an eligible noncitizen.
Students must have a valid Social Security Number.
1. Undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, are not eligible for federal student aid but may still be eligible state aid. Students with DACA status are eligible to apply for state grants and the CCPG. Students who have a Social Security Number but are not a citizen or an eligible non-citizen, including students granted DACA status, should complete the California Dream Act Application.
Students must demonstrate one of the following: possession of a high school diploma, a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, completion of home schooling at the secondary level as defined by state law, passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE), or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
1. Students who were enrolled in a Title IV-eligible program any time prior to July 1, 2022, may also qualify for financial aid under one of the following Ability to Benefit (ATB) alternatives: completion of six college degree-applicable units prior to July 1, 2012, or successful completion of the Citrus College ATB exam.
Students must be enrolled in a program that leads to a certificate, associate degree, or transfer program. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible for some federal and state financial aid programs including Federal Pell Grants and Cal Grants.
Students must not owe a refund on any federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.
Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards as defined by the Financial Aid Department.
Demonstrate financial need. Financial need is determined by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI), calculated from the FAFSA, from the Cost of Attendance (COA), as defined by the federal methodology.

Once the student has successfully completed the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), they should check their Citrus College issued email address and review their application status through their Financial Aid Dashboard. The student’s Citrus College email account must be activated, as this is the main source of communication between the Financial Aid Department and the student.

Next Steps After Applying for Financial Aid

After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), students should regularly check their Citrus College email account and log in to their Financial Aid Dashboard. The Citrus College email is the official method of communication used by the Financial Aid Department; therefore, it is essential that students activate and check it frequently.

As part of the review process, the Financial Aid Department may request additional documentation, which may include:

Student and/or parent's IRS tax return transcript with W-2’s
Proof of untaxed income
Social Security Card(s)
Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Other documents related to financial income, assets, or household information

Several factors are considered when determining a student’s financial aid eligibility, including:

Taxed and untaxed family income
Net worth of assets, including cash, savings, checking accounts, and investments
Taxes paid
Household size

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible for one or more of the following federal financial aid programs:

Grants (do not have to be repaid)

Federal Pell Grant: Awarded to undergraduate students with financial need who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Eligibility is determined using federal methodology based on information provided in the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to students with exceptionally high financial need. To be eligible, students must first qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. FSEOG funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Work-Study

Federal Work Study (FWS): Provides part-time employment opportunities on or off campus, allowing students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Interested students should contact the Financial Aid Department for information on available positions and eligibility requirements.

Loans (must be repaid)

Federal Direct Loans: Available to eligible students who have completed the FAFSA. Loans may be subsidized (the government pays the interest while the student is in school) or unsubsidized (interest accrues while the student is enrolled). Loan amounts and eligibility are determined based on financial need, grade level, and other criteria. Students can monitor loan status and overall financial aid eligibility through their Financial Aid Dashboard. Students should go to studentaid.gov to manage their loans and view their borrowing history. Students and parents may cancel or reduce their Federal Direct Loan by notifying the Financial Aid Department by submitting a request using the Financial Aid Request Form within 14 calendar days following a disbursement.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan: The Parent PLUS Loan is available to biological or adoptive parents (and in some cases, stepparents) of dependent undergraduate students. A FAFSA must be completed for the student, and the parent must pass a credit check to qualify. The loan amount is based on the student’s cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received. Parent PLUS Loans must be repaid by the parent borrower, and repayment typically begins within 60 days of full disbursement unless deferred. Parents interested in applying should contact the Financial Aid Department.

State Financial Aid Programs

Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) may be eligible for one or more of the following state financial aid programs:

AB 540 and the California Dream Act

The California Dream Act, made up of Assembly Bills AB 130 and AB 131, allows certain undocumented and nonresident students who qualify under AB 540 to access state and institutional financial aid. Eligible students may receive the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), Cal Grant B or C, Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), and the Chafee Grant.

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives enrollment fees for eligible California residents and AB 540 students who demonstrate financial need. In addition to covering enrollment fees, the CCPG provides the following benefits: discounted parking during the fall and spring semesters and reduced health fee for all terms in which the student qualifies.

For current fee amounts, students should refer to the Fees and Tuition section on the Citrus College website.

The CCPG is not a cash award. It only waives specific charges on a student’s Citrus College account. Any unused portion of the grant will not be refunded.

Loss of California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

Under Title 5 Section 58621, students who do not meet academic and/or progress standards for two consecutive primary terms will lose eligibility for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG).

Academic Standard: Cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.0
Progress Standard: Completion of less than 50% of attempted coursework

Exemptions
Students who are current or former foster youth, age 24 or younger, and those awarded a special classification, CCPG, are exempt from this loss of eligibility.

Timing of Loss

If a student registers for a term before the two-term probation determination is made, the CCPG will remain in effect for that term and may be lost for the following term.
If a student registers after the determination is made, the CCPG may be lost for the upcoming term.

Regaining CCPG Eligibility:
Students may regain eligibility by one of the following methods:

Meeting academic and progress standards
Sitting out for two consecutive primary terms (summer and winter intersessions do not count)
Successfully appealing the loss due to extenuating circumstances

An appeal process is available through the Counseling and Advisement Center. Students are strongly encouraged to use academic and student support services to help maintain eligibility. For more information, visit the Student Services page on the Citrus College website.

Cal Grants

Cal Grants are state-funded awards designed to assist eligible California resident students and AB 540 students from low- to middle-income families with educational expenses. These grants are administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and do not need to be repaid.

Eligibility is determined based on the following factors:

Grade Point Average (GPA)
Student and/or parent income
The student’s program of study

To be considered for a Cal Grant, students must submit a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and meet the priority filing deadline of March 2 each year. AB 540 students are eligible to apply for Cal Grants.

Award amounts and availability are subject to annual funding through the State of California budget.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) provides additional financial support to eligible Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C recipients who enroll full-time and make progress toward completing their educational program.

Award amounts are based on the number of units in which a student begins attendance each term:

SSCG 12-14.99: Students enrolled in 12 to 14.99 units | $1,298 per term
SSCG 15+: Students enrolled in 15 or more units | $4,000 per term
(Includes the $1,298 base award and an additional $2,702 award)
SSCG Foster Youth (SSCGFY): Foster youth enrolled in 12 or more units | $5,250 per term
SSCG 9+: Students enrolled in 9 or more units and have an approved Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) with Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) | $1,298 per term

This grant is designed to encourage full-time enrollment and support the timely completion of certificates, associate degrees, and transfer goals.

Federal Chafee Grant

The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth (Chafee Grant) awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth. A student's receipt of a Chafee Grant award shall not exceed five years (whether or not consecutive). Payment on an eligible California Chafee Grant Award is not guaranteed. Funding is limited. Payments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for the Chafee Grant, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
Be a current or former foster youth who was a dependent or ward of the court, living in an out-of-home foster care placement, between the ages of 16 and 18.

Be a youth who was placed in out-of-home care by a tribe or tribal organization between the ages of 16-18.

All foster care eligibility is verified by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

Scholarships

Citrus College is dedicated to improving the educational opportunities of Citrus College students. The Citrus College Foundation offers over 100 scholarships each academic year. Be sure to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to help fund your college education

Other Sources

Students are invited and encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Department online using the FA Help Center or visit the webpage for additional information.

Citrus College
Financial Aid Department Location:
Student Services Building, First Floor
(626) 914-8592
Financial Aid Help Center
Financial Aid Request Form
Department Hours (May vary from term to term)

Eligible Programs

Students must enroll in courses that are required and applicable to their chosen degree, certificate, or transfer objective. While all associate degrees offered by Citrus College are eligible for financial aid, only certain certificate programs qualify. Eligible financial aid certificate programs are identified in the college catalog.

Clock Hour Programs

Effective July 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education has eliminated the requirement to pay any Citrus College programs based on clock hours.

Change in Information

Any change in a student’s legal name, address, Social Security Number, e-mail address, or telephone number must be immediately reported to the Admissions and Records Office and the Financial Aid Department.

Minimum Unit Requirements for Financial Aid

Financial aid eligibility is determined by the number of units in which a student is enrolled, and unit requirements may vary depending on the specific aid program. These enrollment classifications apply to fall, spring, and summer terms and may differ from how other departments define full-time status.

Full-time status is defined as enrollment in 12 or more units, which qualifies students for the maximum award amount for most aid programs.
Students enrolled in less than 12 units may still be eligible for prorated financial aid awards.
To receive a Cal Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study, or a Federal Direct Loan, a student must be enrolled in at least 6 units.
To qualify for the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), students must be enrolled in at least 12 units.
To receive the maximum SSCG award, students must be enrolled in 15 or more units.

Winter Session

Financial aid is not disbursed separately for the winter intersession. Instead, winter units are combined with spring units to determine a student’s enrollment status for spring disbursement purposes. The combined total is used to calculate and issue aid during the spring semester.

Enrollment, Change in Enrollment Status, Late Start Classes, Withdrawal

Financial aid disbursements are initially based on a student’s enrollment status and are contingent upon the student being enrolled and attending courses at Citrus College.

To receive a full-time disbursement, a student must enroll in and maintain at least 12 units throughout the term. This applies to the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Unit requirements vary by financial aid program. Students should visit the financial aid department webpage for detailed information about unit requirements for each program.

Financial aid is not disbursed during the winter intersession. Instead, winter units are combined with spring units to determine the student’s enrollment status for spring disbursement. Aid for winter courses is paid during the spring semester.

Late-start or short-term classes are not counted toward a student’s enrollment status until the class officially begins. As a result, disbursement may be reduced or delayed until the class is in session.

For students enrolled in approved consortium agreements, financial aid for those units will be withheld until official transcripts are received from the other institution and course completion is verified.

Any change in enrollment status during a semester, such as dropping a course, may result in a reduction or cancellation of the financial aid award. If a student withdraws from all courses, their remaining financial aid will be canceled, and they may be subject to repayment of unearned funds under federal return of Title IV regulations.

Over-Awards

An over-award occurs when a student receives more financial aid than they are eligible for under federal, state, or institutional guidelines. Regardless of the reason, any funds disbursed in excess of the student’s eligibility must be repaid in full by the student.

Financial Holds

Students with an outstanding balance owed to the college may have a financial hold placed on their record by the Bursar Office. This hold will remain in effect until the balance is paid in full and may restrict access to registration and other college services.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The Financial Aid Department is required to monitor academic progress and deny aid to any student who fails to meet the following SAP standards:

Maintain a minimum of a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
Maintain academic progress (successfully complete at least 67% of units enrolled).
Total units (Maximum Time Period) – Students may attempt up to 90 units towards the completion of a degree, or if enrolled in a certificate program, a maximum of 150% of the program length toward the completion of a certificate program.

Units completed at other colleges or taken without the assistance of financial aid will be calculated into the total number of units attempted.

Up to 30 earned units of remedial/basic skills coursework at Citrus College may be deducted from the total units accumulated. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are counted towards the total number of units attempted. Students who enroll in excessive ESL or remedial/basic skills courses that do not apply to their degree or certificate may exhaust their financial aid eligibility prior to completing their program.

A student will be placed on financial aid warning or dismissal for not meeting SAP. Students with extenuating circumstances may be able to file a Financial Aid Appeal to reinstate their financial aid. A student will be placed on financial aid probation if the Financial Aid Appeal is approved. If the student fails to meet SAP while on probation, financial aid will be denied in the subsequent semester. Students should read the Financial Aid SAP policy and Appeal Eligibility Criteria to determine if they are eligible to appeal.

Visit the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards webpage for full details and information.

Basis for Denial of Financial Aid

Financial aid may be denied for the following reasons:

Default on Federal Student Loans
Owing a refund or repayment on Federal Pell Grant or FSEOG
Failure to meet the SAP standards adopted by Citrus College for financial aid recipients
Completion of a bachelor's degree, attempting 90 or more units, or attempting 150% of the units required for a certificate program
Falsification of information that affects the determination of eligibility for aid
Lack of sufficient verification/documentation of income and resources

Financial Aid Return to Title IV (R2T4) Policy

As a recipient of federal financial aid, students are expected to complete the entire enrollment period for which their Title IV funds were awarded. Federal financial aid (Title IV funds) includes the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). When a student withdraws from all classes before completing 60% of the term, Citrus College must calculate the amount of aid earned and, if necessary, return any unearned funds in compliance with federal regulations.

Title IV funds are earned based on the percentage of the enrollment period a student completes. If a student withdraws before completing more than 60% of the period, Citrus College will determine the amount of Title IV aid earned using a federal formula. This calculation is done on a pro-rata basis, which means that the amount a student keeps matches the portion of the enrollment period they completed.

In addition to calculating what percent of aid the student earned, the Department of Education requires the college to calculate any institutional charges (fees) that the college must repay the U.S. Department of Education. Any cost that the college is required to repay to the U.S. Department of Education will be billed to the student as an Institutional Debt. This debt is in addition to any Title IV Overpayment the student may owe. Students will need to resolve this debt directly with Citrus College, as any unpaid debt may result in a registration hold and restrict access to other college services until resolved. Citrus College reserves the right to send any unpaid debts to collections.

Citrus College collects liabilities through a program called the Chancellor’s Office Tax Offset Program (COTOP). COTOP authorizes the California State Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to offset the amount owed to the District from the debtor’s personal state income tax, lottery winnings, or other state refunds. If the student owes money to the District and payment is not received, the District will submit that student debt to COTOP for collection, including Institutional Debt. In addition to the amount owed to the District, students will also be assessed the 25% collection fee charged by COTOP. Students may contact the Cashier's Office at 626-914-8896 with any questions.

For full details and additional information, students should review the policy published on the Financial Aid Department webpage.

Federal Pell Grant Recalculation Freeze Date

The Financial Aid Department will recalculate Federal Pell Grant eligibility each semester on the published recalculation dates. Students who failed to maintain enrollment in the number of units they were paid for on the dates noted will be required to repay the difference in their Federal Pell Grant eligibility. The amount of financial aid eligibility will be based on the units students are enrolled in on this date (see important dates and deadlines on the financial aid webpage for freeze dates).

Students who add classes after this date will not receive aid for the late added classes. Students who dropped classes on or prior to this date and received funding in excess of their current enrollment status will be required to repay the over award based on their enrollment on this date. No adjustments to financial aid awards will be made after this date. This repayment is in addition to any Return to Title IV Calculations.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans benefits information is available at the Veterans Success Center, located in Portable 3 (P3).

Citrus College is an approved, degree-granting institution for veterans and their eligible dependents. The United States Code (Title 38, Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, and 1606) provides academic and career training opportunities for veterans. Citrus College invites and urges eligible students to take advantage of the support services available to veterans.

Citrus College cooperates with the Department of Veterans Affairs and with the California State Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation to help veterans and their eligible dependents achieve their educational and vocational goals. Our program is recognized by the Bureau for Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education in the Department of Consumer Affairs for Veterans Education Benefits.

How to Receive Veterans Benefits

Submit an application for admission to Citrus College.
Apply for VA education benefits online.
Apply for financial aid.
Submit a DD214 member 4 copy. Reserve and National Guard personnel must submit a Notice of Basic Eligibility (VA form DD-2384), which is issued by the student’s reserve or guard unit.
Forward official transcripts of all previous college or university work completed and military service credits to Citrus College. Transcripts must be evaluated within the first two terms of enrollment, in order for a student to continue receiving GI Bill® benefits. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Meet with a Citrus College veterans counselor, who helps students develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP). It is important that the counseling staff knows a student’s veterans status in order to assign him/her to someone experienced in helping veterans. Call (626) 852-6421 to make an appointment.

For detailed information about each benefit please visit the Veterans Success Center website.

Additional Information Regarding VA Education Benefits

Applications for VA education benefits will not be processed until all college transcripts have been received and the previously listed procedures have been completed. Students receiving GI benefits for the first time should be aware that processing new benefits can take longer than expected. Current military students, veterans, or those who had prior military service may be eligible for priority registration. An active duty military ID card or DD 214 are required for verification.

The Department of Veterans Affairs holds both the college and the recipient liable for over-payments.

Over-payments commonly occur due to:

Failure to report to the VA approved certifying official any change in a student’s number of units.
If a student receives an over-payment, the Veterans Administration may stop further payments until the entire amount due has been repaid.

Veterans will receive a letter requesting repayment if the following categories apply:

Enrollment changed to less than half-time under Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606.
Under Chapter 33, students can take all Online Ed classes at a reduced amount according to units and percentage. Under Chapter 33, students enrolled half-time or less will get their tuition paid and provided a book stipend only, but not entitled to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
Officially withdrawn from the college.
Stops attending classes.

Hardship

In the case of hardship, a veteran may apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs to arrange for repayment of the debt with as little inconvenience as possible.

Academic Eligibility

If a VA student’s cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0 for two consecutive terms, the student may not be certified for VA educational benefits until their academic status is restored to good standing.

2025-2026 Catalog