I'm planning to attend a community college in California and have heard about the fee waiver. Can anyone explain the application process and any qualifications needed for it? Trying to minimize costs as much as possible!
The California Community Colleges (CCC) has a fee waiver program known as the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), previously known as the Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver. This grant waives enrollment fees for eligible students attending any of the California community colleges.
To qualify for it, you can either meet the income requirements, which are published on the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office website, receive public assistance (like TANF, SSI, or General Assistance), or demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
The application process for the California College Promise Grant includes the following steps:
1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you're a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. If you're an undocumented student or have a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, you should instead complete the California Dream Act Application. Both these forms are used to determine financial need.
2. After submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, your financial need is assessed, and if you qualify, the fee waiver is automatically applied to your account. No extra application form is needed.
3. If you don't apply or qualify through the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, you can still qualify for the CCPG by completing a separate application for the CCPG, which you can get from your college's financial aid office.
Once approved, the grant will waive your per-unit enrollment fee at any California community college throughout the academic year. However, do note that other fees such as books, parking, and health fees, among others, are not covered by the California College Promise Grant.
Remember to reapply every year and maintain good academic standing to continue receiving the grant. Good luck with the application process!
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