Financial Aid

Cal Grant B
Provides financial assistance to low-income California students pursuing higher education. It typically covers systemwide registration fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, especially for first-year students. The award amount can vary, with first-year students often receiving a stipend for books and living expenses, while subsequent years may also cover tuition and fees at eligible institutions.

• Requirements: Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; have a minimum 2.0 high school or college GPA; meet household and income standards; and enroll in an eligible academic program of not less than one academic year.
• Award: Varies
• Length: Up to four years for undergrad students depending on length of program.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act application​ and submit high school or college GPA
• Deadline: March 2; September 2 if student missed the March 2​ deadline.

---

Cal Grant C
Provides financial assistance for students pursuing vocational, occupational or technical training in California, with the award amount to assist with tuition and fees, also includes an additional annual book and supplies amount.

• Requirements: Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; enrolled in an occupational, vocational or technical program of no less than four months in length; and enroll in a minimum of six units.
• Award: $1,094 annually
• Length: Up to two years for undergrad students depending on length of program.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act application​ and submit a supplemental application. A verified GPA is optional and can improve changes of receiving an award.
• ​​Deadline: September 2

---

Cal Grant Community College Transfer Entitlement Award
Cal Grant A pays tuition and fees. Cal Grant B pays tuition and book and supplies.

• Requirements: Complete at least 24 college units and plan to transfer directly to a four-year college or university. There cannot be a gap in enrollment between attendance at the California Community College and the four-year institution. Minimum of a 2.4 GPA.
• Award: Varies
• Length: Up to two years at the transferred four-year college or university.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act application​ and submit a college GPA. Once awarded, complete the Transfer Entitlement Certification form found on WebGrants for Students. ​
• Deadline: March 2

---

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
A California state-funded program that helps eligible students pay for their community college education. It achieves this by waiving the per unit enrollment fee for eligible California residents or students exempt from non-resident fees under the California Dream Act (AB 540 students). It's essentially a fee waiver, not a scholarship or a grant covering all college expenses.

• Requirements: California resident or AB 540 eligible and are determined to have at least $1,104 of unmet financial need. Students can also qualify if their total prior year family income falls within specific limits based on your household size (income ceiling). Eligibility is also granted if the student (or their parents, if dependent) are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/CalWORKs), Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP) or general assistance.
• Award: Waives tuition and discounts parking fee and student health fee.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act application or the online CCPG application or the paper CCPG application.
• Deadline: Check with the college financial aid department. Students submitting a FAFSA in lieu of the CCPG application should do so early enough so the FAFSA application will be received at Citrus College by June 30.

---

California Military Department GI Bill Award Program
The CMD GI Bill issues educational awards to qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard and the California Naval Militia. This state grant can pay for up to 100% of the tuition and fees at a University of California, California State University or a California Community College. It can also be used for eligible California proprietary and private institutions.

• Requirements: Review the fact sheet on the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program website for eligibility requirements.
• Apply: Submit online or paper application at nationalguard.csac.ca.gov,​ complete FAFSA and Statement of Understanding.
• Deadline: Priority deadline is April 30. Thereafter on a first come-first serve basis until awards are exhausted.

---

Chafee Grant
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth, commonly known as the Chafee Grant, is a financial aid program that provides funding to current and former foster youth in California to help them pursue higher education or career and technical training. The grant aims to assist foster youth with the costs of college or vocational training, and can be used for expenses such as tuition, books, rent, transportation and childcare.

• Requirements: To qualify, individuals must have been in foster care for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18, and not have reached their 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year and be enrolled in an eligible vocational school or college courses at least half-time in a program at least four months in length. The California Department of Social Services will determine student's foster youth eligibility status.
• Award: Up to $5,000 per year
• Apply: Complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act application and complete the California Chafee Grant Program application. For more information, please visit www.csac.ca.gov/chafee.
• Deadline: The Chafee Grant application is available starting October 1 of the preceding academic year and accepted until July 31 of the academic year. Submit your FAFSA or CADAA for the academic year.

---

Student Success Completion Grant
SSCG is a financial aid program specifically for California community college students who receive a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C and are enrolled at least full-time (12-plus units).

• Requirements: Be receiving a Cal Grant B or C; be enrolled in at least 12-15 units per semester; and have a Student Education Plan (SEP) on file.
• Award: Students enrolled in 12-14.99 units per semester can receive up to $1,298 per semester, or $2,596 annually. Students enrolled in 15 or more units per semester can receive up to $4,000 per semester, or $8,000 annually. Foster youth may be eligible for up to $5,250 for full-time enrollment. The total grant amount is limited by the amount of unmet need and state funding.
• Length: Students can continue receiving the SSCG as long as the eligibility criteria is met and the individual remains on track to complete their degree or certificate within the maximum Cal Grant eligibility timeframe (roughly four years or eight semesters).
• Apply: Students are automatically considered for the SSCG if they meet the eligibility requirements and have applied for a Cal Grant by completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act application before the deadline. ​​
• Deadline: The FAFSA form and CADAA are available beginning October 1 each year. Be sure to complete the forms as soon as possible (but no later than the September 2 Cal Grant deadline) to receive the most aid possible. If you've already completed the FAFSA or CADAA, your application form will be reviewed and you will receive the Student Success Completion Grant if you are eligible, so there is no need to re-apply.

AmeriCorps
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a federal benefit. It is a post-service benefit for individuals who successfully complete a term of service in AmeriCorps programs. AmeriCorps is a federal agency, and the Segal Education Award is managed by the AmeriCorps program.

• Requirements: Completion of​ an approved term of national service in AmeriCorps programs.
• Award: Varies
• Apply: Complete an online application at the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award website.​

---

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
​Scholarships for enrolled members of a federally recognized Native nation.

• Review the BIA Pathways Program website for awards programs, scholarships

---

Direct PLUS (Parent PLUS) Loan
Federal student loans for parents of dependent students offered by the U.S. Department of Education that help cover education expenses not met by other financial aid.

• Requirements: Borrower must be the biological, adoptive or (in some cases) step-parent of a dependent undergraduate student listed on the FAFSA. Grandparents or guardians are not eligible unless they have legally adopted the student. Student must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program. Both parent and student must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens.
• Award: Up to unmet cost of attendance. Award will be included in the student's overall financial aid package if approved.
• ​Apply: Complete FAFSA, entrance counseling exam and submit a loan application to the financial aid office.
• Deadline: Apply for a Parent PLUS loan as soon as the student's FAFSA is fully processed and their her complete financial aid package is received.

---

Direct Subsidized Loan
A federal student loan available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA®. It is one of the most affordable types of federal aid because the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while the student is in school at least half-time and during grace or deferment periods.

• Requirements: Have financial need as determined by the FAFSA and be enrolled at least half-time.
• Award: First year $3,500; Second year $4,500; Third year (and beyond) $5,500 [Aggregate limit of $23,000 total]
• Apply: Complete FAFSA, entrance counseling exam and submit a loan application to the financial aid office.
• ​​Deadline: Students should confirm Citrus College exact dates via its financial aid office.

---

Direct Unsubsidized Loans
A federal loan in which interest is charged during all periods after the loan is disbursed. Loans need to be paid back.

• Requirements: Be enrolled at least half-time. Students are not required to show financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
• Award: Varies by student dependency status, grade level and aggregate limits.
• Length: Up to annual direct loan limit based on year in school and dependency status.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA, entrance counseling exam and submit loan application.
• Deadline: Two weeks prior to the end of the semester. Contact the college's financial aid department to confirm.

---

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A grant for students with exceptional financial need. The FSEOG is administered directly by the financial aid department at each participating school.

• Requirements: Students must maintain enrollment at least half-time as an undergraduate and must not have previously earned a bachelor's degree. Pell grant recipients with the most need receive priority.
• Award: Students may receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on financial need, when one applies, the amount of other aid received and the availability of funds at the college.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA every award year beginning October 1.
• Deadline: Awarded to students with the most need on a first come-first served basis until funds are exhausted.

---

Federal Work-Study (FWS)
The award provides part-time employment to students who have financial need. Jobs are usually available both on and off campus. The program allows the student to gain work experience and pay for a portion of their educational expenses.

• Requirements: Demonstrate financial need; maintain enrollment in a minimum of six units during the fall/spring semesters and three units during the summer/winter terms.
• Award: Varies
• Apply: Complete FAFSA every award year beginning October 1.
• ​​Deadline: ​Awards are funded on a first come-first served basis until funds are exhausted.

---

Pell Grant
Federal financial aid for undergraduate students from low-income households in the United States. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants generally do not have to be repaid.

• Requirements: U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; have valid social security number; enrolled in an eligible program; maintain satisfactory academic progress; and not in default on a federal student loan.
• Award: Maximum $7,395 for the 2025–26 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026)
• Length: Up to six years for undergraduate students depending on program length.
• Apply: Complete FAFSA every award year beginning October 1.
• Deadline: For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Pell Grant eligibility, award amounts and other specifics, consult the Federal Student Aid website or contact the college's financial aid department.

Citrus College Foundation Scholarships

• Requirements: Meet criteria of the scholarship
• Award: Varies
• Apply: Citrus College scholarships require an application sometime in spring semester.
• Deadline: The scholarship application remains open for four weeks each spring semester.

External Scholarships
Scholarships awarded based on need, merit and other criteria. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

• Requirements: Meet criteria of the scholarship
• Award: Varies
• Apply: Application instructions vary. Visit the scholarship offerings on the ancillary financal aid Zendesk site for a modest list of external scholarships. ↗️
• Deadline: Deadlines vary