General Eligibility Requirements

• Be enrolled in an eligible program. You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible associate degree or certificate program. In general, financial aid may be used only for courses that apply toward your declared program of study. Following your Educational Plan can help ensure that you take courses required for your educational goal.
  
  
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. You must meet the academic progress requirements described in IVC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
  
  
• Meet high school completion requirements (diploma or GED). For federal financial aid you must finish high school or have the equivalent (like a General Education Diploma or GED). Some California financial aid programs have different requirements.
  
  
• Meet citizenship or immigration-status requirements. To receive federal student aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. Your status is generally confirmed through the FAFSA, although the Financial Aid Office may request additional documentation.
  
  
• Have a valid Social Security number, if required. Most federal student aid applicants must have a valid Social Security number. Certain exceptions apply.
  
  
• Have no unresolved federal aid defaults or overpayments. You must not be in default on a federal student loan or owe an unresolved overpayment on a federal student grant.
  
  
• Demonstrate financial need when required. Financial need is required for need-based programs. Some financial aid programs are not based on financial need.
  
  
• Not be enrolled in an elementary or secondary school. Students attending high school while taking college courses are not eligible for federal student aid.

These are the general eligibility requirements, but some financial aid programs might have additional or different requirements that must be met in order to receive them.

California Dream Act Applicants

Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA because of their immigration status may qualify for California state or institutional financial aid by completing the California Dream Act Application. Students must meet the applicable California Dream Act and AB 540 requirements.

Completing an application does not guarantee eligibility or an award. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 760-355-6266 if you have questions about which application to complete or what documentation may be required.