Financial aid may include federal and state grants and work-study employment. Eligibility and award amounts vary by program. Most financial aid programs require students to submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and meet all applicable eligibility requirements.
The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students. It generally does not have to be repaid.
For the 2026–2027 award year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant is $7,395. The amount you receive depends on your financial aid eligibility, the number of units you take, your school costs, and how long you attend during the year. Students taking fewer than 12 units usually receive a smaller amount.
Eligible students who attend during the summer may receive additional Pell Grant funds.
Students may receive a Pell Grant for up to the equivalent of six years of full-time
enrollment, also known as 600% lifetime eligibility. Students who have earned a bachelor’s
degree are generally no longer eligible. Students must also meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements to remain eligible.
The FSEOG is federal grant for students who have the most financial need and already receive the Federal Pell Grant.
For 2026–2027, resident students enrolled in 12 or more units may receive up to $600. Nonresident students enrolled in 12 or more units may receive up to $3,000. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 units may receive a smaller amount. Students must enroll in at least six units to receive this grant.
Funding is limited, so students should complete their financial aid requirements early. FSEOG awards may be canceled if students do not attend during the fall semester.
Cal Grants are state-funded grants for eligible California students and generally do not have to be repaid.
To apply, students must:
The priority deadline is March 2 each year. California community college students may also apply by the second deadline of September 2.
Cal Grant B
Cal Grant B helps eligible students pay for books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses. Most students may receive up to $1,648 per year. Eligible foster youth and students with dependent children may receive an Access Award of up to $6,000 per year.
General requirements include:
Cal Grant C
Cal Grant C helps students pay for books, supplies, and equipment while enrolled in an eligible occupational, technical, or vocational program.
Most students may receive up to $1,094 per year. Eligible students with dependent children may receive an Access Award of up to $4,000 per year.
Students must meet the applicable Cal Grant requirements, which generally include:
Cal Grant A
Cal Grant A helps pay tuition and systemwide fees at eligible four-year colleges and universities. Because California community colleges do not charge tuition, most Cal Grant A awards are held for up to two academic years until students transfer to an eligible college or university that charges tuition.
Eligible students with dependent children may receive an Access Award of up to $6,000 per year while attending a California community college.
For most students, awards are held for up to two academic years until they transfer to a college that charges tuition. However, students with children may be eligible to receive an Access Award of up to $6,000 per year while attending a community college.
Visit the California Student Aid Commission website for current deadlines, eligibility requirements, and award amounts.
The Student Success Completion Grant provides additional financial aid to eligible
California community college students who receive a Cal Grant B or C and enroll in
at least 12 units.
Award amounts are based on the number of units students take:
Students enrolled in 15 or more units during both the fall and spring semesters may receive up to $8,000 per academic year.
Students must meet all Cal Grant and financial aid eligibility requirements. Awards are subject to available funding.
The Chafee Grant helps eligible current or former foster youth pay for college or career training. For the 2026–2027 academic year, students may receive up to $4,500. Students must enroll in at least six units to qualify. Funding is limited, and award amounts may vary.
To apply, visit the California Student Aid Commission Chafee Grant website. Students may also contact Alma Orozco at 760-355-6414 for assistance.
The Federal Work-Study Program allows eligible students to earn money by working part-time on or off campus. For 2026–2027, students may earn up to $6,000.
Eligible students will receive a Work-Study offer. Students must accept the offer in WebSTAR and check their IVC student email for application instructions.
Funding and positions are limited. Accepting a Work-Study offer does not guarantee employment. Students are paid only for the hours they work.
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant provides financial aid to eligible
California Dream Act Application students who complete community or volunteer service.
Students may receive:
Students must complete 150 service hours per semester and meet the applicable financial need, California Dream Act, and Cal Grant requirements. Eligible students must have an active Cal Grant A or B award. A separate DSIG application is required each year, and funding is limited.
Visit the California Student Aid Commission website for eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Imperial Valley College does not participate in federal student loan programs. However, students may apply for private education loans through banks, credit unions, or other private lenders. IVC does not recommend or promote any specific private lender.
Before applying for a private loan, students should first apply for federal and state grants and other financial aid. Private loans may have higher interest rates, fewer repayment options, and fewer borrower protections than federal student loans.
Private lenders must provide students with information about the loan’s costs and terms. Students may review the required Private Education Loan Disclosures.
Some private lenders require the college to certify a loan. IVC will not certify a private education loan unless:
The Financial Aid Office can provide students with the information needed to complete a private education loan self-certification form. Students may also obtain the form directly from their lender.