Student Packaging Policy

Financial aid packages are created for students throughout the academic year. Applicants whose financial aid files are complete by College priority deadlines will receive maximum consideration in the distribution of funding resources according to funding criteria. Eligible applicants completing a file after the priority deadline will be packaged with Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work Study (dependent on availability of funds) and loans. Due to limited funding, the College cannot attempt to meet the financial need of students. Santiago Canyon College employs an up-front policy of Grants awards first, work study second and loans last

1. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is determined as a result of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation of the financial aid package.
3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded according to federal guidelines. Federal Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Expected Family Contribution have first priority for FSEOG funding. Second priority is given to students with no Federal Pell Grant eligibility and the lowest Expected Family Contribution. The minimum FSEOG award is $400.  
4. Award packages are created based on expected full-time enrollment. Adjustments will be made at the end of the 100% refund period (approximately two weeks after the start of each semester) for changes in enrollment status. These adjustments will affect assigned budgets and award amounts and may result in reduced or cancelled awards.
5. The College reserves the right to issue adjusted award letters due to an error in calculating.  
6. Student must log on to on line records Web Advisor and accept their award letter or bring in a hard copy letter back into the financial aid office.

NOTE: Due to the large applicant pool and limited funding allocations, not all students meeting the priority deadline are awarded funds from all programs.

 The formula to determine ability to contribute toward the cost of education is legislated by Congress. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the result of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For dependent students the EFC is the result of a combination of the parent and student income and asset information. For independent students the EFC is the result of the student and spouse (if married) income and asset information.