Student Parents Information

Financial Aid for Student Parents

Applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is an important step for student parents seeking help paying for college and basic living expenses. Student parents are encouraged to apply early to maximize their financial aid opportunities.

You can apply for financial aid using the links below:

FAFSA (For U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible noncitizens)
CADAA (For eligible undocumented students)

By applying for financial aid, students may be considered for the following types of aid:

Pell Grant (FAFSA only)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FAFSA only)
Federal Work-Study (FAFSA only)
Direct Loans (FAFSA only)
California College Promise Grant (CADAA and FAFSA)
Cal Grant (CADAA and FAFSA)
Student Success Completion Grant (CADAA and FAFSA)

Adjust Your Cost of Attendance (COA)

Student parents often face higher college expenses because they must budget for necessities such as dependent care, food, housing, and transportation. When determining a student’s Cost of Attendance (COA), these factors should be considered to provide a more accurate picture of their financial needs.

The GAINS for Student Parents Act (AB 2458) helps California institutions better identify student parents and connect them with opportunities to maximize their financial aid and support services.

Student parents may request adjustments to their COA to include dependent care expenses. To request an adjustment, submit the form below.

Student Parent Cost of Attendance Request for Adjustment

Scholarships for Student Parents

In addition to federal and state financial aid, student parents are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help reduce out-of-pocket educational expenses. Scholarship opportunities are posted on the SCC Scholarship Office website and available through the scholarship portal.

For SCC annual scholarships, students complete one application to be considered for multiple opportunities. The scholarship committee then reviews eligibility and matches students with appropriate scholarships.