Financial Aid

Important Changes For The 2012–13 School Year

All changes are effective July 1, 2012 and apply to all students unless otherwise indicated

Enrollment Fee Increase

Although we will not be offering a summer session, beginning with the summer 2012 semester, the enrollment fee will increase to $46 per unit.

Increase in the Minimum Need Required for a BOG C Fee Waiver based on the FAFSA

The amount of "need" to receive a BOG C Fee Waiver will change from $1 to $1,104. Need is determined by subtracting the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from the full year Cost of Attendance (COA) or Student Budget. The formula is COA minus EFC equals Need which must be $1,104 or greater.

Decrease in the Maximum Lifetime Eligibility for a Pell Grant

The maximum lifetime eligibility to receive a Pell Grant (without earning a Bachelor's Degree) is changing from 9 full years to 6 full years. It is very likely that some students will have exceeded the 6 year limit and will no longer be eligible for a Pell Grant after July 1.

Elimination of the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Provisions

Students enrolling for the first time after July 1, 2012 must have a High School Diploma, GED or state equivalent to be eligible for any federal financial aid. Students will no longer have the option to pass an ATB test or to successfully complete 6 core/degree applicable units to gain eligibility for federal financial aid. Please check back with the Financial Aid office for updated information as it becomes available.

Information on obtaining a GED can be found at http://www.sdce.edu/classes/high-school-ged-basic-skills

Increase in the Interest Rates for Direct Loans

The interest rates for Direct Loans will increase from 3.4% to 6.8% for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2012.

Elimination of the Interest Subsidy for Direct Loans during the Grace Period

For new loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014, the federal government will no longer subsidize (pay) the student loan interest during the six month grace period. The grace period is the time between when the student graduates or drops below half-time status and the time when the student must start repaying the loan. Students are encouraged to check with their Loan Servicer for any available options to assist with their loan repayment.

IRS Tax Transcript Required

Students that do not use the IRS Data Retrieval when completing their FAFSA online, and who must verify their tax and income information, must provide an IRS Tax Transcript to our office. We can no longer accept copies of federal tax returns (1040EZ, 1040A, 1040). To request an IRS Tax Transcript, students can call 1-800-908-9946 or order it online at http://www.irs.gov/ and under the "Tools" section select "Order a Return or Account Transcript".

Students that apply for a BOG Fee Waiver, and are required to verify their income information, must also provide the IRS Tax Transcript as described above.

Increase in GPA requirement for Entitlement Cal Grant Awards

The California Governor has proposed to increase the GPA required to receive a Cal Grant award from 2.00 to 2.75 for Entitlement and Transfer Cal Grants. Note: This proposal must still be adopted by the State legislature and signed by the Governor to become effective.

Course Repetition and Receiving Federal Aid

Students can only receive financial aid for up to 1 repeat of any course with a passing grade (“D” grades are considered passing for purposes of repetition).

Online Classes And Out-Of-State Students *new*

If your legal or mailing address is located in another state and you are enrolled in all online (web) classes, you will not be eligible for federal financial aid. If you feel your status is incorrect, you must come into the Financial Aid Office and provide appropriate documentation to show you reside in California.

Important Update for AB540 Students *new*

Effective January 1, 2012 All students (including all AB540 students) are welcome to apply for any scholarship unless otherwise specified by donor.

For more information, download this document (Adobe® Reder required)

Gainful Employment

New Federal regulations require educational institutions to provide students with Gainful Employment information for specific certificate programs offered at our college. Visit Gainful Employment to view the information for each program offered at San Diego Miramar College.