Types of Financial Aid
Federal Financial Aid Programs
FEDERAL PELL GRANT
The Federal Pell Grant provides gift aid assistance to undergraduates who have not yet earned a baccalaureate or first professional degree and who demonstrate financial need.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is a federal grant program designed to supplement other sources of financial aid for students with exceptional need. FSEOG awards are based on financial need and fund availability.
FEDERAL WORK-STUDY
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) enables students to earn a portion of their financial aid award through part-time employment either on or off-campus. To be eligible, a student must meet the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid and must maintain good academic standing while employed under the program. The Federal Work-Study Program awards are based on financial need and fund availability. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements for FWS:
- Have an Award Notification Letter indicating FWS funds for the current academic year
- Meet all eligibility requirements for the FWS program
- Be enrolled at least half-time status at Golden West College (6 units or more)
- Meet the Financial Aid Standards of Progress with a cumulative 2.0 GPA and satisfactory unit progress
State Financial Aid Programs
THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS FEE WAIVER PROGRAM (BOGFW)
The BOGFW is offered by the California Community Colleges.
CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION (CSAC) PROGRAMS
CAL GRANTS
Cal Grants are free money for college that you don't have to pay back. You can use your Cal Grant at any qualifying college in California. Depending on the Cal Grant you receive, the money can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food and even transportation costs to and from classes.
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements for the Cal Grant Programs:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- Be a California resident
- Be attending at least half- time at a qualifying California college
- Have financial need at the college of attendance
- Be making satisfactory academic progress as determined by the college
- Have not already earned a bachelor’s or professional degree, or the equivalent.
*Please note that GWC only offers Cal Grant B and C!
CHAFEE GRANT
The California Chafee Grant Program provides free money to foster youth and former foster youth to use for college courses or vocational school training. You must complete a FAFSA application in order to apply.