Accessibility and the PCC web site.

Financial Aid Programs

PCC participates in most state and federal financial aid programs. PCC also has institutional financial aid programs which can help students meet their educational costs.

Federal Programs

Federal Pell Grant:

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The Federal Pell Grant Program provides grants (funds that do not require repayment) to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Students can transfer their Pell Grant to another school but cannot receive Pell Grant from two schools for the same enrollment period.

You can estimate your Pell Grant award using your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your Student Aid Report (SAR) and the number of units you are enrolled in.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

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FSEOG Program supplements educational costs that cannot be covered by the Pell Grant. FSEOG funds are very limited. FSEOG funds are usually offered to students with exceptional need who meet the priority funding deadlines.

Federal & State Work Study:

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Federal Work Study (FWS) offers students on and off-campus employment opportunities. Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Funds are limited; therefore, FWS awards are made to students who meet the priority funding deadlines.

Federal Perkins Loan:

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A Federal Perkins Loan is a loan program and must be REPAID with interest. The interest rates are low (5%) and repayment terms are flexible. Repayment incentives are also available to students in specialized majors. These loans are available to students with exceptional financial need.

Federal Direct/Stafford Loan:

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Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a low-interest, long-term loan program offered by the Federal government. This is a loan and must be REPAID with interest. Eligibility is limited to students who are enrolled at least half-time.

Nursing Student Loan:

A low-interest loan program available to students pursing a career in nursing. Flexible repayment options and deferment provisions are available.

Financial Aid Literacy Counseling

State Programs

Cal Grant A:

Cal Grant A is not available at PCC, but students who plan to attend a 4-year college should apply. While at PCC, your Cal Grant A will be in reserve and activated upon transfer to a 4-year school. California residency is required. For general information visit the Cal Grants Web page or  visit the Cal Grant A page for information specific to that grant.

Cal Grant B:

Cal Grant B is available to students who are from disadvantaged or low-income families. Cal Grant B award winners receive a stipend to help cover living costs. Cal Grant B can also be transferred to a 4-year college. California residency is required. For more information visit the Cal Grant B web page.

Cal Grant C:

Cal Grant C is available to low and middle-income students enrolled in occupational, technical, and vocational career training programs. For more information visit the Cal Grant C web page.

PCC Programs

Board of Governors Fee Waiver:

The BOG provides enrollment fee waivers for low income California residents. BOG Fee waivers are also available to students who, with information from the FAFSA, demonstrate Federal financial need. All students are encouraged to apply.

AB131 California Dream Act Fee Waiver for AB540 Students:

This application can be used only by AB540 Students to waive Pasadena City College Enrollment Fees. Please see the financial aid office staff regarding eligibility criteria for the Board of Governor's Fee Waiver.

Tuition Fee Deferment:

Non-resident students who are eligible for Federal financial aid may also be eligible for a tuition fee deferment.

Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOP&S)

In addition to offering educational services to students from economically and disadvantaged backgrounds, EOPS also offers financial assistance to eligible program participants.

Emergency Loans:

Eligible students may borrow up to $50.

Book Loans:

Students may borrow up to $150 to purchase textbooks at the PCC Student Bookstore only.

Book Grants:

Eligible students who are NOT receiving a financial aid disbursement, can apply for a one-time PCC Book Grant. Funds are restricted to purchasing textbooks at the PCC Student Bookstore only. Applications are available during the first two weeks of the semester.

Cosmetology Grant:

This grant is to be used to help you purchase the cosmetology kit or other Cosmetology Program supplies at the PCC Bookstore. In order to be considered for the Cosmetology Grant, you must have successfully completed a 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Vocational Programs

Students in specialized majors; e.g., cosmetology, are encouraged to inquire about funding sources that help cover supply costs.

Scholarship Opportunities

Students seeking additional assistance should consider applying for PCC-sponsored scholarships. Scholarship eligibility varies. Most scholarships are based on merit (i.e. GPA), but not necessarily 3.0 or better. Normally, the PCC General Scholarship application is available in October and the deadline occurs mid-February deadline. Additional scholarship opportunities are also advertised in the PCC Campus Crier publication.

Study Abroad

Financial aid is available for students participating in study abroad programs. Students must meet all eligibility requirements and show that coursework will lead to a PCC degree objective. Find out more about the Study Abroad program.