Types of Aid

The Basics

There are several types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study to help you and your family pay for college. Financial aid awards may include a combination of various types of aid. CCD’s Financial Aid Office can advise you regarding the types of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available. Most financial aid programs require you to enroll at least half-time (six or more credits). Some scholarships may require full-time enrollment.

Below is an overview of each of these items, or you can go straight to their section on the website with the following links:

About Each Type of Aid

Grants are "free" funds provided to low-income, high-need students (as determined by the FAFSA) who are maintaining good academic standing. Most grants do not require repayment unless you drop, withdraw from or fail courses. In addition, grants are prorated based on the number of credit hours you take, so the amount you are eligible to receive will be reduced if you are enrolled in less than 12 credits.

Scholarships are a form of gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Thousands of scholarships are available, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, non-profits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.  Scholarships require a separate application and most require that you complete the FAFSA.  Learn about and apply for CCD institutional, foundation and private scholarships here.

Student Loans must be repaid with interest when you are no longer enrolled in at least six credits.  Federal Direct Loans are borrowed to help pay for tuition, fees or educationally related expenses while you attend school. You are not required to borrow any offered loans. If you are offered a loan, you may accept, decline or reduce the amount to be borrowed.  You must be enrolled in at least six credits to qualify to borrow student loans.  You are required to begin repaying your student loans six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half-time.

Work-Study provides an opportunity for students with financial need to work part-time jobs, allowing you to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study. If you are offered work-study, you can apply for a job with approved employers on or off-campus. Work-study jobs are just like any other part-time job but you are paid out of your financial aid award. Student employees are paid via direct deposit every two weeks; work-study earnings are not paid into your tuition account. To earn work-study, you must be hired in an eligible position. Being offered work-study does not guarantee you will find a position. You must be enrolled in at least six credits to qualify to earn work-study. Work-study jobs are posted on CCD's career website.