Paying for Classes

The FAFSA is your gateway to federal financial aid that can help pay for college. By filling it out, you may qualify for:

• The Federal Pell Grant – free money based on financial need that you don’t have to pay back.
• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – extra aid for students with high financial need.
• Federal Work-Study – earn money through part-time jobs while gaining valuable work experience.

If you need more help paying for school, Federal Student Loans are available with low interest rates and flexible repayment options.

If you’re a former foster youth, you may also qualify for the Chafee Grant, which provides up to $5,000 per year to help with college costs.

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is funded by the State of California. 

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) helps eligible California residents by waiving enrollment fees and part of the cost of a parking permit.

To qualify, you must have lived in California for at least one year and one day before the start of the semester.

The CCPG application is now open for the current school year (Fall through Summer).

There are three ways to qualify:

CCPG - A

 You (or your parents, if you're a dependent) currently receive TANF, SSI, General Assistance, or have certification from the California Department of Veterans Affairs. You’ll need to show proof.

CCPG - B

You (and your parents, if you're a dependent) meet certain income limits set by the state. Fill out the CCPG Form to apply.

CCPG - C

 You filed the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, listed Mission College, and have financial need.

Income limits are based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines.

The California Dream Act of 2011 allows eligible undocumented students (AB540/AB2000/SB68) to apply for state financial aid, including:

• California College Promise Grant
• Cal Grants
• Help from EOPS/CARE or CalWORKs
• Privately funded scholarships

To be eligible under AB540:

• You attended a California elementary, secondary, or adult school for at least 3 years (or a combination).
• You graduated from a California high school, earned a GED, or passed the CA High School Proficiency Exam.
• You’re enrolled in a California community college.
• You’ve signed (or will sign) an affidavit stating that you will apply for legal immigration status when eligible.

Step 1: Check if you qualify under AB540: Fill out the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request Form and submit it to Admissions & Records.

Step 2: Submit a Dream Act Application: Apply between October 1 and March 2 each year for Cal Grant consideration. If you miss the deadline, you can still apply for the California College Promise Grant.

The Dreamer Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) encourages Dream Act students who receive a Cal Grant A or B to volunteer or do community service.

Eligible students can earn up to $4,500 per year ($2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter).

Visit the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website to learn how to apply.

Cal Grant Information

• Submit your CA Dream Act Application by March 2.
• High school seniors: submit a NON-SSN Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.
• Continuing Mission College students: Your GPA will be sent automatically to CSAC.

Additional Resources

If you want to support undocumented students on their path to college, career, and citizenship, visit Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC).

If you've already submitted a CA Dream Act Application and have questions, contact the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) at [email protected] or (888) 224-7268

You can apply for the following federal financial aid programs by completing the FAFSA:

• Federal Pell Grant
  A need-based grant of up to $6,095 (subject to change) for eligible undergraduate students. This money does not need to be repaid.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  Extra funding for students with the highest financial need. Award amounts average $600 per year and are available until funds run out.
• Federal Work-Study (FWS)
  Earn money through part-time, on- or off-campus jobs. Current pay rates at Mission College range from $11 to $20/hour.
• Federal Student Loans
  Loans help cover your college costs and must be repaid with interest. To request a Federal Direct Student Loan Request Form, email [email protected] starting August 5.
   Note: Loans are only available for Fall and Spring (no Summer loans).
• Federal Chafee Grant
  Offers up to $5,000 per year for current or former foster youth. You must have been in foster care between ages 16 and 18, and apply before turning 22.
   You may also be eligible for more support through the Silicon Valley Children’s Fund Youth Education Scholarship.

To apply for the following programs, complete the FAFSA or the CA Dream Act Application.

Cal Grant B

Helps cover school-related costs for qualified low-income California residents.
Average award: $836 per semester / $1,672 per year (subject to change by the California Student Aid Commission). Apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.

Cal Grant C

Covers the cost of tools, books, and equipment for students in vocational training programs.
Average award: $547 per semester / $1,094 per year. Apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.

Note: Your Cal Grant GPA verification is automatically sent to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) after you complete 16 degree-applicable units at Mission College. Learn more at Web Grants 4 Students.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

Extra financial support for full-time Cal Grant B or C recipients at California Community Colleges.

Award amounts:

• 12–14.99 units/term: up to $649 per semester ($1,298/year)
• 15+ units/term: up to $2,000 per semester ($4,000/year)

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time Cal Grant B or C recipient
• Enroll in 12 or more units
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Have unmet financial need

This grant is designed to help cover college costs and support on-time graduation.

Other Programs

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S)
State-funded support for eligible low-income and educationally disadvantaged students who are California residents. Visit the EOP&S Office in SEC 148 or call (408) 855-5055 for more information.