Student Eligibility Recipients of aid from federal and state funded programs must be students enrolled in eligible programs of study for the purpose of obtaining a degree, obtaining a certificate, or transfer.
In addition to demonstrated financial need, other eligibility requirements for most federal and state programs include:
- Having a high school diploma, a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, completing home schooling at the secondary level as defined by state law, passing the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE), the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or being enrolled in a Title IV eligible program any time prior to July 1, 2022, may continue to qualify for financial aid under one of the following Ability to Benefit (ATB) alternatives: Completion of six college units prior to July 1, 2012, or Completion of Citrus College ATB exam.
- Being a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in accordance with the standards;
- Not be in default on a federal loan or grant overpayment;
- Have a valid social security number (except for students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
California state aid does not require students to have a valid social security number. Some AB540 students may be eligible for federal aid, while others may only be eligible for state aid. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students are only eligible for state aid.