Types of Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
2026–27 Award Year
Palo Verde College offers grants, work-study, and scholarships to help you pay for college. PVC focuses on aid you don't repay and does not offer student loans. Most aid starts with one application — the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Federal programs
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 / year (2026–27)
The largest federal grant for undergraduates with financial need — money you do not repay. Your amount is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), your cost of attendance, and how many units you take. Students with an SAI of $14,790 or higher are not eligible. You can receive Pell for up to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A need-based grant for students with the greatest financial need. You must qualify for the Pell Grant first. Funds are limited and are awarded until they run out.
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Part-time jobs — often on campus — that let you earn money for school expenses. Your award depends on your need, when you apply, and available funding. Work hours are arranged around your class schedule.
California State Programs
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
Waives your California community college enrollment fees (currently $46 per unit) for the full academic year. Apply with the FAFSA, the CADAA, or CCPG short form, and renew it each year. Eligibility can be based on your income and household size, on receiving certain public benefits, or on your financial need.
Check the 2026–27 income and household-size standards on the California Community Colleges' I Can Go To College — CCPG Fee Waiver page.
Cal Grant
State grant based on income, assets, and GPA. Apply by submitting the FAFSA or CADAA by the March 2 priority deadline (September 2 for CCC students).
- Cal Grant A (Reserved): Held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year school. You don't receive A funds while at PVC unless you also qualify for an access award below.
- Cal Grant B: A $1,648/year access award for living costs, books, and supplies. Tuition coverage is added after you transfer.
- Cal Grant C: Up to $1,094/year for books and supplies in career or technical programs.
Access awards (extra Cal Grant funds): Students with dependent children under 18, or current/former foster youth under 26, may receive up to $6,000/year (Cal Grant A or B) or $4,000/year (Cal Grant C). You can receive only one of these two awards.
Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
Extra funds that reward Cal Grant B and C recipients for attending full-time. No separate application — you're considered automatically. You must take at least *12 units and keep making progress. Funds are limited. Visit “I can go to college” website for more information.
|
Units per semester |
Award per year |
|
12–14.99 units |
$2,596 |
|
15 or more units |
$8,000 |
|
15+ units — current/former foster youth |
$10,500 |
|
9+ units — in an eligible disabled student program* |
$2,596 |
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Up to $4,500 / year
For current or former foster youth (a court ward for at least one day between ages 16–18, and under 26 as of July 1 of the award year). Enroll at least half-time. Complete the FAFSA or CADAA each year, plus a one-time Chafee application at chafee.csac.ca.gov.
How Your Financial Aid Is Paid to You
Federal Aid: BankMobile Disbursements
Federal grant and work-study funds — including the Pell Grant, FSEOG, and Federal Work-Study earnings — are refunded or disbursed to students through BankMobile Disbursements, a program of BMTX, Inc. After your federal aid is applied to your tuition, fees, and other authorized charges, any remaining credit balance is sent to BankMobile for delivery to you.
After you register for classes, watch for an email with your Personal Code. Use it to set up your refund preference at RefundSelection.com, choosing to receive your funds by electronic deposit to your own bank account, deposit into a BankMobile Checking Account (available as soon as the same business day funds are received, upon identity verification), or a paper check, if offered. Set up your preference as soon as you receive your code — if no preference is selected, delivery of your refund can take up to 21 days.
For more information, visit BankMobile Disbursements — Refund Choices. For questions about your disbursement date, contact the PVC Financial Aid Office at (760) 921-5551 or financialaid@paloverde.edu.
2026–27 Pell Grant Disbursement Schedule
Pell Grant funds post to your account according to PVC’s official disbursement schedule for each term. Review the schedule below to see when aid is expected to disburse for the 2026–27 award year.
2026-2027 PELL Disbursement Schedule
State Grants: Paid by Mail
Unlike federal aid, California state grant funds — including the Cal Grant, Cal Grant access awards, the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), and the California Chafee Grant — are not disbursed through BankMobile. These funds are processed by PVC and mailed as paper checks to the address on record for you at the College.
Keep your mailing address current to avoid delays in receiving your check. If you move, update your address through Admissions & Records as soon as possible, and contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@paloverde.edu with any questions about a pending state grant check.
Other ways to pay
Scholarships
The PVC Foundation offers scholarships through a single application that opens each spring. Outside scholarships from community groups and employers are also encouraged. Details at paloverde.edu/current-students/scholarships.aspx.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Education Programs
Scholarships and grants for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. Contact your tribal education office and visit bia.gov/bie.
Remember: Palo Verde College does not participate in federal student loan programs — so the aid above helps you finish your education without taking on debt.
Figures verified against Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov), CSAC (csac.ca.gov), and CCCCO sources, July 2026.