Financial Aid

Location: AD/SS 106
Phone Number: (909) 384-4403
Website

The Financial Aid Office helps students access financial assistance from federal, state, and institutional programs. If you need help covering the cost of attending San Bernardino Valley College, we are here to support you.

While students and their families are primarily responsible for educational expenses, we recognize that not all students can meet the full cost of college. San Bernardino Valley College offers financial aid programs to help eligible students who may not otherwise be able to attend.

Application Timeline

To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

  • Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year open October 1, 2024.
  • Priority deadline for state aid (e.g., Cal Grant): March 2, 2025.
  • Additional Cal Grant deadline for community college students: September 2, 2025.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Financial aid awards are limited to the availability of funds and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who meet the March 2 deadline and demonstrate the greatest financial need.

The processing of a financial aid application can take eight weeks or longer, especially during peak times. Late submissions may result in delayed awarding or reduced aid.

Application Procedure

Students must complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov or the CADAA at dream.csac.ca.gov. Online submission is highly recommended, as it speeds up processing.

Be sure to include San Bernardino Valley College (School Code: 001272) on your application. Applications that do not list the correct school code cannot be processed.

Financial aid is not automatically renewed each year. Students must reapply annually. Specific program deadlines may vary, so students should visit the Financial Aid website early each calendar year for updated information.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive federal or state financial aid, students must:

  • Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (effective July 1, 2012)
  • Have a qualifying educational goal (e.g., degree, certificate, transfer)
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for federal aid
  • Be a California resident for state financial aid

Under AB 540, undocumented students may qualify for state financial aid through the California Dream Act. AB 540 students must also be verified by the Admissions & Records Office to confirm eligibility.

Financial Aid Programs

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

Formerly the BOG Fee Waiver, the CCPG waives enrollment fees for eligible California residents. Students may apply by submitting the FAFSA or CADAA. CCPG does not cover material or college service fees.

Important Note: Students may lose CCPG eligibility and priority registration if they fail to meet academic and/or progress standards for two consecutive primary terms (excluding summer). Loss of eligibility may be appealed. Reinstatement is possible through meeting SAP standards, successful appeal, or sitting out two terms.

Cal Grant

Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). To apply, students must submit a FAFSA or CADAA and a GPA Verification Form by March 2. A second deadline of September 2 is available for California community college students only. SBVC participates in Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C programs. For more information, visit csac.ca.gov.

California Chafee Grant

Provides up to $5,000 per year to current or former foster youth for college or career training. Learn more at: chafee.csac.ca.gov.

Federal Pell Grant

A need-based federal grant for undergraduate students. Awards are based on FAFSA results and may be used for tuition, books, transportation, and living expenses. Pell Grants typically do not need to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant supplements the Pell Grant for students with exceptional need, with priority given to Pell Grant recipients. Unlike Pell Grants, there is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive a FSEOG award since funds are limited. These grants do not need to be paid back and recipients are determined by the criteria set by the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Provides part-time employment on or off campus for students with financial need. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units per semester and must be meeting SAP. The average annual award is $5,000.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

Awarded to students receiving Cal Grant B or C who are enrolled full-time (12+ units). The SSCG supports timely program completion.

  • 12–14.99 units: Up to $1,298/semester ($2,596/year)
  • 15+ units: Up to $4,000/semester ($8,000/year)
  • Current/former foster youth: Up to $5,250/semester ($10,500/year)

Students must maintain SAP and follow their comprehensive Student Education Plan to remain eligible.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To receive financial aid, students must meet SBVC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, which is evaluated at the end of each semester. SAP includes:

  • Minimum GPA requirement of at least 2.0
  • Completion of at least 67% of attempted units
  • Completion within the 150% maximum timeframe

Failure to meet SAP may result in loss of eligibility. The full SAP policy is available on the Financial Aid website.

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy

Students who withdraw from all classes before completing more than 60% of the term may be required to repay unearned financial aid.

The Financial Aid Office calculates earned aid using a federally mandated formula based on the last date of attendance, which may be determined by:

  • Student’s official withdrawal date
  • Midpoint of the semester (if no withdrawal was submitted)
  • Last date of an academically related activity

Students who do not attend any of their courses will be required to repay all financial aid received.

Need More Help?

More information about all financial aid programs, policies, and application procedures is available on the Financial Aid website. If you have questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office in AD/SS 106 or call (909) 384-4403.