First Time College Students as of July 1, 2012
Effective July 1, 2012, new, first-time college students who do not have a high school
diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) those who have not passed the California
High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and those who do not have a home school
certificate, are NOT eligible for federal financial aid. Students are encouraged to contact
their local adult school to inquire about completing a high school diploma, a General
Education Diploma (GED) or taking the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
to meet this minimum requirement.
AB 540
AB 540 students are exempt from paying non-resident enrollment fees under Education
Code Section 68130.5. Under the provisions of AB 131, students who are exempt from
paying nonresident enrollment fees are eligible to participate in the Cal Grant Programs,
Full-Time Student Success Grant program and Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver
program.
Board of Governors Fee Waiver
Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver - Special Classifications
Students who are recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor or dependents of an
honoree, dependents of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, or
dependents of deceased law enforcement/fire suppression persons killed in the line of
duty are eligible for a Special Classification fee waiver. Students with certification from
the California Department of Veterans Affairs or the National Guard Adjutant General
are also eligible for a waiver.
Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver - Method A
For this waiver, students must be receiving TANF, SSI, or General Assistance and be
legal residents of California. The BOGW application must be completed and a copy of a
current monthly check or Untaxed Income Verification form must be submitted. Students
are awarded up to $46 per unit per semester, based on enrollment status. This is not a
cash award to students but is simply a waiver of enrollment fees. Eligible students are
not required to pay health fees. To maintain eligibility for the waiver, students must meet
academic and progress standards by maintaining a cumulative grade point average
(GPA) of 2.0 and must complete more than 50 percent of courses attempted.
Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver - Method B
For this waiver, students must meet low-income criteria and be legal residents of
California. The BOGW application must be completed and a copy of the prior year’s
federal tax return may be requested. Students are awarded up to $46 per unit per
semester, based on enrollment. This is not a cash award to students, but is simply a
waiver of enrollment fees. The Board of Governors reserves the right to change the
enrollment fees and the adjusted gross income financial limits every year. Please check
with the Financial Aid Office or the webpage for current year information. To maintain
eligibility for the waiver, students must meet academic and progress standards by
maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and must complete more
than 50 percent of courses attempted.
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