Federal Aid

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

In order to receive federal student aid, including grants and student loans, the student must file the FAFSA. CCCB’s federal school code is 014619. CCCB students are eligible for a variety of federal student aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. 

Cost of Attendance (COA)

All federal aid is limited to a student’s COA. The COA is the estimated amount it will cost a student to go to school at CCCB. It includes expenses such as:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
  • Housing and food (or living expenses)
  • Transportation expenses
  • Miscellaneous expenses (including a reasonable amount for the documented cost of a personal computer)
  • Loan fees (excluding any loan fees for non-federal student loans)

The Financial Aid Office calculates the COA for each student when packaging their aid. View CCCB’s published COAs for the year at cccb.edu/admissions-aid/costs/estimated-cost-attendance and learn more about COA at studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-does-cost-of-attendance-mean. 

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grants are a form of need-based aid that does not need to be repaid. A student’s Pell Grant amount is determined by the demographic and financial information provided in the FAFSA. Awarding of the grant is based on the student’s SAI (as determined by the FAFSA), enrollment status as a student, and aggregate Pell Grant eligibility. Learn more about the Pell Grant at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is generally awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students with the highest need, but exceptions can be made by the Financial Aid Office. Learn more about the FSEOG at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog. 

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans The federal government pays the interest on a subsidized loan for students enrolled in at least 6 hours per semester until students have been in their program of study up to 150 percent of the published program length. Once a student drops below half-time, withdraws, or graduates, interest for a student’s subsidized loans will begin accruing. To learn more about subsidized loans, visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans Unlike the subsidized loan, the government does not pay the interest on this type of loan while students are in school. Students may defer the interest charges by adding these amounts to the principal for future repayment. This loan program is not need-based; it is available to students regardless of their financial need. If students don’t qualify for the subsidized loan, they probably will qualify for the unsubsidized loan. To learn more about unsubsidized loans, visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized. 

Direct PLUS Loans PLUS Loans are for parents of dependent students. The PLUS Loan allows parents to borrow up to the cost of attendance not covered by other aid. If a parent chooses, payment may be deferred until the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time. For more information about the parent PLUS loan, visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

FWS provides jobs for students who need financial assistance. Students will generally work 5–15 hours per week during the school year. Actual work hours will be determined by each student’s supervisor. The amount of earnings must not exceed the student’s unmet need. The government provides funding to help pay the wages. FWS earnings do not have to be repaid. Students wishing to apply for an FWS position must fill out a job application through the GPS Office. Learn more about FWS at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog. 

Veterans Services

Veterans benefits may be available to veterans of the armed services or their dependents. To begin the application process, visit the veterans’ benefit page at benefits.va.gov/gibill. Once students have completed the application and receive confirmation of their eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs, they need to submit their eligibility information to the Financial Aid Office.