The FAFSA process must be completed before you can be considered for financial aid. All financial aid applicants who are California residents should also apply for a Cal Grant from the California Student Aid Commission. The application postmark deadline for consideration for these awards is posted in the Financial Aid Office.

When apply using FAFSA on the Web (www.fafsa.ed.gov), Renewal FAFSA on the Web, or do Corrections on the Web, you will receive either a paper SAR or a SAR Information Acknowledgement in the regular mail, or an email with URL/link to SAR data on the Web, depending on whether or not you provided an email address, and all required signatures. You must apply for a PIN (personal identification number), if you do not already have one, in order to electronically sign your application. All dependent students are required to have at least one parent apply for a PIN as well.

In addition to the FAFSA application, you will be sent a letter from the college that may ask you to fill out additional forms, and send in other required documents to complete your Financial Aid information. Other required documents may include copies of federal income tax returns and/or verification of untaxed income and other information reported on the FAFSA.

Some requested forms are available for download from this site in PDF format (click here). We encourage students to download them from web, to save time in having to come on campus. However, if you have any questions on what documents you need to provide to the Financial Aid office, make sure to bring the SAR information and Financial Aid letter with you.

Prior to completing your FAFSA online, you should review the FAFSA Checklist and complete the FAFSA worksheet we have available online (click here).

The Financial Aid Office offers FAFSA workshops to help students fill out their forms. Please come in to sign-up for a workshop.

Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOG) - The BOG program allows eligible students to receive a waiver of the enrollment fees charged at SBVC. Students may apply for a BOG either using the application in the class schedule each semester, by downloading and submitting the BOG application on this website, or by completing and submitting a FAFSA application. We encourage all students to apply for a BOG by submitting a FAFSA application. If you have not completed or are not eligible for federal financial aid, please come into the financial aid office for a paper BOG application. Once a BOG is awarded, it is valid for the remainder of the academic year. BOG's expire at the end of every summer semester and students must apply once per academic year. There are three types of BOG:

• BOG A -- For students and/or a student's parent who are currently receiving some form of public assistance (AFDC, TANF, CalWORKs, SSI, and General Relief). Proof of cash benefits for the current or previous month must be provided at the time of application to be considered for a BOG A. A BOG A cannot be awarded by filing a FAFSA.
  
  
• BOG B -- Based upon current household size and total 2007 income for the student and/or student's parent(s). Income standards are provided by the state Chancellor's Office. Proof of total 2007 may be required. A BOG B may be awarded based upon the income and household size information provided on the FAFSA.
  
  
• BOG C -- Must demonstrate at least one dollar worth of financial need in order to qualify.

IMPORTANT:

• You must be admitted to the college before you submit the BOG waiver to the Financial Aid office.
• If you are a dependent student, please be sure both you and one of your parent's sign the wavier form before submitting it to the financial aid office.
• Independent students need only their signature on the form.

All but FAFSA Financial Aid forms can be download in PDF format here.

** If you have been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs, you may not be eligible for federal financial aid, depending on when the conviction occurred. **

Am I dependent or independent? Whether a student is dependent or independent is a key to establishing financial aid eligibility and determining the types and amounts of aid for which they are eligible. Parents' income must be included for consideration of financial aid eligibility for those students who are dependent upon their parents. If a student is independent of their parents, they will be evaluated on their own. For the 2008-2009 school year, a student is considered an independent student if at least one of the following criteria apply: born before January 1, 1985; orphan or ward of the court; have children or legal dependents for whom the student provides more than 50% support; enrolled in a graduate or professional school program; married as of the date the financial aid application is filed; or a veteran of the U.S. armed forces. If special circumstances exist where none of the criteria apply but parents' income information cannot be provided, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

How much does SBVC cost? The enrollment fee at San Bernardino Valley College is $20 per unit. There are some additional fees that are charged each semester also. For financial aid purposes, however, each student is assigned a cost of attendance. The cost of attendance for the 2008-2009 school year for students living at home is $9,226 and $16,408 for students living on their own. The cost of attendance is made up of average costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, rent and groceries, transportation and personal/miscellaneous expenses. The cost of attendance represents the average costs for a student who attends San Bernardino Valley College for a full academic year.

How is my aid calculated? The information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for a student. This represents the amount that the student and/or student's family can contribute toward the student's education. The EFC is determined using a complex federal formula. Keep in mind that that your expected family contribution will not be what is actually paid out by the student and/or student's family. At SBVC, the EFC is used to determine the amount of aid eligibility a student has. The student will never be "billed" for the EFC amount. A student's financial need is determined by subtracting the EFC from the Cost of Attendance. The Financial Aid Office then awards a student all sources of aid for which he or she qualifies, not exceeding the student's financial need. Because SBVC is a public institution, financial aid resources are limited to federal and state funds -- no institutional funds are available. If a student's or student's family's income situation has changed from the income provided on the FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Must I maintain a certain grade point average for financial aid? SBVC requires that students maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Financial Aid has the same requirement. In addition, students are expected to complete 67% of all units they attempt. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification from financial aid. All students receiving financial aid will be expected to complete a degree or certificate program within 150% of the published unit requirement for the chosen program of study. This evaluation looks at all attempted units. For example, students are allowed a maximum of 90 attempted degree-applicable units within which to complete an Associates Degree or requirements to transfer (60 units X 150% = 90 units). Students enrolled in programs with less than or more than the standard 60 unit requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Up to 30 units of remedial and all ESL coursework are not counted in the 90 unit maximum. Students may appeal for additional aid once they reach 72 units. Additional information regarding the satisfactory progress standards at SBVC can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.

Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOG) - The BOG program allows eligible students to receive a waiver of the enrollment fees charged at SBVC. Students may apply for a BOG either using the application in the class schedule each semester, by downloading and submitting the BOG application on this website, or by completing and submitting a FAFSA application. Once a BOG is awarded, it is valid for the remainder of the academic year. BOG's expire at the end of every summer semester and students must apply once per academic year. There are three types of BOG, A, B and C. Please see the BOG section above for more detailed information.

Federal Pell Grant - Pell Grants are awarded based upon demonstrated financial need to every eligible undergraduate student who has not already earned a bachelor's degree. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid. They can be used for books, supplies and other living expenses that add up while going to college. Some students may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant even when enrolled in only one class per semester. Students are automatically considered for a Pell Grant when they file the FAFSA. For the 2008-2009 school year, Pell Grants for full-time students will range from $400 to $4731. The amount of each student's Pell Grant will depend upon financial need, college costs and enrollment status. Students can receive only one Pell Grant per year, and Pell Grant funds may not be received to attend more than one college at a time.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - San Bernardino Valley College participates in the FSEOG program, providing federal grants to a maximum of $2,000 per year for students who qualify. The maximum grant at SBVC is $750 per year. Students must have exceptional financial need to qualify, 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.

Academic Competitiveness Grant -- The academic competitiveness grant provides up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. The program became available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for the first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for the second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005.

Federal Work-Study - This program allows students the opportunity to earn a portion of their college expenses through part-time employment during the school year. Students are paid once per month and earn the current federal minimum wage. Employment opportunities are available in many different departments and offices, most of which are on campus. Every effort is made to place a student in a job related to their academic area of interest. Funds are not received unless the student works and earns them. In addition, SBVC receives a limited amount of Federal Work-Study funds from the federal government, so awards are not guaranteed. After you have been awarded work study, you may apply for a position online at www.sbccdjobs.com.

Cal Grants - The state of California offers a number of financial aid programs through the California Student Aid Commission. More information about these programs is available at www.csac.ca.gov.

Also, check out www.californiacashforcollege.org, for information on available workshops, and online information on Cal Grants and other financial aid.

Among these state programs are two which San Bernardino Valley College participates:

• Cal Grant B -- This grant provides a living allowance for very low-income students. Cal Grant B awards at SBVC are currently $1,551 per school year for full-time students. The Cal Grant B is renewable for up to four years of full-time enrollment. Selection for the Cal Grant B is based upon having a minimum 2.0 grade point average and a composite score that takes into consideration family income, parents' educational level, single-parent household status and time out of high school. In order to apply for the Cal Grant, both a FAFSA and a GPA Verification form are required. SBVC automatically reports grade point average information for students who have completed at least 16.0 degree applicable units with a 2.0 or greater. The Cal Grant deadline for community college students is March 2 or September 2 of each academic year.
  
  
• Cal Grant C -- Cal Grant C awards assist students in occupational or vocational programs with school expenses related to the program of study. The full-time, full-year Cal Grant C award is $576. Funding is available for up to two years of full-time study in a vocational program. Verification of enrollment in a vocational program will be required to receive funds. To apply, file a FAFSA indicating the intent to pursue a vocational program of study and complete the Cal Grant C Supplement application that will be sent directly from the California Student Aid Commission. The Cal Grant deadline for community college students is March 2 or September 2 of each academic year.

Chafee Grant - If you were in Foster Care until your 18th birthday you may be able to apply for the California Chafee Grant and receive up to $5000. Go to the California Chafee Web page and apply - www.chafee.csac.ca.gov.

Federal Stafford Loans - San Bernardino Valley College participates in the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan program. Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. The federal government pays the interest while a student is enrolled in school and for the first six months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment. The amount that can be borrowed depends upon the student's year in school (maximum 2nd year student at a community college), college costs and other aid being received. The maximum loan amount for first-year students is $3,500 and $4,500 for second-year students. Keep in mind that processing fees may be deducted from these amounts, so the actual amount the student receives may be lower. The Stafford Student Loan program offers low interest rates. The current interest rate is 6%. Loan funds will be sent directly to SBVC from the lender chosen by the student. First-time borrowers are subject to a 30-day delay in receiving loan funds. To apply, the FAFSA must be completed so that Pell Grant eligibility can be determined. In addition, attendance at a Stafford Loan entrance counseling workshop is required each time a student wants to borrow a loan (regardless of how many times the student has borrowed previously). For additional information regarding the loan policy at SBVC, please come to the Financial Aid Office.

At San Bernardino Valley College we have created a "preferred lender list". These lenders are chosen based on the level of service they have provided to the students and the staff, which includes promptness when responding to problems, reliability, interest discount programs, and level of knowledge of the lender representatives. Please be aware that students have the right to choose any lender that provides Federal Stafford Loans. In addition, if a student has already received a Federal Stafford Loan from a lender, the student should continue with that lender.

Federal Perkins Loans - San Bernardino Valley College has a small amount of money to award in Perkins Loans each academic year. First consideration of these loan awards is typically given to students enrolled in the Nursing, Pharmacy Technology, Psychiatric Technician and Sheriff's Academy Programs. Other students will be considered on an individual basis. Perkins Loans are very low-interest loans for students with exceptional financial need. To apply, students must file a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.

Scholarships - San Bernardino Valley College offers many scholarships to students who have completed a minimum of 12 units with a 2.0 grade point average or higher. Please contact the SBVC Scholarship Office for additional information. In addition, www.fastweb.com is the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet. It provides access to a searchable database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and student loans.

Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - Pell Grant and FSEOG checks are typically split into two (2) disbursements per semester. Disbursements are based upon each student's enrollment status approximately eight (8) days prior to the disbursement date. Each disbursement will be mailed to the student unless the check is held for an institutional obligation or unmet financial aid requirement. Checks being held need to be released by the Financial Aid Office. This can be done on the Wednesday following the scheduled date of disbursement.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) - Federal Work-Study funds must be earned through work. Time sheets are sent by the supervisor to the Career Center monthly. Checks are mailed around the 8th of the month provided the time sheet was submitted on time. Students must be awarded Federal Work-Study to obtain an on-campus FWS job. Contact the Career Center for additional information about jobs available and necessary forms.

Cal Grants (B & C) - Cal Grant B and C awards are generally disbursed in August and November, unless SBVC receives late notification of student eligibility for a Cal Grant award. In cases of late award notification; the award will be disbursed on the next available disbursement date (see adjustment and late award dates in the Pell Grant section above). Each disbursement will be mailed to the student unless the check is held for an institutional obligation or unmet financial aid requirement.

**Receipt of Cal Grant funds is contingent upon the state budget. No funds will be disbursed until the state budget has been passed. **

**This year we will pay Cal C grants in one payment per term:
September 19, 2008 and February 12, 2009.**

**SEOG will be paid in one payment each term, however they
will not be disbursed until the 2nd major disbursement:
November 14, 2008 and April 17, 2009**

**If a student drops on or before the dates listed below he or she may owe a Return to Title IV funds:
Fall 2008 -- October 30, 2008
Spring 2009 -- April 1, 2009**

Chaffee Grant -- Disbursement schedule is set by the Chancellor's Office. Please visit their website for further information. www.chafee.csac.ca.gov

Federal Stafford and Federal Perkins Loans - Students will be notified by the Financial Aid Office when loan checks are available for disbursement. These dates will vary depending upon when loan applications are submitted and when funds become available.

• To apply for Competitive Community College Cal Grant B award, you must have all items, including your FAFSA, completed by March 8, 2009. Click here for a list of what you need to do to apply for the Cal Grant.
  
• Students can pick up their GPA verifications starting January 3, 2008.
• Student can print the GPA Verification Form by visiting www.calgrants.org.

• Academic Year - the period of time that starts with the Fall semester, includes the following Spring semester, and ends with the following Summer Session at San Bernardino Valley College.
  
• COA (cost of attendance) - the amount of money students spend to go to school and support them while attending. It includes enrollment, books, food, housing, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.
  
• Dependent Student - a student who is less than 24 years of age, unmarried, has no dependent children, is not an orphan, ward of the court, or veteran of the military.
  
• EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - the projected amount a student and their family is expected to contribute to the cost of attendance of the student.
  
• GED (General Equivalence Diploma) - a certificate given to students who have passed state approved high school equivalency test.
  
• Grant - a type of financial aid, usually awarded based on financial need, which does not have to be repaid.
  
• Independent Student -a student who is 24 years old or older, an orphan or ward of the court, military veteran, married or who has dependent children of their own is considered to be independent.
  
• Need Analysis - the generic term for the Federally regulated process used to estimate a family's ability to meet educational costs (i.e., to estimate financial ed).
  
• SAR (Student Aid Report) - the report mailed to student aid applicants which confirms the financial information submitted on the FAFSA. You will receive your SAR about four weeks after submitting the FAFSA.

The Financial Aid office is located in the Administration/Student Services building (AD/SS), room 106 - at the northwest corner of campus.

Our address is:

The office phone number is (909)384-4403.