As a financial aid applicant or recipient, you have certain rights and responsibilities that help ensure your aid is processed accurately, awarded in accordance with federal and state regulations, and remains available throughout the academic year.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid delays, maintain eligibility, and make informed decisions about your financial aid.

Your Rights

As a financial aid applicant or recipient, you have the right to:

Learn About Financial Aid Programs

You have the right to receive information about the financial aid programs available at SBVC, including:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
  • Cal Grant
  • Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
  • Federal Work-Study (FWS)
  • Federal Direct Loans
  • Scholarships and other available aid programs

Understand Your Financial Aid Eligibility

You have the right to know:

  • How your financial aid eligibility was determined.
  • How your Student Aid Index (SAI) and Cost of Attendance (COA) are used in determining eligibility.
  • What financial aid programs you qualify for.
  • The amount and type of financial aid you have been awarded.
  • When and how financial aid is disbursed.

Receive Information About Financial Aid Policies

You have the right to understand the policies that govern your financial aid eligibility, including:

  • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Verification
  • Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)
  • Enrollment requirements
  • Financial aid disbursement procedures
  • Federal Direct Loan requirements

For additional information, please visit:

Request a Review of Your Financial Aid

If your family's financial circumstances have changed or you believe an error has occurred, you have the right to request that the Financial Aid Office review your eligibility.

Examples may include:

  • Loss of income
  • Special circumstances
  • Unusual family circumstances
  • Unusual expenses
  • Other situations permitted under federal regulations

Receive Fair and Confidential Service

You have the right to:

  • Be treated fairly and respectfully.
  • Receive accurate information regarding financial aid.
  • Have your personal information protected in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
  • Ask questions about your financial aid eligibility at any time.

Your Responsibilities

Receiving financial aid also carries important responsibilities.

Submit Accurate Information

You are responsible for:

  • Completing all required financial aid applications accurately.
  • Providing truthful and complete information.
  • Submitting requested documentation by published deadlines.
  • Responding promptly to requests from the Financial Aid Office.

Knowingly providing false or misleading information may result in loss of financial aid eligibility, repayment of funds, fines, or referral to federal authorities.

Monitor Your Financial Aid

Students are responsible for regularly checking:

  • Their SBVC student email
  • Self-Service
  • Financial Aid communications

Many financial aid requirements have deadlines. Failure to respond to requests for information may delay or prevent the processing of your financial aid.

Maintain Financial Aid Eligibility

To remain eligible for financial aid, you must:

  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
  • Enroll in eligible coursework required for your educational program.
  • Maintain eligibility under federal and state regulations.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office of changes that may affect your eligibility.

Report Changes That May Affect Your Financial Aid

You are responsible for informing the Financial Aid Office if there are changes to your:

  • Enrollment status
  • Residency status
  • Educational program
  • Receipt of outside scholarships or other educational assistance
  • Other information that may affect your financial aid eligibility

Understand That Financial Aid May Be Revised

Financial aid awards are based on the information available at the time of awarding.

Your financial aid may be reduced, increased, or canceled if:

  • Your enrollment changes.
  • Your eligibility changes.
  • Verification changes your eligibility.
  • Funding levels change.
  • You receive additional financial assistance.
  • Federal or state regulations change.
  • An administrative or processing error is identified.

Understand the Impact of Withdrawing

Withdrawing from one or more courses—or completely withdrawing from all courses—may affect your financial aid eligibility.

Students who withdraw from all courses before completing more than 60% of the payment period are subject to the federal Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation.

Depending on the outcome, you may:

  • Be required to repay a portion of your financial aid.
  • Owe a balance to the College.
  • Become eligible for a Post-Withdrawal Disbursement.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from classes to better understand how their financial aid may be affected.

Use Financial Aid for Educational Expenses

Financial aid is intended to help pay educational expenses, including:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Books and supplies
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Other education-related costs

Students are responsible for managing their financial aid funds appropriately.

Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility

Federal Pell Grant eligibility is limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters, or 600% Lifetime Eligibility Used.

Once you reach this federal lifetime limit, you are no longer eligible to receive Pell Grant funds at any college or university.

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives eligible enrollment fees. It is not a cash award and is not refunded directly to students.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Students awarded Federal Work-Study are responsible for:

  • Accepting and maintaining an eligible Work-Study position.
  • Performing assigned job duties satisfactorily.
  • Following workplace policies and expectations.
  • Accurately reporting hours worked.
  • Understanding that Work-Study earnings are paid through payroll for hours worked and are not disbursed like grant funds.
  • Remaining enrolled and maintaining financial aid eligibility throughout employment.

Helpful Resources

For more detailed information about financial aid policies, please visit: