Student Services
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Grants

Federal Pell Grants

The Pell Grant program is the largest grant program in the country. It is the foundation for an award package. Pell Grants provide financial assistance to eligible part-time and full-time students and are calculated based on a student’s enrollment and Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Awards range from $767 to $7,395 (amounts may change each year).

Since the Pell Grant program is an entitlement program, funds are always available to qualifying students. If a student applies late but qualifies for a Pell Grant, he/she may be eligible for retroactive payment for the work completed during the enrollment period.

2025–26 Award Year 

  • The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2025–26 award year (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026).
  • The amount you get, though, will depend on
    • Your Student Aid Index (based on your FAFSA form),
    • The cost of attendance (determined by your school for your specific program),
    • Your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
    • Your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
  • Please note that you can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 terms full-time terms or the equivalent (roughly six years). You’ll receive a notice if you’re getting close to your limit.

 

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant will waive all per-unit enrollment fees for students classified as a resident of California or AB 540, according to Admissions and Records. It will not waive any material fees, student representation fees, or health fees.

The 2025-2026 California College Promise Grant covers Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters.

CCPG Eligibility Requirements

To qualify you need to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Meet income criteria by providing proof that you are receiving monthly cash assistance from TANF/CalWORKs, SSI/SSP, or General Assistance (or, if a dependent student, your parent(s) receive this assistance)
  • Establishing that your income (or your parent's income, if you are a dependent student) was within set income standards
  • Completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and have remaining "financial need" of at least $1,104
  • Being a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (or dependent); being a dependent of a victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack; having certification from the California Department of Veteran Affairs or the National Guard Adjutant General; or being a dependent of a deceased law enforcement/fire suppression personnel killed in the line of duty that you are eligible for this waiver

The California College Promise Grant has implemented academic standards. Students must meet California College Promise Grant academic standards. All grades will be used to determine CCPG eligibility.

Any combination of two primary consecutive terms (Fall and Spring) of cumulative GPA below 2.0, and/or cumulative course completion less than 50% may result in loss of fee waiver eligibility.

You’ll be notified within 30 days of the end of each term if you are being placed on either Academic (GPA) and/or Progress (Course Completion) probation. Your notification will include the information that the second term of probation will result in loss of fee waiver eligibility. After the second consecutive term of probation, you may lose eligibility for the fee waiver at your next registration opportunity.

How to apply for the Promise Grant

Step 1: Click here for the CCCApply - California College Promise Grant Application

Step 2: New Student Create an account / Existing Students Login to your existing account

Step 3: Select start Application

Step 4: Select the Term you are applying for

Step 5: Answer application questions

Step 6: You will receive an email notifying you if your application was processed successfully or if further documentation is needed. 

 

Loss of Eligibility For the California Promise Grant (CCPG)

A student shall become ineligible for a California College Promise Grant if the student is placed on academic or progress probation, or any combination thereof, for two consecutive primary terms. Loss of eligibility shall become effective at the first registration opportunity after such determination is made.

How to regain eligibility:

If you lose eligibility for the California College Promise Grant, there are a few ways that you can have it reinstated:

  • Improve your GPA or Course Completion measures to meet the academic and progress standards
  • A successful appeal regarding extenuating circumstances
  • Not attending college in the district for two consecutive primary terms

The appeals process for extenuating circumstances includes:

  • Verified accidents, illness or other circumstances beyond your control
  • Changes in an economic situation
  • Evidence of inability to obtain essential support services
  • Special consideration factors for CalWORKs, EOPS, DSPS and veteran students
  • Disability accommodations not received in a timely manner
  • Please note that foster youth and former foster youth (age 24 years and younger) are not subject to loss of the California College Promise Grant under these regulations.

Loss of Enrollment Priority and/or CCPG Appeal

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

This program provides jobs for students who have a need and must earn a portion of their educational expenses. The purpose of this program is to promote the part-time employment of college students. Jobs are available on campus as teacher aides, library assistants, cafeteria helpers, and clerks. A student may not begin work until he/she has been processed by the Human Resources Office.

Federal Work-Study Employment Authorization Form

Add image with link to Job Placement Webpage

Cal Grants

Cal Grant A

This program helps low and middle-income students pay tuition and fees at California State University and University of California campuses, independent colleges, and some private occupational career schools in California. Cal Grant A recipients who choose to attend a community college may be eligible for a Community College Reserve Grant (CC Reserve). CC Reserve recipients may hold their awards in reserve for up to two years until they transfer to a four-year school.

Cal Grant B

This program is for high-potential students from disadvantaged or low-income families who otherwise would not be able to pursue post-secondary education. Awards are for students who have completed no more than one semester of full-time study, or no more than 16 units of part-time study. At a community college, the award is limited to a subsistence grant for non-tuition costs. The maximum subsistence grant is $1,672. At an eligible four-year California school, the award would also include tuition and fees the same as Cal Grant A.

Cal Grant C

This program helps vocationally oriented students acquire marketable job skills within a short time period. A Cal Grant C may not be used to pursue a four-year degree program, graduate study, course prerequisites, or general education.

The student applies for the Cal Grant Program by completing the FAFSA or Dream Act application prior to April 2nd, preceding the next academic year they will enroll.

Check the Status of your Cal Grant Application

For more information on Cal Grants and the awarding process please visit Cal Grant page

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

The Student Success Completion Grant is a new financial aid program that helps you afford full-time enrollment so you can graduate, begin your career, and start earning money sooner. If you’re a current California community college student or are planning to enroll, you now have the opportunity to receive more financial aid as a full-time student.

Visit the SSCG page for more information.

CHAFEE Grant

If you are or were in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for childcare, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

Apply online at https://chafee.csac.ca.gov/StudentApplication
Check your status at www.webgrants4students.org

Visit CHAFEE Grant page for more information

For additional support please explore AVC's EOPS, Next Up, and Guardian Scholars programs. These programs support of current/former Foster Youth. 

Students Enrolled in a Baccalaureate Program

Students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program who wish to apply for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waiver must submit either a Free application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application in lieu of completing the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Application.

Apply online at OpenCCC.

  • Need help with technical support? Call: 1(877)247-4836 Email: support@openccc.net
  • Apply through the FAFSA at studentaid.gov School Code is 001113
  • Apply through the Dream Act at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ School Code is 001113

If your account shows a balance due you should immediately:

  1.  Pay the balance: Log into myAVC and click: Pay My Fees      

  2. Apply for a California College Promise Grant:  at  OpenCCC  Students approved for the CCPG must pay any remaining balance due.

    OR

  3. Set-Up a Payment Plan: Log into myAVC and click: Set up a Payment Plan

Payment Plans are available in fall and spring for a balance of $50 or more and require payment of a nonrefundable enrollment fee of $25.  

Log into myAVC and click Check My Balance after making a payment, or approval of the California College Promise Grant to ensure your balance is $0.  If you have set-up a Payment Plan, you will see a balance that will be reduced each time you make a payment. Students who have an active payment plan will not be dropped.