Financial Aid Program
The Palo Verde College Financial Aid Office is located in the John O. Crain Building. Financial aid is available to eligible students who might otherwise not be able to attend college. Applications for financial assistance should be completed during the fall, spring or summer preceding the year the student plans to attend Palo Verde College.
How to Apply
SUBMIT THE FAFSA OR CADAA
FAFSA: Students who are US Citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens should complete the FAFSA. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, anyone who’s required to provide information on the FAFSA form will need to create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) This includes the student and if applicable, the student’s spouse, a biological/adoptive parent, or parent’s spouse (if remarried). All contributing individuals must provide consent to have information transferred onto the FAFSA form. If consent is not given, the FAFSA form will remain incomplete, and the student will be ineligible for federal student aid.
CADAA: Undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid/expired), U Visa holders, students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and who meet AB 540 requirements can complete the CA Dream Act Application. Students completing the CADAA must finalize eligibility for AB 540 with their college - this important step allows students to pay in-state tuition and receive state financial aid. Students should work with their financial aid office to confirm eligibility and submit any necessary documentation to prove eligibility. The CA Dream Act Application is used to apply for state financial aid, like Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship as well as institutional aid from colleges like the Blue and Gold Scholarship or the State University Grant (SUG). Information provided on the CADAA is not shared with the federal government and it is not used for immigration enforcement. CSAC will work to the fullest extent of the law to protect all students that share their information through the CADAA.
IMPORTANT: Information that is provided on the FAFSA and CADAA is used to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility. Should a parent or spouse provide information on the FAFSA or CADAA, it does not make them financially responsible for the student’s educational costs.
For more information: https://www.csac.ca.gov/how-apply
Eligibility
Palo Verde College offers a variety of financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Office is required to confirm your financial aid eligibility prior to awarding a student financial aid. Funds will not be disbursed until all conflicting items have been resolved..
Note: If your income has significantly changed from the data you input on your financial aid application (such as loss of job) or you have a special circumstance, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office as you may be eligible to request a professional judgment.
To confirm financial aid eligibility, a student:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for federal aid;
- Meet AB 540 criteria for state aid;
- Have a high school diploma, GED, pass the California Proficiency Exam, or pass an Ability to Benefit (ATB) test that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education prior to July 1, 2012;
- Register with Selective Service (this applies to all males born after December 31, 1959, and are between the ages of 18-25). Students who believe that they are not required to be registered with Selective Service, need to contact the Selective Service Office at 1-847- 668-6888 for information regarding exemptions in order to receive a Student Status Information Letter. Students, still within the age range, must register online at www.sss.gov;
- Declare an educational goal at the Admissions and Records Office and take courses towards an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree, Certificate of Achievement, or a transfer program (approved by the Department of Education);
- Not owe a refund on any grant received at any institution or be in default on any educational student loan, such as the Perkins Loan or Stafford Loan; and
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as described in the Financial Aid Office’s Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements listed in this catalog.
- Must be enrolled full-time status, 12 or more units, per semester to qualify all aid.
- If you enroll in fewer units, your financial aid will be adjusted based on your enrollment.
- Must attend the Fall and/or Spring semesters of the current academic year.
- Financial aid offered for the academic year will be divided between the two semesters. Changes in your enrollment will impact your financial aid eligibility.
FASFA Verification
Overview of Verification
Verification is a process required by the U.S. Department of Education to confirm the accuracy of information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Approximately 30% of FAFSA applications are selected for verification annually. Selection can be random or due to incomplete or contradictory information on the application.
Notification of Selection
If a student’s FAFSA is selected for verification:
- The FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) will display an asterisk (*) next to the Student Aid Index (SAI) and include a comment in the “Application Status” section.
- Students will receive an email notification from Palo Verde College to the student’s personal email account (the email on file with the college)
- The required documentation will be listed on the student’s Financial Aid Checklist in the PVC Student Planning and Registration portal.
Types of Verification
The Department of Education assigns different verification types that determine which items must be verified:
Financial Information Verification (Standard)
Tax filers must verify:
- Adjusted gross income.
- Income earned from work.
- U.S. income tax paid
- Untaxed portions of IRA distributions and pensions
- IRA deductions and payments
- Tax exempt interest income.
- Education credits
- Foreign income exempts from federal taxation
- Family size
Non-tax filers must verify:
- Income earned from work.
- Family size
Identity Verification and Statement of Educational Purpose
Students must verify:
- Identity (by presenting government-issued photo ID)
- Statement of Educational Purpose (SEP)
Comprehensive Verification
- Combination of both Financial Information and Identity verifications
- All items in both groups must be verified.
Required Documentation
For Financial Information Verification:
- 2025-2026 Household Size and Income Verification Form
- 2023 Tax Return Transcript or signed copy of 2023 tax return with schedules (Note: If the student successfully transferred IRS tax information directly to the FAFSA, a copy of the tax return is typically not required)
- W-2 forms for 2023
- Documentation of untaxed income
For Identity Verification and Statement of Educational Purpose:
- Government-issued photo ID (presented in person)
- Originally signed Identity Verification & Statement of Educational Purpose Form
For Comprehensive Verification:
- All documents are required for both Financial Information and Identity verifications listed above.
Submission Process
- Download Forms: Access the appropriate verification worksheet from the Financial Aid Forms webpage at https://www.paloverde.edu/fin-aid/forms.aspx.
- Complete Forms: Fill out all sections completely and gather all required documentation.
- Submit Documents: You may submit your completed forms and documentation:
- In-person: Bring original documents to the Financial Aid Office
- By mail: Send copies to:
Palo Verde College
Attn: Financial Aid Office
One College Drive, Blythe, CA 92225
Important - Regarding Identity Verification:
If you cannot appear in person at the Financial Aid Office to verify your identity, you must submit by mail:
- A notarized original signed Statement of Educational Purpose
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- Mail these documents directly to the Financial Aid Office at the address listed below
Deadlines and Processing
- You should submit verification documents as soon as possible
- Your financial aid will not be processed until verification is complete
- Palo Verde College deadline: [Insert PVC deadline date]
- Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks after all documents are received
Rejected FAFSA Applications
Rejected applications differ from those selected for verification. A rejected FAFSA contains errors that must be corrected before any processing can occur.
Common Reasons for Rejection:
- Missing signatures (student or parent)
- Social Security Number discrepancies
- Name/date of birth mismatches with Social Security records
- Missing or incomplete information
Resolution Steps:
- Review your FAFSA Submission Summary for specific rejection reasons
- Log in to studentaid.gov to make necessary corrections
- Resubmit the application
- For identity/SSN issues, visit the Financial Aid Office in person
- Contact our office if you need assistance
C-Flag Issues
A “C-Flag” appears on a FAFSA when there is an eligibility issue requiring resolution, indicated by a “C” next to the Student Aid Index on your FAFSA Submission Summary.
Common C-Flag Issues:
- Citizenship verification
- Social Security Number verification
- Default on federal student loans
- Unusual enrollment history
- Drug conviction status
Resolution Steps:
- Review the specific C-Flag issue in your notification
- Gather required documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office
- Submit all documents by the stated deadline
- Some issues may require contacting outside agencies
- Financial aid disbursements are on hold until C-Flags are cleared
Conflicting Information
Conflicting information occurs when discrepancies exist between your FAFSA data and other documentation. All conflicts must be resolved before aid can be disbursed.
Common Examples:
- Marital status discrepancies
- Income or tax filing status differences
- Household size inconsistencies
- High school completion status conflicts
Resolution Steps:
- Determine if the FAFSA is correct or incorrect
- If incorrect: Log in to studentaid.gov and submit corrections
- If correct: Provide supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office
- Submit all documents within 30 days of notification
- Unresolved conflicts will delay or cancel financial aid
Special Circumstances
If you’ve experienced a significant change in your financial situation since 2023 (job loss, reduction in income, divorce, death of parent/spouse), contact the Financial Aid Office about a possible Professional Judgment review.
Important Reminders
- Respond promptly to verification requests
- Check your personal email account regularly
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions
- Never submit original tax documents (except when presenting ID in person)
- Make sure all forms are signed by the appropriate people
- All forms are available at: https://www.paloverde.edu/fin-aid/forms.aspx
Contact Information
Financial Aid Office | Palo Verde College
One College Drive, Blythe CA 92225
Phone: 760-921-5553 | 760-921-5559 | 760-921-5465
Email: financialaid@paloverde.edu
Office Hours: 8am - 5pm Monday through
Thursday | 8am - Noon on Fridays
Financial Aid forms can be found online: https://www.paloverde.edu/fin-aid/forms.aspx
The initial payment for each term will be given after the student enrolls in the required number of units. The required number of semester units necessary to receive financial aid funds is as follows:
The initial payment for each term will be given after the student enrolls in the required number of units. The required number of semester units necessary to receive financial aid funds is as follows:
Pell Grant (Title IV Funds)
- 12 or more units - Full-time award
- 9-11 units - Three quarter-time award
- 6-8 units - Half-time award
- 1-5 units - Less than half-time award
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Programs:
You should start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Schools use the information on the FAFSA® form to determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant, and if so, how much you’re eligible to receive. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school to stay eligible for federal student aid, including Pell Grant awards. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.
The amount you get, though, will depend on
- your Expected Family Contribution (2024-25 FAFSA form) or your Student Aid Index (2024-25 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.
In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of his or her scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year. 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. If you have any questions, contact the financial aid office.
In general, you must maintain enrollment in an undergraduate course of study at a nonforeign school to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Additionally, you will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school to stay eligible for federal student aid. Once you have earned a baccalaureate degree or your first professional degree or have used up all 12 terms of your eligibility, you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
*Summer term is at the beginning of the end of the year for Palo Verde College*
To get an FSEOG, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form so your college can determine how much financial need you have. The financial aid office will award FSEOGs to students that have the most financial need. You must maintain enrollment as an undergraduate student and must not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. Your eligibility for federal student aid, including the FSEOG, is determined by completing the FAFSA form on an annual basis. Your institution will award the FSEOG each year based on that eligibility and other factors at the college.
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
FWS:
- Provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.
- Is available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need.
- Is available to full-time or part-time students.
- Is administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program.
Your total work-study award depends on
- when you apply,
- your level of financial need, and
- your school’s funding level.
The amount you earn can’t exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. When assigning work hours, your employer or your school’s financial aid office will consider your class schedule and your academic progress.
State Programs:
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives community college enrollment fees for eligible students at Palo Verde College. This grant helps ensure that fee policies do not pose a financial barrier to education.
The waiver pays enrollment fees for the entire academic year, beginning with the summer term. Students must renew their FAFSA or CADAA annually to be considered for the waiver.
Eligibility Requirements
Students may qualify through one of the following:
Part A: Students or dependents receiving TANF/CalWORKs, SSI/SSP, or General Assistance benefits.
Part B: Students who meet low-income criteria. Income levels are adjusted annually.
Part C: Students who demonstrate financial need of at least $1,104 based on the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Part D: Homeless youth under 25 years of age at the time of enrollment.
Special Classifications:
- Dependents of California National Guard members
- Dependents of veterans
- Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and their dependents
- Surviving dependents of the September 11, 2001, attacks
- Dependents of law enforcement or fire suppression personnel
How to Apply
Students may apply using:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- CCPG application (sometimes called the “short form”)
Residency Requirements
To receive the CCPG, students must meet one of the following:
- Be considered a California resident as determined by the Palo Verde College Admissions and Records Office or
- Be eligible for non-resident tuition exemption (AB 540 eligible students)
Academic and Progress Standards for CCPG
For CCPG eligibility, students must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Complete more than 50% (cumulative) of coursework
These standards are specific to the CCPG program and differ from the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for Cal Grant and federal aid programs.
Students may lose CCPG eligibility if they do not meet these standards for two consecutive primary terms and have attempted at least 12 units. Loss of eligibility becomes effective with the first registration activity for the first primary term after the determination is made.
Former Foster Youth - CCPG Exemption
Former foster youth up to age 25, and students eligible for CCPG under special classifications are exempt from the loss of CCPG eligibility due to academic/progress standards.
The Palo Verde College Admissions Office monitors CCPG academic and progress standards and notifies students of their status.
For detailed information contact the Admissions Office.
Palo Verde College Admissions Office
Phone: (760) 921-5500
Email: admissions@paloverde.edu
Location: Student Services Building, Room 101
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Summer term at Palo Verde College is the beginning of our academic year for financial aid purposes.
Cal Grant Program
Cal Grants are state-funded financial aid programs administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Visit the Commissions website for additional information at: https://www.csac.ca.gov/financial-aid-programs.
WebGrants4Students Account
Students are encouraged to create a WebGrants4Students account, an online portal provided by the California Student Aid Commission. This account is used for tracking Cal Grant awards, managing personal information, and ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements. To create an account, visit WebGrants4Students - https://www.csac.ca.gov/webgrants-4-students.
Cal Grant Eligibility Requirements
- California residency or AB 540 eligibility
- U.S. citizenship, eligible non-citizen, or AB 540 status
- Meet income and asset ceilings established by CSAC.
- Financial need based on FAFSA/CADAA
- Minimum GPA requirements (varied by grant type)
- Be enrolled at Palo Verde College
- Not having a bachelor’s degree
- Not be incarcerated.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Cal Grant Award Types available at Palo Verde College
Cal Grant A - Reserved (Students with Dependent Children or Former Foster Youth)
Community college students don’t receive Cal Grant A funding but can reserve their award for up to two years, with a possible thirdyear extension through appeal, until they transfer to a four-year college. Students with dependent children or former foster youth can receive an access award while attending community college. Refer to the section on dependents or foster youth for more details.
Cal Grant B
Cal Grant B provides an access award for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to help with living expenses. The 2025-26 annual access award is $1,648.
- First-year students receive only the access award.
- If students transfer to a four-year college after the first year, Cal Grant B also includes tuition and fee award.
Cal Grant C
Cal Grant C is designed for students planning to enroll in vocational, technical, or career education programs of at least four months in length. Students at Palo Verde College can receive up to $1,094 annually for books and supplies.
Students with Dependent Children Access Award
Cal Grant students who have dependent children under 18 years of age may be eligible for increased access awards. Eligibility requires the student to meet the following:
- Must be a Cal Grant A, B, or C recipient enrolled at Palo Verde College
- Must have dependent children who are under 18 years of age by the beginning of the academic year.
- Must provide more than half of the financial support for the children during the academic year.
Award Amounts
- Cal Grant A or B recipients: Up to $6,000 annually
- Cal Grant C recipients: Up to $4,000 annually for books and supplies
Foster Youth Access Award
Foster youth and former foster youth who receive a Cal Grant are eligible for an additional access award:
- Cal Grant A or B recipients: Up to $6,000 annually
- Cal Grant C recipients: Up to $4,000 annually
No additional application is required for the Foster Youth Access Award beyond the FAFSA/CADAA and Cal Grant application. The Commission will automatically determine eligibility based on foster youth status.
Note: Students who qualify for both the Students with Dependent Children access award and the Foster Youth access award can only receive one. The California Student Aid Commission will default to the Foster Youth access award in these cases.
Cal Grant Application Process
- Submit FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the deadlines:
- March 2, 2025 (priority deadline)
- September 5, 2025 (extended deadline for community college students and foster youth)
- Ensure a verified GPA is submitted to CSAC by the deadline:
- High School GPA for High School Entitlement awards
- College GPA for Transfer Entitlement or Competitive awards
Cal Grant Award Cycles
Palo Verde College students may be considered in one of these Cal Grant cycles:
High School Entitlement (E1)
- For current high school seniors and recent graduates (within one year)
- Cal Grant A: Requires 3.0+ GPA.
- Cal Grant B: Requires 2.0+ GPA.
- Extended age eligibility for foster youth (up to age 26)
Transfer Entitlement (E2)
- For students transferring from Palo Verde College to a four-year institution
- Requires 2.4+ College GPA
- Must be under age 28.
- Must have attended a CCC in the previous academic year.
- Are placed on Reserved Status while attending Palo Verde College
Community College Entitlement (E3)
- For students enrolled at Palo Verde College
- September 5, 2025, deadline
- Cal Grant A: Requires 3.0+ High School GPA or 2.4+ College GPA
- Cal Grant B: Requires 2.0+ High School GPA or 2.0+ College GPA
Cal Grant Award Cycles
Competitive Cal Grant
- For students who don’t qualify for entitlement awards
- Limited awards available (13,000 annually)
- Selection is based on disadvantageous criteria and GPA.
Cal Grant Renewal Requirements
- File FAFSA or CADAA each year.
- Meet income and asset ceilings.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Be enrolled at least half-time.
- Have at least 10% remaining eligibility
- Confirm Single with Dependent status if applicable.
How to Apply
Students must first qualify for a Cal Grant through FAFSA or CADAA. They will then need to certify their eligibility for the Students with Dependent Children access award through the WebGrants4Students portal or have their eligibility certified by Palo Verde College.
To create a WebGrants4Students account visit: https://www.csac.ca.gov/webgrants-4-students
Academic and Progress Standards
To maintain eligibility for Cal Grant, SSCG, and federal financial aid, students must meet these standards:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete at least 67% of all attempted units
- Complete educational objective within 150% of the published length of the program
The Palo Verde College Financial Aid Office monitors SAP for these programs and notifies students if they are placed on warning or suspension. Review the Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid section of the handbook for details.
Palo Verde College Financial Aid Office
Phone: (760) 921-5553
Email: financialaid@paloverde.edu
Location: Student Services Building
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM-Noon
Foster Youth and Former Foster Youth Programs
Eligibility for Foster Youth Benefits
A student qualifies as a current or former foster youth if their dependency was established or continued by a court of competent jurisdiction, including a tribal court, on or after the youth’s 13th birthday and who is no older than 25 years of age at the beginning of the academic year.
Cal Grant Provisions for Foster Youth
Foster youth and former foster youth attending Palo Verde College have several expanded Cal Grant benefits:
- Extended Cal Grant B eligibility: Up to 8 years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program (instead of the standard 4 years)
- Extended application deadline: Foster youth under age 26 may apply for the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award by September 5, 2025 (instead of March 2)
- Extended age eligibility: May apply for High School Entitlement Award until their 26th birthday (instead of one year after high school)
- Access award eligibility while in reserve status: Cal Grant A recipients who are foster youth do not have their award placed in reserve while attending community college. They can receive the access award at Palo Verde College.
Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
The Chafee Grant for Foster Youth provides additional financial support specifically for current and former foster youth pursuing postsecondary education at Palo Verde College.
Eligibility Requirements
- Current or former foster youth who were in foster care at age 16 or older.
- Have not reached 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year.
- Have financial need.
Award Amount
Up to $5,000 per year for education expenses at Palo Verde College.
How to Apply
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA
- Submit the Chafee Grant Application (only needs to be completed once)
Visit the Chafee Grant website for more information: https://chafee.csac.ca.gov/.
Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
The Student Success Completion Grant provides additional financial aid to help Cal Grant B and C recipients at Palo Verde College attend full-time and complete their programs faster.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Cal Grant B or C recipient enrolled at Palo Verde College
- Must enroll in at least 12 units per semester.
Award Amounts
- $2,596 annually for students taking 12-14.99 units per semester.
- $8,000 annually for students taking 15+ units per semester.
How to Apply
No separate application is needed. Students who receive a Cal Grant B or C will be automatically considered for the SSCG if enrolled fulltime at Palo Verde College. For additional information visit: https://icangotocollege.com/financial-aid/student-success-completion-grant.
Maintaining Eligibility
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ units per semester)
- Continue to receive a Cal Grant B or C
Other Student Aid Programs:
Educational and financial aid opportunities for American Indian students and those seeking fellowships, internships, or volunteer experiences.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Education Programs: Offers scholarships and resources for higher education.
Visit https://www.bia.gov/bie for more information.
Fellowships, Internships, and Volunteer Opportunities: Provides career-enhancing experiences, such as:
Scholarships at Palo Verde College:
Palo Verde College offers various scholarships, including the PVC Foundation Group of Scholarships that opens every spring. This group of scholarships provides a variety of opportunities for students, all through a single application. In addition to these internal scholarships, there are also various outside scholarships available. Students are encouraged to check the college’s webpage periodically for updates.
The website link is: https://www.paloverde.edu/current-students/scholarships.aspx
For more information contact:
Business Office | Palo Verde College
One College Drive, Blythe, CA 92225
Maintaining Eligibilty for Financial Aid
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards measure a student’s progress toward degree completion using both qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (units completed compared to units attempted) methods. To be eligible for federal and state aid, students must maintain progress toward a degree, certificate, or transfer. The standards apply to all college coursework taken, regardless of whether financial aid was received or not, including coursework transferred from another institution. Academic progress is reviewed at the end of each semester when grades are available. Students who fail to meet the Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will have their financial aid eligibility suspended.
Regulations require Palo Verde College to establish standards for evaluating Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). These standards measure qualitative and quantitative requirements and maximum timeframe for students’ progress toward degree completion. To be eligible for financial aid, students must meet these standards. Failure to maintain these standards will result in the suspension of the student’s financial aid eligibility.
SAP Standards:
- GPA (cumulative) Standard - Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above (qualitative)
- Pace of Progress Standard - Successfully complete a minimum of 67% of the total number of units attempted/ completed (quantitative); and
- Maximum Time Frame (MTF) Standard - Students cannot exceed 150% of the established maximum time frame for their program of study. Students can Not exceed a maximum of 90 total units attempted/completed. Example: The 150% of a program that requires 60 units for completion will have a maximum time frame of 90 units (60 x 150% = 90).
Earned grades of A, B, C, and D are considered completed credits and are calculated in a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The grade CR and P are considered completed credits but do not count toward a student’s grade point average (GPA). The grades I, IF, IP, NC, NP, W, EW or MW are not considered completed units but count toward a student’s attempted credits for financial aid completion.
Grade F is not considered completed credit but count in a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the student’s attempted credits for financial aid completion. Audit units or any zero-unit courses are not included in either the attempted or completed figures as these units are ineligible for financial aid.
During the COVID-19 National Emergency, EW grades were not included in the satisfactory academic progress calculation as these were considered excused withdrawals due to COVID-19. Effective May 27, 2023, now that the COVID-19 National Emergency has ended, EW grades posted after May 27, 2023 will count towards satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes.
Failure to meet one or more of the SAP standards may affect whether or not you can continue to receive your aid.
What does my SAP status mean?
- Satisfactory Status - SAP status for students meeting all SAP standards. Eligible for aid*.
- Warning Status - SAP status for students who do NOT meet the SAP standards after a semester. Eligible for aid*.
- Suspension Status - SAP status for students NOT meeting the SAP standards after a warning semester. Not eligible for aid.
- Probation Status - SAP status for students with an approved SAP appeal and meeting SAP appeal contract. Eligible for aid*.
*Eligibility for aid is based on federal and state regulations. Students must meet these regulations in addition to meeting SAP standards.
What happens if I did not meet one or more of the SAP standards?
Students will be notified via their email account by the Financial Aid Office at the end of each term (Fall, Spring & Summer) once grades have been finalized and posted.
Students who failed Pace of Progress or GPA will have ONE warning semester*. Failure to improve after one semester of warning status will result in a suspension status. Students who fall into suspension status are NOT eligible to receive federal/state aid.
Students who exceed 150% of the established maximum time frame (MTF) for their program of study will automatically result in suspension status. Note, students who exceed their MTF will not have a warning semester.
*Please note, some students may be automatically suspended based on previous academic history.
How to appeal your Suspension status?
Reasons for discontinuing financial aid are as follows:
- failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress.
- proven willful fraud.
- completion of educational Goal.
Students requesting an exception to these policies or any students who have been denied financial aid, may appeal by following the procedures outlined below. Students are required to submit a complete SAP appealwith a Counselot three weeks before the end of the current term they are appealing for.
A student requesting exceptions to these policies may appeal each semester and only for the current term by following these procedures:
- Obtain and complete a “Financial Aid SAP Appeal Form” from the Financial Aid Office in Student Services.
- Make an appointment with a counselor to update your student educational plan (SEP) and include a copy of your aacademic program.
- Write a statement of appeal to the SAP Appeal Committee with the updated educational plan attached. Appealable items are as follows: Death in the family, personal injury/illness, or other extenuating circumstances (must all be documented).
- A meeting of the SAP Appeal Committee is scheduled.
- The SAP Appeal Committee will review the student’s case and reach one of the following conclusions: Approve appeal, Deny appeal, or, Table appeal for more information
- The Financial Aid staff notifies the student in writing as to the final decision of the committee.
- The right to appeal a second time is allowed and decisions will be made by the Chair of SAP Appeal Committee.
If the SAP appeal is APPROVED, the student will be placed on Financial Aid probation status for the approved semester. Students on probation status will be monitored at the end of each semester to ensure they are meeting the signed SAP appeal contract. Failure to meet contract will result in automatic suspension status.
Students who do not meet Pace of Progress and/or GPA may also reinstate themselves to Satisfactory status if they are meeting all the SAP standards.
Is there a limit on how many times I can appeal?
Yes. Students can complete the SAP appeal per semester at Palo Verde College.
May I receive financial aid for non-degree applicable and repeated courses?
Yes, up to 30 units of non-degree/remedial courses can qualify for federal financial aid. You may also be paid for any repeated class (one time) if you previously passed (‘D’ or better).
May I receive financial aid for classes not needed for my program of study?
No. Financial aid is intended to fund your program of study, including any preparatory courses needed.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) vs Academic Standards
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a policy specific to the Financial Aid Office that follows federal laws and is tied to a student’s eligibility to receive federal and/or state financial aid. However, students attending Palo Verde College are required to follow the school’s academic standards, as outlined in the school catalog.
Overpayment Recovery
The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount of federal financial aid a student has earned in accordance with federal law. Recipients of federal programs are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) requirements. Students who receive federal financial aid and do not attend any classes will be required to repay all the funds they have received within 30 days of being notified. If students do not repay within the 30-day requirements, the student will not be able to enroll for courses until the funds are paid in full.
Withdrawal and Return to Title IV (R2T4)
In accordance with federal regulations, students that receive federal financial aid and withdraw from or receive FW grades in their classes for the semester may be required to repay any unearned grant funds that they have received. If a student drops from or withdrawals from a portion of their classes an adjustment may need to be made to the student’s subsequent disbursements, or the student may be required to repay a portion or the entire grant(s) that were received. The amount will be calculated using the formula specified by the federal government. Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the Federal formula. All calculations are based upon the withdrawal date as determined by the Admissions and Records Office.
Official Withdrawal
The date the student notifies the school of his/her intent to withdraw.
Unofficial Withdrawal
The last date of recorded attendance as documented by the institution or the midpoint of the payment period.
Order of Return
The order of return is as prescribed by Federal Regulations:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Post Withdrawal Disbursement (PWD)
If you did not receive all the funds that you earned, you may be due a post withdrawal disbursement. This means that you are eligible for financial aid that you have not received. Students who are eligible for a PWD will be automatically disbursed funds.
Student Owes Funds
If the R2T4 Calculation determines that a student owes money, the student will be notified by mail that repayment needs to be made. The student may return the funds by submitting full and immediate repayment to the Business Office.
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