Types of Aid
WCC offers many types of financial aid programs to help meet our students’ educationally-related financial needs.
Americorps
AmeriCorps members serve more than 3,000 nonprofit institutions, public agencies, faith-based and other community organizations to help meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment.
The variety of service opportunities is almost unlimited. Members may tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, or help communities respond to disasters.
Upon completion of their service, AmeriCorps members may earn an AmeriCorps Education Award to help finance their education.
Amazon Career Choice Program
Woodland Community College is excited to partner with Amazon’s Career Choice Program!
Woodland Community College is now part of the Amazon Career Choice network! As a partner school for Amazon’s Northern California employees, students will be able to start or continue their educational journey at WCC.
The Career Choice program covers 100% of course tuition, fees, and books. Starting in Summer 2022, full-time and part-time Amazon employees can take advantage of this program and enroll in our conveniently scheduled courses, either in-person or online. Starting in Summer 2022, Career Choice participants can select courses from our three campuses, WCC main campus (located in Woodland), Colusa County Campus (located in Williams, CA), and/or Lake County Campus (located in Clearlake, CA).
NOTE: This program is an employer-provided educational assistance fund and is considered estimated financial aid (EFA), will be included in the financial aid package and deducted from the cost of attendance. It is Amazon's responsibility to provide their employees with the IRS regulatory information regarding the taxable income for employer-provided educational assistance. The IRS regulation can be found at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.
California College Promise Grant (CCPG) - Formerly known as Board of Governors' Fee Waiver (BOG)
The California College Promise Grant is a state sponsored program which grants enrollment fees for qualifying students. The California College Promise Grant is available specifically for students at California community colleges. The California College Promise Grant will waive your per-unit enrollment fee (currently $46) at any community college throughout the state. To determine eligibility, students must complete a CC Promise Grant Application or must have applied for financial aid through the FAFSA or CADAA.
Beginning the 2018/2019 aid year, the Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG) will be called the California College Promise Grant. Click here for details regarding this change.
#CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program - Sacramento Valley College Corps
Woodland Community College is proud to be among the selected 45 campuses statewide for the inaugural #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. Woodland Community College, along with Sacramento State University, and Sacramento City College form the regional Sacramento Valley College Corps or SVCC.
About College Corps
As a College Corps Fellow, you will serve 450 hours in an area of K-12 Education, Food Insecurity, or Climate Action over the course of the academic year. This roughly equates to 15 hours a week.
As a College Corps fellow you’ll receive:
- Up to $7,000 living stipend (throughout the term of service or $700/month) + $3,000 Education Award upon completion of 450 service hours.
- Real-world job experience and skills to add to your resume.
- Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities.
- Connections with fellows across the state via the virtual platform and regional events.
- An academic course (1 unit per quarter) designed to support your professional learning throughout the experience.
- A sense of community and accomplishment in working toward the common goals of improving our community.
Eligibility
Students selected should meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant
- Qualifies for a State Cal Grant
- Needs to work part-time and/or borrow student loans to meet their educational costs
- Is an AB540-eligible student with a California Dream Act application on file (no work authorization required)
Additionally, Fellows are required to:
- Be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at Woodland Community College
- No minimum GPA, but must be in academic good standing (not on academic probation)
- Commit to the program for the full 450 hours during the academic year
Cal Grant
Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college. For starters, it's money you don't have to pay back. If you are a graduating high school senior or recent graduate who meets academic and financial eligibility requirements, submit FAFSA and GPA Verification Form by March 2 or September 2 to be able to receive a Cal Grant.
Students who have already completed 24 degree applicable or 24 transferable college units at YCCD will have their GPA automatically submitted to the California Student Aid Commission.
How to Apply.
Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and submit GPA Verification Form for the March 2 or September 2 deadline. If you meet the income, eligibility, and GPA requirements, the cash is yours.
Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award
The Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award is for students attending a California Community College (CCC). Applicants must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, plus a verified Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission by September 2.
Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award
The Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award is for current high school seniors and recent high school graduates. Applicants must submit a high school GPA, FASFA or CADAA to the California Student Aid Commission by March 2.
Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award
This grant is for students who plan to transfer directly from a California Community College to a 4-Year University that offers a bachelor degree in the academic year that they are applying for the award. Deadline is March 2 and applicants must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and have a minimum GPA of 2.4.
Cal Grant Competitive Awards
This is a competitive award and limited to 13,000 awards each academic year. To be considered for the award, you must meet the general Cal Grant eligibility requirements and complete a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. Only students who are not awarded a Cal Grant Entitlement award can be considered. To see more information about the Cal Grant Entitlement Programs, click here.
Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award
The Cal Grant B Foster Youth award allows students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility. Foster youth have until their 26 birthday to apply.
On July 1, 2018 California expanded the Cal Grant Program to allow students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility.
Cal Grant C Award
The Cal Grant C program provides FREE MONEY to students pursuing an occupational or technical program. Students must apply for FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application to apply. No GPA requirement.
Are you interested in pursuing an occupational or technical program that could bring you closer to your dream job? The California Student Aid Commission provides State financial aid for those who meet certain income, asset, and other financial aid standards to attend college. The Cal Grant C program provides FREE MONEY to students pursuing an occupational or technical program.
CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grant
The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Grant provides funding to institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted, many of whom are facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet.
The goal of these funds is to provide student assistance with expenses related to food, housing, technology, course-related materials, health care, and child care that have arisen or increased because of the pandemic.
These grants will range between $250 and $500, based on the student’s documented financial need and the number of units in which the student is enrolled starting Spring 2020 and continuing until funding is discontinued.
Read more from the Department of Education about about the federal CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund here, including the Department of Education FAQs here, and IRS FAQs here.
Chafee Grant
The Chafee Grant program is available to any applicant who is or was in foster care between the ages of 16-18. Applicants may qualify for $5,000 a year for career and technical training.
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
- Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).
For more information click here.
Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
With the Student Success Completion Grant, you could get up to $8,000 per year to help take more classes, ensuring you stay on track to graduate and get your degree faster. The more classes you take, the more money you’re eligible to receive.
If you are a full-time student and a full-time Cal Grant recipient, the Student Success Completion Grant will provide an additional $2,596 (if you’re attending 12-14 units per semester) or up to $8,000 (if you’re attending 15+ units per semester) annually.
That’s on top of the annual Cal Grant awards you’re eligible to receive! So, you’ll want to take at least 15 units per semester to receive the most money.
Just complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and your financial aid office will determine your eligibility and automatically award this grant. The FAFSA form and CADAA are available beginning on October 1 each year. Be sure to complete the forms as soon as possible (but no later than the March 2 Cal Grant deadline) to receive the most aid possible.
Having a plan is key to your educational success. Remember that full-time attendance is 12 units per term. However, to earn an associate’s degree in two years and earn up to $8,000, you will need to take at least 15 units per term, which can seem like a lot.
Don’t be discouraged! Your college counselor is there for you, and will help you set up an education plan, which outlines the classes you need and your path to success.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Must complete FAFSA.
- FSEOGs are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need- those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by Department of Education.
- Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.
- FSEOG awards range in amount and are determined by your school's financial aid office.
Under the FWS Program, you can work part-time to earn money for your education.
The FWS Program:
- Provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school
- Helps pay your educational expenses
- Is available to undergraduate and graduate students
- Is administered by schools participating in the FWS Program
- Encourages community service work and work related to your course of study, whenever possible
- For available on-campus Federal Work Study positions, visit here
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense.
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant.
How to Apply: You should start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.
Award amounts can change yearly. For the 2023-24 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395. The amount you get, though, will depend on:
- Your financial need,
- Your cost of attendance,
- Your enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time), and
- Your semester enrollment in the academic year.
In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of his or her scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year. For details, contact the Financial Aid Office.
You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Please note that you can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters 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 your financial aid office.
What should I do to maintain the grant?
In general, you must maintain enrollment in an undergraduate course of study at a non-foreign school to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Additionally, you will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order 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 semesters of your eligibility, you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
Learn more about staying eligible for federal student aid while you’re in school.
Scholarships
Scholarships are forms of aid that help students pay for their education. Unlike student loans, scholarships for college are financial gifts and therefore do not need to be paid back.
The YCCD and the WCC Foundation's scholarships are provided by the college, alumni, and private donors, and are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and promise of future achievement. Financial need is a factor for some awards, but not for all. Additionally, students who have acquired particular skills may be awarded for their talents.
Student Loans
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. (Some people refer to these loans as Stafford Loans or Direct Stafford Loans.)
Federal Direct Stafford student loans are a long-term financial obligation. Getting a loan means, you are responsible for repaying the money you borrow including interest and fees.
Repayment is necessary when –
- You graduate
- You drop below half time enrollment status, which is 6 units per semester
- You completely withdraw from classes
NOTE: Loan forms are not available online, and must be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
For additional information regarding Federal Direct Loans, visit the Federal Student Aid web site. This site contains important information, as a federal student loan borrower, you will be responsible for understanding as part of your loan obligation.
NOTE to any student borrower or parent borrower of a student who enters into an agreement regarding a Title IV, HEA loan (Federal Direct Stafford and/or Federal Direct PLUS loans): your loan information will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and such information will be accessible by authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions, per the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEOA 489 amended HEA Sec. 485B).
If you are interested in applying for a federal student loan, please inquire with the WCC Financial Aid Office for application requirements after reading Federal Direct Loan information here.
WCC Promise Award
Starting in fall 2018, the Woodland Community College Promise will pay tuition for first-time, full-time Woodland Community College students who are California residents or AB540 eligible and completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
WCC Promise is not based on financial need, and covers semester tuition up to 15 units.
Student fees are paid upon confirmation; students do not receive direct cash disbursements.
Eligible students may retain the WCC Promise for up to two consecutive academic years.
The WCC FA Office will award the WCC Promise to eligible students upon completion of the FAFSA or CADAA.
Woodland College Promise (City of Woodland residents)
Starting in fall 2021, the Woodland College Promise will pay tuition and fees, including parking, for students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application;
- City of Woodland resident;
- Graduate from a Woodland high school within one year of starting WCC courses.
- Complete comprehensive educational plan;
- Enroll in 12-15 units; and
- Complete an application here.
WCC Promise is not based on financial need, and covers semester tuition up to 15 units.
Student fees are paid upon confirmation; students do not receive direct cash disbursements.
Eligible students may retain the Woodland College Promise for up to two consecutive academic years, and qualify for the Woodland College Stars Scholarship in year two based on civic engagement activity.