Types of Aid
The FAFSA not only determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid but also determines the types of aid available to the student. Financial aid may be need-based or non-need-based, depending on the Student Aid Index (SAI) and other contributing factors as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
Grants
All grants at CCD are need-based and do not need to be repaid as long as the student passes their classes. Award amounts and eligibility depend on SAI and enrollment status. Most grant payments will be reduced if you are not enrolled full-time. You do not need to attend full-time to receive grant funds, if eligible.
Work-Study
Regardless of financial need as determined by the FAFSA, both federal and Colorado work-study may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. You earn work-study through part-time employment on or off campus and must be enrolled at least half-time (six or more credits) to qualify. You can gain employment experience in an area directly related to your field of study while being paid bi-weekly. Eligible students are notified of your maximum work-study eligibility through the Financial Aid award notice and CCDConnect.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Scholarship criteria may include academic achievement, need, talent, special qualities or a combination of these factors. Institutional and private scholarships are posted at CCD.edu/Scholarships. Apply annually starting in January for the upcoming academic year.
Priority is given to students who apply on or before April 15.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal direct student loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education and do not require a credit check. You must be enrolled at least half-time to receive direct loans. Most direct loans must be repaid six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program.
Federal annual limits apply to loans, depending on your grade level and dependency status. To accept direct loans, you must accept the amount needed online via CCDConnect and complete an entrance counseling session and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studenaid.gov. You must also complete exit counseling when no longer enrolled at least halftime.
If you borrowed your first direct loan between July 2012 and July 2014, you must begin repayment after dropping below half-time enrollment and do not qualify for the six-month grace period. For additional repayment information, call 1.800.848.0979 or visit studentaid.gov.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
Interest is paid by the federal government on your behalf while you are enrolled at least halftime. Repayment begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least halftime. In repayment, you assume responsibility for interest payments.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – Not Need-Based
Interest accrues and capitalizes while you are enrolled. While you are not required to make payments on any direct loans while enrolled at least half-time, you are strongly encouraged to make interest payments while in school.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Parents)
Parents may borrow directly from the federal government on your behalf. Repayment typically begins within 60 days after disbursement. The parent has up to 10 years to repay the loan. Credit checks are required and not all loans are guaranteed. If a parent is denied a PLUS loan due to credit, you may borrow additional unsubsidized direct loans.
