Students enrolled in a teaching credential certificate program or in a blended undergraduate degree/credential program may be considered for the following types of aid: the Pell Grant, State University Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, scholarships, work-study and federal direct Stafford loans.
The amount and type of aid available is determined by information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), availability of state and institutional funds, student enrollment and all other applicable eligibility requirements for financial aid.
To receive a federal Pell Grant, you must be pursuing your first credential and remain enrolled in at least six units of credential coursework required for completion. If you are not enrolled in and maintain six units of required credential coursework, your federal Pell Grant will be canceled and you may be billed for funds you received. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will review your class enrollment prior to releasing funds. This process may delay your disbursement.
If you're enrolled in a teaching credential program, you may qualify to participate in one of the loan forgiveness programs listed below:
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program: A loan forgiveness program offered by the federal government and administered by the Department of Education.
Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees: A loan forgiveness program offered by the federal government and administered by the Department of Education.
Avoiding Common FAFSA Errors
To avoid some of the common errors made by credentials students, answer the following questions on the FAFSA as indicated.
Question: When you begin the 2015-2016 school year, what will be your grade level?
Correct response: 5th year/other undergraduate
Question: When you begin the 2015-2016 school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on?
Correct response: Teaching credential (nondegree program)
Question: At the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate, etc.)?
Correct response: No
