Financial Aid Programs
Grants
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students based on need.
- Grants range from $700 to $7,395 at 17³Ô¹Ï.
- The enrollment status of the student (i.e., full-time, three-quarters-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time) will have a proportional effect on the amount of money a student will receive.
- The Federal Pell Grant is money that a student does not need to repay.
In December 2011, President Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74). This law has significantly impacted the Pell Grant Program.
Beginning in Summer 2012, students are now limited to six full years (18 quarters / 12 semesters / 600%) of Pell Grant eligibility during their lifetime. This change affects all students regardless of when or where they received their first Pell Grant.
How is the percentage used calculated?
The percentages are based off the annual award at full-time enrollment status. For
students who take 12 or more credits each quarter for three quarters (Fall, Winter
& Spring, for example) and, in turn, receive the maximum amount of their Pell Grant
award for the academic year, the percentage used is 100%. If you only take 9 credits
during each of those three quarters, though, which is considered three-quarters-time
enrollment status, your percentage used for the academic year is 75%.
Can I receive more than 100% Pell Grant during the academic year?
Yes. Due to the reinstatement of year-round Pell by the federal Department of Education,
eligible students can receive up to 133% of their scheduled Pell Grant award for the
academic year at 17³Ô¹Ï if they attend all four quarters (Summer, Fall, Winter and
Spring).
Can I see my lifetime Pell Grant used?
You may view your Pell Grant used by logging into .
I have questions about this, who do I call?
17³Ô¹Ï Financial Aid Staff is available to discuss the change in the lifetime
Pell Grant eligibility with you. Please call us at 650. 949.7245 or e-mail fhfinancialaidoffice@foothill.edu.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal SEOG is designed for undergraduate students of exceptional financial need who without the grant would be unable to continue their education.
- Students with Pell Grants and zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) are eligible.
- Due to the proportion of grant aid to cost of attendance, those students who have an 'At Home' COA and have been awarded a Cal Grant will forfeit their SEOG so that a more needy, less awarded student may benefit.
- At 17³Ô¹Ï, the SEOG award amount is up to $600 per academic year.
- The Federal SEOG is also a program that does not need to be repaid.
Cal Grants
The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree, vocational or career training.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for All Cal Grant Programs
All Cal Grant recipients must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540-eligible status
- Be a California Resident for one year and a day
- Not have a bachelor 's or professioinal degree
- Submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application** and verified Cal Grant GPA information by March 2 prior to the award year. If you miss the March 2 priority deadline and will be attending a CA community college for the award year, there is a secondary deadline of September 2.
- Have family below the minimum levels
- Must be enrolled at least half-time status and the grants are pro-rated for part-time enrollment.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Due to the proportion of grant aid to cost of attendance (COA), those students who have an 'At Home'