The High Desert Medical College Financial Aid Office is committed to assisting students obtain the assistance needed to further their education. Federal Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. To apply for financial aid under the federal programs listed below, a student needs to complete and submit a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either online, by PDF or by paper.
Click HERE to submit a FAFSA online. The High Desert Medical College FAFSA code is 042281.
Unsure of where to begin? Stop by High Desert Medical College and we’ll help walk you through the process. Or, if you have questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 661-940-9300. Our school is designated as an eligible institution by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) for participation in the following federal financial aid programs:
- Grants – Financial Aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
- Loans – Borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
- Work-Study – A work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
Read additional information below or go to studentaid.ed.gov for more detailed information. Once again, we recommend stopping by our campus to discuss your possible financial aid options. We look forward to talking with you about your new career!
Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant Program is intended to allow eligible students financial access to the school or college of their choice. For eligible students, Federal Pell Grants are the “floor” or base upon which all other federal student financial aid is built. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2024–25 award year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The amount a student may receive depends on the student’s family’s financial situation, the student’s full or part-time enrollment status and how much of the student’s remaining education at the school falls within the current federal award year (July 1 through June 30). In order to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, a student may not have previously received a bachelor’s degree from any institution.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) provides assistance to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. A priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs). A student’s eligibility for FSEOG funds is determined annually. The maximum Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) available to eligible students is $4,000 per year. Awards may be granted in amounts ranging from $100 to $4,000.
Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
These loans are available to eligible students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible institution, and are based on the financial need demonstrated by each student. An undergraduate student may borrow up to $3,500 for the first academic year and $4,500 for the second academic year. The loan amounts will be pro rated for academic years of less than nine months. A student must repay his or her Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans based on the amount borrowed, but no less than $50 per month, beginning six months after graduation or termination of studies.
Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
These loans are available to eligible students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible institution and who do not demonstrate financial need. Under this program, an undergraduate student who is classified as:
(a) independent or (b) dependent and whose parents fail to qualify for a Direct Federal PLUS Loan, may borrow up to: $3,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $6,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the first academic year; $4,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $6,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the second academic year; or dependent and whose parents are not rejected for a Direct Federal PLUS Loan may borrow up to: $3,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $2,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the first academic year; $4,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $2,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the second academic year.
This loan was created so that any student, regardless of income, would be able to obtain a Federal Stafford Loan. The terms and conditions of the unsubsidized loan, including deferments and loan charges, with few exceptions, are the same as the Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan described above. However, a student must pay the interest on any Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan during the time that the student is in school and during any deferment period.
Direct Federal PLUS Loan Program
Direct Federal PLUS Loans are for parent borrowers. Direct Federal PLUS Loans enable parents to borrow the cost of the student’s education, less other aid received by the student. Direct Federal PLUS Loan borrowing is limited to parents with a favorable credit history.
CAL Grant
Cal Grants are funded by the state of California to help students pay for college expenses. Information regarding Cal Grant eligibility can be found at www.csac.ca.gov. High Desert Medical College is approved to offer the following Cal Grants:
- Cal Grant B provides assistance for educational expenses to students from disadvantaged and low-income families. Awards range from $100 – $1672 (for the 2018–19 award year) and do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (not both).
- Cal Grant C provides tuition and a training allowance for students enrolled in a vocational program. Cal Grant C awards are a maximum of $547 and do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act application (not both).
Work Study
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.
Veterans Education Assistance
High Desert Medical College is approved for Veterans Education Assistance. Benefits can be utilized at our institution for those who qualify. Many benefits are available to advance the education and skills of Veterans and Service members. Spouses and family members may also be eligible for education and training assistance. Programs we offer that qualify for Veterans Education Assistance include: Clinical Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Medical Administrative Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Ultrasound Technology and Vocational Nursing.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
