Financial Aid

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.