Deadline to apply: June 30, 2024 or your last day of classes (whichever comes first)
The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest Federal grant program and is the foundation of your total aid "package". Eligibility is determined by the federal government using a standard formula for all applicants. Grant amounts may range from $767 to $7,395 per year. A Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on full time enrollment (12 or more units per semester). If you enroll in less than 12 units, your payment will be adjusted accordingly. Beginning July 1st, 2012 ALL Federal Pell Grant recipients are subject to Federal Pell Grant eligibility for a maximum of 12 semesters (6 years) of grant disbursed as a full-time student.
Reminder: If you have a bachelor's degree, you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Bookstore Account/Bus Pass
When you receive your Federal Pell Grant Award, an account will be available to you in the Bookstore. In addition, for a reduced price, you may purchase a bus pass from the Accounting Office. The Federal Pell Grant Bookstore Account and bus pass will be available approximately one week before and two weeks after the start of each semester. In order to use either of these options, you must be awarded a Federal Pell Grant, enrolled in at least 6 units and be a California resident.
The Federal SEOG program is designed to assist students with the lowest family contribution (EFC) by supplementing other financial aid sources. The award ranges from $100 to $4,000 per year and priority is given to students who meet the FAFSA priority application deadline of April 15th.
Reminder: If you have a bachelor's degree, you are not eligible for the Federal SEOG.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) allows you to earn part of your financial aid through an assigned job, which can be on or off campus. The pay is at least the current minimum wage, but many FWS positions offer higher rates. You'll submit time cards for your hours worked, just like in any other job, and you'll receive a monthly paycheck for the previous month’s work. Your employment ends once you earn the full amount of your FWS award or if your enrollment drops below 6 units at your Financial Aid campus. FWS awards typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year.
To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the Federal Work-Study page here
Prior to the beginning of each semester, a portion of your Federal Pell Grant can be allocated to an account in the bookstore up to a maximum of $576, (must be a California Resident). The money in your account may be used to purchase books and supplies.
Bus Pass
You may be able to purchase a reduced-priced bus pass as your campus Accounting Office using your Federal Pell Grant funds as well during the time that the Bookstore Accounts open. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for eligibility information.
Federal Direct Loan Program
Direct Subsidized Loan
Subsidized loans are low-interest, need-based loans with flexible repayment options. With these loans, you will not be charged interest while you are enrolled at least as a half-time student, during your grace period, or during your deferment periods. You will only begin accruing interest once you have entered repayment.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Unsubsidized loans are non-need based, low-interest loans with flexible repayment options. Unlike subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans require that you begin paying interest following your first disbursement. If you decide an unsubsidized loan is your best option, you will need to submit a separate worksheet and request form to Mesa with your justification and budget plan.
Direct Loan Limits
The amount of loan aid you will receive depends on a few factors, including your grade level, current cost of attendance, your enrollment status, and other financial aid awards that you may receive.
| Dependent students | ||
|---|---|---|
| Class Level | Subsidized | Total Sub/Unsub |
| Freshman | $3,500 | $5,500 |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $6,500 |
| Junior | $5,500 | $7,500 |
| Senior | $5,500 | $7,500 |
| Aggregate | $23,000 | $31,000 |
| INDEPENDENT STUDENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Class Level | Subsidized | Total Sub/Unsub |
| Freshman | $3.500 | $9,500 |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $10,500 |
| Junior | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Senior | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Aggregate | $23,000 | $57,500 |
Less Than Full-Time Loan Adjustments - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3 or OBBBA), sometimes referred to as the "Working Families Tax Cuts" Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, requires that a student's annual loan limit be adjusted if they enroll less than full-time.
If a student drops classes during the middle or at the end of the semester, loan eligibility will need to be recalculated based on the total units enrolled for the academic year. Loans will either need to be adjusted for the current semester or a future disbursement may be reduced based on the new revised total loan limit.
Disbursement Funds will be disbursed twice per loan period. If you are a first-time borrower, your loan will not be disbursed until at least 30 days after the start of the semester. If you have "late start" classes, you must be actively attending classes in at least six units for loan funds to be disbursed.
Cancellation - Federal Direct Loan borrowers have the right to cancel their Federal Direct Loan and students are notified of this right on the award letter when the loan was certified. The Federal Direct Loan Cancellation form: 26-27 Request to Cancel awards.pdf can be used to have San Diego Miramar College Financial Aid Office make the requested adjustment. If this form is submitted prior to or up to 14 days after disbursement, the cancellation will be performed and the student will receive notice of the new award amount. If submitted more than 14 days after disbursement, the San Diego Miramar College Financial Aid Office will evaluate the request and forward a notification if the cancellation can still be done, as well as the impact on the student’s account.
Alternative Loans- Credit based private loan whose interest rates and repayment plans are generally not regulated by the Federal government. This is an alternative for students not eligible for Federal student loans. All students applying for an Alternative Loan must have submitted a valid FAFSA for the year they are applying.
Parent Loans
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Federal Direct Parent loans are low-interest loans for parents to help pay for the cost of their child's education.
Loan Amounts
Legacy Borrowers: the amount of loan aid parents can borrow may be up to the cost of their child's attendance minus any financial aid they receive.
New Borrowers: after July 1, 2026, the parent annual limit is $20,000 per dependent student. The total aggregate loan limit is $65,000 per dependent student.
- Direct Loan Eligibility
You are eligible for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan if:
1. You are the student’s biological or adoptive parent or step-parent if married to the child’s parent at the time of their application.
2. Your student is determined to be a dependent.
3. Your student is enrolled in at least 6 units (half-time).
4. You must not be in default on any federal education loans or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant.
5. You must have good credit as determined by the U.S. Department of Education loan servicing agency.
6. You and your student must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
7. Your student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress | San Diego Miramar College
- Steps to Apply
1. Ensure that your student submits a financial aid application
HOW TO APPLY | San Diego Miramar College
2. Complete the 3-step Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan as a Parent | Federal Student Aid which includes:
• Consenting to a credit check
• Signing an eMPN
Disbursement
Funds will be disbursed twice per loan period. If you are a first-time borrower, your check will not be disbursed until at least 30 days after the start of the semester. If you have “late start” classes, you must be actively attending classes in at least six units for loan funds to be disbursed.