Types of Aid

Review the types of financial aid available to you. We can help you with the application process and more!

Find out how to pay for your El Camino College degree or certificate.

Explore Different Types of Financial Aid

El Camino College offers several types of grants and loans to eligible students. We invite you to learn more about the type of financial aid available and find out what works best for you.

The primary difference between federal and state financial aid programs is that federal financial aid programs are funded by the federal government and state programs are funded by the state.

 

Financial Aid Facts

Loans must be repaid. Grants do not need to be repaid. All financial aid starts with completing the FAFSA® or the California Dream Act Application.

California State Aid

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGW), waives the enrollment fees and tuition for eligible California residents attending a California Community College. California residents may apply by completing a FAFSA application. Students with AB 540 status may apply by submitting the CADAA. Students may also submit a manual CCPG application to eccfaid@elcamino.edu or submit in person at SSB-229. CCPG awards begin in the fall term of each academic year and must be renewed every year. Required fees such as the Student Health Fee and Student Representation Fee are not covered by the CCPG and must be paid each term.

The California Military Department GI Bill issues educational awards to qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, and the California Naval Militia. This State Grant can pay for up to 100% of the tuition and fees at a University of California, California State University, or a California Community College.

Cal Grants are offered by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Cal Grants are available for undergraduate students who are enrolled in at least six units per semester and who have not earned a bachelor’s degree.

If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth. This grant provides up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. 

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents (LEPD) Grant Program provides need-based educational grants to dependents and spouses of employees who lost their lives in the line of duty or were totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of duty in the following professions:

  • Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice
  • Firefighters
  • Law Enforcement
  • Tribal Firefighters

El Camino is here to support you. We realize that completing your studies online is challenging, so we are proud to offer the ECC Equipment Loan Program that offers access to laptops, WiFi hotspots, and calculator loans. To qualify, you must be registered for the current term. You must also have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the California Dream Act application. (Laptop, hotspot, and calculator supplies are limited and not guaranteed.)

The South Bay Promise (SBP) creates a direct pathway to college and increases access, affordability, and success for all students and their families. It focuses on ensuring high school students feel prepared and ready to succeed in college. Open to all students who enroll full time at El Camino College immediately after graduating from high school, the SBP offers two years of free enrollment. Visit the South Bay Promise website for additional information or submit a Prospective Student Form.

El Camino has created the SEA Warrior Emergency Grant to support students who may need additional financial support due to an emergency. The Warrior Emergency Grant committee determines eligibility and notifies applicants of its decision within 14 business days. The maximum award amount will be determined as requests for assistance continue to be accepted.

Federal Aid

Designed for undergraduate students, Federal Pell Grants are based on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and more.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a grant that is awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional financial need to help pay for their education. Awards can range from $100–$4000 and do not need to be repaid.

The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) gives eligible students the opportunity to work on or off campus and earn money to supplement expenses not covered by grants or loans. To apply and participate in the FWS program, you must enroll at least half time (six units) during the fall and spring semesters. 

A Federal Direct Student Loan is financial aid that must be paid back with interest. El Camino participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, offering low-interest education loans for students to help pay for college costs. There is no credit check or cosigner required to qualify.

El Camino doesn't partipicate in any private loans.

Contact Us!

Financial Aid

Student Services Building 248 & 229

 

Business hours SSB-229 (In-Person)

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Online Support: FA Help Desk

Business hours Help Desk (Virtual):
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Email: eccfaid@elcamino.edu