Financial Aid Program

Financial Aid Program

Saint Mary’s College of California is committed to helping students and their families access the financial resources necessary to make a college education attainable. The Financial Aid Office provides both financial assistance and personalized guidance throughout the aid process.

Our staff partners with students and families to:

• Navigate financial aid options 

• Understand eligibility requirements 

• Develop a plan to finance educational expenses 

We recognize that many families require support in meeting the cost of attendance. Our goal is to provide clear information and responsive service to help students make informed financial decisions.

Saint Mary’s institutional aid for first-year students is available for a maximum of four years. Students are strongly encouraged to plan their academic programs accordingly to ensure timely graduation and maximize eligibility for financial aid.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for financial aid, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible non-citizen* 

• Be admitted as a degree-seeking student in an eligible program 

• Have a valid Social Security number (if applicable) 

• Have completed high school or an equivalent (e.g., GED) 

• Submit official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions 

• Certify that federal student aid will be used only for educational purposes 

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant 

• Not have exceeded federal loan borrowing limits 

• Not be enrolled in secondary school or solely in remedial coursework 

Students applying for Federal Direct Loans must be enrolled at least half-time.

*Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA may qualify to submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA):
https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing

Enrollment (Course Load) Requirements

Financial aid eligibility is based on enrollment status. Changes in course load may result in adjustments to financial aid awards.

• Institutional (Saint Mary’s) grants and scholarships:
  Full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits) is required 

• Federal Assistance: 

  • Federal Pell Grant:
    Eligibility and award amounts are based on enrollment intensity as determined by FAFSA data. While most students may qualify at less than half-time enrollment, Saint Mary’s recommends enrollment in at least 6 credits (half-time) to maximize eligibility

  • Federal Supplemental Opportunity Educational Grant: Full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits) is required

  • Federal Direct Loans and Federal Work-Study:
    Students must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum 6 credits) 

  • TEACH Grant: Student must be enrolled at least less-than-1/2 time. 

• State Aid Programs:
  Students must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum 6 credits)