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Financial Aid

Get the Financial Help You Need

Money shouldn't get in the way of getting a college education. The Financial Aid Office is here to help you get the financial support you need to afford college.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Generally, to be eligible for financial aid, students must:

Demonstrate financial need (for most programs)
Be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Sign the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) stating that:
- You are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant
- You will use federal student aid only for educational purposes
Show you're qualified to obtain a college or career school education by one of the following:
- Having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
- Completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law (or – if state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential – completing a high school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law)
- Enrolling in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the ability-to-benefit alternatives

Ability-to-Benefit Alternatives

If you were enrolled in college or career school prior to July 1, 2012, or if you are currently enrolled in an eligible career pathway program*, then you may show you're qualified to obtain a higher education by one of the following:

Passing an approved ability-to-benefit test* (if you don't have a diploma or GED, a college can administer a test to determine whether you can benefit from the education offered at that school)
Completing six credit hours or equivalent course work toward a degree or certificate (you may not receive aid while earning the six credit hours)

*For more information about these criteria, talk to the Financial Aid Office.

Contact Financial Aid Office

Phone: (916) 484-8437
Fax: (916) 484-8640
Confidential Fax: (916) 978-0266

For additional contact information, location information, and hours, visit the Financial Aid Webpage.

In This Section

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form you fill out to get financial aid. Financial aid includes fee waivers, grants, work study, loans, and scholarships.

California Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act is a law that allows some undocumented and nonresident students to receive certain types of financial aid. To apply, students submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Promise Programs

Promise programs offer first-time, full-time students up to two years of tuition-free education at American River College.

Grants

A grant is money given to you by the federal or state government that you don't usually have to pay back.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides jobs to students to help them pay for their educational expenses.

Scholarships

A scholarship is money given to you to help pay for your education or related expenses. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, such as your college or a private organization.

Federal Direct Loans

A federal direct loan is money you borrow from the government that you have to pay back with interest. We encourage students to apply for grants and scholarships before taking out a student loan. A loan is a serious and long-term obligation.

Private Loans

A private loan is money you borrow from a private lender that you have to pay back with interest. We encourage students to apply for grants and scholarships before taking out a student loan.