Los Angeles Vally College

There is no need for me to complete the FAFSA because I cannot attend college full-time and therefore am ineligible for financial aid.

BOGFW is the only type of financial aid available at a community college.

I thought I did not have to apply for financial aid every year, so I did not complete a FAFSA this year.

If I receive a scholarship I cannot receive financial aid and if I receive financial aid I cannot receive a scholarship.

In most instances students may receive both scholarships and financial aid and are encouraged to apply for both.

I have to be enrolled full-time to receive financial aid.

False. Students do not have to attend full-time to receive financial aid. Awards are adjusted based on your current enrollment status.

If I am not a straight "A" student, I will not qualify for financial aid.

False. The vast majority of financial aid programs are based on need, not merit.

A Board of Governors Fee Waiver is the only type of financial aid available at a community college.

False. There are several types of financial aid available for those who qualify. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you will be considered for all of the programs the LAVC Financial Aid Office offers provided you meet the eligibility requirements and funding is available.

I must be a U.S. Citizen to receive financial aid.

False. To be considered for financial aid, a student must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

If I receive financial aid while attending a community college, I won't be able to receive financial aid when I transfer to a four-year college.

It depends. Students may receive financial aid while in attendance at a community college as well as upon transferring to a four-year college, but certain programs do have limited years of funding. Contact the LAVC Financial Aid Office for specific information.

You or your parents cannot receive any financial aid because your family's income is too high.

False. Income is only one of the criteria used in the evaluation. If the college's costs exceed your family's means, you will qualify for some form of financial aid as long as you meet the basic eligibility criteria. Also, scholarships are based on both need and merit.

My chances to receive financial aid are the same no matter when I apply.

False. You are strongly encouraged to submit your FAFSA at the earliest date allowable because some funds are limited and are award on a first-come, first-served basis.

I thought I did not have to apply for financial aid every year, so I did not complete a FAFSA this year.

False. Students must reapply for financial aid every new school year, no matter what. It does not carry forward from year to year or from one college to another.

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I will get my financial aid immediately after applying.

False. Financial aid applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Our office has implemented an "on the spot" file review process so we encourage all applicants to submit all required documents in-person to have their files reviewed.

The Financial Aid Office has my FAFSA so nothing else is needed.

False. Upon our Office's electronic receipt of your FAFSA, we will let you know what other documents are required to complete your financial aid file.

Financial aid will pay for any course I choose to take.

False. If you decide for whatever reason to audit or enroll in a course offered through community services, you are not eligible to receive a Board of Governors Fee Waiver or any other financial aid for this course(s). You are solely responsible for the payment of this course(s). No exceptions to this policy can be made. There may be other instances in which financial aid may not pay for certain courses. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information if you have questions.

Grades do not matter.

False.  All grades are counted for financial aid applicants and recipients regardless of whether or not a student received financial aid previously. Financial aid recipients are monitored on an annual basis for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Please refer to the current college catalog or contact the LAVC Financial Aid Office for more information.

I can only receive aid at one college.

True. You can only receive aid at one college per semester. Refer to Commonly Asked Questions for additional information.