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Financial Aid

Paying for College

At Central Coast College, we understand that the financial requirements of getting a college education are pretty intimidating. Fortunately, there are many options available for financing your education, for those who qualify.

Financial Assistance Programs

Recognizing that the student and/or parent may have difficulty financing the entire cost of higher education, Central Coast College participates in various programs of financial assistance. While the primary burden rests upon the student, the college will attempt to employ all available resources to assist qualified applicants who show financial need.

Our school is designated as an eligible institution by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) for participation in the following federal financial aid and state programs:

  • Federal Direct Loan Program Subsidized and Unsubsidized
  • Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Work Study Program (FWS)
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Cal Grants B & C
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA)
  • Approved for enrollment of Veterans and Eligible Persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, MYCCA, and National Guard

Unsure of where to begin? Stop by Central Coast College and we can answer your questions and walk you through the process. Or call us at (831) 424-6767.


The Central Coast College Financial Aid Office is committed to assisting students obtain the assistance needed to further their education. Federal Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. To apply for financial aid under the federal programs listed below, a student needs to complete and submit a Free Application For Federal Student Aid either online, by PDF or by paper.

Click HERE to submit a FAFSA online. The Central Coast College FAFSA code is 026023.


Read additional information below about financial aid options or go to studentaid.ed.gov for more detailed information. Once again, we recommend stopping by our campus to discuss your possible financial aid options.


Federal Pell Grant Program

The Federal Pell Grant Program is intended to allow eligible students financial access to the school or college of their choice. For eligible students, Federal Pell Grants are the “floor” or base upon which all other federal student financial aid is built. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2024–25 award year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The amount a student may receive depends on the student’s family’s financial situation, the student’s full or part-time enrollment status and how much of the student’s remaining education at the school falls within the current federal award year (July 1 through June 30). In order to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, a student may not have previously received a bachelor’s degree from any institution.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) provides assistance to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. A priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs). A student’s eligibility for FSEOG funds is determined annually. The maximum Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) available to eligible students is $4,000 per year. Awards may be granted in amounts ranging from $100 to $4,000.

Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program

These loans are available to eligible students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible institution, and are based on the financial need demonstrated by each student. An undergraduate student may borrow up to $3,500 for the first academic year and $4,500 for the second academic year. The loan amounts will be pro rated for academic years of less than nine months. A student must repay his or her Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans based on the amount borrowed, but no less than $50 per month, beginning six months after graduation or termination of studies.

Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program

These loans are available to eligible students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible institution and who do not demonstrate financial need. Under this program, an undergraduate student who is classified as:

(a) independent or (b) dependent and whose parents fail to qualify for a Direct Federal PLUS Loan, may borrow up to: $3,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $6,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the first academic year; $4,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $6,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the second academic year; or dependent and whose parents are not rejected for a Direct Federal PLUS Loan may borrow up to: $3,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $2,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the first academic year; $4,500 combined of Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, plus $2,000 additional Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for the second academic year.

This loan was created so that any student, regardless of income, would be able to obtain a Federal Stafford Loan. The terms and conditions of the unsubsidized loan, including deferments and loan charges, with few exceptions, are the same as the Direct Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan described above. However, a student must pay the interest on any Direct Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan during the time that the student is in school and during any deferment period.

Direct Federal PLUS Loan Program

Direct Federal PLUS Loans are for parent borrowers. Direct Federal PLUS Loans enable parents to borrow the cost of the student’s education, less other aid received by the student. Direct Federal PLUS Loan borrowing is limited to parents with a favorable credit history.

CAL Grant

Cal Grants are funded by the state of California to help students pay for college expenses. Information regarding Cal Grant eligibility can be found at www.csac.ca.gov. Central Coast College is approved to offer the following Cal Grants:

  • Cal Grant B provides assistance for educational expenses to students from disadvantaged and low-income families. Awards range from $100 – $1648 (for the 2024–25 award year) and do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (not both).
  • Cal Grant C provides tuition and a training allowance for students enrolled in a vocational program. Cal Grant C awards are a maximum of $547 and do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA or California Dream Act application (not both).

Work Study

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

Veterans Education Assistance

Central Coast College is approved for Veterans Education Assistance for all programs offered. Benefits can be utilized at our institution for those who qualify. Many benefits are available to advance the education and skills of Veterans and Service members. Spouses and family members may also be eligible for education and training assistance.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.


Central Coast College has partnered with Imagine America Foundation to offer scholarships to High School students, adults enrolling in career schools and military students. To apply or find out more, go to Imagine-America.org, select the campus for which you are enrolled and complete the online application form.


Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator provides estimated net price information to current and prospective students and their families based on a student’s individual circumstances. This calculator should allow students to calculate an estimated net price of attendance at an institution (defined as cost of attendance minus grant and scholarship aid) based on what similar students paid in a previous year.

Click to access the Net Price Calculator for Central Coast College.