Financial Aid (FA) Policy
FA funds are administered in accordance with a nationally established policy of financial assistance for education. The basis of this policy is the belief that students and their parents have the primary responsibility for meeting educational costs. The amount of the contribution expected from students and their parents is determined by careful analysis of family financial strength taking into consideration net income, number of dependents, allowable expenses, indebtedness, and assets. The U.S. Department of Education, in cooperation with educational agencies, has established procedures which are used in making an evaluation of the amount families can be expected to contribute.
2021-2022 Payment/Refund Dates
California Residents: All FA will be divided into two payments each semester. The first payment will be the balance after all fees are paid (i.e. enrollment fees, health fee, etc.). Student refund checks will be mailed to the address on file with the Admissions Office. It is important that students verify the mailing address, in your mySDCCD portal, in order to validate the refund check will be mailed to the correct address. If the mailing address is correct, no further action is required.
*Please allow for delays during an observed holiday.
Non-Resident: Students will have FA applied to their tuition fees, up to their maximum eligibility, based on the award amount and enrollment. If there is any excess, after all fees have been paid, a student refund check will be sent by mail. Bookstore accounts are not available to non-resident students.
For more information on anticipated payment dates, please view the downloadable 2021-2022 Payment Dates.
Direct Deposit Information
Direct deposit is an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction where money is electronically deposited into a checking or savings account. To be eligible for direct deposit, students must have FA awarded in the current aid year and must not have any FA or student accounting related holds. When enrolling in direct deposit, it is recommended that the student:
- be the sole owner of the bank account used to receive FA funds;
- never share mySDCCD account information;
- before signing up, check with the financial institution (bank, credit union, etc.) regarding any potential fees associated with direct deposit;
- ensure accurate submitting of the correct routing and account numbers to prevent delays or potential loss of FA funds.
Direct deposit funds will be distributed into the checking or savings account submitted by the student and are typically available immediately, in the full amount deposited. Funds are generally deposited on Friday, one week after the FA disbursement, but may be delayed by Thursday/Friday holidays.
Problems Receiving Direct Deposit Funds
If your routing number and/or account number is incorrect, direct deposit will fail or will be deposited into the wrong bank account. It is the student's responsibility to ensure bank information is correct when signing up for direct deposit. Funds incorrectly deposited to another account due to incorrect routing and/or account numbers will require the student to work directly with the financial institution to resolve the matter.
Important Notes:
- The SDCCD will not be able to resolve personal disputes once the funds are deposited into the account using information submitted by the student.
- A direct deposit failure will cause up to a 2-week delay of your FA refund or a potential loss of FA funds if incorrect bank information was provided.
You can sign up for direct deposit. Please visit How to Sign Up for Direct Deposit or How to Change Direct Deposit Bank Accounts for more information.
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Go to mySDCCD Support Desk to submit a request for assistance with setting up or cancelling your direct deposit.