IMPORTANT: Financial Aid Fall 2024 Info!
We’re here to help! Here are the resources you need to make sure you’re prepared to succeed this fall! We cover some of the most frequently asked questions the Financial Aid Office receives at the start of each semester and have also included information about resources available to all students.
Notice Regarding 2024-25 Financial Aid Delayed Processing
Due to significant delays from the Department of Education with FAFSA processing for the 2024-25 academic year, students may experience delays with their financial aid. This is due to the need for workarounds and to allow schools to process corrections and address other known errors.
Students applying under the California Dream Act Application may also experience delays.
Additionally, there may be other errors that are currently unknown to our office, which could further affect financial aid processing.
Our office is committed to supporting our students during this time. We are available to assist students and provide guidance and updates through various channels, including in-person visits, Cranium Café, email, and phone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any assistance or clarification you may need regarding your financial aid.
Financial Aid Handbook
The Cypress College Financial Aid Office has created a handbook to explain the application process, types of aid, eligibility requirements, and policies. Students are responsible for reviewing the handbook and reaching out to the Financial Aid Office with any questions prior to receiving aid. Review the Financial Aid Handbook.
SAP Notices
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) notices are emailed to students toward the start of each semester. Fall 2024 notices are expected to go out by August 23.
If disqualified, your SAP notice will include why you are disqualified and instructions on how to appeal to have your aid reinstated for the fall semester.
What is the Freeze Date?
Students have until 11:59 p.m. on September 8 to add/drop classes. After this date, students’ enrolled units will be locked in for financial aid purposes. Please note: Your award amounts (especially Pell Grant) may continue recalculating as you add and drop classes until your units are locked in on the freeze date. Learn more about the freeze date.
Disbursements
If you’ve been awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll receive the first half on August 30*. For more disbursement information, including the full fall disbursement schedule, FAQ, and BankMobile, please visit our Disbursement help page.
*In order to be paid on the first disbursement date, the following must be met by August 13:
- Your financial aid file must be complete;
- Your home campus must be Cypress College;
- Your SAP status must be Good, Warning, or Probation;
- You must be enrolled in fall 2024 courses; and
- You must be eligible for a Pell Grant.
What might affect your disbursement dates:
- Completing tasks late. After August 13, your Pell Grant funds should arrive to BankMobile two Fridays after you complete your file.
- Enrolling in late-start classes. Late-start classes can affect the amount you receive in your first disbursement as we cannot pay for late-start units until you start attending those classes.
- You need to submit a SAP appeal. If you are disqualified for SAP and submit a SAP appeal, if your SAP appeal is approved you’ll receive your financial aid funds two Fridays after your appeal is approved.
Expecting a Cal Grant?
If you are eligible for Cal Grant, but don’t see it on your Cypress award letter, check your WebGrants account to confirm your high school graduation date and/or college. Once you satisfy all requirements with them, you will see your award posted (if eligible) within two weeks. Review Cal Grant “What are my next steps?”.
Student Success Completion Grant
If you received an email stating you may be eligible for the SSCG, there is nothing else you need to do other than make sure you’re enrolled and locked in at 12 or more units by the freeze date. Eligible students will see SSCG posted on their awards after we disburse Cal Grant on September 20.
How much will I receive for fall?
- Students enrolled in 12 units or more (but less than 15 units): $1,298.
- Students enrolled in 15 or more units: $4,000.
Please note: If you registered for a late-start class, your SSCG may be less. If there are SSCG funds still available by the time your late-start class begins, the Financial Aid Office will pay for your late-start units the second Friday from the date your late-start class begins.
Fall 2024 Loans
We will be hosting online and in-person loan workshops for fall 2024. If you’re interested in obtaining a Federal Direct Student Loan, please contact our office to sign up for an orientation.
In order to be eligible for a student loan you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a complete FAFSA and financial aid file;
- Home campus must be Cypress College;
- Be enrolled in at least 6 units for the fall semester; and
- Have a Good / Warning / Probation SAP status.
Review loan information and workshop dates.
Has your (or your parent’s) income significantly decreased since 2022?
If your or your parent’s income has significantly decreased since 2022 (the income you entered on your FAFSA/CADAA), you may request a Special Circumstance Appeal (formerly EFC Appeal) to use your more recent income. Learn how to request a Special Circumstance Appeal.
Considering dropping your classes during the semester?
Please note that the following scenarios can impact your financial aid disbursement:
- dropping (withdrawing from) all of your fall classes during the semester,
- not showing up to your classes, and
- failing or receiving all non-passing grades.
Learn about Withdrawal and Return to Title IV (R2T4) Policy.
If you have any questions about your financial aid, please contact us. We’re here to help!
- Email: financialaid@cypresscollege.edu
*Don’t forget to include your student ID number in your message! - Live Chat: Cranium Café (sign in with your myGateway login information)
- Phone: (714) 484-7114
- In-person: For the most up-to-date office hours, please visit the Financial Aid page (toward the bottom) as they vary toward the start of the semester. If you require accommodations, please contact our office at least one business day in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements to best serve you.