Types of Aid

You can borrow money through the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for tuitions, fees, books, and other college expenses. If you’re a dependent student, your parents can apply for a loan on your behalf.

Benefits of Federal Loans

Unlike traditional loans from a bank, federal loans typically come with:

• Fixed interest rates
• No credit check or cosigner for most loans
• No payments until after you leave school or drop below half-time
• Flexible repayment plans
• Potential eligibility for a loan forgiveness program

Types of Federal Loans

The type and amount of loan(s) you’ll see in your Río Hondo financial aid offer is based on your year in college, the number of units you enroll in, and whether you’re a dependent student.

• Direct Subsidized Loans
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Direct PLUS Loans
• Direct Consolidation Loans

How to Qualify for a Federal Loan

You’ll apply for a student loan through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Río Hondo’s Office of Financial Aid will send you a financial aid offer that may include one or more federal loans.

How to Keep Your Student Loan

To continue qualifying for a student loan, you must meet and maintain Río Hondo’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) guidelines.

This federally funded program provides need-based grants to undergraduates who have not already received a bachelor’s degree.

• Actual award amounts vary according to your eligibility on the FAFSA and your enrollment status at Río Hondo.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• You must complete the FAFSA and provide other required supplemental materials.
• Applications for financial aid are available every October 1st for the next new academic year.
• Federal law restricts students to a lifetime limit of six full-time equivalent years of PELL Grant. The 6-year limit is based on full-time attendance. All semesters in which you have received a PELL Grant at any college count toward the 6-year limit.

Learn More About PELL Grants 

FSEOG is designed to help undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional need (according to the federal formula). You will automatically be considered for this grant if you complete the FAFSA.

To receive FSEOG, you must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Funding is limited.

Learn More About FSEOG Grants

The California Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGW)) provides enrollment fee waivers for low-income California residents and eligible AB 540 students attending community colleges.

• The California Promise Grant pays the $46 per unit fee and the $2 student representative fee.
• You can qualify and apply for a Promise Grant by completing the FAFSA application or California Dream Act Application listing our school code (001269).
• In order for a student to be considered for a Promise Grant, he or she must have a valid FAFSA application or California Dream Act Application in our system during the semester he or she is attending.
• If you pay your unit fees and then receive a Promise Grant, you will receive a refund check sent to the address on file at the Admissions and Records Department.
• If your California Promise Grant is awarded after the last day of the semester, you will not be eligible to receive a refund. No refunds will be issued after the end of the semester — no exceptions.

More About California College Promise Grants

Cal Grant is a grant offered by the State of California and is open to California residents attending a college or university in California.

The grant has an annual application deadline of March 2 for the following academic year, and is based on both need, income and GPA.

There is an additional deadline of September 2 for students who are not California Dream Act applicants.

To be considered, you must file both a completed FAFSA and a GPA Verification Form prior to the deadline.

Cal Grant High School Senior Requirements

Learn More About Cal Grants

The California Dream Act allows California students who cannot get financial aid from the federal government and meet other specific requirements to apply for state financial aid.

• This program is for undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of AB 540.
• The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes your application.
• The aid you receive can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions.

CA Dream Act Eligibility

CA Dream Act Application

If you are a scholarship donor, have awarded a scholarship to a Río Hondo College student and wish to have Río Hondo disburse the award, please follow the steps below.

1. Make the check out to Río Hondo College
2. Mail the check to Río Hondo College, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601 Attn: Joe F. Gutierrez – Financial Aid
3. Include a letter with the following:
   • Name of Río Hondo student to receive the award.
   • Student’s Río Hondo ID number.
   • Specify which semester scholarship is intended.
   • Specify if scholarship is to be used for registration fees only.
   • Please include any criteria student must meet before being disbursed the scholarship. Example:  2.0 GPA, enrolled in 6 units etc.
   • Please include a contact number/email to direct any questions regarding the scholarship.

Please note: Once any outstanding college fees are paid, the remainder of the scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the student.